In Depeche Mode’s remarkable 32-year journey, this iconic synth-rock band has fearlessly explored a vast spectrum of themes, from the mundane to the forbidden. Their discography delves into subjects like suicide, political commentary, romance, greed, LGBT rights, xenophobia, personal anxieties, religious fanaticism, sexual liberation, drug addiction, and so much more. If you’ve ever felt a mix of frustration and exhilaration, Depeche Mode undoubtedly has a song that resonates with your experience.
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Depeche Mode
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Martin Gore, the band’s primary songwriter and creative force, embodies the archetype of a tortured poet for our time. He gives voice to our unspoken emotions, while frontman Dave Gahan serves as the raw, sensual, and visceral extension of that voice. Together, alongside the late, versatile musician and founding member Andy Fletcher, they formed arguably one of the most perfectly balanced and enduring bands in music history.
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While Depeche Mode’s name translates from French to “fast fashion,” their music is anything but disposable. With an impressive catalog of 14 studio albums, each release represents a step forward in their sonic evolution. They’ve cultivated one of the most consistent and celebrated careers in rock and electronica, built upon a foundation of compelling, experimental pop music. Attempting to distill their extensive career into just 20 songs is a challenge, but here is a curated selection representing some of their best work.
20. Depeche Mode – “Blasphemous Rumors”
In an era where contemporary music is engaged in crucial dialogues about suicide prevention and mental health awareness, Depeche Mode’s 1984 track “Blasphemous Rumors” from the album Some Great Reward offers a stark and unsettling perspective. The song narrates the story of a 16-year-old girl whose suicide attempt fails, only to tragically lose her life in a car accident two years later, ironically after finding solace in religion.
The release of “Blasphemous Rumors” as a single ignited controversy within religious circles, leading the band to include “Somebody” as a double A-side in an effort to mitigate the backlash. For devoted Depeche Mode fans, these kinds of dark, narrative twists penned by Martin Gore are a signature element of their appeal. Musically, “Blasphemous Rumors” stands out for its distinctive, heavy percussion samples, drawing inspiration from early industrial music and introducing that raw sound to a wider audience years before the rise of Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails.
19. Depeche Mode – “Waiting For The Night”
From their landmark 1990 album Violator, “Waiting For The Night” arguably captures the band’s most profound sense of vulnerability. It approaches a sonic stillness rarely achieved in song. Each note of its delicate melody emerges from a haunting darkness, like flickering lights in the night. While somewhat eerie, it’s ultimately deeply tranquilizing. This is a track that instantly immerses you in its atmosphere. Regardless of your prior mood, “Waiting For The Night” transforms listeners into nocturnal beings, wide-eyed in the dimness, both anxious and serene, anticipating the unknown for six captivating minutes.
18. Depeche Mode – “Master & Servant”
Also from 1984’s Some Great Reward, “Master & Servant” is a provocative exploration of BDSM themes, delivered with a playful edge. With suggestive lyrics about playing “between the sheets,” the song clearly hints at dominance and submission, but also functions as a broader commentary on societal power dynamics. Lines like, “Domination’s the name of the game in bed or in life / They’re both just the same / Except in one you’re fulfilled at the end of the day,” showcase Gore’s characteristic wit and cynicism. The track’s sonic palette, incorporating wood blocks, tiger growls, and whip-crack sound effects, is undeniably distinctive. The whip-crack sounds notably led to radio stations in the US banning the song, yet it still managed to crack the Hot 100, proving its impact despite censorship.
17. Depeche Mode – “A Question of Lust”
Stepping aside from his usual frontman role, Dave Gahan makes way for Martin Gore to take center stage on vocals, delivering an exceptionally personal performance. “A Question of Lust” marked only the second single featuring Gore as the lead vocalist, a significant moment given his role as the band’s primary songwriter. From 1986’s gothic masterpiece Black Celebration, “A Question of Lust” stands out as one of Depeche Mode’s most tender ballads, yet it retains a characteristic undercurrent of fragility and cynicism. It’s also undeniably cathartic to sing along to. Embrace the emotion, raise your hands, perhaps try some interpretive dance, and let this song elevate you.
