Music for the Masses

Dull droning dross. What a waste of a weekend.

Love love love the techno synths and mysterious voices

Personal Jesus is a classic. I enjoyed quite a few of the other ones too. Definitely going to listen to more of their stuff now.

I've never been able to permeate DM. Never quite sure why. Possibly because I was always more of a loud guitar teen and DM was always too 80s lightweight keyboard-y and drum machine . Thought 'Never Let Me Down Again' was going to change everything because it's a great track, a fantastic opener. Despite being a single, can't ever recall hearing it. And you know from the very first second that the video for it is an Anton Corbijn clip. But the rest of the album, while not unpleasant is not making me revaluate my opinion on the band. Feel sad that never got to see them live though.

I enjoyed this a lot more than I remembered doing.

I didn’t like it it just wasn’t rhythmic of fun. Kinda just an annoying alternative album

Decent album if feeling some 80s electronic, didn't wow me. Probably will not be listening to again

Banger

This is an awesome album!

Sorry Depeche Mode fans, I hate the shitty Emo/Goth sound of 80s synth pop music. Sounds like amateur whiny basement/garage made garbage.

Just as a feces’ mists humors most, this album is strangely pleasant, dark & mysterious

80s pop, fairly good but some songs not

It's not bad, just not my thing

Never really been a fan of DM I think mostly because they were an 80s band that, outside Personal Jesus, didn't really have any radio ready songs. I feel like they were more of an MTV band and by the time MTV was in most households I was out of high school. Also, rural America didn't get MTV until decades later. My point being, DM was not a band I had ready access to. That's why I love this site. It's got me to listen to and really enjoy a band I previously little interest in hearing. These guys are good. They are excellent, and most importantly, creative composers.

One of my fave albums of all time

Meh.

Very 80s and not very good. The singer has some odd affectations, and the lyrics are nonsense. Not their best work, probably, but not actively terrible.

Love that this album is simultaneously so dark sounding but also so energetic. Some of the instrumental tracks drag on a little but overall the album is mostly bangers.

I have to be honest that Depeche Mode's transition from club band to arena (and stadium) band was something I didn't see coming. This was the release that did it for them. Maybe it was the look back to their first release and incorporating poppy and catchy elements into their moody songs. It worked then and works for me now.

This is boring at best and depressing overall. It has no heart or soul. If I'm listening to the radio and Depeche Mode comes on I change the station. The only thing on this album that I liked was the cover of Route 66 and that apparently is only on the reissue, not the original version.

Some very well mad music that I did not like. This stuff is clearly intricately crafted and sounds like science fiction but I did not really feel anything listening to it. The guitars in Route 66 sounds the same as in Doom And Gloom by The Rolling Stones, so maybe the Stones borrowed from this? It was a pretty unique cover.

'Never Let Me Down Again' is the best Depeche Mode track ever released, and I am willing to die on this hill. In general, this is peak Depeche Mode - great with a little (a lot!) S&M action on 'Strangelove'. I don't understand closing an album with a small hidden instrumental piece at the end of another instrumental piece.

Music For the Masses is ironically the record where Depeche Mode really embraced the darkness and minimalistic approach... And in this gloomy realm the band truly seems to shine. Gahans vocal is haunting and the compositions are, for the most parts, incredibly subtle yet powerful. Pimpf is not an ending though. Feels like the introduction to an epic album but somehow only leads over in a hidden interlude. Just plain ridiculous. Best: Strangelove / Little 15

I don't feel anything so remarkable on this release, but it was a pleasant experience listening to it. The musical work is impressive, they take account of the listener's experience for real, but the high number of promising techniques do not compensate for the lack of "trueness" on the whole album!

Strangelove clássica. Little 15 é linda. I Want You Now, tem respirações interessantes. Sons interessantes em Agent Orange. Bass de Never Let Down Again é top!!

Really good album - worth listening to more often.

80s as 80s gets

It was fine

first listen almost fell asleep

Very good and easy listening. I had a great experience. I can’t think of anything other than the title and how fitting it is. Somebody made it and it’s art so I like it

a little lackluster, maybe controversial but i honestly don't think this is their best work. i did rlly like Route 66 tho

Dave Gahan has a great voice & great performance throughout. Was not hooked by the songwriting here although I liked the minimalism of the creepy little 15.

It has its moments.

This is a great album! I grew up on 80's New Wave especially Depeche Mode. I can't say that much about this album other than I love it and have so many good memories of these songs.

unforgettable, near perfect album all across the board—the first time i’ve relistened to this since the passing of fletch. i miss you, man. you were a powerhouse

I like the vocal production and the spooky sound of it with the odd chord progressions, but the songs go nowhere and lack excitement. I know it was their intention, but not something interesting for me.

Similarly to the Car album, this one could have been so much more entertaining if it was a bit more diverse and upbeat. In the end it was a rather boring and monotonous experience

Good moody album

I like Depeche Mode but this album was just quite boring. I never realized the importance of a “single” on an album, but here I noticed that there’s no one song tie the others together

this felt like nothing, just overdone synths and label-provided lyrics. i felt nothing new during or after the album.

Keyboards and Cocaine

Not super into it

First time listening through and I didn't finish. Largely bored with the record. I do like certain Depeche Mode cuts, just nothing really on this record – although I do like the opening track.

80s vibes

Gute Hintergrundmusik Gesang etwas eintönig

nokkuð góð DM plata

A real classic.

