Music for the Masses

This is the first album I got that was from my generation. DM was part of the soundtrack for high school and college. I have a lot of sentimental love for the album. It just resonates with the years I was coming of age. It's hard not to like.

Nice 80's sounding synth pop. All good, but nothing felt too new

eighties without the nostalgia, feels timeless and lots of genres alltogether

Fair amount of vocals for an electronic group

Dark depressing electronic

Synthy goodness

Have this album. Some good tracks. Somewhere between early synth and guitar based Depeche Mode.

Classic synthpop done brilliantly.

Its a good album and depeche mode has kinda a own style. The deluxe was unnecessary for me tbh but its a good album for me

Great atmosphere, unique and powerful

4/5. A solid and weird electronic album. The sampling choices are definitely unique, mostly environmental and ambient sounds just sitting in the background yet they feel the loudest as well. The songs are good as well, which is a plus. I'm a fan of mixing two opposing vibes and creating a discomforting feeling. This is definitely not for everyone, so the title is misleading lol

I wanted to give this five stars but after repeat listens of “I Want You Now”, I have to bring it down. It sticks out for its weak production, especially compared to every other track. Still a great album.

I never liked this band much in high school. I've grown to appreciate them. Their music brings back good memories.

I've always had a soft spot for British New Wave Synth-Pop. Dark and moody, with several tunes that end up living rent free in your head for the next few days. Great album, very enjoyable.

3.5

Depeche Mode's cheekily named "Music for the Masses" is nothing of the sort... It's for the freaks, the goths, the alt kids, the nerds, the weirdos etc. And I freaking love that.

4.0

Pretty good stuff. I knew I would kinda like it, but it was even better than I expected.

Pretty fun album, although with definitely a few misses, and some of the sounds don’t age quite as well. I actually expected to like this more as a fan of a ton of music that is derivative of these guys, but it’s still solid.

Damn good! Standouts: Strangelove, Never Let Me Down Again, Little 15, Behind the Wheel. 4/5

Great

It´s nice, but liked it less than expected. Slow and monotone. This album needs investment and you gotta be in the mood for it. Listened to it 3 times and it get´s better, so gained a star.

A strong record - moody and dramatic and despite the heavy 80s sound it doesn’t get in the way , actually the synth work is quite classy. Not many of the big hits here beside Never Let Me Down but there is no filler here. Also this record can definitely classify as a grower with every listen.

Why is a lackluster rendition of the Moonlight Sonata adagio on here? Who knows! I applaud the bizarre choice. Also, spectacular 80s synth cheese from start to nearly finish.

I wasn’t expecting to enjoy 80s synth music, but it’s unexpectedly catchy.

Loved it

Love the eerie dark vibes and the strong beats. Very 80s in a good way. I don’t know much about Depeche Mode but really enjoyed discovering this band. This album has hints of Kraftwerk and Joy Division. Highlights: the first tracks up to Strangelove. The haunting piano and vocals of Pimpf (sounds like a theme for a video game).

You either like it or you don’t. With Depeche Mode there’s no in-between

If they had halved the number of songs, this could have earned 5 stars. But as it is, I got a bit bored at times.

Never really listen to tecno but this seems like very soft tecno and pretty decent. Not a big fan of very long intros tho

Not my favorite by Depeche Mode, but it's still good. A few songs are more cringe now than they were upon my very first listen to them and some remain the classics that they immediately were. This is a band whose singles I could listen to a lot, but their albums have always been a hard listen for me. I often lose interest somewhere along the way and this one is no exception to that.

Strangelove pezzuneeeeeeeee qui. Bello bello

Adventurous synth-pop that takes enough left turns to not just stand outside the traditional formula but also as a signpost moment in popular music. A high four.

Almost think I preferred this album to Violator. Excellent vocals and great sound overall.

This album has am amazing vibe, dark and chill. Nothing really stands out but it brings something.

Depeche Mode really knows how to inject darkness into synth pop in such a tasty way, but this doesn't quite hit the highs that Violator did for me.

i adore this music for the masses

Listened Before? Y This one I also remember from back in the day. DM are so consistent and good at what they do its amazing. Everyone wants to be like DM. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Never Let Me Down Again

Good!

A brooding synth driven extravaganza. An important influence on Chvrches, so I’m not surprised that I dig this a lot.

