Keep in mind, this is a band that has been in my life for a very long time. I'm a fan, in every sense of the word. I have no idea if this album will generate the same emotions for you as they did for me. Here is my rather short and to the point review of this album.
I sit down with the following attitude, as I always do when DM releases new material:
http://cdn.dashburst.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Grumpy-Cat.jpg
There is no band or artist I'm more "strict" with, than Depeche Mode. I'm always ready to say:
http://cdn.grumpycats.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Grumpy-Cat-01.jpg
But the first 7 songs are nothing short of fantastic, although I believe you'd have to have been on the DM-journey to fully appreciate what they're doing this time. This album is full of "nods" to former DM-songs and albums. It's like a career tribute record. And I really do feel that this is good bye. A few seconds into the first track, though, I was like: "What the hell happened to the vocals..?" I thought I was in for something terrible. But it doesn't take long until the first track gets to you. Angel, track no. 2 is a song I've let grow on me for some time. Wasn't too fond of it when they prematurely released it, but I appreciate it a lot more now. The track Heaven (single) is good, but it's not my favourite track. The next 4 however; Holy shit. That is indeed DM. Tracks 4-7 melted me completely, especially Secret to the End, Slow and Broken. Was charmed by the musicality of the electronic elements, the songwriting, the production, the vocals, the lyrics, everything. When I got to the 7th track - Broken - I was like this:
http://img-cache.cdn.gaiaonline.com...om/albums/l100/lostmymind193/crying_meme2.jpg
Track 8 was a downer, for me, I didn't feel that one as much. No. 9 Soft Touch Raw Nerve is a pretty cool track, but the lyrics are a bit corny. Lyrics are incredibly important to me, and it can make or break a track. Thumbs up also to 10 Should Be Higher.
Track 11 Alone hit me straight in the gut and had me acting like this:
http://alltheragefaces.com/img/faces/large/sad-crying-l.png To me, Alone is not only one of the best DM-songs of all time, but it's one of the finest songs I've ever heard. Speechless... 12 Soothe My Soul is OK, it's kind of a PTA-revisit (John the Revelator). The last track "Goodbye" is a great summary of what this band stands for, and it does really feel like they're saying farewell this time.
All in all, my total reaction is this: "Dai!! Dai, DM, Dai!! They're back, god damn it!"
http://media.comicvine.com/uploads/10/106238/2878605-meme_crying.jpg
I actually have to go for a walk now, to calm down. I've been taken on an emotional rollercoaster-ride by a band that has been with me since I was 13 years old, more than half my life. I think I'm even gonna buy a 10 pack of ciggies, something I haven't done in 5-6 years. I'm emotionally completely drained. Thank you, Depeche Mode, for everything. See you on tour.
I would like to dedicate this post to @Kate
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