Reviews (page 7 of 14)
Very, very 80s, and that is not a positive from me. It's fine to have on, but nothing is particularly appealing to me. Please, Little Treasure is okay.
Some cool sounds and synths but the songwriting is pretty drab and uninspired. Minimalist in a way that leaves a lot to be desired. Melodramatic in a way that does not land at all. Weird in a way that’s cringy. “Nothing” was great but otherwise not a fan
Pants. Just don’t get it.
Depressed Load just as depressing as ever.
It was okay. First few songs were good but then felt repetitive
Nostalgic - not necessarily in a good way. Didn't like them much back then, still don't. The song making is good and all...the style just grates me
rock rapido y divertido ni tan mal
Started out pretty good, then became so bland and repetitive
Sad boy rock. It's good. Better Depeche Mode songs and albums.
Diverse, hard to rate tbh
This one felt like 80s Mecha anime to me. I could definitely hear the influence that this album probably has. Sounds similar to some Muse songs? My favorite track was Strangelove, which sounded different from the rest of the album. I liked it overall but I don't think it would be something I would seek out to listen to.
This was a 3 at first; although in the first half you can clearly hear the influence Depeche Mode has had (especially on Lady Gaga with "Strangelove," but also Muse, the Killers, about a dozen other indie rock bands, the entirety of Techno...), I have to say 80s synth is not my scene. Things got way more interesting in the second half, though, with "Stjarna" and DM's take on "Route 66" being particular favorites of mine. "Pimpf" was also a unique standout, reminiscent of dramatic music soundtrack, although I don't know how I feel about it being heavily inspired by Wagner. Beethoven, of course, gets a 5 for his composition. In the end, 4 stars overall.
I like some Depeche Mode, but this is a big miss for me. If you take all the interesting stuff out of Kraftwerk, you end up with this album. I get they're trying for a concept album, but when your concept is bland and doesn't matter.... Give me a Pink Floyd any day. 2 stars since it's still music.
Pretty much what I expected from Depeche Mode. Decent 80's alternative album but definitely nothing to write home about and in my opinion both the songs and the album itself are a little longer than they need to be. I didn't get through the whole album, I got to Pimpf and decided I'd had enough.
Awesome
Did not listed to fully - weird tho
So 80s. I like that it got really weird in the last tracks
I think Depeche Mode are growing on me… or possibly staying the same. I always found them difficult to work out. When I first heard of them they were filling stadiums like U2. They were rock n roll drug-addled mega stars but also seemed like… dweebs. Especially if you see their early appearances on Top of the Pops where they look like four Rick Astleys. I didn’t even know Vince Clarke was a member early on until reading Wikipedia just now! Which is funny because singer, Dave Gahan, sounds a bit like Alison Moyet… and Risk Astley. Anyway, when I first put this album on, it reminded me of the cool music of a few years ago… vapour wave… which makes sense given the eighties aesthetic of that stuff. I don’t know as the album goes on, it does feel a bit melodramatic and… dweeby. But after listening to the Violator album recently maybe I am getting used to the sound. It reminds me a bit of Nine Inch Nails too which sits in a similar place but is more metally, where nerds can more easily become rock gods. I might come back to the depecheys in future.
Quite enjoyed this….
Meh. I like Depeche Mode in general. But I don't think I'd ever really want to sit and listen to them with intention. I've always really liked the vocals on all the Depeche Mode records, this one is no exception. I don't really have anything else to say about this one. It's an album that exists. 3/5
So many great songs in one album. Sounds and overall production is top notch. I really love the murky atmosphere of the songs, both musically and lyrically. Most of the songs are about human relationships, but with interesting twists. One of my favorite synthpop albums and definitely a 5 star album for me.
Started out ok...got kind of annoying by the end
Great
Synth electronica is an acquired taste but once you get it it’s golden, Depeche Mode always a fun listen
Depeche Mode basically took the spacy sound profile that dominated a lot of the 80s, marinated it in a Winter Soldier-style steroid chamber, took it out and dressed it up nice with a sort of electronic-techno-futurist base of rhythm and keys, and sent it to war. Pretty awesome and definitely creative and influential. If this is “music for the masses,” then hey man consider me the masses
Haunting sounds of the 80s. Would give 3.5/5 if I could. Really fun but one of those that you don’t neeeeed to go back to
Im only 1 song in and it’s got me wondering why I don’t listen to these guys more. This is Depeche Mode. Slick grooves that want to get you moving. A darkness surrounding you until the album is done. It’s what you expect from them in their prime. They were a hard band to out do. This rivals Violator and that album is in my top 10 of all time list. So there. Little 15 is weak. Behind the Wheel sounds like I Think We’re Alone Now at first. Who did that first?? Hmmmmm Anywho, good album. Choice cut: Strangelove
yesssssss
Not their best work.
Little known fact; that guy from Depeche Mode? Totally straight. "But that's impossible!" you'll say. "He's IN Depeche Mode!". Yeah well I saw a whole thing about him on the VH1. Anyways, don't think I've listened to this particular album before. I like it.
Decent, for 80's music. 3/5
Yo I think this album's haunted, these songs are spooky as hell. Ending with Castlevania boss music was a hell of a good choice tho.
The Synths are interesting but in general I felt this album was not for me.
Are all of these songs about banging? They’re all about banging. Golden age DM.
Rv/g
Pretty good but unfortunately an ex ruined Depeche Mode so it will never be high in my book
I don’t think it’s really bad, I just don’t like it
Kinda dated and basic
a very cool atmospheric album! could be a four if i keep coming back to it 3.5/5
A little bit slow for me. But the synths were nice tho
OK I heard Depeche Mode.
Depeche Mode is one of those really, really rare electronic acts whose older songs don't sound outdated or cheesy, even decades after the fact. I know Violator gets a lot of (deserved) love, but this is also a hell of a record.