"Music for the Masses" is the 6th album by Depeche Mode. It was produced by David Bascombe and the album title was meant to be tongue-in-cheek as the band thought the music was anything but for the masses. And, on the surface I would agree with the music dark and the songs about sex, sin and drugs. However, this album (and the previous one "Black Celebration") pretty much taking these guys beyond sort of cult status to playing in front of 60,000 people. The music is eerie, hypnotic and I must say I enjoyed more and more with repeated listens. The songs switch lead singers between David Gahan and Martin Gore with a definite flow to this album. The album contains some of their bigger hits. "Never Let Me Down Again" starts things off with a great dark and hypnotic intro and appears to be about drug use seeking euphoria. Obviously, Gahan at the lead here. "Strange Love", another big song and great intro, adds more of a dance beat. An interesting take on probably sinning (cheating) and keeping a relationship. "Behind the Wheel" adds even more of a dance beat and really sounds like early Depeche Mode to me. I love it when a song has an emotionless feel and is good. This is one of those. Not having a dance beat but creating an eerie, almost Goth feel is "I Want You Now". Martin Gore takes the lead here with Gahan groaning in the back. Lust the theme here. It has been awhile since I listened to this album and I thought it might sound dated, being of its time. I get some of that but it still sounded great and you can see why they became so big.

Fine record, has a few good tracks.

ah, fond memories of listening to by brothers crappy tape copies through he wall of my bedroom. Must have been formative for me

First track v good. The rest is utter shite

Favorite track: Never Let Me Down Again

7/10 Best Song - Never Let Me Down Again

never let me down again and little 15 were decent songs, didnt mind agent orange for awhile also

I've already left my love for Depeche Mode in my Violator review. They're one of my favorite bands. I'm obsessed with their dark gothic synths and creepy expressive vocals. Never repetitive, always full of surprises in each song, it's hard for me to come up with favorite songs. Black Celebration and Violator are my favorite DM records, but this one sounds nearly identical to Black Celebration except more cinematic. I feel like the songs are weaker, but that may just be because I haven't spun it a dozen times and that they'll grow on me, but I admit the synth work here is highly impressive and intriguing in every track. I lost interest in the last 3 tracks, but cool to end off with the Sephiroth boss fight theme.

Dost dobar, melodičan i hladnjikav synthpop album - od dost dobrog benda.

never really got into them..but still gave them a listen.

I very much enjoyed some of the instrumental pieces on this album, but Strangelove is an awesome song to soundtrack a purposeful strut. RIP Fletch.

lame

Behind the wheel and other bangers. A more low key affir then some of their stuff.

Wasn’t a big fan of this group… But my brother in college kept sending me cassette recordings thinking I would like them but I did not

haven't heard any of these songs before but I can get hints of other songs like policy of truth in certain ones like strangelove. Depeche is always great so this was a good week ender.

Love Depeche Mode, but only for the hits I know, and none of those are on here. Still, a pretty good album with a handful of tracks I dug. Loses a half star though because two of the tracks I loved were from rerelease(s), especially that sparse piano rendition of Sonata No. 14. I'd like at least one more album from them that has some of the big hitters. Favorite tracks: Never Let Me Down Again, Nothing, Sonata No. 14, Route 66. Album art: Not a whole lot to this one, 80% frame around a small picture. I do like that the loudspeakers arranged on the pole look a bit like a small bouquet of flowers, that's what I thought it was when in small mode on my phone. 3/5

kinda spooky

Really excellent, forgot about their "Route 66" cover.

sicko mode

I really like the Depeche Mode sound. Feel like this is isn't the best of their albums though...Violator would likely be better. Hopefully it will be on the list. 3/5

fine - sounds like depeche mode - didn't really get me going

When I was younger I actively hated Depeche Mode, but my views on them have mellowed with age. Still not a big fan, but I don't mind listening to this. I have to give them credit, they could write a catchy synth riff. 3 stars.

its a bit boring and missing anything to stand out, might have some historical relevance im not aware of

Pretty good

Average despite people loving it

It's Depeche Mode's Music for the Mases featuring none of their greatest hits! Buy now and you can get all this maudlin synth pop absolutely free because absolutely no one else wants it!

Startlagið geggjað en ekki nógu mikið djús á restinni.

Some great singles but not the best Depeche Mode

Cool dark vibes Favorite was Pimpf

Need to listen

Pas mon genre, je n'ai pas les outils pour apprécier. Quelques pièces accrocheuses, beaucoup de longueurs.

This was my first real introduction to DM. I love this album.

Great album, these guys were the bomb in the 80s

Dead good.

Maybe my expectations were a bit too high but this one didn't grab me as much as the other on this list. Maybe it needs a bit more time or I'm just not in the right fram of mind. Fave: Never Let Me Down Again

The challenge is making me realise how much I love Depeche Mode. I have really neglected them in the past but wow what an amazing body of work.

Somewhat appropriately, my love for this album has faded. At one time I thought it to be much more enjoyable than I do now, and while I do still recognize value in it, my enjoyment of it is nowhere near that of years past.

I can see the draw, but this album is not for me.

This album is great! Not my favorite Depeche Mode album, but definitely solid throughout

The odd career arc to go from shy and fey and suffering synth types to the club music equivalent of arena rockers never made sense. This seems a reach to be taken more seriously by being less danceable, but the hooks get a little mechanistic and blocky. “Nothing” and “Agent Orange” are engaging, but “Route 66” and the “Moonlight Sonata” are utterly unconvincing, not even as filler.

