15/100 Video - "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode (1989)

 

I'll always remember 1989. The holy trinity of alternative rock, The Cure, New Order and Depeche Mode, all released amazing albums.

Think back to the early 80s for minute. Hands up if you thought back these guys would be making videos sporting cowboy hats and playing guitars at the end of the decade?

The evolution of Depeche Mode from a quirky synth-pop act to filling stadiums in North America was impressive. Like U2 with the The Joshua Tree, Depeche Mode stormed North America with an amped up, somewhat industrial form of dance music typifying the Violator album in 1989.

"Personal Jesus" is a club classic with an unstoppable beat, atmospheric guitars and menacing vocals. The badass video is a bonus. Well done boys, you've come a long way.

38/100 Video - "Enjoy The Silence" - Depeche Mode (1990)

"Enjoy The Silence" by Depeche Mode inspires us with a synth masterpiece from the Violator album.

Dave Gahan's poignant lyrics accompany amazing scenery as he walks the Scottish Highland and the Algarve Coast of Portugal, presumably in search of silence. 

He also appears dressed for a snack at the local Burger King, presumably a rarity in rural Scotland and Portugal.  

Words are indeed very unnecessary. 

1989 - "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode

I'll always remember 1989 as when the holy trinity of alternative rock, The Cure, New Order and Depeche Mode, released amazing albums.

Think back to the early 80s for minute. Hands up if you thought back these guys would be sporting cowboy hats and playing guitars at the end of the decade?

The evolution of Depeche Mode from a quirky synth-pop act to filling stadiums in North America was impressive. Like U2 with the The Joshua Tree, Depeche Mode stormed North America with an amped up, somewhat industrial form of dance music typifying the Violator album in 1989.

"Personal Jesus" is a club classic with an unstoppable beat, atmospheric guitars and menacing vocals. The badass video is a bonus. Well done boys, you've come a long way.

Other favourites from 1989: 

"Fascination Street" - The Cure

"Monkey Gone to Heaven" – Pixies

"Bust A Move" - Young MC

"Round and Round" - New Order

#7. "Strangelove" - Depeche Mode (1986)

"Strangelove" wasn't the first song I liked from Depeche Mode; but it was the one that sold me.

There is so much to appreciate here: the punchy synth, the deep bass, the entire production is irresistible. And it's moody as hell.

The original single release was deemed by the band to be too poppy and not dark enough for the Music for the Masses album, so they produced a darker mix known as "Strangelove '88" that became the group's first #1 dance hit in the US.

The dark lyrics navigate the territory between pleasure and pain; and appear to be about going off the grid, of being emotional unavailability of sorts. A perfect teen anthem.

Fave lyrics: "I'm always willing to learn, When you've got something to teach"

#17. "Never Let Me Down Again" - Depeche Mode (1987)

The second single from Music For The Masses only reached #22 on the UK charts. 

Despite its modest chart success, "Never Let Me Down Again" is quite possibly Depeche Mode's most powerful jam.

And one of its darkest. 

The synths pulsate relentlessly and hypnotically.

An addictive song about drug addiction; or is it about trust?

David Gahan nails the vocals with a chorus that soars across the sky.

Absolutely perfect. And addictive.

Fave lyrics: 

"We're watching the world pass us by 
Never want to come down

Never want to put my feet back down"

"Never Let Me Down Again" is a fan favourite at concerts as per this live clip:

#43. "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode (1989)

Think back to the early 80s for minute. Hands up if you thought back these guys would be sporting cowboy hats and playing guitars five years later?

The evolution of Depeche Mode from a light synth-pop act to filling stadiums in North America was quite impressive. Like U2 did a couple years prior with the The Joshua Tree, Depeche Mode captured the hearts and minds of America with an amped up, somewhat industrial form of dance music with the Violator album in 1989.

"Personal Jesus" is the best song from that period: a big beat that don't quit while twangy guitars and clinical keys keep things interesting. 

The badass video is a bonus. 

Well done boys, you've come a long way.

#81. "Everything Counts" - Depeche Mode (1983)

I'd only 'discovered' Depeche Mode when the "People are People" single charted in summer 1985. So I had some catching up to do with the back catalogue. 

Even early in their career, Depeche had produced a plethora of moody ear worms ranging from the light and poppy "Just Can't Get Enough" to the darker synth of "Lie to Me".

Then there's "Everything Counts", with its pulsating synths, powerful chorus and political lyrics "Grabbing hands, grab all they can" about the state of corporate greed in 80s England. 

The tune also provides musical hints for the future "People are People" single that paved their way for even more success during the mid and late 80s. 

And yes, there will be more from DM in the upcoming weeks...

    

Also from 1983, "Get The Balance Right" showcases a similar sound with a video taking place in an arcade.