This is definitely a Depeche Mode album from the mid-80s. Like/remember opening track Never Let Me Down Again. Seems like a transitional album between their early electro-pop stuff and the next album Violator, which made them international sensations.
Again, not my go to, but it was a fun listen. I did think they got a little lazy with their vocals into the back half of the album.
Listenable, just nothing standout
not my favorite, but because its pop for everyone of course its catchy
Some good beats. Enjoyable.
The first three songs on this album, were really great! However, I feel like the rest of the songs on the album, struggled to stand out. Everything melted together for me. I will likely not return back to this album, although I do feel they did well fitting into the synth pop scene.
This Is Religion, There Is No Doubt 1001 Albums Generator 57 (06/20/2025) Music For The Masses lies in the middle of the most critically acclaimed trilogy of albums in Depeche Mode's discography. The cover is a bright spot, bookended by the darkness in the covers of Black Celebration and the highly regarded Violator, but the sound of Music For The Masses is certainly not as bright and airy as its cover would suggest. While this is a synthpop album, there is a darkness present here, especially in the second half. I have been very late to the Depeche Mode party to be honest. Violator has been on my radar as long as I can remember but I haven't ever listened to it, so I was excited to jump into Music For The Masses. The album, like many albums on this list, opens with one of its strongest songs. Never Let Me Down Again is one of the poppiest songs here, and it works great. However, even underneath this poppy exterior lies a darkness; some sort of brooding energy lurks below and foreshadows the vibe that later songs on the album would have. Strangelove is another hit. I love the synth riff that happens in the intro and post-chorus. This is also a good time to mention the drum sound on this album. It's absolutely huge and manages to walk the uncanny valley between sounding natural but still having an electronic timbre. The first half of the album continues on a strong note from here with Sacred, which opens on a theatrical, haunting choral part before falling into its groove. Although the chorus is simple, it is one of the most affecting melodies on the album. As you can probably tell, my favorite songs on this album are largely the ones that lean more into synthpop and less into darkwave/gothic elements. The penultimate song, Nothing, is my favorite song on the whole album I think. It is so underrated; I can't believe this wasn't a massive hit. It has the gothic aura that the album exudes but it does that in such a unique and fun way. However, about half of the songs here do not have enough going on for me. The worst offender is Little 15, which just feels so silly to me. I just envision a little elf marching to the silly ah beat. The closer Pimpf is built on a good piano line, but I struggle to take its martial energy seriously and it goes on too long. As a minute and a half outro, I would think it was kind of cool, but 4 minutes is way to much. I Want You Now and To Have And To Hold don't have much distinguishing themselves from one another either, so that whole part of the tracklist drags for me a bit. Music For The Masses is a pretty good album. It features some of the best songs that I have discovered during this challenge thus far, but it also has a lot of songs that I do not care for. Definition of a 3/5 for me. Favs: Never Let Me Down Again Sacred Nothing Least Fav: Little 15
Perfect little vibe for 4am. 4 stars
Doesn't have the atmosphere of Some Great Reward or the songs of Violator, and so it doesn't do much for me. It's fine, but not much more than that.
Good Depeche Mode Album. Don't have much more to say about it
Good album, not their best
Interesting; did not live - did nit hate it
A lot of stuff on here
I’ve never heard a Depeche Mode song I didn’t like and this album is no different.
I assumed I knew Depeche Mode’s music but I didn’t recognise a single track on this album. I associated them with New Romantic but tbh they sounded more like Kraftwerk. Not a fan of electronica, but I liked the variety in the second half of the album. Good to listen
Solid, not my taste
3.3 2x
Bong
Brilliant band. Great album
Some solid gold classics but not as good as violator
Their Violator album didn't really click for me at all and I didn't care for it, but this album did and made me a fan. This is the 80s I want. It may be the tropes that pisses some people off, but I'm here for the gated reverbs on snares, the rolling synth basslines and melancholic atmospheres.
Dark, theatrical synth-pop that is also very hooky. Never Let Me Down Again and Sacred were my two favourites. Very close to being a 4.
I like depeche mode. It was good. Not groundbreaking or something I would remember for a long time.
I was prepared to give this a 2 but then amid a beat made from homoerotic grunting it suddenly dawned on me: This is actually not bad at all. Not a big fan of the 80's sound to be honest so that keeps it from getting a 4 from me.
2.7
Like I've said before, just not my genre. Still a very listenable album though. 3/5.
The album that really introduced me to DM
8/10 Favorite Track: “Strangelove” Despite the name, Music for the Masses is not built for everyone. It is cold, dramatic, and emotionally restrained in a way that either pulls you in or pushes you out. What Depeche Mode delivers here is sleek, moody synthpop designed for isolation rather than connection. Tracks like “Strangelove” showcase their ability to combine lust, guilt, and distance into something that still feels melodic and oddly catchy. The album rarely breaks its own spell. Every sound feels deliberate and controlled, from the cavernous drums to the layered synths that stretch into bleak horizons. There are moments that drag, but overall this is one of Depeche Mode’s sharpest statements. It captures the feeling of staring out a train window with nowhere to go but deeper into your own head. It is not comforting, but it is compelling.
Dark, brooding songs driven by synths and guitar. Very good.
Not a massive fan of depeche mode. It was ok. Was glad it was over though some catchy songs so 2 stars. Sorry DM fans
Actually really liked this, a very consistent dark moody sound. I remember two of the singles from the ‘80s and rather liked them then. Just misses out on five stars.
Rating: This is a great start because these songs feel very 80's. The production is fantastic and their voices are great. The layering of the production is great.
I fuck with dark broody 80s new wave
Couldn't digest the band then, can't do it now. 3/10
Love Depeche mode but like warm on this album
To be honest I wasn'T that familiar with DM outside of their hits so I was pleasantly surprised to see how dark and atmospheric this was. Not all the songs are great but the mood is (mostly) constant. Oh and there's that curveball in the end that I enjoyed a lot.