Other than it’s dance-y music I have no clue… The album starts off with never let me down again, it’s got a brilliant rhythm to it but the lyrics aren’t the best and I’am not sure on the autotune on the chorus but it doesn’t effect it much. The things you said is a slightly slower song and it works really well, still not a fan of the vocals though but I guess this kinda music isn’t meant to be analysed that way. Strangelove has a great build up with the sounds working so good together and lyrically it seems the bands best so yeah this is a favourite! Sacred has this much slower “creepy” sound at the start until exploding into this really cool slower dance song with some nice sounds . There’s something really unsettling about little 15 for me. My favourite bit has to be the chorus as those exploding drums alongside the strings works perfectly. It’s also got interesting lyrics and I’am so surprised it was a single. Starting off side two it’s behind the wheel it takes it’s time to really get into it but once it starts it’s cool. The vocal performance in this song it’s much more layered on than the others which makes it the best as it really suits the song. I can appreciate I want you now for trying something new with the instrumentation but to put it lightly it’s not for me I did like the bridge/ refrain bit at the middle of the song. To have and to hold starts with this sample leading intro this menacing, sinister sound. Good song maybe needs a bit of building lyrically. Now the penultimate cut nothing, it sounds a lot more like a single than behind the wheel and little 15 (it’s not better than those two) but the chorus is this songs best part a temporary release of energy. The album closes with pimpf an instrumental track its got this creepy feel to it. It’s probably my least favourite but that’s just cause I feel lyrics really carry a song. And there’s a bonus track…eh. Yeah good album much better in the instrumental department but still works lyrically in most places!

3.5

Pop electrónico con sintetizadores. Ni fu ni fa.

Me ha gustado bastante. Mejor que Violator.

Mass Depeche

Genre: Synthpop 4/5 Dark, ambient, and emotional, Music for the Masses is one of Depeche Mode's best albums, hitting all of the right buttons, making this one of my favorite pop albums from this decade. Eschewing new wave's more eclectic shortcomings, and opting instead for a brooding, synth-heavy production style that does a great job highlighting the passionate lead vocals from Dave Gahan, as well as forming a great basis for some solid synthpop arrangements, this album is a great example of what the 80s did well, but not something they did this well that often. The entire first side, including tracks like Never Let Me Down Again and Sacred, is tremendously, dark, almost sinister pop music. As the album continues, Depeche Mode continues to attack the senses with harsh synth leads, electronic drum fills, and loud, passionate choruses, a formula that only these guys pulled off as well as they did. Tears for Fears tried their best, but never quite reached this. Shoutout to the entire mid-aught's rock movement, which borrows from this group more than almost any other (I'm looking at you, AFI).

Somewhere between New Order and Pet Shop Boys. Not as exciting, funny, or danceable as them, but roughly a hundred times better than I expected. Fey, melodramatic, and infectious.

Pretty essential, they're nearly there re-inventing themselves from synthpoppers to epic synthpopper gloom gothers. Three stellar singles and a strong set of album tracks.

Fuck Depeche Mode. Incredibly monotonous, dull and boring.

A mid-range 2. It sounds so miserable, without the jaunty bits that make Joy Division / The Smiths more bearable. I wouldn't say there was a standout song. Not going to listen again, but not the worst we've had.

I was uncertain at the start, but the album really picked up with Strange love and I was hooked. I really liked the spooky vibes, a great mix of eerie synth sounds and catchy bops.

I liked this a lot!

All synthpop should sound like a horror movie

What every 80s synth driven band with should've sounded like. Verging on a masterpiece.

Big fan. Been A LONG TIME since I listened to this entire album and I specifically recall a friend in high school who loved Depeche Mode which somehow led me to listening to the Pixies. I think this is an album that I’ll return to soon and play in the background while getting a few things done.

I never thought I liked Depeche Mode and was not looking forward to this...but I gotta say I enjoyed this album.

Wel oke maar de meeste depeche mode nummers zijn niet mijn ding

Legalzinho. Melhores músicas: Never Let me Down again e Strangelove

WWO, DM is my favorite band! And this album is awesome!

80s synth electronic. Sometimes it worked.

Depeche Mode klinkt wel lekker. Heerlijke 80s sound. Misschien niet het beste album ter wereld, en ook niet heel veel topnummers, maar het hele album is wel goed te luisteren. ****

Good, but Violator is just this album but better in every single way so I don't really see the need to have this on the list. I still enjoyed it though. "Strangelove" slaps so much god damn, that's a song that gets stuck in your head in the middle of the night while you're trying to fall sleep. I had "Architecture & Morality", a very similar album, just a few days ago. What's up with albums from this era having an album cover of a random .jpeg and some text on a plain background?

While the songs that are good are VERY good, most don't really do much for me. Also it gets pretty repetitive at times. There's only so much Depeche Mode i can listen to in one sitting. Still a solid synthpop album, but feels a bit dated.

the europeans are welcome to keep depeche mode. i could not be arsed with this at all.

Depressed Mode

This sounds more like Depeche Mode than Depeche Mode does. Appreciated listening to an album so I could appreciate the musical talent, but it's a bit one dimensional

Just doesn't do it for me. I think I liked "Strangelove" but that might just be because I recognized it.

Lo amé, primer disco entero que escucho de DM, a la altura de sus hits aunque por momentos se pone demasiado euro victoriano medieval.

This was Depeche Mode's bridge album between their more classic 80's synth period (Black Celebration) and their all time classic Violator. But from the album cover to the music, this album is both a classic and truly iconic in its own right. There is not one bad song on here. 5/5

Albums with a perfect title in regards to the music. 2.5/5

This felt refreshingly different compared to some recent listens, perhaps influencing an upgrade to 4 from what may have been a 3 star rating. But this is really quite relistenable for me.

Very dark and eerie

The album has that 80s sound. It was an alright album. I did not skip any of the songs but I wouldn't pick this album to listen to again.

