Music for the Masses

Enjoyed the opening track, rest was pretty meh

"Not bad so far as it goes – very strong vocals, above average hooks – but it dulls after a time. Pretty awful lyrics (""Promises me I'm as safe as houses / As long as I remember who's wearing the trousers"") don't help. In the stripped down sound, it’s easy to see how they were pivoting toward a bigger, rockier impact and more mainstream appeal. Synths sound dated, as they always do (and maybe most dance music does, too), no matter the vintage. Personally, one hears not very much to get excited about. In the end, this lot are only slightly better than the Pet Shop Boys and nowhere near as good as The Cure.

I had Depeche Mode in the real art house bands and they are but I guess they were a bit before my time to get them the first time round but this is a superb album. Ambient 80s synth, layered and rich. The back end of the album lost me a bit but overall it's enjoyable. Stand out tracks: - Never let me down again - The things you said - Strangelove - Sacred - Too have and to hold

i recognize that there's a lot of artistic merit here but DM is and always has been astoundingly unappealing to me

Good

This might sound like an oxymoron, but my favorite Depeche Mode songs always end up being the more organic ones. Personal Jesus is more of an alt-dance track but the guitar riff it's centered around gives it a really nice distinction and breath from the rest of Violator. "Enjoy the Silence" is a song I've never really been impressed with despite it topping all the top 10 most emotional pop songs of the 80s lists. Songs of Faith and Devotion is my favorite album I've heard from them because of their full pivot into alternative rock. Those crunching guitars, sweeping arrangements, even hints of trip hop entering the mix throughout the record make it extremely interesting. So how do I feel about their darkwave era where none of that was present, and none of that mattered? Well, Music for the Masses is a good album: you can press play and instantly hear the influence it's had on the darker side of synthpop. The arrangements are on the minimal side, but atmospheric and detailed; you could even go as far as to say something like The Things You Said is "lush" thanks to the textures used. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the grooves throughout, it makes a lot out of the space it builds and the sounds it uses in a way that reminds me of the Chameleons or the Sound (Khai approved post-punk)...I might even prefer it to Violator? Cut a few songs off the second half and I'll have to think on that. It's not something I'd seek out on my own time, but I ended up really enjoying this album. Ending up on this album reminds me I desperately need to check out Ultra. Maybe that'll be my new favorite Depeche Mode. 7/10

10/10. Nah, screw that rating system. It will receive a 11/10 instead. Actually, hell, no. That doesn't do it any bloody justice. 100/10. The purpose of the 1001 album project should be to find life-changing music that you will reflect upon at one point in life. So far, I have listened to around three quarters of the albums in the project (including those which I haven't yet received in this website's database), and this album is hands-down one of my favourite albums, and one of the albums that has had the biggest impacts on me. I vividly remember the first time I listened to this album. On the day I listened to this album, I previously listened to three other albums: "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" by Small Faces, "Go Girl Crazy!" by The Dictators, and "Low" by David Bowie. Upon listening to "Ogdens' Nut Gone Flake" and "Go Girl Crazy!", I wasn't very impressed. Then, I listened to "Low" by David Bowie. While listening to it, I gave myself a manicure. I enjoyed it very much (it's David bloody Bowie, why wouldn't I enjoy it?). Then, after listening to that, feeling amused both by the experience, and by my fresh, new manicure, I went back to the list of 1001 albums to select one to listen to next. "Hmm...how about Music for the Masses by Depeche Mode? That one looks interesting. I've been meaning to check out some of Depeche Mode's music, and I only know their song "Personal Jesus". Let's give it a try!". I didn't have many high expectations. I am well aware of the sheer amount of mediocre 1980's pop albums in the 1001 album project. Also, I listened to this album for the first time only a few days after listening to the album "Songs From the Big Chair" by Tears for Fears for the first time. Upon listening to that album, I was absolutely blown away, and I declared it my new favourite pop album. Along with that, I am biased towards hard rock and metal music, so I don't always judge non-heavy albums in a fair manner. Anyway, I hit the play button on this album. The first track of the album, "Never Let Me Down Again", began playing. *boop boop beep, boop beep, beep, beep, beep boop beep boop beep* *queue the other instruments* "Oh...oh my...oh my goodness...what am I listening to?" David Gahan didn't even utter a single word yet, and I was already immersed in the experience. I may have already forgotten about my fresh, new manicure. THIS is the moment. I proceeded to attentively listen to the rest of the first track. "Wow, that was incredible!!!" Queue "The Things You Said". Much like the first track, I absolutely enjoyed this track as well. I was completely immersed in the listening experience of this stunning album. Queue "Strangelove". At this point, I'm already too far gone. I've only ever heard three Depeche Mode songs at this point, and I was already a huge fan of theirs. Either while listening to "Strangelove", or this album's proceeding track, "Sacred", I went onto my online forum (I run an online forum), and somewhat freaked out. I wrote, and I quote, "I can feel my heartbeat increasing. I want to cry. My ears are blessed. My body is alive. My toes are happy.", followed by the Spotify link to this album. I wanted to encourage my peers to listen to this album with me. Queue "Little 15". This song featured a very interesting vibe, but like the rest of the songs so far, I was completely immersed in the experience. I begged for as much of this album as possible. Queue "Behind the Wheel". Everything sounded so on-point. The album went on. When it ended, I was left shocked, and with a raging desire to listen to everything else that Depeche Mode has to offer. My initial favourite track from this album was "Nothing", but now, it's "Never Let Me Down Again". I wrote a note to myself to remind myself to listen to more Depeche Mode. Upon looking through the list of 1001 albums yet again, I found out that "Violator" is also an album in the project, so I listened to it the proceeding day. Much like "Music for the Masses", I absolutely loved it. The proceeding day, I began a serious Depeche Mode discography binge. I may have listened to them for around six hours on that day. I began listening to at least one Depeche Mode album every day, so that I can get through their entire discography. Upon listening to their entire discography, "Music for the Masses" remains as my favourite Depeche Mode album. One month later, and I had nearly 1,000 Depeche Mode scrobbles on last.fm, and today, they are the second-most-scrobbled artist in my profile (after TOOL). Prior to me getting into Depeche Mode, I've never been THIS into an artist upon listening to them for the first time (not counting the times I listened to "Personal Jesus" a few years prior). At this point, it's needless to say that this album changed my life, and my perception of the art of music. In fact, the only other album in the 1001 project that may have had a larger impact on me is the album "Master of Puppets" by Metallica. Thanks to the list of 1,001 albums, I began listening to Depeche Mode. Ever since the day I listened to this album for the first time, I have not gone a single day without listening to Depeche Mode, and I plan on continuing my daily ritual of immersing myself into the world and work of Depeche Mode. In fact, I'm listening to Depeche Mode as I'm writing this review for this splendid masterpiece of an album. I would like to give a massive thanks to the compilers of the 1001 albums for bringing this album, and this band into my life. TL;DR, I adore this album, and I adore this band.

I was born in the decade this was made and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have liked this even then. Saying that, it’s a very evocative record that I’m sure makes sense for the soundtrack of a period drama about the 80s. Not for me, but I get why people dig it.

Just like my last album.. it’s really too bad I didn’t appreciate this more when it came out. I missed out on it and then.. really good album

Don't love the industrial sound of this album. Reeks of a genre of music that never came to be. Not much enjoyable about the music itself

I enjoy Depeche Mode from afar, or the occasional radio track, but they really don't light my candles. This was a fine listen, but still no melted wax.

Enjoyed this album much more than i thought i would!

