dModed

The new Depeche Mode album, Playing The Angel, is one of the finest new releases of the year, and also one of the most oddest. While it certainly sounds refreshing to hear this album, longtime fans will notice that almost every song on this album is similar to past Depeche Mode songs from past albums. Especially Ultra & Violator. All of this, and it still sounds fresh. Let's look into this.


1. A Pain That I'm Used To ---Sounds like an Exciter track that didn't make the cut, but reworked to a T.
2. John the Revelator --- Woah, now that's what I'm talkin' about! The band is smokin' to this heavy track.
3. Suffer Well --- it sounds like Behind The Wheel, only a bit softer-edged & remixed. Aahhh! No one will believe me!!!
4. The Sinner in Me ---Ultra all-the way. Bitchin' all-the way. Hard, witch leads to...
5. Precious ---This must be the best song on the album, it's certainly the most catchiet, and also the puzzling. This song feels out of place with the tracks it's inbetween with. It's too soft to follow Sinner in Me (maybe this is the beginning of side B?). The song reminds you of a hint of dM's greatest hits, which some will find great or stupid. For the longtime fans, it's either love it or hate it. I love it.
6. Macro ---Should've been a B-side. Out of play within the whole album. Maybe with time, it will feel right. At this moment, no...
7. I Want It All ---This should've followed Precious. Very good beat, soft, and could be a sleeper with the new fans and high school dances.
8. Nothing's Impossible ---Amazing song with only a bit of Dave's vocals. Another favorite.
9. Introspective ---Also sounds like it could've fit in either Violator or Ultra. Fine Instrumental.
10. Damaged Poeple ---Dave sounds weird. EDIT --12:12AM: It's Martin's vox, not Dave. Sorry!
11. Lillian ---This should be the next single to follow Precious. My second favorite off the album.
12. The Darkest Star ---This 6:38 min. closer is just what it sounds. It warps up this record and will make us wonder if the group will ever record another album. This is the message I got after listening to the song four times in a row.
*Free ---Old school dM in this bitch! This can be found as a B-side to the Precious single.


I like this album a lot, and although I have downloaded it, I plan on buying the Playing The Angel Deluxe Edition of the album on Oct. 18. Give it a listen, you'll love it or trade it in.

EDIT: 10/18/05--- The Precious sample track is now an mp3 file, and is safe for Podcasts.

For your listening enjoyment:

Depeche Mode - Precious
(as heard on Smallville!)

Buy Playing The Angel at Amazon.com for $13.49