Love these moody bastards, the music is so dramatic while remaining fun. Ending the album with Moonlight Sonata also feels over the top but it fits.

heh kasikytlukua... rummun pamputus kaiku kaakossa.. sen takia ei liikaa voi tälle antaa mutta saatanan hyviä pop biisejä(for thr masses heh) ja vähän ulkopuolisempiakin biisejä...loppuun sonata heh artistic...not pretentius..pompus.. pimpf

Erg mooi!

Stom, ik weet dat het goed is maar ik luister dit veel te weinig. Want na het beluisteren vond ik dit toch wel echt heel goed.

100% Depech Mode Ich mag ihre einzigartige Musik, höre sie auch gelegentlich ganz gerne, aber es ist kein Album das ich mir nochmal unbedingt anhören würde.

Solid af, as expected. Not as many standout songs as Violator probably, but I see this one growing on me.

Depeche Mode are not a band that I've ever gotten into, but I have a great respect for them. The 80s brought along a lot of synth, but Depeche made them classy rather than corny. The album is beautiful and mature and interesting, textured but minimalistic. I spent many years thinking I didn't respond to this type of music, but this album is pretty damn good. I owe it some additional listens.

Aged better than I expected, I like the darker DM stuff

Hadn't listened to this album before, I enjoy it much more than I was expecting to!

Tiene a moonligt sonada, 10 de 10. Las demás canciones tan malas, bueno, no es mi estilo de música.

For an 80s new wave, this is one of my favorite

Cool

Dark energetic and hopeful

Very 80s, quite electronic and dark. Drags on a bit at times but was still pretty cool. The "Aggro Mix" of Never Let Me Down Again was cool, with that badass synth that definitely had some influence on modern Synthwave. But that also gets kind of boring after a while, so the normal version wins out. I dunno, it was good, just nothing stood out hugely to me. Favourite: Never Let Me Down Again

listening in the ping pong room in WSH while I work on my post managment night analysis

Didn't mind this at all. 80s sounds done with integrity. Cool new wave energy with awesome synths. You can tell they were pushing the experimentation, but the production is super clean. Alot more atmospheric than I was anticipating as well.

I LOVE Depeche Mode but this isn't my favorite. Some songs didn't age well for me, like Little 15. All in all it is solid.

very good but not my style

really enjoyed it a lot, definite 4.5, could be 5 with more listens.

It's a particular taste which is not an everyday go to for me but I think this is near pinnacle for this kind of moody synth-sample new wave of its era. Pleasing despite the somewhat pretentious lyrics and vocal style.

This album was way ahead of its time, although being electronic and thus sounding futuristic if I wasn’t given the year it was made I wouldn’t be able to tell what decade this was from. Each song was so different instrumentally and sonically it just grabbed me on every track. My only fault with this album is the (official) closing track ‘Pimpf’ which I find pretty boring and repetitive, I think this was a great opportunity to finish the album with something a bit more grand

So self serious. But ahead of its time.

Can't believe I've been missing out on Depeche Mode all these years.

Decent album. I'm still not taken in too far with Depeche Mode, but I think I liked this more than Violator? 3.5/5

Long live Martin Gore. One of the best voices on earth. A-. The main reason I’m leaving the minus is because this is really a trial run for Violator.

Not their best album. But close. And when you're talking DM that's hardly a put down. Lays the path of their journey from s&m flirting synthpop to the arena rock and massive success to come.

Sometimes life is full of big, overwhelming feelings. Depeche Mode works with those big emotions — love and guilt and heartbreak and anxiety — and turn them into dramatic goth club dance floor jams and dreamy, haunted synth pop. They have a distinct style and their songs are affecting. I don’t see myself listening to this a lot but I dig the vibe.

Solid jams. Bobbed my head the whole time.

I liked this

Jeps, det er Depeche Mode :^)

Niche but beloved on their home shores, Depeche Mode have always been uncompromising and distinctive. This album title was meant to be a joke because they never had any intention to change their synthpop broody style to please anyone. And yet ironically this dark and moody album, which deals with far from ‘vanilla’ subjects brought them international renown. In its original 10 track form, it is a welcome cocoon - throbbing, hypnotic and unwilling to release you. A Stockholm syndrome inducing album if you like. The extra tracks on the rereleases seem to fill up space and add nothing to it for me. But as an OG, I am a willing slave to this mesmerising, pulsating cave of dark delights.