Music for the Masses wasn't as good as i was hoping for it to be but it is still a solid album. I have heard plenty of things about Depeche Mode but never really sat down to listen to an album by them and their sound was generally what i was expecting. Half of the album was a pretty typical 80s new wave album with all the bells and whistles you'd expect to see. The other half though, was really orchestral and cinematic which i don't find to be a really good or bad thing. i just find it kinda funny. The album, like a lot of others like it, did have a few forgettable tracks but the good tracks were still pretty good so this album is a good one. Best Song: Little 15 Worst Song: To Have and to Hold

Not a huge fan of Depeche Mode, can find the songs very same-y and his vocals are a bit droning. Some decent tracks on it though: Fave songs include 'Never Let Me Down Again' and 'Strangelove'.

Good album. Good tunes

run of the mill 80s music. poppy disco stuff. not my thing

never let me down 100/10 [why the album is two starts not 1] too much moaning car sounds and religious imagery

I will not be factoring the bonus tracks from the CD release for this review. I've listened to Depeche Mode, from singles such as "Personal Jesus" and "I Just Can't Get Enough" to their recent album Memento Mori. I generally enjoy their brand of electronic music with dark undertones, and Music for the Masses is a good representation of that style. This album will ebb and flow in its twisted madness. The first half lures in with songs that have a driving beat amidst the spare guitar riffs and lush electronic elements such as "Never Let Me Down Again" and "Strangelove" all the while David Grahan commands in his baritone voice with occasional assistance from Martin Gore's soft tenor as they wallow in their perverse views of relationships and desires. Along the way though, the beat becomes sparing as the song structures become more atypical - the subtle synth orchestration on "Little 15", the respiratory breathing used as a focal point for "I Want You Now", segueing into the dirge of "To Have and to Hold", culminating in the spare piano riff of "Pimpf" that builds into a more sinister presence with the operatic vocals, organ arpeggios and clashes of cymbals in the distance. I wouldn't call this experience bad so much as unsettling on purpose. A means to deliberately discomfort the listener and make them question what they heard, to explore deeper and find what lurks within. I enjoyed Music for the Masses in its perverse manner. I understand not everyone will enjoy it, given the reliance on dissonance and the macabre in Depeche Mode's music on display here. Nevertheless, this album is a worthwhile experiment for those curious.

I had to give this album a second listen and listen really closely. The layering of the sounds on this album and the different types of sounds they got here are amazing. Especially when I think through how new synthesizers were back then. Remarkable.

Quite enjoyed it on the first listen but less so the second time around. A little bit samey at times and not too sure if they aren’t taking themselves a bit too seriously. Clearly they were popular at the time and the formulas used on this album don’t seem much different to those used on their big hits.

Distinctive but dull. The vocals are not for me.

Very much of its time, I wasn't gripped.

I got quite excited that this would be a gothy moody album taking me back to my days in the Cookie Club in my first year of uni, however i was disappointed. The quality in the tracks just wasn't there.

orginaali 44 min todella kattava kokonaisuus stopattiin siihen ja pistetään pä poikki sillä huuhuhu conceptual madness

This album is alright. I think if I heard it without the context of violator I might have appreciated it more, but to me this just sounds like an inferior version of that album. It's not terrible, some good tunes on here, but I'll have to listen to both this and Violator more to fully pick out the differences between these two albums. As it stands, this album sits at around a 3 outta 5 for me.

never been a fan but i dig the mood of this album. "Agent Orange" is great.

I really thought I'd enjoy this - innovative electronica has always been interesting to me. But the songwriting is subpar, and I found myself annoyed more than excited. Oh well.

Álbum com frescor, mas também com uma certa familiaridade. Vontade de ouvir na banheira, ou apresentando o Balanço Geral. Músicas favoritas: * Never Let Me Down Again * Strangelove * Agent Orange

Achei massa conhecer mais desse som new wave, que até então não conhecia muito. Muitas musicas me agradaram, em especial Never Let me down again, little 15 e behind the wheel

In theory I should like Depeche Mode, i like a lot of other stuff in the same genres. But, i really just don't like them. A bit too clean, kind of boring?

tem umas músicas que dão pra aproveitar? tem no geral, o álbum é bom? tenho minhas dúvidas musicalmente pra mim ele é um grande estereótipo do que a década de 80 tinha pra oferecer com os sintetizadores, a sonoridade da batera e um tom meio dramático pras músicas. assim como todo bom estereótipo, esse álbum é bem medíocre das ideia.

porra, que delícia hein. esse é bão demais. fiquei dançandinho no trabalho e me zoaram.

I surprise myself every time I listen to a Depeche Mode album. It never fills me with anticipation or excitement but as soon as I do I wonder why they are not on a more regular rotation. Everything you want from them. Minimal, overblown, love, loss and an undercurrent of darkness always threatening to pull you under.

DM approach peak greatness. Take a fresh faced boy from Essex, some leather pants, banks of synths and enough drugs that you could knock out an elephant and see what you get. Not every track is elite level here, but "Never Let Me Down Again", "Strangelove" and "little 15" show the direction of travel

Typical 80's fare... nothing to write home about

sucked 2/10

As remarkable as cream cheese.

Depressed Mode. Moody gothic techno christian music from the 80s. Not the best Depeche album but its got some good songs and a somewhat short runtime makes it more palatable. 6/10

So the two big singles are dope AF but the rest of it is kinda the pre-Violator DM that I always associated with them (and the genre as a whole) before I'd ever heard Violator. It's a nice preview of what they had coming but this isn't one I'm gonna be coming back to.

A darker sound for a new wavey/synth pop kinda thing. It’s decent crafted and can set a mood, but overall was a bit dull and little stood out to me.

Classic

I couldn't get into this to save my life. I found one song I could vibe to. How were they so popular??

Not my absolute favorite Depche Mode but I still like it a lot more than some other albums on this list I've given more than 3 stars to.

the vocals of depeche mode have always been a non starter for me, so the almost entirely acapella sexy breathing song really ruined my night. i also did not care for the songs that sounded like they were from a castlevania soundtrack

This is soooo 80s. I can so see the line between Depeche Mode and a lot of the artists I like today, but this album was just too dated-sounding for me. I was also not a huge fan of the lead singer’s voice.

I am usually a depeche mode enjoyer but this really did not hit for me today

RNG giving me Siouxsie and the Banshees and Depeche Mode in October is a very polite gift

Truly a great classic... It's incredible how well these songs have aged, it's almost like if they're Porto wine or a pure malt. Delicious ;-)

Transported me back to another era - nice to feel the emotions of a bygone time but only for a short time

Too much

Interesting to get this today after Sisters Of Mercy yesterday; they're not a million miles away stylistically. SoM a little gothier, but both 80's synth heavy moody music. The major difference is in quality; this is miles better than SoM. The unappealing last track (Pimpf) keeps it from a five star though.

Not bad, reminded me of Tears for Fears.

Another tough one for me -- it certainly takes me to a specific time. And Depeche Mode really owns their distinctive sound, and I kind of like that sound. But their melodies are discordant just enough to bug me.

Really not remarkable

dancealicious

3.5

Ja kijk, Depeche Mode is goed. En ik vind het ook niet zo erg om te luisteren, maar ik moet zeggen dat er zoveel Depeche Mode clones in deze lijst staan, dat ik er ook weer niet heel erg op zit te wachten om het te luisteren. Uiteindelijk staat het dan aan en gaat het me gewoon prima af, maar echt heel enthousiast kan ik hier niet meer van worden. Het andere album dat ik van ze kreeg beviel me ook een stuk beter, dus dit blijft steken op een 3.

