Sounds of the Universe

Ok, the first time I heard this album, the day it released , I hated it. Fast forward to Dec 2020 when I downloaded it. I listened to it at work and realized what a great album this actually is. In chains, Hole to Feed, Fragile Tension are standouts. But the album is great it is cohesive and definitely worth a listen.

❤️

“Wrong” proved that these guys can still write a seething, biting, dark, pop hit. It has everything we love about Depeche Mode. A great beat, great synths, deviant lyrics, all done to a poppy melody through Dave’s traveled crooning. The rest of the album is a mixed bag. “In Chains”, and “Corrupt” are vintage Depeche, and “Jezebel” is a fine Martin anti-ballad. But the rest is very forgettable.. While it’s great that Dave Gahan has spread his wings into the songwriting arena, and he truly has some talent there, his offerings don’t measure up to Martin’s. Sonically, this album is great as usual, and it’s testament to Depeche that “great as usual" is taken for granted with them when it comes to that.

Since Alan Wilder left to pursue his solo career, Depeche Mode lacked that oomph that Wilder contributed. Maybe it’s the analog drum machines, and synths.. Maybe crushing many hours in the studio. Perhaps making the album in Soho nyc provided inspiration. Who knows??? This is one of their best albums imo. Albums to follow have been lackluster. Martin Gore has one track to on the entire album. Was hoping for more. Though everything is coherent. It’s one of those albums that you can listen to from beginning to end. Additionally they did not succumb to selling out for a couple of tracks for the radio. Listen, if you never heard the album. Go on U tube and listen before purchase. You will not be disappointed, and if you are on the fence. Make the purchase. The album will definitely grow on you!

While I'll agree that it isn't as amazing as 'Playing the Angel' or even 'Violator', this album still has some great material. Songs on here show that DM was trying to mix up a rock sound into their modern synthpop music, and it honestly worked. The lyrics on here are as great of writing as you'd expect from anything DM album. This album is pretty amazing if you go at it with an open mind and not expecting it to be better than 'Violator'.

& Depeche Mode does it well every time

I did not care for this album at all when it first came out. Nothing 'grabbed' me the way "Enjoy the Silence" or "It's No Good" did when they were released. Now that I walk at work every day and have been listening to DM for inspiration I decided to give "Sounds" another chance. Surprisingly I find myself listening to it nearly every day now. Not the best DM album, no 'single' on the album ("Wrong" isn't even the best cut) but taken as a whole an inspired effort. Give the whole album a listen before making up your mind. Wish I'd done that four years ago.