16. Depeche Mode – “Walking In My Shoes”
The biblical verse John 8:7 states, “let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” While Depeche Mode’s work often touches on sacrilegious themes, this particular verse resonates deeply with their lyrical ethos. In “Walking In My Shoes,” Gore encourages listeners to refrain from judging others based on superficial appearances or even actions, but rather to consider the hardships they’ve endured and the inherent worth within them. Even figures perceived as villainous may harbor histories marked by suffering, sacrifice, and profound loss. Beyond its thematic depth, the song itself is simply captivating – dark, brooding, and imbued with a spiritual resonance that lends it a regal quality.
15. Depeche Mode – “Where’s The Revolution”
“Where’s The Revolution” from the 2017 album Spirit wastes no time in conveying its message. Depeche Mode expresses their frustration with right-wing ideologies and urges listeners to take action. This ethereal, danceable track is a direct call to arms. “Come on, people, you’re letting me down,” Gore sings, evoking a powerful sense of disappointment and urgency. The thought-provoking music video, directed by longtime collaborator Anton Corbijn, depicts men in Nazi-like uniforms waving flags before stark images of the band members. “Where’s The Revolution” serves as a potent reminder that it’s never too late to engage and fight for change.
14. Depeche Mode – “Heaven”
From 2013’s Delta Machine, “Heaven” is a Depeche Mode song that commands attention. Gore and Gahan’s vocal harmonies are profoundly moving, complemented by a deliberate, soulful guitar melody. The song portrays the futility of human existence with a poignant beauty, like a melancholic angel playing a harp. It establishes a somber yet beautiful mood, inspiring listeners to unleash their most emotionally charged sing-along performance. “Heaven” surprisingly topped the Dance Club Songs chart, a remarkable achievement for a slower-tempo ballad, particularly amidst the prevalence of high-energy EDM. This chart-topping success underscores its widespread appeal and inherent loveliness. The music video, fittingly filmed in a former Catholic church in New Orleans, reflects Depeche Mode’s penchant for haunting Christian imagery.
13. Depeche Mode – “Dream On”
“Dream On,” the opening track from 2001’s Exciter, may be somewhat understated in Depeche Mode’s catalog, but it’s undeniably captivating. Gahan’s vocals are delivered in a raspy whisper, reminiscent of a late-night phone call. The song’s allure lies in the intricate interplay between subtle electronic textures and a repetitive acoustic guitar riff. It creates an intimate, slightly unsettling, and alluringly seedy atmosphere, almost an anti-party anthem. There’s a sense of danger inherent in the late-night mood it evokes. “Dream On” resonated strongly in Depeche Mode’s key markets, reaching No. 12 on the Alternative charts and also topping the Dance Club Songs chart, and charting in 17 countries, effectively ushering the band into a new millennium.
12. Depeche Mode – “Never Let Me Down Again”
Continuing the theme of impactful album openers, “Never Let Me Down Again” serves as the striking introduction to Depeche Mode’s seminal album Music For The Masses. Its echo-laden drum pattern, inspired by Led Zeppelin, is driven by swirling guitar riffs from Gore. The song’s enigmatic lyrics have been interpreted as alluding to the euphoric highs of drug use, while Gore’s counter-vocal in the coda references Soft Cell’s “Torch.” The track builds gradually from a sparse beginning to a grand, cinematic climax. “Never Let Me Down Again” has become a beloved fan favorite and has even been covered by The Smashing Pumpkins, solidifying its status as a classic Depeche Mode song.