I never really got into DM, but it was enjoyable.
There's a lot of nice arrangements and artsy stuff going over there, but I can't say that these songs will stay in my mind forever. Enjoyable!
2
Decent 7/10
Bangers! Pimpf was a little weird though.
perfect slasher movie soundtrack
It was fine. Very quintessential nuwave synth. Not my favorite Depeche Mode album.
Is this album full of hits? Not necessarily, but the vibes are right. I always knew I’d like Depeche Mode, was happy to finally give them an honest listen.
Cool band and a good album overall
I love Depeche Mode! And this was a great album! Very chill vibes and good to vibe to!
3.6
2.5
2.5
7.5
Enjoyed this more than I thought I would, but I probably wouldn’t listen again. The music was fine to have on in the background but nothing particularly grabbed my attention. Fav song: Strangelove Least fav: Sacred
Not a big fan of this one honestly. I haven’t heard much of depeche mode but this isn’t making me very enthusiastic. Specific rating - 2.6 Fav song - never let me down again Least fav - the things you said
Was instantly apprehensive when I saw it was techno as I live in fear of more kraftwerk but instead I thought it was really enjoyable and interesting music. Some songs went a little too weird or a little too repetitive for me but overall shocked by how much I liked the album. Another one that I never would have listened to without the list but am very happy to have heard. Favourite: Nothing (or Sacred) Least: Pimpf
Oh dear, that was dramatic (and a little gay.) Music for the Masses is an album of 80’s dance music that improves and gets more listenable with each passing song from Nothing to the finish. Best few cuts are at the end. Or maybe they just wore me down. I think the title helped get this album on the 1001 List. (2.75*s)
Depeche Mode has always eluded my interest. They ain't bad and they have some big hits that are fine but I just don't get the diehard following. Music for the Masses is an easily digestible collection of emo-lectro pop. "Strangelove" is best song but a lot of the others are too slow and faith-based. Not sure why this album makes the list when their are others from the group that most certainly will. Not too impressed with this one...1.78 stars. P.S. Wish we could get a DePesci Mode album with Joe doing covers. "What, am I your own personal Jesus...here to amuse you?"
I'd consider myself a Depeche Mode fan. They bring a darker synth pop sound that mostly resonates for me. Even though I enjoyed the album I wouldn't consider it "for the masses". I feel like it has a pretty high point of entry and could easily see how someone would find this album skipppable or off-putting. I tend to lean more toward the album Violator as their best work so I'm a little surprised that Music for the Masses made the cut. I'll be pleased if Violator shows up but I'm not sure they deserve two albums on the list so I think this one could be axed without issue. While Music for the Masses is a good example of what Depeche Mode offers I'd consider it a pretty middle of the pack entry even if I am a fan of the band. 2.50
These guys do no wrong.
Cool 80s vibes. Vocals were sort of weird and some of it seems dated at this point.
Fun and interesting album. Little 15 was a stand out song for me. The music is a real vibe.
Pretty good, but it didn't feel particularly interesting?
Correct
es un album muy me presento soi miercoles adams. como oscuro pero mola, se q en otra epoca de mi vida me gustaria mas
Have never listened to any Depeche Mode beyond the singles before. A but dated, but I can see why they have endured so well. Very cool, dark textured production and strong vocals. Didn't blow my mind but really liked the last few tunes especially.
Very dour, would have to be in a very specific mood for this
je me sens depressed en écoutant ça. mais c’est appréciable
I like that the production quality of this album is so high. I also appreciate the influence Depeche Mode had on electronic and moodier music. Definitely worth a listen every once in a while. That said, I have to imagine that being in a relationship with Martin Gore (or anyone that identifies with this music for that matter) must be insufferable after the first argument. I suppose bad mental and relational health is a catalyst for creative song writing, but good God, maybe you need to get some professional help for all those repressed feelings man!
I don't understand how these bands made it into a top albums list maybe if you have nostalgia for the 80's but they just don't hold up.
This is ok, definitely has a couple really good songs and a bunch of forgettable filler. Not as good as Violator or their early stuff, but not bad
I still think these boys rock much harder live than on vinyl but I still enjoy the beautiful memories this brings back.
beetje moody maar wel een coole vibe
Ik vond deze echt de leukste tot nu toe
Amazing
Nothing
I can get why people like this. It's decent background music and very viby, but I'm not sure I love it.
This music is simple/simplistic; the lyrics are also simple/simplistic & often forced. The delivery is very consistent — disaffected, can’t be bothered; nihilistic. I’m glad there’s music for every crowd. But it’s not my kind of music. I’d prefer not to hear this album or almost any of the individual songs again. It’s a 1.
Another perfect Depeche Mode record.
A mood, to be sure. Kind of boring.
Kind of interesting and there's enough here to fit some very specific vibes but I don't see myself revisiting this.
Depeche Mode is one of those electronic bands that utilize the surprisingly uncommon method of not using the same synth kit on every song. So many of these bands, especially in the early days of electronic music, have 7 or 8 drum/organ/effect packs that they just use over an over. Depeche Mode has always managed to stay away from that while holding their own style, and this album is a great example. It helps that the two of them have a distinct set of voices that characterize all their music but each Depeche Mode album I've heard has such a wide range of, well, noises, that it never gets boring. There are a few not so great songs on here, "Little 15" drags on and I don't really understand what it's about. "I Want You Now" is a clever use of voice as instruments but it's very weird. In general the second half lags, but it doesn’t take away from the first.
I know these guys are "legends" but I wonder if Music for the Masses is a description as well as a title and in trying to be more accessible they created this otherwise forgettable album.
As a non-Depeche Mode fan, enjoyed Violater much more outside maybe a couple of songs.