I have listened to this album countless times, but it's been a while. I was ready to give it a 5 star without listening. It didn't age well—it was very cringy.

pretty fun to get to listen to a depeche mode record after years of only hearing their hits... they're pretty rad, definitely respect the sound, the energy, the gothic synthpop stuff is tight. one of the better sounds to come out of the 80s for sure. some really brain-tingling cuts on here like "never let me down again," "strangelove," "behind the wheel." somewhere in the middle i started to zone out a bit (maybe from "i want you now" to "nothing") but "pimpf" is a really cool and unexpected closer. sounded a bit like boss music in a video game or something. overall, really fun. not going to become my new obsession or anything, but great music nonetheless.

Just ok

Nope. Sixth album from an above average but nothing special band. And there’s nothing special here. 1.5

Ohh I am sinking into this nicely. I resolve immediately to spend some more time with Depeche Mode. This so, so stylish. I wasn't this cool in 1986; hence my first listen. The notable achievement here is album is a humming synth pop 80s soundscape has enough soothing human warmth to prevent it being another "less than zero" emotional sinkhole. Quite the beguiling a mood maker - we certainly hear the "soundtrack" intent of this project. I'm hooked from the start. Hints of German Kraftwerk but also New Order and far off Joy Division. I am ignorant if who knew whom .... But I'm loving how beautifully it's honed from a shared palate. Superb. Archetypical warmth and resonance. They are fully in charge of both austerity and power, skillful progress atmospherics and some very nice playful (and perfectly executed) flourishes. Spine tingling stuff. Pimpf feels like a prologue to a Requiem.And speaking of classical terms, I am a bit fascinated at how New Orders "Elegia" is an hommage to Joy Divisions Ian Curtis and yet the organs in "Little 15" have a similar signature for me. To quote Playboy as quoted in Wikipedia (if only to its delightful use of a German portmanteau word). From Wikipedia; 'Robert Christgau complimented the abnormal road symbolism of the lyrics, particularly on "Little 15", and believed that apart from the sadomasochistic metaphors, Depeche Mode succeeded in turning "adolescent Weltschmerz into something catchy, sexy and seemingly significant". Easy 5. Probably a 6.

I am a fan of the Depeche Mode albums that follow this (Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion) which are a bit darker, rockier, and noisier than their early records. The more prominent use of guitar and analogue drums, the more industrial-influenced sound design (more noise and distortion), and greater reliance on pentatonic harmonies (ironically, simpler harmonically than their earlier material) is more to my taste. While familiar with their singles, I had not given earlier DM albums much attention. I own a few, but they are cruelly ignored in my record collection. It was a real pleasure to spend some time with the Music for the Masses album in full. David Bascombe, fresh off producing Tears for Fears and working with DM for the first time, brings a big sound and a penchant for experimenting than is cinematic and grand scale. The sound and lyrical content are less tinny than their early work. There are a some very strong songs here (Never Let Me Down, Strangelove, Behind the Wheel). You probably could get away with only listening to side 1. Watching the doco on this album, Bascombe was influenced by minimalist composers like Glass and Reich, which is a bit of a niche sensibility that appeals to me greatly. Those Glass/Reich/Bowie-in-Berlin inspired deep cuts are tucked away on side 2 for the true fans. Christgau wrote that Depeche Mode turned "adolescent Weltschmerz into something catchy, sexy and seemingly significant". You can see why the goth kids love this record. He adds, accurately if not a little unkindly, that "Gore can't create without venting his shallow morbidity, which happens to mesh with a historically inevitable strain of adolescent angst... Dark themes combine with light tunes until the very end of side two. Anybody with an interest in adolescent angst (adolescents included) can sob or giggle along as the case may be." I think 'dark themes with light tunes' really captures the strength of Depeche Mode; it's a feature, not a bug. The vestigial goth kid in me really enjoyed Music for the Masses, although not as much as Violator or Songs of Faith and Devotion. Would buy (for cheap).

I enjoyed it but there really wasn't anything memorable

I’ve been noted as a big fan of new wave/vaguely goth synthpop, but I really struggled with this album. I like the heavy use of big reverby drum samples and the spooky synth, but that’s about all the good things I can say about it. The vocals feel cheesy throughout most of the record, and I found it to be lyrically unoriginal and uninspiring. It’s not objectively bad, it’s just a concept that’s been done so much better by so many other artists. This one is best left in 1987. 2 stars.

Being that I generally like new wave and the handful of Depeche Mode songs I know, I expected to enjoy this album. I did not. It has the ambiance of a haunted house with none of the fun. I think Depeche Mode needs a higher tempo to work for me and this album is full of songs that just trudge towards their very welcome end. I found this tedious and tiresome. The lyrics throughout this album are simplistic and frankly kind of dumb. Lyrics don’t need to be complex or deep or clever to be good, but these come across like a writing assignment done by a moody teenager with no particular inspiration. Overall, I am glad this album was short and short though it was, I was counting down the songs until it was over. 3/10

очень люблю депешей но на момент прослушивания были честно скажу - ну максимально не под настроение. знаю что музыка замечательная, но именно сегодня не оценил должно, каюсь. электронщина, чистый и хороший пост-панк. круто. но к середине альбома чет совсем тоскливо стало, что жесть. благо pleasure little treasure вывезла. хорошая. аккустика, элементы хард роцка: всё как надо, молодцы. ну и соната в завершении - пошла прям. знатная группа, уважаю.

downloaded 2,3,4 & 5. acquired taste ? enjoyed

A classic, combined easy synth pop with depressing lyrics. Easily one of the best albums they have put out but for me it doesn't top Black Celebration.

Yeah they are pretty okay. Dont need to listen to any more of them tho tbh

I would definitely listen to this again. The album is well structured and keeps you drawn in with good variation interspersed with familiar hits

pretty good

I don't listen to much new wave or synth pop, but this was a strong album, with interesting song structures and Gahan's distinctive singing. I liked it!

Don't know what I would have done without the "Glitter Mix". 2.4.

Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5

Choosing between a 2-3 for this one, starts off really strong before descending into dullness. also ive already listened to the superior depeche mode album so … 3/5

Quite good.

Very typical 80s pop music. Did not blow me away.

Somehow, I have had a couple reviews doubled up; this was one. I like Depeche Mode, I like this album.

Somewhat brooding, electro pop

3.5

Fantastic LP, one of the best!

Not my favorite Depeche Mode album. Sounds droning and repetitive after a couple songs.

Never Let Me Down Again - To Have and to Hold - Nothing - The Things You Said - Pimpf - Little 15 - Strangelove - Behind the Wheel - Sacred - I Want You Now -

That was sweet

3 at best

Great one!

The 80s really had the worst pop music of any decade.

Really not sure about the empty instrumentals that end this

Just more 80s synth pop, it's still passable today I suppose

Solid album, nice to listen to while focusing. Great ambience.

Music for the Masses saw Depeche Mode evolve into a more sophisticated sound, with expansive production that enhanced the already anthemic qualities of their music. The upbeat minimalism of earlier albums gave way to something darker and more brooding, sharpening both their sound and image. This shift not only contributed to their global success but also ensured that the album still sounds remarkably fresh even today. Martin Gore’s songwriting is brilliant throughout, while Dave Gahan began to exude his now-famous magnetic stage presence and sex appeal. An ambitious album that achieves its goal of reaching the masses, even if the title was initially tongue-in-cheek. Did/Do I own this release? No Does this release belong on the list? Sure Would this release make my personal list? I enjoy this release but if I had to pick just one DM album it would probably be Violator Will I be listening to it again? Definitely

I love Violator and some of their other stuff, but I've never listened to this album in full. Surprisingly it was kind of boring for a Depeche Mode album? It had some highlights for sure, but most of it was just a bunch of boring, repetitive instrumentals. I wouldn't mind this playing in the background, but it's definitely not something I'd go back to. 3 stars

Hmmm disappointed in this. I love Depeche Mode but never listened to this in full, only knowing a few of the songs, which I like a lot (Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Behind the Wheel). Unfortunately the rest just falls flat for me, which is a shame as I really wanted to love this.