11. Depeche Mode – “I Feel You”
Yet another powerful album opener, “I Feel You” kicks off 1993’s Songs of Faith and Devotion. A searing guitar riff ignites this track, leading into one of the band’s most raw and blues-infused melodies. This album marked a significant shift for Depeche Mode, moving away from predominantly electronic elements towards more organic instrumentation, a notable departure following the heavily synthesized sound of Violator. “I Feel You” makes a bold statement about this sonic evolution, showcasing the band’s growth and signaling a new direction. It also incorporates a twisted Western sensibility, a recurring motif in their later work, with a swinging rhythm carrying a sense of retribution, yet ultimately remaining a passionate love song.
10. Depeche Mode – “Shake The Disease”
“Shake The Disease” delves into Depeche Mode’s synth-pop and darkwave origins. It represents a transitional phase, bridging the more playful and upbeat era of Some Great Reward with the darker tone of Black Celebration. “Shake The Disease,” along with “It’s Called A Heart,” were two new tracks included on the singles compilation Catching Up With Depeche Mode. It’s a contemporary love song where the protagonist yearns for happiness with their beloved but acknowledges the constraints on complete devotion, rejecting any notion of begging or desperation.
9. Depeche Mode – “Just Can’t Get Enough”
Lyrically and musically, “Just Can’t Get Enough” stands as the most lighthearted, bright, and unabashedly joyful song in Depeche Mode’s catalog, and it’s undeniably adored by fans. The infectious bouncing synths are irresistible, and the driving electronic bassline compels you to the dance floor. “Just Can’t Get Enough” is pure 80s exuberance, even hinting at Doo-wop influences in its vocal harmonies. Featured on their debut album Speak and Spell, it stands apart from much of their later work, largely because it was penned by Vince Clarke, a founding member who departed shortly after Speak and Spell’s release. Clarke continued his bright, synth-pop style in Erasure and other projects, but “Just Can’t Get Enough” remains a cherished moment of sunshine within Depeche Mode’s often darker universe.
8. Depeche Mode – “Strangelove”
A nod to “Master & Servant,” which some might argue deserved inclusion, “Strangelove” can be seen as its more sophisticated counterpart. “Strangelove” offers multiple interpretations. Musically, it shares similarities with “Master & Servant,” especially considering early versions of “Strangelove” were faster-paced until the band slowed it down to align with Music For The Masses’ overall mood. Like its predecessor, “Strangelove” can be interpreted as exploring unconventional desires, but also as an admission of emotional vulnerability or detachment. Ultimately, in matters of love and conflict, boundaries blur between pain and pleasure, and Depeche Mode navigates this complex terrain with characteristic nuance.
7. Depeche Mode – “John The Revelator”
Religious themes resurface in “John The Revelator” from 2005’s Playing The Angel. This track offers a darkly twisted take on the traditional gospel blues song of the same name, famously recorded by Blind Willie Johnson in 1930. Gahan’s vocals convey a sense of protest, echoing the bite of “Where’s The Revolution?” but here directed at the Christian church, leaving little doubt about the band’s critical stance. Musically, it’s a driving, contemporary dance track with heavy drums and gritty synths reminiscent of electroclash, albeit more refined and romantic than artists like Fischerspooner. Depeche Mode infuses even their most danceable tracks with a signature dark, melancholic sensibility.
6. Depeche Mode – “It’s No Good”
“It’s No Good” exemplifies Depeche Mode’s take on a love song, inevitably tinged with darkness and a sense of impending doom. It’s as if Martin Gore’s experiences of love are inherently intertwined with torment. This is Depeche Mode’s characteristic approach to longing. Released as the second single from 1997’s Ultra, the album echoed the rock influences of Songs of Faith and Devotion but leaned back into the electronic, gothic darkness of their earlier work. Ultra was the first album released after Alan Wilder’s departure, returning the band to a trio for the first time since 1982, and also followed Dave Gahan’s near-fatal overdose, setting the stage for the album’s somber themes. “It’s No Good” is swirling and enigmatic, a standout track and a definitive classic within the Depeche Mode narrative.