My first time listening to Depeche Mode (apart from the classics). The album is good, but it does have some weird songs.

New wave feels very hit or miss for me

The whole of the album proper is basically just very dull samey synth-guff. Funnily enough some of the bonus tracks on the deluxe/expanded editions are much better: Route 66 is actually fun and Agent Orange is weird but kinda great background music? Still can't really rate the album as a whole though.

High three.

A solid album, but not their best.

So as I was listening to this album I was trying to imagine if you stripped it down and add real instruments what would that bring to the table. By the end of this album I was wondering what the point would be. I have said it before that the synthesizer age of the eighties did not age well. This is how these lads made their music. They were the kings of it. Sucks for them. I hated this album. Beyond the synthesizer, you had better have a good structured song for it to be over four minutes. 7 songs over 4 minutes, 1 over five minutes, 2 at the high end three minute range and just one song under three minutes. Perfect song is 3:30. Anything longer better be damn good.

I listened to the whole album which was an accomplishment but it was the same story for me with all the other albums of theirs. I've really always wanted to like Depeche Mode but end up being embarassed by lame rhyming lyrics and predictable melodies. Occasional flashes of a good song followed by the same melody or synth-trick over and over. Great if you're really into them or the whole scene but really too samey.

Disappointing.

mehh. 2?

4/5. Too Nasal, good tunes doe

This is a great album, one of Depeche Mode’s best. It’s probably the most musically cohesive of all the albums they had done to that point, with a dark, sensual and slightly menacing vibe. There are several straight up synth classics on here which make it a must listen, but had they dropped a couple of songs, it would have been a tighter album. Fave Songs: Never Let Me Down Again, Little 15, Behind the Wheel, Nothing, Pimpf, The Things You Said

Heavier sound than their early albums. Will develop even further in their next album, violator.

Not much of an 80s electronic new wave kinda guy. But this was alright. I thought if the album was like the first and third track I was going to love it. Then there was some wack shit in the second half... So it balances out.

Kinda boring. I can see the influence on bands I do like, but having a more animated vocalist would do wonders.

Emotional and contemplative

Stirring.

Surprisingly cool

Depeche Mode... A long time after Vince Clarke left, but before Violator. Hm. OK. Why pick this Depeche Mode? They were pioneers. They changed (well, Vince Clarke did) music with Speak and Spell. They changed it again with Violator, sans Clarke. This album? Say what? Hell. Even Songs of Faith and Devotion was bigger, better and differenter. The album ain't bad - not by a long stretch. But I'd simply not include it given objectively and subjectively better albums from them.

80s synthy electronic. playfully catchy with a darker center

Yep, that’s Depeche Mode

Pretty much the same review as for the last DM album: Find the singing super annoying; the instrumentals are better and more suited for their cinematic creepy/minor key keyboard sounds. 0 Stars for album cover.

Pretty good. 7/10

Favorite tracks: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Nothing, Agent Orange, Pleasure… Little Treasure, Route 66,

I have heard many Depeche Mode songs MULTIPLE times. Depeche Mode has never really caught on with me. Perhaps there were so many strong fans around me, and DM had enough radio play that I never had to listen to much of their music of my own choice. I think I didn't find out about some alternative bands (The Cure, The Smiths, Echo and the Bunnymen, etc.) and later new wave artists until later because the local alternative radio station played so much Depeche Mode. This album sits firmly on the darker side of Depeche Mode's work, a good distance away from the pop-ish new wave of their early work. The dark, broody mood of DM still keeps me from fully enjoying this album. "Strangelove" got the highest marks from me for an individual track.

I had a really good time listening to this record! I already knew some Depeche Mode songs, but I had never heard any of the tracks off of this album before so it was completely fresh. I found this very innovative even for as late as 1987, and I was never bored listening through the entire album even though some songs sounded pretty similar. I know that Depeche Mode was a major influence on one of my favorite modern bands, CHVRCHES, and I can tell that a lot of their stuff is going for a similar tone and vibe that this collection of songs offers. Outside of this connection I made, I was pleasantly surprised to hear some Moody Blues-like lead vocals and slower tracks which is something I am always down for. This was very apparent on the track 'I Want You Now' which I have added to my Starred list. Overall, I definitely liked this one and am interested to dive deeper into this band's catalog. 3.5/5.

Not my fave album of theirs. Some tunes were good but others dragged for me.

2/5

I dig it

Good, but a bit too ominous for regular listening.

80,s synth pop mooi melodieus

80s synth pop, very samey, extra star for little 15 which I LOVED!

I'm going to tell my kids that "Agent Orange" is about Trump. I'm joking. I already told my kids that "Agent Orange" is about Trump and these fellas were just able to see into a dark future. I might also have thrown in how Trump played "Agent Orange" whenever he was getting a golden shower. It certainly sounds plausible. This album is fine, Depeche Mode is fine. A little overrated? Sure, and I'll save my rant for how the hell they're in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for another day. Do I prefer some love versions of Depeche Mode songs? Yes, surprisingly. I wish my take on "Agent Orange" (a pretty forgettable instrumental that sounds like it was added at the last minute as filler) was true. It would at least show that these guys have a sense of humor.

Definetly interesting

It's somewhat dark and brooding with just the right amount of oppressiveness and then a bunch of catchy hooks mixed in. I really liked this one and listened to it twice in a row. However, the only song that really stood out was Pimpf for being overly dramatic and not really fitting the rest of the album.