A very solid album by Gore and the boys

There's a reason I've never listened to the second side of a Depeche Mode album. This is a "greatest hits" band. Just don't love most of their stuff.

Thought I was somewhat familiar with Depeche Mode but did not know any of these songs. After listening to the album now I know why, nothing special here.

Never Let Me Down Again Strangelove Behind the Wheel

The first half of this album is spectacular and points to the even better to come Violator, the later half is more trenchant in theme and musically suffers from the seriousness.

I actually liked this album better than the last. It was moody and fun

OK, sounds about the same as when it came out.

This doesn't do much for me except reinforce why I think of Depeche Mode as a singles band,

Didn't offer much surprise or development on what I already knew of the band. Happy to hear the occasional song, don't need to hear an album.

For me this is one of the 4 best Depeche Mode albums, black celebration, this, violator and songs of faith and devotion. I think with these 4 albums they became darker and moodier and I like that. I am gonna give it a 4 as I think black celebration and violater are better and would get a 5. Still brill though.

love me some depeche mode. always a pleasure

Liked some of it, but overall not totally my thing.

3.5

One of my likes

Unsure which version was intended due to broken link with Apple Music. Listened to the base version (no bonus tracks, 10 song track list).

“Never Let Me Down Again” is one of the best Depeche Mode singles and has a dark gothic feel. This song isn’t just slogging along, it really keeps you invested and where it will go. Love the lyric “Promises me I'm as safe as houses As long as I remember who's wearing the trousers” Stand out Tracks “The Things You Said “ “Sacred” “To Have and To Hold” “Nothing” The Last track “Pimpf” is almost psychological horror sounding and leaves the album on a haunting note. This album overall is definitely up my alley and one of Depeche Modes best. It’s losing the more synth pop style of earlier releases and going into an even Darker direction. It’s personally not my favourite by them, but it has enough here for me to see its Merit on this list. You can’t deny the power of both lead vocalist. 4/5

New wave/synthpop is very hit or miss for me. This one misses. Not my thing

Good listen, but might not listen to again. Pretty much classic Depeche Mode

Maybe I’m just not into new wave

I enjoyed this one a lot. Barrett said it sounded like The Smiths, but I don’t hear it… mostly because I actually liked this.

Not bad

Ladies & gentlemen, I’ve found the new soundtrack to GTA 6. It has synths as far as the eye can see just like the good lord intended

I listened to this on Depeche Mode. And by that I mean I sped through all the bits I didn’t like (because depeche is French for hurry the fuck up)

1,000 bands have a similar sound but none come even close to doing it this well. I prefer Violator but this record is great too.

I used to think Depeche Mode was tacky, with plain lyrics, however mixing those simplistic lyrics with the first traces of synthetic music makes this album a work of art.

Great album from a band with an original distinctive sound.

Synth gods, but this one fell flat for me

Starts off strong but ends weakly. Which is a shame as I think Depeche Mode are a sweet band.

I liked this album especially “Little 15”, but all of the other tracks were good too! (Haven’t listened to an album in a month god)

God

The hits were good. The rest was hit or miss.

Broody synths and not overly poppy. I liked this and think I'll enjoy more with more listens. Strangelove is a banger.

Pretty much my wheelhouse

Interesting, latter half of album was easier to jam to. Beginning half was a little slow. Sounded experimental

Year ago, my mom introduced me to Depeche Mode, and the world has seemed brighter, more suave ever since.

Favs: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Sacred Behind the Wheel, Nothing Least Fav: I Want You Now

The eighties were so heavy. Sometimes I can’t stand the drums.

Früher hatte ich gar keinen Zugang zu Depeche Mode, jetzt finde ich dieses Album ganz ok. Trotzdem, packen tut es mich nicht ***

After like 5 songs you kind of get the point.

Not bad, some decent songs. Not their best

Depeche Mode is what I think of when I think of 80s music. I feel like I should like this more and might upon more listens. Never Let Down Again is a strong opener but then it fades for me. I like I Want You Now 2nd most probably. It’s decent. 5.7/10

I do rate Depeche Mode above most 80’s bands, they just seem to have an atmospheric sounds to them that outweighs the dates 80’s synth sound.

This was supposedly the album that marked the transition from fay electro pop dweebs to stadium friendly behemoths, but it’s not quite there for me. There’s nothing that grabs me in quite the same way as Enjoy the Silence or Personal Jesus on their later album Violater. The best track is probably the opener “Never Let Me Down” but the rest of the album doesn’t quite live up to this.

You can hear that they start to find the sound that define them so well and that will be mature with their next release, Violator. It's not as good as their sound is still a work in progress, but it's going in the right (and dark) direction.

Dissonant and brooding, clearly the title is tongue in cheek. The beginning is pretty good, but it loses me at Little 15. This is like the soundtrack for a dark alleyway behind a church. Nothing is probably the best track, but nothing else is that enjoyable.

Not my favorite album of theirs but it's decent.

9.5/10 Added some of the songs. Definitely worth listening! The ending song is kinda specific, but still magnificent.

I really had a hard time rating this one. On the one hand, it's extremely over-the-top, ridiculous pop with vague lyrics. I should LOVE it. But on the other, it's the most 80s synth-sounding album I've listened to in full before. The synths, the drums, the droning, the echoeyness, all the stuff distinct to that particular period... I just can't do it. It's not for me. If this album were made with technology available 5 years earlier or 5 years later, we could be cooking. So I have no choice but to move to intent. What is this album supposed to do? What am I supposed to feel? And literally right as I'm sitting there having this existential crisis over a Depeche Mode album, completely at war with myself, second-guessing my sincerely held musical convictions, my guy taunts me by asking "What am I trying to do, what am I trying to say? I'm not trying to tell you anything you didn't know when you woke up today." I hate you for that, Depeche Mode, and I hated most of the 80s when I woke up this morning. But I did enjoy "Never Let Me Down Again." I would enjoy the alternate timeline version of it much more, though. The rest of the album is one big skip.

Alright, Depeche Mode is an ultimate weakness for me. I melt at his vocals and tremble with the synths. Although, I don’t think this is their peak. I anxiously await another album from them in this adventure.

This is what I think of when someone says 80s music.

The 80s were a mistake.

2.5

Doesn’t hit with the same oomph as their future works (rightfully so, it means that improve with future releases) but when their breakout album is THIS good, it’s easy to see how this wound up being a breakout. Strangelove especially gets hella replay value and the opening track starts with a bang that the rest of the album lives up to.

Depeche Mode is nostalgic for me and although there are some skips for me on this particular album, I enjoyed it overall.

First half of the album is just same old same old, 80s synth stuff as expected. The second half tho goes towards a more new wave sort of direction and I loved it. It has a kinda Vangelis sound that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately half the album being good and half being bad averages out on a mediocre note.

This album exemplifies most of what I dislike about 80s pop rock. Affected vocal styles, cheesy synths and electronic drums, lifeless and uninspired performances. Dark, brooding, and brain-numbingly boring...

All the haters saying Depeche Droned or whatever corny pun can pound sand this shit slaps.

Meh, too scary

If this is for the masses, consider me the individual. It isn't the worst 80s album I've ever heard, which really isn't that hard. Who knew all you had to do to make a good 80s album was try a little bit! It is definitely way too long though. Favorites were Strangelove and Nothing

This album is dark and moody and driving. It is very well done and is very good. I’m just not big into this kind of music. Favorites were Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, and Pimpf.

