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A stunning return to VIOLATOR-era form, 2005's PLAYING THE ANGEL is arguably Depeche Mode's finest outing since that lauded 1990 album. But, remarkably, ANGEL also moves the U.K. trio's patented synth-pop aesthetic forward, as best evinced by the propulsive "Suffer Well," one of three tracks here co-penned by frontman Dave Gahan and outside collaborators, instead of the band's mastermind, Martin L. Gore. (Gahan gained writing confidence on his 2003 solo debut, PAPER MONSTERS.)
The back cover of PLAYING THE ANGEL describes it as "pain and suffering in various tempos," and while that description would doom many records, for Depeche Mode those qualities are virtues. The group clearly isn't kidding around, since the first track, "A Pain That I'm Used To," opens with ominous, jarring noise and shifts into a bleak, surging tune. The more melodic side of DM is well represented, too, as revealed on the gospel-tinged "John the Revelator" and the urgent, emotive "Precious." The result of a long-running ensemble playing to its strengths without seeming repetitive or self-conscious, ANGEL is a welcome addition to the upper tier of Depeche Mode records.
Depeche Mode: David Gahan, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher.
Personnel: Dave McCracken (piano, programming); Christian Eigner, Andrew Phillpot, Richard Morris (programming).
Entertainment Weekly (No. 847, p.83) - "...PLAYING THE ANGEL turns out to be their most self-assured and accessible release in over a decade, with highs not heard since the gloomy heyday of 1990's VIOLATOR...." - Grade: B Mojo (Publisher) (p.104) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[D]arkly synthy, slightly psychotic, and with judicious guitar interjections..."
My most "Precious" Album :) Make no mistake, if this album is any indication, Depeche Mode are still on the top of their game. Simply stunning music here :)
The overall theme is pain and suffering, but theres an element of hope. My favorite tracks on this album are (in no necessary order):
1. A pain that i'm used to
2. Sinner in me
3. Precious
4. Suffer well
5. Nothing's Impossible
6. Lillian
Must buy for all DM fans! Submitted by Nonami (I wont tell) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Ugly art Dont be misguided by the art on this Cd. All songs are amazing you wont need the ffwd button on this Cd, especially on the first half!!!!! Submitted by Alex (Mexico City) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
A big pile of awesomness!!! This is DM's latest album, my first taste of DM, and I can quite honestly say it's the best album I've ever heard. The collection starts with screaming noises that jerk you to your senses, before the band launch into a great flurry of 'A Pain That I'm Used To.' After the last notes have died away, the addictive song 'John The Revelator' rears up, a rough cover of an early folk like song. The album continues, weaving in and out of drums, guitars and of course, infectious synthesiser magic. The song 'Precious', my personal favourite, is heart wrenchingly beautiful "Precious and fragile things/need special handling/My god what have we done to you...' Written about a band members divorce, and its affect on his children, the song is emotionally devistating and undeniably beautiful. Further down the playlist, 'I Want It All' shocks the listener with the way the words 'Sometimes I cry/Sometimes I lie with you' are expressed with such feeling. 'Nothing's Impossible' quotes feelings of contentments and excitement, with the lyrics 'Even the stars look brighter tonight/Nothing's impossible' and the sliding synthesiers punctuated by dotting drums (hey I just used alliteration!)
Lillian is a screaming love song-'Oh Lillian/look what you've done/you stripped my heart/ ripped it apart/in the name of fun' The despair in Dave Gahan's (Singer) voice is so fragile and the lyrics make you just want to grab 'Lillian' whoever 'She' is and force 'her' to make the emotions change...although they're perfect in themselves.
'The Darkest Star'-sounds dark, and holds the 'Playing The Angel' phrase the album's named for. It's lazy beat finishes the album brilliantly, and leaves you feeling as if you've just run a marathon once the CD stops spinning.
On the whole, Playing The Angel is an beautiful album, and well worth listening, as I'm sure it can change your life, like it has mine!!! Submitted by Rose (uckfie) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Is anyone actually reading these reviews? Anyone who reads the few bad reviews submitted by the "mode monsters" will agree that there is no logic behind them. This is by far one of the best Depeche Mode albums ever. Nevermind the past and the comparisons to previous work, every track on this record is a stunning picture of what the music of Depeche Mode brings to its listeners. All that you need to do is turn up John the Revelator and you will know that fast fashion is still going strong. Submitted by mttables (Eugene, Oregon) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Best DM cd yet I can't stop playing this cd. Precious got into my head immediately, and now I find myself humming to Suffer Well, Pain That I'm Used To, Lilian & others while I'm at work. Welcome back Depeche! Submitted by Chris (Indianapolis, IN USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
My most "Precious" Album :)
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