I love the sound of this record. Love those synths. I can hear the influence of the arpeggiated piano chords on The Smashing Pumpkins' "Eye" and the record's broader influence on the Pumpkins' subsequent (to "Eye") Adore LP. I'm thankful for that influence. I think the influence here on another band I love - The Cocteau Twins - can't be understated. It is what made CT more than another guitar-based shoegaze band (see Ride's "Nowhere.") On its own, and forgetting the influence it had, this record is great as well. Within it's relatively narrow scope of sounds, it has a lot of diversity from song to song. I especially like "The Things You Said." Giving this a solid 4. It brings together the great sounds from Kraftwerk, adds a pop sheen, and I like that a lot.

I appreciate Depeche Mode. There's a difference between listening to a song that someone "wrote" and a song that was "composed" - the latter being a much more impressive feat in my mind. Granted, I find the former more entertaining to listen to. This kind of music just always feels like it's missing something (which is a me problem, not the fault of those who record in this genre). It needs a visual element. I always feel like I should also be watching an intense scene in a movie, or a video game cut scene, or a ballet or something. I don't know if that makes sense. At the end of the day, Depeche Mode is really good at something I don't really understand.

Lista chyba chciala pokazac jak bardzo gatunek moze sie roznic przez porownanie wczorajszego kraftwerka z dzisiejszym depeche mode, ktorzy debiutuja na liscie likowej z ich szostym albumem studyjnym music for the masses z 87, gatunek jak poprzednia pozycja synthowy pop, ale jest to calkowicie inny rodzaj muzyki, brak tu jakiegokolwiek konceptu, a jak przystalo na depeche mode brzmia jakby uciekly z radiowej audycji boomerowskiej tesknoty za latami 80, ciekawie w ogole wyglada podzial obowiazkow w zespole, cztery osoby, David Gahan zabija koty na wokalu, Martin Gore pisze dla niego teksty ktorymi zabija te koty, Alan Wilder ten tworzy caloksztalt muzyczny na ktorym koty sa mordowane i Andrew Fletcher ktory nie robi nic i odcina kupony, ciekawa sprawa, ze jako czlonek bandy nie ma zadnych creditow jako tworca, pewnie przez wczorajsze robocie synthy, ale te dzisiejsze brzmia tak nudno, a polaczone z tak wysmienicie zwyczajnym wokalem tworza mieszanke residentowosleeperowa, wyjatkiem od tej reguly bedzie otwierajacy never let me down again, jako cos swiezego, tylko po to zeby kolejne 40 minut slyszec go w 8 innych remiksach, bo praktycznie pierwsze 4 minuty definiuja brzmienie kolejnych 40, z wyjatkiem zamkyjacego traka pimpf, ktory zmienia koncepcje tworzenia radio friendli songow na rzecz kompozycji czysto instrumentalnej opartej na brzmieniach rodem z opery, dodatkowo isterowe egi nawet ma kawalek jak pol minuty ciszy po ktorym jest outro calej plyty, gdyby reszta albumu byla podobnie tworzona, to mogloby cos z tego ciekawego wyjsc, ale tak to depeche mode pozostanie dla mnie banda od personalnego jezusa, na plejke dodam wspomnianego wczesniej pimpfa

Easy listening and neat sounds. Not entirely my jam genre-wise, but pleasant overall.

I get why it is here and I appreciate it but I don’t wanna listen to it anymore

7/10

gute Synthmusik

Atmosphärisch, dense und kalt, mir aber nach einer Weile etwas monoton

Great band but not exactly what Id like.

Some days this project is enjoyable. This was not one of those days.

I'm fond of the 1980s British synthpop sound, but feel like lots of the bands were singles-driven. Maybe I'm wrong. Either way, this record shows Depeche Mode in album mode. It's pretty consistent and well paced. The singer has a very distinctive voice, but hardly any variation - after about half the record, it does begin to seem like the songs blur into one. Overall, it's good but inessential to me. 3.5*

10/10 классика

Reminds of Brian Eno

Una maravilla

Wished I hadn't listened to it

one of the best albums of all time

DM are the peak synth-pop to come out of the 80s/90s. This album is one of their finest - 3.5/4

It’s that modern indie sound. But from the 80s!

This brings me back to high school

I used to work alongside an obsessive Depeche Mode fan. She would constantly bleat on about her devotion and mainly because of this I couldn't be less interested in the band

This lives up to its title. Typical dark, broody synths, but also melodic and poppy. More catchy and less heavy on the vibe compared to Violater, which this album preceded and is also on this list. I'm coming to the conclusion that Depeche Mode are pretty great. 4/5.

Depeche Mode knows that if you're going to use "again" to rhyme with a word ending in an "ane" sound, you need to pronounce it "a-GANE". I'd be tempted to give it five stars just for not cocking it up like everybody else. Thankfully the album is also very good.

Estilo discotequero sin ser techno del todo. Ritmos no muy movidos, pero con un estilo predefinido. Fácil para tener de fondo y disfrutar en la lejanía. No he terminado de enganchar, porque no es un estilo que me guste especialmente

Interesting album, more in depth that I thought.

I am a fan of the Depeche Mode albums that follow this (Violater and Songs of Faith and Devotion), which are a bit darker, rockier, and noisy than their early records. The greater inclusion of guitar, the more industrial sound design (more noise and distorition), and greater reliance on pentatonic harmonies (ironically, simpler harmonically than their earlier material) is more to my taste. While familiar with their singles, I had not given earlier albums much attention. It was a real pleasure to spend some time with this album in full. David Bascombe, fresh off producing Tears for Fears and working with DM for the first time, brings a big sound and a penchant for experimenting than is enjoyable. Watching the doco on this album, he was clearly influenced by minimalist composers lie Glass and Reich, which is a bit of a niche sensibility that appeals to me greatly. I really enjoyed this, although not to the same degree as the albums mentioned above. Would buy (albeit for cheap).

