Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion
Mar 20, 2017 11:22:35 GMT -5
Post by Glove Slap on Mar 20, 2017 11:22:35 GMT -5
Release date: March 22, 1993
Peak: US #1, UK #1
1. I Feel You
2. Walking in My Shoes
3. Condemnation
4. Mercy in You
5. Judas
6. In Your Room
7. Get Right with Me
8. Rush
9. One Caress
10. Higher Love
2006 re-release bonus tracks
11. My Joy
12. Condemnation (Paris Mix)
13. Death's Door (Jazz Mix)
14. In Your Room (Zephyr Mix)
15. I Feel You (Life's Too Short Mix)
16. Walking in My Shoes (Grungy Gonads Mix)
17. My Joy (Slowslide Mix)
18. In Your Room (Apex Mix)
The Best Depeche Mode album imo, and that's saying something. This is their pinnacle and the culmination of 7 years of doing nothing but going from strength to strength. Made during a time of fracture and strife, there's so much about it that could have gone wrong. It takes a strong influence from the early 90s alt rock explosion, but they make it into such a singular work that it ultimitely proves to be a wise decision (rather than say, making a House-influenced record). It definitely sounds of its time, but it also doesn't sound like anything else. It became their first of 2 UK #1 albums, and their only #1 in the US. It also kicked off 3 UK top 10s, the most they've ever gotten from one album.
If there was one word to describe Depeche Mode, imo it'd have to be pioneering. They kind of have a disadvantage in that the 80s alt crowd they appealed to is no more and hasn't been for ages, but make no mistake. Their influence is vast. In fact, I'd go as far to say that as far as any act having an impact on how music sounds today, I'd say the only one who may rival and potentially surprise them is Prince. It's insane how many things can be traced back to them, even when it goes through other acts like NIN. You can hear it in Pop, Urban, Dance music of multiple subgenres, Adult Contemporary, and even Country at times.
While they've certainly had strong moments later on, and a few strong albums too, I don't think they've ever operated on the level of the quartet that this bookended. Alan Wilder leaving them is probably one of the biggest what ifs in Popular Music for me because you can still feel the gap to this day.