It definitely didn’t age very well, but there are still some awesome and creative soundscapes in this

mid

started off really really strong but i started to lose interest by the end, especially with the ooga chaka type ethereal chanting on the final two tracks. i like depeche mode, i just can't see myself listening to this as a full album on a regular basis. fav tracks: never let me down again; the things you said; strangelove; to have and to hold

These are so technically well-made and I felt like the first ~half of the album was super compelling, but then it started to feel like the songs went on a little too long for me. I think an hour is a bit long for an electronic album for ME...but it was good music for the background while working. A lot of the songs were super interesting and I can see why this is such a seminal album for the history of electronic music for sure and overall I would say I definitely enjoyed it.

nie podoba mi się za bardzo 4/10

I’m surprised how much of this album I know. It sounds great. But it’s not really my thing. I wouldn’t put it on again. But I also would not turn it off. I might listen again to study the production.

Geil.

Not one thing out of place and the voice has not aged.

So good…. 10/10

All time favorite! Brings back so many great memories

can see where this band laid the foundations for goth and industrial here

Only 3 notes for this one: -Still don't go crazy for Depeche Mode but their relevance and influence is undeniable and you can feel it -This would have sounded way better if I was dancing to it, I listened at work :( -Reminds of my dad, whom I love, 5 stars

I love Depeche Mode. This album had a bit of everything - some hits and some wonky tracks. Like what is "Pimpf" even doing. Anyways, when they're good they're SO good and when they're weird, they're like normal weird.

I love me these Depeche Mode soundscapes. Not as good as some of their other stuff but still a solid record. Weirdly I love driving to their music. 4/5

Thoughts before listening: Outside of the hits, I have pretty big blindspot for Depeche Mode. I know they were immensely popular in the 80s and get a lot of press with modern music sites as well. It just always seemed like it wouldn't be for me. This isn't one of their albums I recognize, and I know I have never listened before. Review: This just isn't a sound that I am ever going to enjoy. With a few exceptions (i.e. the Cure) dark, moody synth driven new wave just isn't for me. The hits from this era of music can be fun, but best I can tell, this album doesn't have any of Depeche Mode's hits. At least not ones that I recognize. Ultimately this is pretty boring to me. 2-stars

First concert. Not my go to though. 3/5

Not for me, I don't mind some Depeche Mode but found this boring and instantly forgettable.

Es ist ein absolutes Meisterwerk und ein Klassiker der Elektromusik. Dieses Album, das Mitte der 80er Jahre veröffentlicht wurde, prägt den Stil dieser Ära auf herausragende Weise. Mit ikonischen Songs wie “Never Let Me Down Again”, “Strangelove” und “Behind the Wheel” hat Depeche Mode einen unverwechselbaren Sound geschaffen, der sowohl düster als auch melodisch ist. Die Produktion ist makellos, und die Synthesizer-Klänge sind sowohl innovativ als auch zeitlos mit einen Hang zum „Baustellensound“. Jeder Track auf diesem Album erzählt eine eigene Geschichte und zieht den Hörer in eine Welt voller Emotionen und Klanglandschaften. Besonders beeindruckend ist, wie das Album sowohl tanzbare Beats als auch tiefgründige Texte vereint. Das Album never let me down again 😊😊

I was tempted to make the obvious "music for them asses" joke but it really is a good record.

Fine, lacked variety for most of the time

3 at best

One of Depeche Mode's more accessible albums. Definitely iconic.

This sounds like a rock opera made by your local goth high schooler who huffed too much paint for too many years and never really came all the way back...real dayman vs nightman vibes. It's eerie and dark and very, very cool. I don't really love the whole synth era or the sound in general but these guys were masters at it and you have to give them that. I still can't give them any more than a 3 though because I really didn't enjoy listening to it for an entire hour.

Viewed as a soundtrack or a vibe it’s excellent. But individual songs feel lacking. Great world, but sometimes the ideas drag on 3/5

Really enjoyed the first half of this. You can hear the huge influence it has had on bands like LCD Soundsystem. I started to tail off into the second half. should probably listen again.

Never let me down again is the stand out. It’s a good album but not yet at Depeche Mode’s full potential

Second Depeche Mode Album to pop in on this list…and it’s worthy. Six albums in and they were coming into their own. Love their sound.

Pretty boring - songs are rather redundant within themselves, very similar sound across all songs, lacks depth and variety. "I want you now" is super creepy. "Little 15" was the only interesting song.

Would have never listened to this if it wasn’t for this album generator. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Not the best driving music with all the weird sounds, but loved it nonetheless

Less like music for the masses and more like music for a bad Netflix show.

Never Let Me Down Again 3.3 The Things You Said 3 Strangelove 3.1 Sacred 3 Little 15 3.1 Behind the Wheel 2.9 I Want You Now 2.8 To Have and to Hold 2.7 Nothing 2.8 Pimpf 2.4 Score: 2.91

Meh

Pretty boring

You ever get worried that you don't actually like a certain artist and that you really only like the one song or album you've heard? Well fortunately, I can safely say that that does not apply to me and Depeche Mode. I loved Violator. I can't believe I initially gave it a 4. That has since been remedied. But yeah, that album is phenomenal, so I was very excited to see if the album that came before it, Music for the Masses, holds up too. Fortunately, it does! Well, okay, I have to say one thing. Violator is the better album. I can confidently say that. However, Music for the Masses is still a great album. You can still hear the things that make Violator so special. The dark atmosphere, the stellar vocals, and the eerie lyrics are still there, albeit not quite as refined as they are one album later. Certain songs even remind me of specific songs from Violator. For instance, "Nothing" kind of gave me "Sweetest Perfection" vibes. I really think I'm gonna have to check out the other Depeche Mode albums after this. This is just great. High 4/5.

Meh didn’t like it

Well crafted vibes. 4/5

This album surprised me, and not in a good way. Their subsequent album Violator is perfect, 5/5. This one suffers from forgettable songs, uninteresting instrumentals, and an ok vocal performance. I can only really give this a 2.5/5 -> 3/5.

The 80s produced some terrible music. This is a part of that. I get that some might find it enjoyable, but it was very much a time and a place kind of music. That time is not now.