Première écoute d'un album pop du top 1001 ! Je dirais que je proviens du milieu classique de la musique, alors ce style et cet époque m'échappe. J'ai aimé pimpf et never let me down pour la modernité du son. Sinon je trouvais que ca sonnais anglais des années 80 en général.
Je n'ai pas vécu en temps réel l'engouement pour les groupes de synth/dance/rock. Faut quand même leur accorder une douance pour la mélodie catchy. On ne penserait plus de faire des chansons comme Behind the Wheel mais ils l'ont fait dans les années 80 et c'est correct comme ça.
gros synths/pads, très efficace pour créer une atmosphère enveloppante. Mention spéciale à I want you now, qui doit être très difficile à interpréter au karaoke. Pimpf est une belle intrusion de musique minimaliste/répétitive dans la pop (cf tubular bells) Les paroles me semblent un peu whiny... des généralités sur les amours et les amitiés déçus, la trahison, mais sans réelle substance quant à moi, qui aime les narratifs bien ficelés. Je comprends l'attrait, c'est catchy, ça sonne, mais c'est quoi la différence avec The Cure déjà ?
J’allais donner 3 étoiles après la première écoute, mais finalement j’ai appris à plus l’apprécier. Never let me down again: wow, gros hit pour commencer. Suivi de The things you said, un beau contraste plus tranquille tout de suite après. Malheureusement les tounes moins bonnes sont assez décevantes. Parfois je trouve que le son Depeche Mode vieillit très mal, pas exemple sur Strangelove, Little 15 et Behind the wheel… les 3 autres singles de l’album en plus. Autres highlights: To have and to Hold, Nothing, Pleasure little Treasure. Bref, je m’imagine vraiment être un ado dans les années 80 et me reconnaître dans cette musique. 4 étoiles même si tout ne vieillit par parfaitement. (N’en déplaise à Félix: Pimpf semble s’être trompé d’album! Fit pas) Ah oui: j’adore la voix de Dave Gahan, personnellement.
Decent
Reverb heavy, dreamy, echoes
Ugh....things sure were *dramatic* in the 80s.
Tom Breihan of Stereogum #1 fame, wrote this about Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails: "For much of the 1990s, Pretty Hate Machine was that type of album: One that could inspire fervent, devotional need and absolute revulsion, largely depending on the age of the person hearing it. And that's even more impressive when you consider that it's basically a **synth-pop" album**." ...did Tom forget that Depeche Mode exists? This idea that 80s synth music was all suitable to be used as backing tracks for Miami Vice never seems to go away, despite the fact that in the UK and the rest of Europe it was often used to create music that was cold, stark, dark and deeply passionate. That said, after a high energy start to "Never Let Me Down Again", the album does start to become overwhelming by the midpoint. The grunt filled Little 15 felt voyeuristic rather than a real character study.
Have been listening to more Depeche Mode lately, so was happy to see this album come up. While no Violator, a great collection of synth-New Wave songs. Standouts: Behind the Wheel, Strangelove, Never Let Me Down Again
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this one.
Had a couple of solid songs at the end but overall did not like
I respect the album, has some great hits, but overall it’s just not for me.
Depeche Mode sits in such an interesting spot in time. What they’re successful at on this album (and in general) is capturing a style/aesthetic and putting it in album form. I can imagine being a teen at the time of this album coming out, it could’ve been a huge gateway into more gothic stuff, more underground electronic music, more industrial stuff. For putting all those genres together in a fairly digestible package, I applaud “Music For The Masses”. “The Things You Said” is my favorite vocal track, with that “I never tried to hide them” call and answer in the chorus. “Pimpf” is my favorite instrumental track, it really leans into the haunted, grand, dramatic direction this album sometimes goes in. I think I like the instrumental tracks the most overall on this project. “Music For The Masses” isn’t totally for me, I think artists in the future iterated in this sound and took it in more intense, interesting directions. I also think this album occasionally lacks hooks, but maybe that’s just me wanting more accessible choruses in general. All that being said, I get the appeal of this album, this band, and the time period they did it all in. Soft 3/5.
C'était bon ! 5
This album is a fantastic journey through the electronic soundscape that Depeche Mode does best. With catchy hooks and moody vibes it’s an album that keeps you grooving from start to finish.
Nothing standout (aside from Agent Orange and Stjarna which are really cool instrumentals) but a really enjoyable overall listen (except for Pimpf which spooked me and wasn't good enough to make that ok).
This one is great... Not every song, but the album as a whole creates an amazing atmosphere...
I love DM. I'm a bit surprised that the album starts with Never Let Me Down Again (one of my fav songs from them). I feel it would be better placed toward the end to give this magnificent track the emphasis it deserves. Of course, Strangelove, Behind the Wheel, and Nothing - other songs I regularly have in my playlist - are absolute highlights. And the album wraps up nicely with some pleasant instrumentals from Agent Orange
In the peak D Mode era
Beep, bop, boop! Love me some Depeche Mode, just not very often.
80s outdated
Pretty good imo
How many Depeche Mode albums do these cunts think I need to hear before I die? One was plenty 😒
Not a bad listen...not nearly as good as Violator though. Only really remember "Strangelove" from the radio or MTV. 3.5 stars...rounding down because of that song with the weird breathing.
Really don't see the appeal. A couple of pleasant songs but quite dull overall. This genre has been done so much better by so many other artists.
3.5
Yesss Depeche Mode, ik hou er van. Beetje hetzelfde maar toch heel anders dan Radiohead. Very good very demure.
Little 15, Behind the wheel, and I want you NOW!!! SO GORG. PLUS THEY GOR MOON LIGHT SONATA ON THE DELUXE
If by "the masses" they mean drunk Gen Xers with their nipples exposed through mesh shirts, the title is spot on
MOODY NEW WAVE!!!!!!!!!!