I love this album. In spite of the instrumentals that were thrown in to fill time(?). And, while I like Moonlight Sonata (and played it for my first piano recital), I’m not sure why it’s on here. Is it Music for the Masses as in all of the people or is it Music for the Masses as in church? Some of the music on this album seems like it could play played in a church that turns into a nightclub after services are over.

Oye, este disco me gustó mucho. Usualmente escucho DM y me concentro en los grandes éxitos, de los cuales hay algunos aquí, y en el Ultra, que es más mi contemporáneo. Sin embargo, gracias a este proyecto y la voluntad de ir buceando por diferentes épocas, he podido ir descubriendo facetas desconocidas de artistas conocidos. Es así como Music for the Masses es uno de los buenos discos que he escuchado acá. Si bien no es el DM que más me acomoda, es un buen DM.

Depeche Mode definitely belongs on the list. Two albums made it, Violator and this one. This album is good, but I would have included an older album instead. This is a transitional album from the mechanical 80s mode to the more organic 90s mode. It makes more sense to include one of each or the transition. Favorite song: Behind the wheel

I used to feel pretty positive on new wave, in theory; by now, though, the generator's served me up so much mediocrity from this era and made abundantly clear how many of these acts were one-hit wonders. This one was kind of a breath of fresh air, like with Depeche Mode I actually *get* what makes them appeal beyond "Enjoy the Silence"

Really enjoyed this, can tell they were navigating from pop to more experimental territory and it show. Feels like it points in the direction electronic music was set to travel.

Something about this just worked for me. It was the blend of synth, new wave, experimental music, but also very catchy. I loved the experimental vocal stuff. Yeah I overall was super impressed, it filled in the gaps for me! 4/5

Un album ambitieux sans être tapée à l’œil. J’y ai trouvé une certaine maturité et j’ai beaucoup aimé mon écoute

There were some good tracks on here. Would give the album and the band another listen

Ну блё кайф Конечно же Лил 15 дурацкая пестня И вообще иногда мелодии отказывали Еще прикольно что мартин вступил в свою фазу гомоэротических фантазий в текстах, напичкал их междометиями «герл» и чтобы окончательно замести следы, вдохновил всю банду переодеться в бдсм, чтобы тексты типа «дарлинг выеби меня я вся ваша» хоть как-то встраивались в гетеро-контекст

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kinda cool

The album where it all became a bit more experimental, after Black Celebration already made it a bit darker. Not as amazing as the follow-up Violator, but with songs like Behind The Wheel, this is an amazing album and one I like to listen to every now and then.

SATAN vilken start på albumet! "Never Let Me Down Again" får mig att vilja ha varit född 30 år tidigare så jag hade fått uppleva synt-eran i sin sanna form som ung vuxen. Denna känsla av att vara född för sent är inget som försvinner vid låtens slut heller, utan inser att ljudbilden som presenteras rakt igenom hela skivan är något som jag verkligen tilltalas av. Redan vid den tredje låten kommer det en låt som jag känner till, detta trots att jag befinner mig på otroligt grunda vatten när det kommer till kunskaper om Depeche, i formen av låten "Strangelove" . Rätt fin är den! Hela soundet är ju genomgående ganska mörkt, mystiskt och dystert vilket, baserat på min smala kunskap om genren, känns som det alltid är fallet. Vemodet är enligt mig som störst i låten "Little 15" och det skriver jag utan att ha lyssnat på texten, det var helt enkelt bara en känsla som kom med takten och de olika ljuden i den. Helhetsintrycket av albumet är mycket bra, jag känner mig förvånansvärt nöjd. Det kanske gömmer sig en liten syntare i mig? Jag vill minnas att pappa har berättat någon gång att han under 80-talet gick igång rätt hårt på mycket av det som de stora syntgrupperna spottade ur sig. Så även denna gång, som så många andra gånger, talar mina gener sitt tydliga språk. Bäst: "Never Let Me Down Again"

Ah Depeche Mode.... quintessential synth-pop of the 80's. Stoked to see this one come up today and discovered a few deeper cuts I didn't know before 4/5