Coooool mais un peu long sur la fin

Fantastic dark synth. A little samey after a while though.

It was fine. Never listened to much Depeche Mode other than the singles, and this was pretty much what I expected.

I think I'm not german enough to completely and immersively enjoy an album like this. I'm not sure where the german obsession with 80s music comes from, but it's a strikingly intergenerational phenomenon. Its prevalence on radio could be explained away by taking a look at the demographics of radio consumption, which I suspect would reveal a 40+ trend. Nostalgia is a strong driving force in enjoying and consuming music. None of this can explain why the youth also celebrate 80s music and 80s revivalism to the extent that they do. It feels like every second night at a studenty bar/club is an 80s/90s night. Living here I've come into contact with more music from the decade than I would ever willingly subject myself to. Suffice to say, it hasn't rubbed off on me. There must be plenty of qualities in this album that made it important at the time, but I struggle to identify them. The only song I really found myself invested in was Pimpf, but i'm unsure if this was because of the qualities of the song itself, or if it simply relief at the brief respite from the deluge of 80s synth sounds that is Music for the Masses.

Not for me. Techno is good and all and I like how the album didn't just stick to the genre. While maybe a foundational work, later bands in the same genre did it better.

Jamen godt album. Til tider lidt kedeligt. Til tider rigtig godt!

det er så godt for sin tid!!

New wave elektronisk 80’er, hypnotiserende, dystrest, medrivende

Pretty good example of 80s dark synth work

This is one of the biggest loves of all time! Unparalleled, gets to the bones..

Some good new wave and an evolution for Depeche Mode

Pretty good album, I love the classical twist at the end of it. Lots of fun instrumentals

Used to love this

один из лучших их Альбомов у них

Rating: 9/10 Best songs: Never let me down again, The things you said, Strangelove, Sacred, Behind the wheel

For me, Depeche Mode is "Just Can't Get Enough", "Personal Jesus" and the time in the late 80s when a reporter on an American entertainment show unironically called them "America's favourite rock 'n' roll band". Their Music for the Masses phase is interesting. It's an edgier sound and makes me think a little of Joy Division. "I Want You Now" was the most memorable track, with its disturbing respiratory sounds mixed with the loving but dark lyrics. It feels like a good stage in the creative life of la Mode.

Knew a couple of tracks - lots of good stuff on this. 1st one to make 3 listens by day 2.

It's a really solid album

No és perfecte, perquè cap al final de la segona cara comença a baixar el nivell, però els temes que sí ho són, que es són molts, eleven el nivell del disc per sobre del 90% de la producció musical de la década. A 'Violator' es van refinar definitivament com a compositors, però aquí els agafa en el seu millor moment d'inspiració, culminant una ratxa de sis discos en trajectòria ascendent (començant ja el primer d'ells des de molt a dalt!)

Some weird stuff on here but I can't resist Dave Gahan's voice and those moody, sexy synths!

meh -- one and out

The light side and prelude to Violator, paling in comparison. The worst intervals are concentrated on the A-side; The rest lacks the coherence of the followup but stretches toward it and functions as good pop. To Have And To Hold justifies the listen almost by itself, which betrays my sympathies for less positive electronics.

Хороший потом Великой группы!

Pompous casio 80s

I didn't really enjoy this album, I think I liked one song. 2/5 stars.

Music for the Masses is obviously ironically named. Depeche Mode would not have been classified as mainstream in any sense of the word. It is moody and dark, but also decidedly 80s in feel. Overall a great listen and one I'd venture back into. Best: Never Let Me Down Again; Little 15 Worst: Pimpf

1.5

A solid album. One of the problems I have with Depeche Mode is not that it’s good, but that it makes me feel depressed. I guess good music makes you feel so that’s a win? But anyways, the songwriting is here, dark and mysterious- Nothing seems like it would be the only “radio hit” off the album. Nevertheless, it’s good- in all it’s spooky ambience- it kinda trails off tho from time to time. Otherwise, it’s really good. Solid 4

Nothing special. Behind the wheel and Route 66 are decent. The rest is unremarkable, no appeal for me. Can't give 2.5 stars. Flipping a coin between 2 and 3.

Don't like this album

Too instrumental, too monotone

Never Let Me Down AgainBehind the Wheel Nothing I guess I liked Strangelove back in the day but it is so overplayed it's hard to stomach.  For the rest I could attribute not really  liking them to the songs not aging well but this might just be an excuse. I liked these guys enough back in the day to buy their first album. tbh, I don't think I listened to it too much since I only liked a few songs. Sounds familiar. Anyway, liking  three songs gets a 3.  

I’m surprised that none of the half dozen or so songs that I associate with Depeche Mode have shown up on this album. I love the lead off track plus some of the ambient instrumentals that end the album like Pimpf and the remixes tacked on after are punchier and less dated than the rest of the material. The rest I find kind of gloomy and plodding. The vocalist doesn't really have a good voice for that type of music, they should have borrowed Peter Murphy from Bauhaus. I’ll round my score up based on Never Let Me Down Again.

From reading the reviews I see that you either love or hate Depeche Mode. Personally I find them a bit too pretentious, the brooding lyrics and the lead vocalist’s dis-embodied robotic voice is annoying. Other bands eg Kraftwerk can do electronic and not have it come off sounding so contrived and emotionless.

better than I thought - probably a 4.5 but I'm rounding up for the surprise. Very cool early electronic.industrial stuff!