I actually REALLY dug this album. Depeche Mode's brand of new wave music is just SO good, and it's due at least in part to how well they integrate it with other genres. This album, for instance, is laden with synth-pop, industrial, and electropop sounds that work in outstanding harmony with the new wave sound to just elevate the overall album vibes. Don't get me wrong, this album is not "Violator", but it definitely served as a huge stepping stone to getting the band to that point.
There’s snatches of solid 80s beats and I found myself finding it a “what if” album. Almost good but ultimately boring. Doesn’t compare well to its peers.
Complete
The 80's was the golden age of new wave synth pop. This is a pretty great album. Never Let Me Down Again and Strangelove stand out. I have always liked Depeche Mode, but they always sound downbeat and angsty. Still good, but just that vibe to the music. I was more a New Order person, but this is definitely worth a listen
ah hell i'll take this over Violator. much more strange and menacing. Never Let Me Down Again is great obv (don't skip the Aggro Mix), but there are some great deep cuts too. Little 15 is crazy atmospheric and brooding. pretty neat. deserves to be one of the 1001? yes
Vraiment pas mon préféré de Depeche Mode, je le trouve juste correct
It's a great Depeche Mode album. That deserves a 4
J'ai aimé çâ.
Ça me fait pas grand chose.
Never Let Me Down Again - 5/5 The Things You Said - 4/5 Strangelove - 5/5 Sacred - 4/5 Little 15 - 4/5 Behind The Wheel - 5/5 I Want You Now - 3/5 To Have And To Hold - 3/5 (much too short!) Nothing - 5/5 Pimpf - 3/5 Agent Orange - 3/5 Average score: 4/5 was never much of a Depeche Mode listener prior to this, aside from a couple of their popular tracks (Enjoy the Silence and the like). idk how this group was off my radar for so long but this album's a nice introduction Never Let Me Down Again instantly hooked me in, definitely the best track on here as well. some other tracks that stood out to me were Strangelove, Behind The Wheel, and Nothing. i wasn't crazy about the last 5 songs like i was for the first 6, hence why it's a 4-star rating in my book rather than a 5. however, i wouldn't say there's any "bad" tracks here, and it's a pleasant listen from start to finish
Good stuff
6/10
Eerie vibes. ‘I Want You Now’ is straight up creepy. Some cool synths but all sounds a bit samey. Monotone vocals. Too long, got a bit bored.
Fantastic, the 2nd best album of DM for sure with many great songs.
Depeche Mode is erop of eronder imo. En deze voel ik toch niet. Violator, sure, maar deze niet. 2.2
Oh hi, it's me, the masses! Out of the gate this is not for the masses, it is a Gothic rock-pop with shouts to early Industrial. Both of which I adore. I am a bit surprised (once again) that Depeche Mode was chosen over the more obvious bands to represent these genres (hello King Woman, Electric Wizard, Sleep, Melvins, Kyuss, Helmet, Mudhoney, later years of The Damned, etc...). First track is a banger. Second track drags, the beat and chimes could have been used to go so much harder imo. To quote Jack Harlow, "whole track sound like an intro". Sacred is layered and atmospheric in a really interesting way but somehow manages to squeak just under being catchy. Little 15 - I'm guessing this is a pedo song? (Looked up the lyrics and yes it is.) Is it just me or is new wave filled with this topic? Just came out of listening to Oingo Boingo's Little Girls. I Want You Now is one of the most fun songs on the album. The layers of vocals doing the heavy lifting of percussion, bass, backing vox and special fx is pretty cool and there is some interesting discord. I have the same gripe about this song as I do for the other songs on this album - there is so much potential for the song to get larger and more dramatic after the chiller, tense "intro". Again the entire song sounds like an intro. Maybe I've just been ruined by modern music. But I Want You Now feels like the blue balls of music. Nothing fortunately brought this album back to life. While the song could have been an intro, it also stood on its own as a eerie bop new wave gothic. The synth and organ are the perfect tone to go along with the gloomy wailing vox. The last two songs have similar dark flavours and tones and end the album on some interest. That said Agent Orange is another "entire song is an intro" kinda track and reminds me of old skool James Bond video game load screen music. Not bad, but it's load screen music. The version of this album I found on spotify had some remixes at the end and I'm sorry to say that they were all better than the originals and transcended the original tracks past intro status. Overall, fun new wave album with pretty tight production and a strong undercurrent of darkness. Did I need to hear this before I die? Absolutely not. Was it moderately enjoyable? Yes. Three stars because compared to other New Wave on this list (hello Duran Duran) this is mildly less interesting.
Good, though it starts to feel a tad samey as many of the songs feel similar. Nothing here’s bad though, and plimpf is a great closer
Nydlig album
First things first, "Never Let Me Down Again" is just damn awesome. The rest of the album pales in comparison. I prefer "Violator" over "Music for the Masses". There's still a lot of fun stuff on "MftM". I had a great week on this website. 4 stars for "Music for the Masses".
Boring
Mjög þétt og góð plata, tilraunakennd að hluta. Flöt og nær ekki hæðum meistaraverka þeirra kumpána. Sollid fjarki í mínum huga.
Mjög góð plata en vantaði samt eitthvað smá extra til að lyfta henni upp í fimm. Tilraunalögin mjög skemmtileg.
Good solid tunes, great atmosphere throughout, looking forward to listening to more from them
a lot of great tracks on this, was worth the listen, took a lot from it
Fav: Never Let Me Down Again Least Fav: I Want You Now Don’t be fooled by the opener, it’s an average at best album
09/05/2025 Didn't really want to give it a 4, but it's better than most of the 3 star albums i have rated.
velho conhecido, mas muito abaixo da minha preferência pelo Violator.