Pretty good. What the 80s should sound like

not violator

Like it a lot

Good album. Not one of their best but still a decent listen

Probably in the band's top 3 albums. One of those "turning point" records that changed the band's direction, so I see why this one was included in the book. Not as good as Violator, but maybe as good as Speak & Spell?

no lo terminé de escuchar pero no me quiero arrepentir de darle algo más bajo cuando lo termine

More quality stuff from Depeche Mode. Quite a bit more varied and different from Violator which I loved, but still pretty cool! Looking forward to coming back to it. 7/10

Liked this more than I expected too. One of the songs ends with 15 seconds of ASMR breathing which made me deeply uncomfortable.

I know I've heard this album before, but I don't remember having a strong reaction to it. I gotta say, this is pretty great. It scratches a certain late 80s itch for me. It's music from the era that I haven't already worn out. These aren't all winners, necessarily, but this is strong enough to punch through from the background several times. Also love that album art.

First time I've really enjoyed listening to Depeche Mode. They're grown on me.

I'm only familiar with Depeche Mode's "radio hits" but this is awesome! Reminds me of a lot of music that is doubling back to 80s sounds right now. Really, really good!

The album that finally broke Depeche Mode in the US. Hints of the gorgeous darkness that would define Violator and beyond.

Pleasantly surprised by this one! Really enjoyed it. Stays in the library

I guess I never realized that Depeche Mode was so gothy. Sure, it's still blippy-bloopy 80s synthpop. But it had a legit dark edge to it that I didn't hate. Overall, a much better experience than I expected. I guess I was in the mood for some doomcookies.

4.5. Excellent album! Great vocals and futuristic sounding music. Standouts: Never Let Me Down Again, The Things You Said, Strangelove, Behind the Wheel, I Want You Now, To Have and to Hold, Agent Orange.

Surprisingly good. My sister always loved this band whilst I have consistently ignored them! Will listen more.

👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

Love me some dark synth

Big time Holiday Club vibes Love that they just tossed Moonlight Sonata on there Route 66 is a banger of a cover Throbbing Gristle walked so these guys could jog moderately faster Sounds like someone tried to conduct the machines in a factory

I need to listen to more DM. I thought Violator was their greatest (I think I gave it a 4) but this is as good. The tracks merge into each other and it feels good. There is a sense of Joy Division type dread and the synth tones echo in your bones. Dark moody and damn good. Another 4.

Dit was nog wel fijn ... Niet extreem wereldschokkend of vernieuwend maar mss wel om ooit eens op ieiw te luisteren

I liked this one. Less experimental than Violator

solid album!

Fun darksynth album with lots of banger tracks

A longtime favorite and an all around great album. This is quite close to 5 stars, but is diminished a bit in comparison to the albums that bookend it: Black Celebration and Violator, either of which would get the full 5.

I like this dark 80s synth-pop. Black Celebration felt like a slight departure and this develops the sound. Violator fully embraced the goth-synth Depeche Mode that took them through 90s stardom. Just the correct side of “industrial” noise.

YuppaaA. 8/10

Moody, dark, yet somehow still very catchy and weirdly sexy (just me?). I don't think this is their apex, I think they hit that with "Violator", but this is still just a solid record. Love the use of sampling throughout, as well as the atmosphere. Favorite tracks: "Never Let Me Down Again", "To Have and To Hold", "Behind the Wheel"

This was never my fave DM album b BUT it’s got some real gems on it.

EXCELENTR

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 enjoyed this a lot more than I remembered doing.

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

80s pop, fairly good but some songs not

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.

'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

Really good album - worth listening to more often.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

sicko mode

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

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.

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!

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).

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.

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. ****

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

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 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.

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.

Stirring.

Surprisingly cool

80s synthy electronic. playfully catchy with a darker center

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.

80,s synth pop mooi melodieus

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.

7/10

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

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 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.

Interesting album, more in depth that I thought.

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

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

It's a really solid album

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

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

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

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

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.

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!).

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

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

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

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.

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!

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 my favourite Depeche Mode album but still excellent. Strangelove is too good

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.

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

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

Nice

¡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.

- 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.

Clàssic, gutazo

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.