### **Introduction** "Music for the Masses," released on September 28, 1987, is Depeche Mode's sixth studio album. The album marked a significant shift for the band, both in terms of musical style and thematic content, pushing them further into the mainstream while solidifying their status as one of the most innovative and influential acts of the 1980s. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and its lasting influence, offering a critical analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. ### **Lyrics** Depeche Mode’s lyrics have always been a crucial element of their appeal, blending melancholy with introspection, and "Music for the Masses" is no exception. The album’s lyrical themes revolve around personal and emotional turmoil, existentialism, and a sense of longing and despair. 1. **Never Let Me Down Again**: One of the standout tracks, it captures the essence of dependence and submission, both in personal relationships and possibly in broader societal contexts. The song’s recurring metaphor of a drug-like relationship ("I’m taking a ride with my best friend") hints at addiction and the loss of control, a common theme in Martin Gore's songwriting. 2. **Strangelove**: This track delves into the complexities of love, focusing on the tension between desire and self-destruction. The lyrics oscillate between passion and guilt, reflecting the dual nature of human emotions. 3. **Behind the Wheel**: This song plays with the concept of control and surrender, using the metaphor of driving to explore the dynamics of power in a relationship. The lyrics are minimalistic but potent, enhancing the sense of unease and anticipation. 4. **The Things You Said**: A more introspective track, this song is about the impact of words and the pain of betrayal. The lyrics are raw and personal, reflecting the vulnerability that lies beneath the band’s polished exterior. 5. **I Want You Now**: This song strips down to a raw plea for intimacy and connection, with lyrics that are direct yet filled with yearning. The sexual undertones in the lyrics add a layer of urgency and intensity. **Pros**: - The lyrics are emotionally resonant, offering a deep dive into human psychology. - Gore’s ability to blend abstract concepts with personal experience creates a universal appeal. - The recurring themes of dependence, control, and longing are explored with nuance. **Cons**: - Some tracks, like "Sacred," may feel repetitive or overly simplistic in their lyrical content. - The abstract nature of the lyrics may alienate listeners who prefer more straightforward narratives. ### **Music** Musically, "Music for the Masses" is a rich tapestry of electronic sounds, blending dark synths with pop sensibilities. The album is characterized by its use of sampling, atmospheric soundscapes, and a departure from the band’s earlier, more minimalist approach. 1. **Production Techniques**: The production, handled by Depeche Mode along with David Bascombe, is polished and expansive. The use of synthesizers is more sophisticated than in previous albums, with a greater emphasis on layering and texture. The album also incorporates elements of industrial and alternative rock, making it one of their most diverse offerings. 2. **Instrumentation**: The instrumentation on the album is notable for its balance between electronic and organic sounds. Tracks like "Never Let Me Down Again" feature driving synth lines paired with powerful drum patterns, while "Little 15" incorporates orchestral elements, providing a melancholic counterpoint to the synthetic backdrop. 3. **Melodic Structure**: The melodies are haunting and memorable, with each song crafted to evoke specific emotional responses. "Strangelove" and "Behind the Wheel" are prime examples of this, where the melodies are both catchy and unsettling, reflecting the duality of the lyrics. 4. **Rhythm and Tempo**: The album experiments with different tempos, from the upbeat, almost danceable rhythm of "Strangelove" to the slower, more contemplative pace of "The Things You Said." This variety keeps the listener engaged, as each track offers a different emotional and sonic experience. **Pros**: - The album’s production is meticulously crafted, creating a lush, immersive soundscape. - The use of diverse instrumentation and sampling techniques adds depth and complexity. - Melodies are both catchy and emotionally charged, enhancing the lyrical themes. **Cons**: - Some listeners may find the production too polished, lacking the raw edge of earlier works. - The heavy reliance on electronic instrumentation might alienate fans of more traditional rock sounds. ### **Production** "Music for the Masses" represents a significant step forward in Depeche Mode’s production quality, marking a move towards a more commercial sound while retaining the band’s dark, introspective edge. The production is characterized by its precision and attention to detail, with each track meticulously crafted to create a specific mood. 1. **Sound Engineering**: The album’s engineering is crisp and clear, allowing the various layers of sound to be heard distinctly. This clarity is particularly evident in tracks like "Never Let Me Down Again," where the dense instrumentation could easily become muddled but instead remains coherent and impactful. 2. **Use of Sampling**: Sampling plays a significant role in the album’s production, with the band experimenting with found sounds and unconventional sources. This technique adds an industrial, almost mechanical quality to the music, enhancing the themes of alienation and control. 3. **Mixing and Mastering**: The mixing is well-balanced, with a clear separation between the different elements of each track. The mastering ensures that the album has a consistent sound across all tracks, with no single element overpowering the others. 4. **Collaboration with David Bascombe**: The collaboration with David Bascombe brought a fresh perspective to the band’s sound, helping to refine and polish the album without losing its emotional core. Bascombe’s experience with pop and rock acts is evident in the album’s accessibility and mainstream appeal. **Pros**: - The production is polished and professional, enhancing the album’s commercial potential. - Sampling and sound engineering add depth and texture to the music. - The collaboration with David Bascombe results in a more refined sound without sacrificing the band’s identity. **Cons**: - Some fans may miss the raw, experimental edge of earlier Depeche Mode albums. - The polished production might be seen as a move towards a more commercial sound, potentially alienating some of the band’s original fanbase. ### **Themes** "Music for the Masses" is thematically rich, exploring complex emotional landscapes and societal issues through its lyrics and music. The album’s title is both ironic and apt, reflecting the band’s ambition to reach a wider audience while dealing with themes that are far from "mass appeal." 1. **Alienation and Isolation**: Many of the album’s tracks deal with feelings of alienation and isolation, both in personal relationships and in a broader societal context. Songs like "Behind the Wheel" and "The Things You Said" explore the distance between individuals, even within intimate relationships. 2. **Power and Control**: The theme of power dynamics is central to the album, with several tracks exploring the tension between control and submission. "Never Let Me Down Again" and "Behind the Wheel" both use metaphors of travel and movement to illustrate these dynamics, creating a sense of unease and instability. 3. **Love and Desire**: Love, in its various forms, is a recurring theme throughout the album. However, the love depicted here is often fraught with complications, guilt, and self-doubt. "Strangelove" captures this duality perfectly, as does "I Want You Now," which juxtaposes desire with a sense of desperation. 4. **Existential Reflection**: The album also delves into existential themes, questioning the nature of existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. "Little 15" and "To Have and To Hold" both touch on these themes, using minimalistic lyrics to convey a deep sense of existential angst. **Pros**: - The album’s themes are complex and thought-provoking, offering more than just surface-level pop music. - The exploration of alienation, control, and existentialism is handled with nuance and sophistication. - The thematic cohesion across the album makes it a compelling and immersive listening experience. **Cons**: - The heavy themes may be off-putting to listeners looking for lighter, more accessible music. - The album’s introspective nature may not resonate with all audiences, particularly those unfamiliar with Depeche Mode’s style. ### **Influence** "Music for the Masses" is one of Depeche Mode’s most influential albums, both in terms of its impact on the band’s career and its broader influence on the music industry. 1. **Commercial Success**: The album marked a turning point for Depeche Mode, breaking them into the American market and establishing them as a major force in the music industry. The success of singles like "Never Let Me Down Again" and "Strangelove" helped the band gain a larger audience, paving the way for their subsequent albums. 2. **Impact on Electronic Music**: "Music for the Masses" has been cited as a key influence on the development of electronic music in the late 1980s and 1990s. The album’s sophisticated use of synthesizers and sampling techniques helped to legitimize electronic music as a serious genre, influencing a wide range of artists across different genres. 3. **Legacy in Alternative Rock**: The album also had a significant impact on the alternative rock scene, blending electronic and rock elements in a way that would later be emulated by bands like Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead. Depeche Mode’s ability to balance dark, introspective themes with commercial appeal set a template for alternative bands to follow. 4. **Cultural Impact**: Beyond its musical influence, "Music for the Masses" also had a cultural impact, particularly in its exploration of themes like alienation and control. The album resonated with a generation disillusioned by the excesses of the 1980s, offering a darker, more introspective alternative to the era’s prevailing pop culture. **Pros**: - The album’s influence on electronic music and alternative rock is undeniable, with its sound and themes echoing in the work of countless artists. - "Music for the Masses" helped to expand Depeche Mode’s fanbase and solidify their place in music history. - The album’s exploration of dark, introspective themes set it apart from other pop music of the time, giving it a lasting cultural impact. **Cons**: - The album’s success and influence led to increased pressure on the band to produce commercially successful music, which some critics argue may have influenced their later work. - The album’s impact on the music industry has overshadowed some of the band’s earlier, more experimental work, which is often overlooked in discussions of their legacy. ### **Conclusion** "Music for the Masses" is a landmark album in Depeche Mode’s discography, representing a significant evolution in their sound and themes. The album’s sophisticated production, emotionally resonant lyrics, and exploration of complex themes make it a compelling listen, while its influence on electronic music and alternative rock is undeniable. **Pros**: - Strong, emotionally charged lyrics that explore complex themes. - Innovative production and use of electronic instrumentation. - Significant influence on both electronic music and alternative rock. - Thematically cohesive and immersive. **Cons**: - Some tracks may feel repetitive or overly polished. - The heavy, introspective themes may not appeal to all listeners. - The album’s success led to increased pressure on the band, influencing their subsequent work. Overall, "Music for the Masses" stands as one of Depeche Mode’s most important and enduring albums, offering a perfect blend of artistic integrity and mainstream appeal.