I really like the dark and moody production. I think his singing suits the music well too. Overall very good album, pretty much what I'd expect from Depeche Mode. Favorites: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Nothing
Good variety, but I honestly don't remember any songs that stood out as bangers
Альбом хорош.
Excellent pre-90s archaic beats, with CLASSIC sounds, vocals you either like or you can easily look past.
Very 80’s with the synths and melodies, very Depeche Mode for the vocals and the percussion. First two songs don’t do it for me, but Strangelove picks up the pace with the interesting synths. Slows back down again until Behind the Wheel, which I also like.
These Lost Boys looking, high school goth dorks are the original edge lords. Real Beta city energy. Everything is so serious, how can you dance or have sex to this without just laughing hysterically? Either relax and have a little fun, or go a little further and try and actually be edgy. There's no tension in the middle ground they occupy. The first song is really good tho, and the production is solid throughout. Might be worth listening to with headphones, by candlelight.
Kan kanske vara det bästa album på hela den här listan. Ett mästerverk.
The name of this album is really ironic since this is obviously not music for the masses. :) But it’s definitely different and unique.
Difficult to review a lot of these albums without knowledge of the greater historical context. I assume this is early Depeche Mode, before "Hungry Like the Wolf" and greater pop success. This is darker, more moody, and very, VERY gay. The songs are mostly just "fine" again. Kind of boring to me, but inoffensive as background music. I appreciated the two remixes at the end of the album but I suspect those didn't exist on the original release.
Not nearly as compelling as Violator, but still a really good time. The deluxe edition tracks really threw me for a loop. A cover of Route 66? Moonlight Sonata?
Kinda sick. Low tone, dark ish, mysterious aura with some very 80s electric shit twisted in there. Captivating, dramatic sound as far as pop goes. I Want You Now is awesome.
Been meaning to listen to more depeche mode since hearing their most popular album ‘violator’ recently. Whilst this isn’t quite as good as that, it has a similar fusion of goth and synthpop.
Kinda enjoyed this Its Morrisey + daft punk
Mick Picks: NEVER LET ME DOWN AGAIN, STRANGELOVE, BEHIND THE WHEEL. While I would've preferred a tighter album, I also enjoy that Depeche Mode didn't conform to those standards, per their moody, nihilistic aura.
Enjoyable
Liked it enough to download it
A change of pace for 80s music. I feel like I haven’t heard a ton of their music and it was adequate
Painfully 80s, but kind of enjoyable. Brooding synths. The singer reminds me of the guy from the Smiths.
A Violator sokkalsokkal jobban tetszett tőlük, de egy négyest ez is megérdemel.
2.5/5
One of my top albums from the 80s. Part of my soundtrack to Spring 1988 when I graduated high school. An absolute classic.
I gotta tell you something. I think I love Depeche Mode. I got absolutely lost in this album for an entire day, and while it’s not entirely all bangers, it’s a great trip from top to bottom, and the highlights of this album are some of the catchiest, vibiest (not a real word) songs I’ve ever heard. Those tracks are “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Strangelove”, and “Sacred”. One of my biggest complaints with this album is that the listed 3 songs are SO good, the rest of the album just does not compare. If those songs are a 5/5, the rest of the album is a solid 3/5, sans the last 3 mix songs, which are like a 4.5/5. We’re going to average it out to a very, veeeeeeery high 4, approaching 5 status. I may even change it to a 5 later when I’ve ultimately listened to more albums for this project. More Depeche Mode please!!!!
Listens: 2-3 Standout Tracks: Behind the Wheel I have conflicting opinions about this album/band. On the one hand uggggh 80s New Wave is blah; it seems so stereotypical of the era, but on the other hand, the album is growing on me; I am finding myself enjoying it, and I am not sure why. Perhaps its like an accident on the highway. You can't look away. This music is not where my brain goes when I think about or want to listen to Electronic music. 3
I've never really enjoyed Depeche Mode. I found the vocals to be kind of annoying and the production to be too cliche. Even though they are pioneers of the synthpop genre I just never could get into them. "Music for the Masses" is no different, I really haven't found myself coming back to this album at all and there's just nothing telling me to here 5/10 Favourite: None Least Favourite: Pimpf
Religious tropes, shorn of their unifying context, creating a bleak and otherwise unholy dimension; themes of longing, melancholy and tortured sadomasochism; total, spectacular, irredeemable horniness. Clive Barker’s The Hellbound Heart was first published around the time that Depeche Mode would have been in the studio recording “Music for the Masses” – coincidence? Well, yeah. Probably. In the early-mid 80s, it feels like there might have been something in the air. And that something might have had to do with an ongoing moral panic around sex, fuelled by (but far from limited to) the AIDS epidemic. Is it any surprise we get a glut of stuff coming out from the shadows? If it’s the case that the perpetrators go where you go, do what you do, love who you love … then you’d be forgiven for wanting to check-in with your inner monster over your outer Dr Frankenstein. Thankfully, what we have here – and see so much across the cultural artefacts of the time – is far less a return of the repressed than a refusal to ever repress it. Defiance went hard in the 80s, be grateful it did. While I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest that either Barker’s novella or “Music for the Masses” is a direct response to the AIDS epidemic – there’s no denying they’re both wonderful examples of a very specific, time-bound gothic impulse. A double, as it were – split aspects of a tendency that starts with the Marquis De Sade, moves via Crowley, Bataille and becomes … well, I’m not sure to be honest. (We do still do goth here in 2025, but sometime after Buffy it all, as with a lot about culture, feels to have become a lot less horny.) And so my celebration of “Music for the Masses” is also, sort of, a celebration of the libidinal charge of the dark side; the freedom it implies, the diversity of love it allows. Darkwave floor fillers like “Never let me down”, “Nothing” – Killing Joke via Duran Duran – and “Strangelove” – surely the first track on Lady Gaga’s moodboard for The Fame Monster – bop along majestically, unapologetically, fucking huge. “Sacred”, “Pimpf” and “Agent Orange” (a bonus track originally) help embed the atmosphere, rehearsing the theme while elevating the record. “Music for the Masses” is far from a Frankenstein – the record’s creative vision is far too expertly executed for that. But it is, like the eponymous monster, a whole that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. And, like LeMarchand’s Box in The Hellbound Heart, it’s a record that has a transportive power – to a place that’s dark, sure, but that’s all the more prepossessing for it.