Depeche Mode innit

Great

Always love Depeche Mode

That voice, that mood

Que nostalgia, algunos temas épicos pero otros nada, en todo caso agradable de escuchar

Some tracks stronger than others (not a fan of the instrumentals) but overall a really enjoyable listen

I had both the CD and the cassette. Definitely listened to this every week. Now?

3.7* some good songs but not my style. very 80s sounding but i guess that makes sense for an album that came out in 1987

its depeche mode

Nice

Great music

Hah hah, yes! Moody, gothy synthy not-pop. Enjoyed this a lot. Fave track - "Behind the Wheel", maybe? "Never Let Me Down Again" was great, and I enjoyed the weirdness of "Pimpf", too...

Stylistically/conceptually/artistically wonderful. Not easy listening.

Este disco es menos sombrío que el otro que ha aparecido en esta lista (Violator) y es más fácil de consumir. Este fue el primero que oí completo y creo que sin haber pasado por aquí el otro me hubiera costado más trabajo. Strangelove y I Want You Now son mis favoritas. Ninguna canción suena a relleno aunque tampoco me voló la cabeza. Sólido 4.

Great

Incredible

It’s great but a bit sad.

Always good

Depeche Mode when they started to get REALLY big. Personally I prefer Violator, but this is a solid listen. Dark synth-pop that filled stadiums all around the world. I could come back to this one. Favorite song: Sacred Least favorite song: Behind The Wheel

7,6

Wasn't looking forward to it, but was surprisingly good. Lots of catchy stuff.

Classic. solid listening if you are in the mood.

Tja, äh - ich finde das gut, worüber ich ein ganz klein wenig überrascht bin! DM gehörten in den 80ern und 90ern nicht unbedingt zu meinen Favoriten, obwohl ich Personal Jesus und Enjoy the Silence von der Violator auch immer schon ganz groß fand. Vorher nie ein Album von denen durchgehört.

Man, Depeche Mode. IMO, one of the most under-appreciated bands of the millennial/x generation. It has all of the sound that you'd expect us 'youngins' to like. It's my goal to listen to more of them. I love this album. Great to work to.

Their sound is very... sexual, for lack of a better term.

Deler er sgu god elektro-pop. Fede hits og lækre rytmer. Har dog et par meget lange rene instrumentelle numre som er lidt ligegyldige. Men starter rigtigt godt

I need to give this a second listen. I really liked a lot of it, feels very ahead of its time imo, but definitely some filler songs that I think could have been cut to keep the runtime down. Like, you don’t need the instrumentals or the moonlight sonata on there. Very harrowing, unique vocals, great synths, very atmospheric.

What does Depeche Mode mean? Cool album tho, one of those bands where I should listen to more but I never do

Pretty good. Interesting atmosphere on a lot of the songs, and I really like the use of synths/ electronics.

Very same-y. I like depeche mode but this album leaves a lot to be desired.

I first and last listened to this album on a borrowed cassette. I wonder if I wore out the tape with fast forwarding before I returned it. The popular songs are still fun, but some of other material falls short. Not that it's bad. Depeche Mode are very good at creating and developing moods with interesting and unexpected sounds. That's probably their greatest achievement--taking music that might at first sound mechanical and robotic and investing it with a strong sense of humanity, grounding it in human emotions and behavior. Overall the album is very dark but there's a lot of variety in the feel of the songs. Some of the songs that are not as immediately engaging definitely get more interesting as they go along, with changes and new layers added. But some of them just seem to noodle around and go on too long (maybe not long enough if you're dancing but too long if you're just listening). "The Things You Said" is on the slower side but has a really engaging vocal. By contrast "I Want You Now" is just boring and feels never-ending even though it has a relatively short run time. Some of the songs that are dirgey and/or contemplative and/or experimental just don't have enough payoff musically. I mean, I'm glad they got to mess around and create "Pimpf" but I don't know how anyone can listen to it without laughing. It can't be taken seriously and it's just not fun. Essential listen: I guess I think "Depeche Mode" is an essential listen and this is probably the best place to go for that listen, but I would personally go for a greatest hits compilation or playlist. Desert island disc: no

Depeche mode innit

(no lo terminé)

Tiener nostalgie

Ok

Really good DM album, nice mix of light and dark maybe doesn't have those 'stand out' tracks that some others have

Leider nicht so stark 3/5

Never have been my favorite but not horrible

Definitely a Depeche Mode album

So far I've liked this the best of the Depeche Mode albums I've listened to. Still synth-y, but seemingly less so? Or maybe just not as hard-80s synthy as others. I don't know, but I dug it

Not a bad I like but this was alrigth.