5. Depeche Mode – “Everything Counts”
“Everything Counts,” a single from 1983’s Construction Time Again, signaled Depeche Mode’s growing maturity and social consciousness. Like Pink Floyd’s “Have A Cigar,” it critiques corporate greed. The use of xylophone and melodica creates a playful, almost circus-like atmosphere, yet the lyrics express clear disdain for the materialistic, money-driven ethos prevalent in Britain and globally during the 80s. The song was released during a period when Depeche Mode was not under a specific record contract, adding another layer of irony to its anti-corporate message. Notably, Gore publishes his music through his own company, Grabbing Hands Music Ltd.
4. Depeche Mode – “Policy of Truth”
While conventional wisdom dictates that honesty is the best policy, Depeche Mode’s “Policy of Truth” proposes a different perspective. This track from Violator celebrates secrecy and deception, set to a perfect danceable beat ideal for plotting and scheming. “Policy of Truth” is one of several near-perfect tracks from 1990’s Violator, a career peak for the band both commercially and artistically. These dark synth-pop melodies embody goth sensibilities while also captivating mainstream audiences. “Policy of Truth” reached No. 15 on the Hot 100, No. 2 on the Dance Club Songs chart, and topped the Modern Rock Tracks chart.
3. Depeche Mode – “People Are People”
“People Are People” is the quintessential Depeche Mode dance-pop anthem. Its upbeat rhythm is infectious, yet the lyrics deliver a meaningful appeal for unity and understanding. Driven by industrial-tinged drums and layered synths, it carries just enough darkness to align with Depeche Mode’s signature sound. Former member Alan Wilder composed the music, while Gore penned the lyrics, advocating for common ground in the face of prejudice and expressing a belief in humanity’s inherent goodness. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognized it as one of the “500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.”
Despite its widespread acclaim, Gahan has reportedly found the lyrics too simplistic, and the band hasn’t performed the song live since 1986. This is unfortunate, as the song’s blend of pop sensibility and meaningful message remains potent. Hopefully, they might reconsider its place in their live sets someday.
2. Depeche Mode – “Personal Jesus”
“Personal Jesus” is a song that transcends genres and fanbases. Covered by artists ranging from Marilyn Manson to Johnny Cash, its appeal is remarkably broad. It marked a turning point for Depeche Mode, becoming one of their biggest hits with a somewhat unconventional theme: the idea of being someone’s personal savior. Gore drew inspiration from Priscilla Presley’s autobiography, Elvis and Me, and her perception of Elvis as god-like. This rock and roll influence may have prompted the band to prominently feature guitar for the first time. Yet, the drum machine and synthesizers remain integral, creating a brooding, stomping, and electrifying atmosphere. “Personal Jesus” charted in 15 countries, appeared on four Billboard charts, and became their second US Top 40 hit. It also features what might be the most iconic breath breakdown in music history.
1. Depeche Mode – “Enjoy The Silence”
Analyzing their catalog, Violator emerges as arguably Depeche Mode’s magnum opus, and “Enjoy The Silence” encapsulates their brilliance. Gahan’s vocal performance is both powerful and vulnerable, the melodies are both melancholic and uplifting, and the beat is driving and danceable. The song’s irony lies in using words to describe the ineffable power of silence. True love, it suggests, transcends verbal expression; it’s a feeling. Like a rose, its essence remains regardless of its name.
Words often fail to capture our deepest emotions, especially in moments of need. Fortunately, we have Martin Gore and Depeche Mode to articulate these experiences through their music. “Enjoy The Silence” charted in 17 countries, reaching No. 8 on the Hot 100, and followed “Personal Jesus” as their second consecutive Top 40 hit. Remarkably, it experienced a resurgence in Poland in 2016, reaching No. 63 on airplay charts, proving the timeless quality of truly exceptional songs like “Enjoy The Silence,” and indeed, many Depeche Mode Songs.