I appreciate the artistry, but not my cup of tea

A great album. I've never heard it in its entirety before. I already knew some of the tracks, just from the concerts I've attended. I didn't realize that this was the follow-up album to Black Celebration, which I've always enjoyed listening to. It's great to have heard the whole album now. 5/5

initially struck me as kinda flat but as i kept listening it blossomed...major, one of the most stunning and immaculately produced albums...i love being goth 10/10

Adoro Despeche Mode, mas achei esse álbum tão fraquinho...

This is a fantastic representation of 80s synth pop. I just don’t really love 80s synth pop.

Virkelig et behageligt gennemlyt.

Ultra solidt album. Jeg nød alt på nær det mix helvede der er til sidst på den udgave Spotify havde fundet til mig. (også 20 minutter for langt med de numre..) Jeg høre den uden tvivl igen en dag. 👌

Der er nogle kæmpe bangers på det her album. Og resten er bund solidt. DM fortsætter deres udvikling fra lys dance-pop til mørk electronica.

Not my thing but a good album nonetheless.

Hadn’t heard before

I don’t really like eighties music but I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t amazing

Low energy, but not too bad. First track is the best track.

Enjoyed this more than I thought, especially the instrumentals. 2.78

I really enjoyed this. Dark and brooding synth pop sounds like an unlikely combination on paper but Depeche Mode really pull it off, and Dave Gahan has an excellent voice to complement it.

SIN INTERÉS.

Damn. Incredible and so full of life.

Вот вроде все хорошо, но последние 2 трека очень плохо.

Not quite as good as Violator, but close. 4/5

Should be called 'Music for the Small Portion of the Masses who Enjoy Ambient Operatic Synth Chamber Music'

It was a bit boring and ironically felt like soulless mass-produced tunes.

🤖

Some interesting parts but kinda boring, especially the vocals. Also the album cover isn’t great.

I liked this. I hadn’t heard of depeche mode but I guess they r pretty popular. Seems pretty standard as far as English rock esque bands on this list go. I feel like w/ the arcade fire/new order/joy division/jefferson airplane albums I liked them fine on the first listen but I've grown to like them significantly more bc individual songs just pop up on my playlists n they just are good... I can see this being similar to that I think?

Actually really liked this, was pretty accessible. 8/10

7/10 - It was pretty good but nothing fantastic. Never let me down aggro mix went hard. I thought I would have liked Depeche mode more than I did

I like 80s synthpop stuff so I thought this was pretty good but if I'm gonna listen to Depeche Mode I'd rather just listen to violator

Great album

A bit dark and melancholy for my taste, but the production and sound are solid.

So over the top and dramatic. Makes me feel like a teenager who has feelings no one in the world has ever felt before. And I am here for it. I am sure it is mostly nostalgia but I love Depeche Mode and all the ridiculous 80’s synth glory.

Pretto decent album, but not their best album I reckon.

Dug the 80s drums and the general feel of the album. None of the songs really stood out however and it all kind of just blended into a slog. Strong 2 star.

This one trip into British New Wave was actually not bad. It kinda enjoyed a lot of it. May have just been in the mood, but I’ll give it to the album for now.

I always thought Depeche Mode sounded like a metal band name, until recently when I realized they weren't a metal band and that I, in fact, knew a few of their songs without knowing there were by them. This was my first time listening to an album of theirs and I really liked it. I found some songs I rlly rlly enjoyed and will return to

Sounds exactly like the kind of the music a guy with a skull cane would make.

Best tracks were the instrumental focused ones toward the end. 2.5/5

Me ha gustado bastante. Mejor que Violator.

I hated this. The music itself is fine. It's not particularly good, and it doesn't have any flaws or anything, but I don't like the guy's voice, and the style of music is something that I really don't like. So this is just an un-perfect storm.

One of my favorite bands at that time

Depeche Mode is grand. They being their dark synth style to a new height with some interesting instrumentals in the later half of the album.

This album was kind of dark and definitely different than most of the music I've gotten here, and I am liking it. I do like synth pop, and this feels pretty gothic at the same time. My favorite was Behind the Wheel, but Never Let Me Down Again, The Things You Said, and Pimpf were all pretty cool too.

OK but a bit bland?

This is a sulky thing, much of the time, putting on mum’s cocktail dress to sing sad songs before a full-length mirror, which may bring pride as well as solace. The influences reach back past Kraftwerk to a Teutonic romanticism, which can be breathtaking and monotonous at the same time. The songs live in this brooding ambivalence that had me longing for some sort of resolution - a soaring climax, a scream, a hummable chorus, or even just a fat, loud power chord. But the record’s compositional logic would deem that inelegant. “Nothing” promises a noir thrill ride with its menacing opening, but the John Carpenter-style synth riff ends up being back drop for pretty, abstract sound poses - I expected “Assault on Precinct 13” and received an Ingmar Bergman scene instead. I liked this more the second time through. The vocals and lyrics are still sway too much in front of the mirror for me.

I picked this up in the local Our Price when it came out, lured in by the starkly evocative cover. Was not disappointed - quality '80s synth pop with quite intricate songs and the requisite amount of sinister, perhaps pervy allusions. I think it's their best, a perfect teenage bedroom record

Depeche Mode is perfectly tuned to sooth my brain. Always hits me just right.

Depeche Mode 2as a band in the 80’s l didn’t want to like but it’s very listenable. Like "Never Let Me Down Again" heavier beat.

I am at the point now where I can recognise new wave albums by the fact they are shitting in my ear, HOWEVER, this album just took a little piss instead, thank you 1001 albums list, keep it up!

Having heard their seminal release 'Violater' very recently - falling in love with its dark, moody, and almost dystopian aura (gothic synthpop?), I was very much looking forward to listening to more Depeche Mode. Honestly, 'Music for the Masses' is in the same vein as its successor, following a loveable formula composed of some of the most textured pop synths in 80s new-wave - and David Gahan's vocals that scream dissatisfaction, emptiness, and hunger. There's so much drama here when diving into the cold lyrical drive against this almost industrial and robotic bass and drum machine combination - especially seen on the songs 'Strangelove', 'Behind the Wheel', and 'Sacred'. It's also undeniably catchy at times. This album just has this infectious combination of vocals and diverse synths, drowning the listener in its countless melodic layers. It's what made me fall in love with this band in the first place.

- Bin eigentlich kein großer Depeche Mode fan. Das Album hat mich überraschender Weise aber irgendwie ziemlich abgeholt. - Kannte keinen einzigen Song von dem Album (vielleicht habe ich den ersten mal gehört, i dont know) - weniger poppig und mehr verschroben als sonst, hat mir das wirklich gut gefallen. Einzig der Gesang, war mir stellenweise etwas zu wabernd und dünn 3,75/5

- Mein Schwiegervater in Spe würde mich für diese Aussage wahrscheinlich umbringen, aber ich finde viele Tracks von Depeche Mode eher langweilig und oft eintönig - An diesem Empfinden hat auch dieses Album nicht wirklich etwas geändert

130/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

i don’t really care for early new wave music ngl

Generally not a fan of Depeche Mode's sound

быстро надоедает, слишком гламурно

get uhhhh something carelesss

It's a good album and I absolutely understand why it is on this list, but I do not personally feel it has aged as well as some of their other music unfortunately.