Classic synth pop album. Mood is much darker than their older stuff.

Sounds good but is so depressing. Needed something a little bit more upbeat today.

Weird take on this, but it feels like this was meant to be a really good album but they sort of forgot to put any singles on it, and just left the filler. It's really moody, which I like, and quite gentle really, which I also like, but there was no big 'Depeche Mode' song on it. Strangelove (which I know was actually a single to be fair) is maybe the one song that is really memorable. The production is cool throughout though, and it's a nice listen. It just needs...more.

Un álbum insigne de lo transgresor de Depeche Mode. No es una genialidad bárbara, pero sí cimenta la locura en la que se convertiría la banda. Posee unos clásicos que dan ganas de escuchar en repetición todo el día.

Underwhelming

For me, Depeche Mode has always been what I refer to as a singles band. They have a greatest hits record worth of really good songs but listening to one of their albums is a bit of a slog. They have some really good single songs though and Never Let Me Down is one of them. 3.5

Really would like to give this a 3 1/2. Just didn't more me enough for a 4.

75

Probably the best example of "good" 80's pop with a dash of serious statement. I am not sure what they are passionate about, but they have a sophisticated feel that gives them the air of legitimacy. Plus, more than a few of the songs actually draw you in a bit.

Not my usual genre choice so didn’t love it

Sounds Surprisingly modern for an album that's almost 40 years old. Bo Burnham has definitely taken some influence from them.

2,7/5

In a see of forgettable new wave bands depeche mode sticks out with the cure and some of the few I actually like. Good voice. Exciting songs. Better the lots of other contemporaries.

Gran inicio, luego se viene un poco para abajo. Sus sintetizadores definen

I really like Depeche Mode's weird, offbeat energy, but the quality really sagged in the back half of the album.

Some genuinely weird noises here, sounds like Kings Field music. Also atrocious lyrics. Nevertheless it jogs along nicely. Music isn’t that hard is it

6.5/10

Synth pop from my teen years. Some great tunes here and some pretty average. Favourites include; Never Let Me Down, Strangelove, Nothing and Behind the Wheel. Hell even Pimpf Interlude #1 is a great...erm interlude. And this isn't their best album IMHO. Can't really go wrong with Depeche Mode.

Music seems simple but the beats keep me listening. Actually had a flashback of that time when this was popular. Last song Pimpf sounded like we were headed to battle, seemed a bit of of place.

Another really good album, but not quite as good production or individual songs as Violator. 7/10

Blir for monotont for meg.

Synthesized 80s. Lots of the songs sound the same.

I knew the first song. The album is ok, wouldn't change the radio if anyone of these songs came on. My recall of these guys is Personal Jesus, so... I'm probably good not listening to this album again.

Pretty alright, I feel like I should have liked it more than I did

According to my dad, this is a classic, but to me it’s just a cool album with a funky vibe. Still like it, though three stars.

Okay

Meh. Nothing extraordinary.

Decent, but not as memorable as Violator. 3.5/5

6.5/10

This album was alright. I am not a huge fan of Depeche Mode. Their music kind of just makes me feel lonely and trapped in a way. They do have an iconic 80s sound. You can easily tell one of their songs when it's playing. I do really like the synths a lot though. Pretty neat stuff.

Jokingly I have always called them “depressed mode”

Feels a little bit monotonous, but I liked the instrumentals.

I feel like there is better Depeche Mode… but album is not slouch. Didn’t have the big bangers. But a solid 3 (which is alot for an 80s album).

Somehow, I just can't seem to warm up to Depeche Mode, even though a few individual songs on this album are actually really good."