On Music for the Masses, Depeche Mode lean hard into their electric goth/pop-industrial roots, delivering a moody, synth-soaked soundtrack for the disenchanted dancefloor. It's a record where sad bois groove through the gloom, threading dark romanticism with pulsing beats and icy textures. The opener "Never Let Me Down Again" sets the tone with its driving rhythm and haunting piano touches, while "The Things You Said" and "Behind the Wheel" create immersive, unsettling atmospheres that tug you deeper into their nocturnal world. "Sacred" stands out with a bouncy, elastic bassline that injects just enough energy to lift the gloom without breaking the spell. It’s not a flawless album, but there’s enough here to keep both your eyeliner and your body moving.
no
I am not as familiar with songs from this album. It is fine for background music.
Didn’t like a single song. Drab. All songs sound the same.
2/5
Listened to the first 4 songs. I can’t do it.
not bad not bad
Blasting this at Sunday Mass till they all strange love
Best Depeche Mode Album.
Solid album, probably something I would fw more if I was 70 years old and alive when it came out
I like it. It's oddly gloomy and bright. I think it's the most I've liked synthpop so far.
I feel like people either love Depeche Mode or hate them. But I’m just stuck in the middle of thinking it’s OK.
Один із найкращих їхніх альбомів
Back in my teens, Depeche Mode was my first taste of 80s synth pop and new wave, so this one hits a nostalgic chord. It’s hard to get as hyped after hearing these songs so many times, but this album’s a classic that’s rightfully earned its place in music history. Depeche Mode stepped up their game here, moving from the raw, lighter synth-pop of their earlier stuff to a darker vibe with gothic and industrial undertones. The production’s much slicker and more polished than before, and the whole album feels more mature.
This album made me want to snap Bo Burnhams neck
This isn’t their best but it’s their breakout album and holy shit does the first side hit like a bomb. Dance music meant to be played on the loudest possible speakers, with the band reaching for the height of their mix of samples, industrial and straight up synth pop. Still a classic album and worthy of being on this list.
This one receives three stars of five as a good work but not very bright throughtout its A-Side. In fact, the best moments I recall after getting to know the records are from the ending tracks. Fav track (by far): To Have And To Hold. This one is immediately on repeat.
Brooding goth electronica. Hit and miss.
I like Depeche Mode but never felt inspired enough to buy an album. This was wonderful but still would not buy it.
I had only known Depeche Mode through their one song "Personal Jesus" which I liked quite a bit. You can really hear the aging on this album but just because it's dated don't mean there weren't some enjoyable songs on here. It has a certain charm to it that anyone that enjoys 80s music overall could enjoy. At the very least it didn't make me want to fall asleep compared to the other albums on this list. Overall it was pretty good. Top 3: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, and Behind The Wheel No bad songs 3.25/5
It is said this is DP's best album; I disagree. To me, it's par with everything else in their catalog, which is to say it's REALLY good. I prefer Violator. As always, extraordinarily well-produced 3.75
I really couldn't get into this that much. It's fine 80s music, but Im not sure I'd turn this on intentionally.
Just alright. It's about a 5/10 for me. Had an interesting sound.
Not the best but has that nice beat to most songs and catchy rawness that makes Depeche Mode
These guys made so much music. Just another album by great musicians.
Music for the Masses is peak '80s in the best way. Synth-heavy, moody, and dramatic without feeling overdone. Depeche Mode really found their groove here—way more compelling than that a-ha album I suffered through last month. Standouts like “Strangelove” and “Never Let Me Down Again” still hold up today. It’s dark, danceable, and deserves the praise. Favorite Song: "Behind The Wheel"
This was a great combination of beats and ambient music. The lyrics seem secondary and don't take away from the music. Both are good for zoning out and listening fully.
I knew going in that this band is not for me, but even so I found this fairly boring. 1.7
Not my favorite Depeche Mode record, but still good to have around.
Violator is superior. This is pretty gothy and morose, though, which I like.
Legalzinho
really fun album
Außer Song eins leider nicht mein Geschmack.
This one's pretty great. The synths ooze cool and the vocals have an enchantingly dark aloofness to them. I even listened to a few tracks again and liked them more the second time around. Favorite tracks: "Strangelove," "Agent Orange"
Boring 80s album
Listened to it, iconic sound but not very memorable. I like the hits, b tracks don’t speak to me.
I've long been a fan of New Wave music. I don't like much pop music from the 80s but this is one popular genre that's always hit me just right. This is a really good album from a really good band.
Epic, Little 15 is my favorite
Initially I thought to myself, ugh, this is the prototypical sound of the 80’s I hate. But to be fair, I never really gave this sound a through chance. By the third track I found myself appreciating the theatrical feel. While I’d say I’m neutral, at best, on the sound, and lyrically lacking, the story arch of the sound, and the cohesiveness of the album really made this enjoyable for me.
I've heard this album before and I've gotta say it's one of my favorites. I absolutely love Depeche Mode and I wish I could see them in concert someday.
Great album great band
Like they’re on the brink of putting it together for a true hit but all the pieces aren’t quite there. Meanders at times making me wonder what they were going for and feeling like they didn’t know and didn’t get there.
Vinyl: Yes Fav Song: Strangelove Notes: I want it to be better than it is. Violator is 5 stars.