Good atmosphere, a bit too out there for me

eh, not my bag

Absolutely loved this one. I'm all about the synthy 80's vibes this album has.

I usually really enjoy 80s synthy, brooding stuff, but this one just didn't quite hit the mark. Not terrible though.

I love the Depeche Mode sound. There was a synth that reminded me of DOOM 1, which is an extra bonus! 4/5

I don't really like 80's synth-pop, but I listened to the whole album, anyway. I found it dull ... not a single song that I could get into.

another lee classic

Not bad...but dated

Another good album…7/10

Listenable but nothing special

With all the synth sounds and gated reverb it’s of its time.

Ein super song, rest nur ok

Why the bare and thin production makes me feel so uneasy I cannot tell, but something about it makes even the most beautiful pop song here feel a little tonally out of place. Like I'm being judged by the ghost of pop.

Love it, love it, love it.

Back in the 80ies I hated them. Now I loved them. Why? Don't know, but it just clicks with me. Nonetheless, this one is not their best and nothing really super impressive.

British new wave electro pop, gets boring after a few songs

Noteworthy songs - 808080808 Magical Dream - Kinda catchy synth, but the rest is bland. Ancodia - Good background noise. Cobra Bora - Actually kind of cool, reminds me of Bomberman Hero. Pacific 202 - N64 vibes, but melody isn't great. Donkey Doctor - Nothing too special, weird ending. 808080808 - Really cool beginning. A little slow in the middle but stays interesting enough. Sunrise - Nothing remarkable. The Fat Shadow - Eerie. Very short.

Not bad, but kind of repetitive at times. Kept waiting for it to end by the end of the album. I've still heard much worse. 2/5

I like the melancholic vibe

album started out really well and then just slowly started to fall off.... 3.2/5

MUSIC FOR THE MASSES is truly and exceptional album, which is saying a lot, because for many Depeche Mode fans it ranks only 6th after VIOLATOR, SONGS OF FAITH AND DEVOTION, SOME GREAT REWARD, ULTRA, and BLACK CELEBRATION. It was the first album that allowed Depeche Mode to become an arena act that could play arenas anywhere in the world. With the band becoming the first alternative act of the 1980s to be able to fill the Rose Bowl Stadium on their 101st and final show of the 1987-1988 world tour. Bascombe's production, coming after working with Tears for Fears on their career defining album SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR and Peter Gabriel's all time classic SO, was perfect for expanding the sound of the band with more guitar work, and more of a rock, soul, and gospel influenced exploration with synths and vocal harmonies.

Funsies

Another solid Depeche Mode album, with good synths and songwriting.

man i’ve been on a journey with this album over the last three and a half years… MFTM was the first depeche mode album i ever listened to in full. looking back, i’m not sure why i listened to this one first (my guess is because i loved Strangelove so much), but i really wasn’t into it much upon first listen. as i got more into depeche, i would come back to this and enjoy it more with each subsequent relisten. nowadays i’d say it’s one of my favorite albums of theirs. Little 15 is meh but everything else is soooo classic DM. 4.5

Better at the start. Last half of the album was a bit thin.

Strong start but quickly got bored

first half slapped. second half was pretty dull tho

The 80s, campy, low budget slasher flick soundtrack of music

You have to be in the mood for Depeche Mode, but it's good Deoeche Mode.

I like depeche mode but I’m not familiar with a lot of their stuff. This album is good, I’d put it on for chillin around the house, making dinner, drinks, or while I work, for an upbeat vibe. Pretty great 80’s sound.

Ah, music for the proto-goth/figuring out LGBTQ+ identity set. My college girlfriend loved Depeche Mode, as did my roommate. I was of course up my own classic rock infused ass at the time. Fun to revisit. The first half of the album holds up much better than the second after "Nothing", where you get the weirdness of "Pimpf" and "Agent Orange" and some remixes that sound ridiculously dated. In any case, it's still worth a listen -- some pretty good tracks on here, both the ones you know and the ones you don't. Unexpected bangers: I Want You Now, To Have and To Hold

The first half of the album was very strong, but it was getting pretty droning with five songs to go and I was ready to be done.

Great songwriting, defining sounds of the late 80’s, some of which I find kind of cheesy and grating unfortunately. Still, the song structures, melodies, and lyrics are so moving I can’t help but enjoy it.

Interesting album in that it has some of the best tracks DM have ever done, but it also peters out a bit towards the end with more instrumental/experimental stuff ("Pimpf", ugh) that is a bit out of band or doesn't feel quite done. The highs are so high though that I can't really fathom giving it less than 4 stars.

80s synths, if that sounds good to you then this is a classic. Otherwise 3*

Heard of them - don't know specific songs.

Hidden gem in the Depeche Mode discography. It shows you where did Violator came from.

I started listening to this album on loudspeakers, as the album art suggested, and it wasn't really hitting for me. Then I switched over to my headphones and cranked it. What I once thought seemed a little bit corny, now I hear as a thumping, pumping culture blast. So many classic synth sounds! Plenty of drama, some classical music-ness to it as well. Behind the Wheel - I love the stereo effects as they echo, call and respond. Then when the thick, sexy vocals come in in the center, I become ecstatic, as in full of ecstasy, but not the drug. I see an image of me sway-bopping in a crowd of 60,000 to these intoxicating tunes. I have no idea what the lyrics are, but that's not what I really listen for on a first pass. Or a second pass. And probably not the third either.

I don't want to say that the Depeche Mode albums before Music for the Masses are skippable or forgettable, but the first three don't hold a lot of magic past the singles, and while Some Great Reward presages what comes here, it lacks a certain muscle. This is the album where DM got that muscle.

Depeche mode is a band a think I like and then I try to listen to a whole album and i realize I don't like depeche mode that much.

One of the greatest albums of all time

Pretty okay. (Didn’t do a full listen)

Pioneros de la música tecno, Depeche Mode asientan toda su experiencia anterior en este disco que comienza a lo grande con el gancho melódico de "Never Let Me Down Again". Todo el sonido del disco es grandioso y espectacular, un alarde tecnológico que destaca también en los otros sencillos extraídos del álbum: "Strangelove" y "Behind the Wheel", así como del temazo de amor gore "To Have and to Hold". También hay lugar para temas más líricos y letras más trabajadas, como ocurre con los temas "I Want You" y "The Things You Said". Sin duda uno de los mejores discos de Depeche Mode, que hace honor a su título.

Dark and poppy, a unique combination. Perhaps a little dated for my taste, but the production value and musicianship are surprisingly great! Overall, not a constant rotation for me.

Can’t say I paid it much attention today. It just felt like music that was getting in the way while I was listening to it. Can Depeche Mode really be held responsible for that? As the person rating the album I say yes.

Really somber and boring. With the bad ass drumming and synth one would think some more energy would be coming from this. Plus wasn’t there a lot of cocaine back then too? This album had 0 fun from the 80s.

Whew, the dark moody vibes on this yin. And the industrial percussion with smooth vocal harmonies just tickles my brain. I'm thinking 80s synth pop might be my jam? Highlights: Never Let Me Down Again, Strangelove, Little 15, I Want You Now, Nothing, Pimpf

Just made me want to listen to Power Corruption Lies which should have actually been on this list instead of these boomer synths.

My gf didnt like it.

all the fruitiness of violator without the hits.

3.5 stars

Music for the masses to me, is Depeche Mode doing what they do best. Every record sees the band polishing their sound and this one is no exception. My only complaint is that it’s not necessarily something new, just a further enhancement of what we already knew. Nevertheless it’s done exquisitely and all of these songs are effortless and enjoyable experiences