A bit slow and orchestral for my taste, as I tend to prefer the more upbeat Depeche Mode songs. However, there is some really cool synth work and interesting arrangements that I wasn't expecting. Hoping there is some more Depeche Mode on this list! Favorite tracks: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove

7.5

1 ***** Well, we're in the 80s. I'm an absolute sucker for synth (black metal fan). Ethereal/sinister vibes. Yes! The choral keyboard sound! This is a keeper. 2.** Mellow vibes. Kinda spacey. 3. ** Chill... 4. *** Bass high in the mix, intro is atmospheric. 5. *** Sinister twinkles 6. *** Energy shift, pan pipes. 7. Sex noises. Nah. Skip. 8. *** Feels like a comedown. 9. **** Slow to get going, builds nicely. Synth organ? Let's go! 10. ***** Sinister piano. Final fantasy boss music. I really, really like the dark aesthetic the gothic cathedral gloominess of it all. I definitely listen to bands inspired by this sound. I will likely return to this album again. 3/5.

I liked this one overall. Strangelove was very good and nearly every song had an interesting component within it. It is a very moody album, but not one that actively bums you out. Depending on my mood, I could go up to a 4 or maybe even a 5. In general I found it is very listenable and inoffensive.

I liked this album but not as much as Violator.

fave song: Sacred really did not like the breathing in I Want You Now... went on forever and now i'm scared

6.5/10

A fun listen. Favorite track: Little 15.

Appreciate it but probably wouldn't listen it again. Solid 3 star.

Well this sure is dark, moody, brooding. Take your pick. Been pretty dismissive of DM over the years, but this is a good record. Got to be in the mood though as the mood does get a little bit much on this sunny Saturday morning. Very atmospheric, great vocals,but the driving electronica beat doesn’t mean it wallows in its own moodiness. Glad actually got to hear one of their albums start to finish as it helped appreciate. 3.5 star,

Well made, but really drags in places. 2.5/5.0: Mixed

Apart from Never let me down again and strangelove the rest seems like experimental for them

I've never heard Depeche Mode, but I was aware it was electronic music. Some of it sounds like typical '80s synth-y music, but then it gets turned on its head with chanting and very dark undertones. It was almost creepy at times. I don't quite know what to think of it. May require more listens.

Dark and melancholic. This give me a gloomy feeling. I'd never listen to this as whole, I can enjoy this more now, but nothing is better than Violator. Ps: I found myself liking more of individual songs than the whole thing.

its every Depeche Mode album we've had. Its fine. Synth and depressing.

Sounds exactly like all the British gothy synth pop we’ve gotten on this list

Me he guardado Never let me down, Strangelove y Behind the wheel, y me ha parecido bastante interesante, mejor que otros discos más famosos de ellos.

++: Strangelove, I Want You Now, To Have and to Hold, Nothing, Pimpf/Interlude #1 (Mission Impossible) +: Never Let Me Down Again +-: The Things You Said, Sacred, Little 15, Behind the Wheel 6,7/10

Pretty Meh about this one, it was listenable, New Wave just isn’t my thing, only highlight was Strangelove, as I recognised the opening from The Fast & The Furious

First half of album solid 80s vibe Terrible second half of album - not a cohesive album.

nice birthday a bit samey

I thought I would like this but it kinda drags on

Listening session: june 14th, while getting ready in the morning Listened to before: no Thoughts: if I’m in the right mood then Depeche Mode is nice, but this album didn’t stand out to me Favourite tracks: Never Let Me Down Again, Behind The Wheel & Nothing

I've never been terribly entranced by the stereotypical 1980s synthwave bleep-bloop aesthetic that suffocated pop culture when I was in middle / high school (Stranger Things, Ready Player One, The Goldbergs, any F.Y.E. / Hot Topic store,) so imagine my surprise when I put on this album and got absolutely hypnotized. It's oversexed but not silly (except for maybe all the breathing,) gothic but not overly drab, broad in scope and sound. It goes for a lot and it reaches most of the stars it lunges for. I don't know about the last leg though, maybe they lunged a bit too hard and pulled something.

Music for the masses from Depeche mode. First time heard about this band, and it was my first impression, gotta say the album has a misterious ambient that makes it really interesting. But for me, thr album is very boring. I wouldn't say i didin't like it, but it wasn't much of my taste. 5/10

i know everything is a product of the time, but this feels like it was written by a pedophile. too many mentions of little girls. other than that, this could be the labyrinth soundtrack b side. very cinematic, dark fantasy throughout. not my favorite depeche mode stuff, but not bad.

Bin leider nie ein großer Depeche Mode fan gewesen und dies Album macht mich auch nicht zu einem