Interesting album from this group. None of these specific tracks brings back any memories from this 80's kid, though the overall sound absolutely does. This is prime electronica from one of the most recognizable artists of the genre, though not my favorite in their catalog. Also, pretty sure "I Want You Now" is about a dude's blue balls. Deep stuff.
If I heard this playing in a public setting I wouldn’t be that upset.
This is so right up my street that it's pretty much outside the front door Excellent album. The piano sounds so good. Great melodies. Easy to listen to. Perfect length. Couple of stone cold classics. Strangelove is so good. Honestly one of the best songs I've heard doing this
Ayyyy I must really be in a Depeche mode..... ahhhhhhhh... never-ending suffering. Anywho this is very similar to violator. Less hits but equal in quality. Also equal in me not caring too much. Good stuff but not getting spun constantly
Depeche mode is a special band. They managed to build themselves a sound that is unique. Characterized by Dave Gahan's incredible lead vocals, martin gore's specific songwriting and vocal contribution and the dark yet groovy kind of rock and roll electronic production style. It's all in this great record. I absolutely love this period in the bands discography. It's not a 5, because their 10/10 album will be the next one, but it is indeed a super quality record, of an experienced group with a signature sound and tons of cool and personality.
This album continued the maturing of Depeche Mode’s writing toward darker themes and a maturing of their synth driven sounds compared to Speak and Spell. Good record.
Wonderful album, totally matched the angsty teenage energy of my day.
Quite the moody album. The way the lead singer sings just feels like a sad teenager moping in their room, and I’m not seeing this is a bad thing. They capture a vibe. The music is good and I could see myself listening to many of these songs. Not necessarily profound or anything though
This is honestly quite good. I enjoy this a lot. I can’t quite touch on why but it’s vibes just feel right. It’s dark and it’s angsty and it’s contentious and I think I like that. The beginning of the album was certainly the highlight but it honestly didn’t fall off too much for me. The instrumental outro was great.
That's 4 80s records in a row. I hope when I hit the button I get something from a better decade. This was alright... For the 80s.
4/9/2025: Original version of Never Let Me Down Again.
Not my fave. At all
This is not fun.
“Strangelove” … eh, OK. But the rest of these songs just kinda run together …
Bad
What an amazing record. Never Let Me Down Again is one of the greatest tracks ever written
not exactly my style but interesting. i'd check out more of their stuff
This album should be locked in a time capsule only to be released for study and not enjoyment.
one of the top reviews is complaining about 80s synth music and i want to ask that guy why he has problems with things that rock
Obscure
Not my jam
Not something I would regularly listen to, but I get the hype.
Basic 80s music, fine ig Uninspired, new wave
Depeche Mode continues to hit the right synthpop notes for me. Music for the Masses is front-loaded with strong, melodic tracks—“Strangelove,” “Sacred,” and “Behind the Wheel” all stood out. Side A is nearly flawless for my taste. Side B loses me here and there, but I still appreciate the atmosphere and mood it carries throughout. “Pimpf” was an intriguing closer. Overall, a light 4 and another win in my growing Depeche Mode rotation.
I goth goth
not my favorite od DM but still good
3/5 Ymmärrän albumin listalla olemisen ja onhan tää ihan hyvää, mutta omaan makuun kuitenkin hieman liian laahaavaa musiikkia.
Easily the best in their catalog.
Fantastic atmosphere. Aged better than most 80s music. Teenage years bias, but I'll own it: 4.55
Although my favourite DM song is on this album, Violator is much, much better.
This dour, shadowy modular pop is loaded with the sort of hooks that takes dozens of listens to reveal themselves and would have meant loads to its audience back in the day (the entire gay population of the Soviet Union for example). A bit goth and serious for me, but total respect all the same. Other from Numan and NIN did anybody else achieve such a ‘rock’ sound with so many prominent synthetic elements?
One of my ALL TIME favourite albums
Honestly when it got to the last song and it sounded like I was on a treacherous voyage with Leif Erickson, then it turned into a sad circus at a rundown dive bar, I was sold. I love silly music and wish I was clubbing to this music in the 80s
A true masterpiece.
Violator is one of my favorite albums. This is a lot like listening to violator but in the next apartment.
Got better as it went along, or maybe I just started to get into it more after a while.
I was very excited for this album to end.
This doesn’t quite do it for me. Jeff is a fan of their greatest hits album. The songs aren’t that great, and several sound pretty similar to each other.
I own this on CD so it automatically gets bumped up, listening to it again I've really enjoyed it, my favorites are Nothing, Behind the Wheel, Never Let Me Down Again. I also learned that the CD might have a hidden track on it, which is interesting! Overall 5 star
This album was more enjoyable than I expected. The highlight for me was Plimpf (the closer). It was absolutely crazy in the best ways. I'd say this is a 3.5 star album, but I can't round up for the site. I can't go to 4 stars.
I love their sound. And although, all the songs were unfamiliar to me, I still liked this album.
Oh let’s just review the album that got me through junior high…
Si perde un po’ verso la metà ed è inferiore a Violator, ma comunque grande album e viva gli anni ‘80
I enjoyed this album more than I expected. Though I am an 80s alternative guy through and through, Depeche Mode was never in my wheel house. Too dance, too electronic, etc... But I enjoyed the darkness and drama of the songs on this album . They definitely know how set a mood. The opener is the obvious touchstone with its arena rock ready grandiosity, but there are a number of very enjoyable songs here. 3.5 stars
Not as bopping as other Depeche mode albums, 3*
Yeah it’s ok. Violator is better
Amazing
It’s good. I like their album Violator much better.
Outside of that one hit, this wasn't sitting with me well yesterday for whatever reason.
2.5/5 the dark and moody vibes were interesting but not really my style.
I couldn’t do it. I don’t like Depeche Mode.
Yeh it's Depeche mode ain't it, decent album but probably one I won't visit again. High 3.