Depeche Mode is certainly not for everybody, and even me in particular moments of time. This moody, brooding, dark sound of euphoric synthesizers and keyboards makes for great atmosphere music, and can be a really cool experience just listening in the dark or with mood lighting if you want to create your own little at-home show. Everyone other song on this album is a hit for me, and not including the 2006 Remastered bonus tracks, this is a pretty front heavy album. I honestly don't know enough about the band to put this up against any of their other works, but from my understanding this is a more mature album to leave for later if you want to get into them. I'll certainly revisit it once I do. Favorite Song: Never Let Me Down Again Honorable Mention: Behind the Wheel Least Favorite: Nothing

This is listenable but pretty borning.

Spook synth with lots of non-commercial stuff on purpose according to the Wikipedia article. Plus 1 star for naming it music for the masses when the intent was the opposite

When it comes to British New Wave, Depeche Mode is certainly another one of the bands on this list.

I actually really liked this album I thought it was nice and spooky and different than any other album i’ve ever listened to if this was out of 10 I would probably give it seven but four is too high but I did really enjoy this album

Another band I wanted no part of during the late-80s; "don't even show me any moody synth-pop!" So... as has been the case in this exercise, I was actually excited to get it today and give it a re-listen. Right off the bat it's both a lot of what I expected and I ... kind of like it? My teen-filter never let me like Dave Gahan's voice at all but it's perfect for this music and the more I listen the more I like it. To be critical, the songwriting as a whole is fairly limited - there is a sameness to the songs once I start listening. But keeping positive, to me the band's strength is more in invoking a gloomy and dark mood instead which in an odd way is not necessarily a bad thing; almost like all these minor-key synth songs begin to wash over you and create more like a 45 minute experience rather than crafting quality "songs". I'm not sure I'd ever have strong cravings for this specifically, mostly because of the lack of great (or good?) songs... but if someone (including me) says "i'm feeling emo/sad and need to be alone for a while" I know the right album to put on. 5/10 3 stars

I honestly kinda like it. It's so clearly 80s, but I don't consider that a bad thing. This is sitting in your room after school, curtains closed, music up, and trying to work up the urge to kiss the cute goth girl you managed to convince to come over.

Contrairement à l'avis totalement à côté de la plaque de mon compère elrodriguez, je n'ai pas été subjugué par cet album.

Compliqué de me consacrer aux reviews en ce moment, étant donné que je suis de retour au bureau, et que je me vois mal rédiger de somptueuses reviews au milieu de l'open space pour les lecteurs ingrats que vous êtes (1 semaine après notre appel, toujours aucune review sur l'album de MC Solaar mentionnant le code secret!).

An eternal classic

Bombastische muziek als deze kan ik wel smaken. Het volume ging duidelijk omhoog hoe verder ik kwam in het album, en dan moest 'Pimpf' nog komen: Wat een knaller die compleet in contrast staat met de rest van het album!

Good

Right of the bat - pretty fucking good. Fuck I love the 80s I like the darker turn it takes, reminds me of the dark synth era of retrosynthwave, and I like that alot. I didn't really love any of the tracks, but I love the atmosphere and style that I'll almost give it a five. It's up there. 4.5 But damn what an ugly album cover, it reminds me of Massive Attack - Blue Lines, and damn that light brown color is so sad to look at - Maybe I'll learn to love it

Decent but nothing more.

Really good, probably a 4.75. Very introspective, not commercial

Good album not my favorite from the band.

They’re one of my dads favorite bands so I’m pretty familiar with them. I was real excited to listen to this one. Though the hits aren’t really on it I did quite enjoy it for what it is.

trying not to let my bias against the 80s show but I was not a big fan of this. my biggest criticism of this album is that it takes itself wayy too seriously, there's not the slightest hint of humor or personality. it wasn't without merit, and i liked the first few tracks well enough, but beyond that i just wanted it to be over. the vocal melodies were really monotonous, lyrics were trite, and the drums and synths felt kind of generic. 3/10

8/10. I quite liked a few tracks from this, but as an album it has some boring stretches. The intro to "I Want You Now" just sounds like an overdramatic person inflating a paddleboard. And "Pleasure, Little Treasure" is a bonus track, but it was a lot more fun than most of the album. I can't quite decide if I like the Route 66 cover, but the occasional panting in the background does not help it out.

There are some interesting sounds on here, pretty similar to the The Cure album we had earlier. My main gripes are that it's slow and that the song I Want You Now exists. 7

zzz

not that great. this band definitely has better music. 2.5

This is my first time hearing Depeche Mode and I must say that I loved this album. It is brooding and driving with interesting instrumentation and song construction. There's an expansiveness to this music that I really enjoy. British New Wave is quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

the breathing at the beginning of 'i want you now' is one of the worst things i've ever heard. everything else has been marvelous so far. i loved Pimpf especially. the following track was instrumental too i think? i kinda zoned out from that point onwards, didn't even realize when it ended lol. but i enjoyed myself a lot.

It's not relaxing listening but it's pretty enjoyable music to mix it up once in a while. 2.5 from me

Strong 3, almost a 4. A few low points but some great tracks, I enjoy the overall style/sound: it's pretty distinctive

One of the first albums I have actively disliked.

I have always had trouble getting into Depeche Mode, but I’m glad I gave this a shot. It had some r really strong moments

Great Album!

I did not enjoy this album. There's like 5 listenable songs and 2 of them are any good. The singer can only hit like 5 notes and the songs' experiments make for an ear-grating experience. Favorite Track: Little 15

Never been the biggest Depeche Mode fan, and this... well this didn't change anything about that.

Not for me. Due to not enjoying the genre the songs blend too seamlessly to the point of feeling the same one after the other

Brilliant

Would've been my jam if I was in my 20s in the 80s

1. thought the 1st track was like a cute platonic friendship type thing, nope-- drugs lol. 2. good i think, i forgot, need another listen. 3. STRANGELOVE SLAPS. 4. sacred also a bop. imma mishun-airyyy 5. good, lotta drama. lyrics hmm, needa re-listen. 6. ooooooh. 7. SEXY. 8. also good, eerie, needa another listen tho. 9. bop. nothaaaaang 10. spooky piano/orchestra/choir instrumental, me likey!!! DELUXE 11. MORE SPOOKY-MOODY PIANO & other sounds, I LOVE. 12. bop. periodt. i could dance to this 13. it's aight, not a fave. 14. more moody piano--hell YEAH. more of a calm vibe this time. still got drama. 15. it's moonlight sonata, c'mon. gorgeousness. overall thoughts: on first listen I'd give the album a 4/5. i think with more listens it'll become more perfect to me. i love the eerie vibe of it all, some bops here and there. def got tracks I can come back to which is poifect.

There seems to be a heavy Kraftwerk influence which I like. The front half of the album is filled with bangers, and the back half is filled with a whole lot of nothing. Highlights: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

I love Depeche mode and loved this album

Great album. Love Depeche mode

Not their best, pretty generic new wave.

I’m not sure I know why but this album just ticked every box for me. Dark, moody synthesizers, driving beats, interesting multipart harmonies, it all just works. I enjoyed this way more than I was expecting to.

Not a big fan. Might have to give it more time

Pretty monotonous. Not a bad listen though.

Very unpleasant to listen to. First track is great though.

Not my favourite Depeche Mode album but still excellent. Strangelove is too good

Classic, not for me

didnt like it

The first half was fun but it became all doom and gloom in the second half and not the fun kind of doom and gloom.

A true classic. Depeche Mode own their sound not unlike how the Beatles or Queen own theirs. Being Depeche Mode though, this album is weird, and though I may love it for it, there are albums that are more well-rounded. Still loved it though.

dafuq was this??? it tried to be edgy but it was so cringe

boo!!

I already liked Depeche Mode so I was quite excited to listen to this all the way through! the album was a really good and very synthy album and the songs had decent variety in overall mood

A bit monotonous for my liking. I prefer their brighter, poppier songs. Very 80s. Did I need to hear it before I die? Probably not.

Interesting

Super 80s not really my style

Nicht so schlecht wie ich über Jahrzehnte proklamiert habe...

Ich muss zugeben, dass ich Depeche in diesem Kontext anders wahrnehme als bisher. Da habe ich was gutzumachen

Nice

Yeah it was alright!

meh

boring af

Its alright, like most 80s synth pop its a bit limp wristed, lacking depth and excitement.

dark and somewhat groovy, maybe worth a revisit

Some obvious highlights on here - such as the opener- this is an album that is brilliant in places but a bit patchy overall. Apparently the album title was meant to be ironic, ironically the irony is that this was indeed the album that hinted at the stadiums Depeche Mode would soon be filling.

If youre into that, maybe okay. Sounded overblown and long

¡No sabía que podía esperar esto de Depeche Mode! Un disco de decadencia en un momento oscuro y de entregarse a otras personas (o a la droga) como evasión ante una amenaza permanente. Me ha gustado mucho. Mucho. La canción, "Behind the Wheel"

Not as dark as Violator but still an epic album.

Quite repetitive and not particularly memorable. Better was to come.

very 80s 🙄 Terrible couldnt finish. one star? 80s is not my genre and this one in particular.

Oh, boy. Here we go, again. Crappy 80s synths. Hideous echoey drums emphasizing the backbeat. Inconsequential melodies and song structures. We don't even have the saving grace of interesting rhythms or song lyrics. This is self-serious, humorless tripe, the dullest of dull pop. It's not even danceable. It makes me want to curl up and die. Not even the moderately original album closer Pimpf, with it operatic vocals, comes close to redeeming this dreadful album. 1 star out of 5 and only because I can't give it less. I'm beginning to have my doubts about the curators of this list.

- Very good sounds and experimental techniques. The album is surreal and sounds melanchoholic and sad, but at the same time, gives a creepy atmosphere of progresive rock.

Good alternative

Gloomy stadium naval gazing. Best Tracks: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Behind The Wheel

Pero por qué me aparece toda la electrónica junta 🙃, aunque no me disgusta, es un poco como rock alternativo.

Clàssic, gutazo

Unreal album, brings me back to my youth.

Depeche Mode are masters of their instruments, crafting synth lines and electronic beats that are meant for each other, as if they were destined to come together in perfect darkness. The songs here are just so incredibly well-composed, it's difficult to not enjoy them. The atmosphere built into these songs are also strong and compelling. Overall great album.

I am a big fan of Depeche Mode, and this album was quite good.

Enough enjoyable songs outweigh the less interesting. I'd be happy to listen to it again 3*

Depeche Mode innit

I liked this more than I thought I would. As an album, I would happily listen again. No massive standout tracks at the moment but enjoyable.

Boring.

I liked track 2, The Things You Said, but otherwise not really for me. Far too long, felt a real slog

A bit Samey but not bad

Enjoyed this. Quite like a bit of Depeche Mode. A shame none of their big hits were on this but was still a good listen.

It was alright 5/10

It helps with hindsight hearing their evolution. I got as far as track 7 before moving on.