Charlize Theron said it best when she introduced Depeche Mode in their induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2020.
“Depeche Mode is the soundtrack of my adolescence. I’m not kidding — there was literally a song for every occasion of my life: my first date, my first time leaving South Africa, and of course the first time I got my heartbroken.” she professed.
In the spirit of rediscovery for the ones who grew up listening to the band and a sweet introduction for the uninitiated, here are five of the most unforgettable DM songs.
1. But not Tonight – (Black Celebration Album, 1986)
A very dark period almost silenced the voice behind the song when Dave Gahan in 1995 slit his wrist in an attempt to commit suicide.
Why — a record that starts with “Oh God it’s raining and i’m not complaining it’s feeling me up with new life,” can be so optimistic and yet sound like someone’s last goodbye adds to its mystic. As though Gahan’s gradual loss of footing coincided with the writing of this song nine years before that fateful night.
There is so much love for this song in the comments section of the video. It belies the fact, how it seems to affect people in a profound way. Hard to believe that this was a b-side throwaway cut from Black Celebration that was written and recorded in 20 minutes and the last thing the band wants to play live.
The stars in the sky bring tears to my eyes
They’re lighting my way tonight
And I haven’t felt so alive in years
Should you find yourself in the throes of self-destruction, listen to these lyrics.
There was this woman online who, after discovering the song on YouTube shared her experience years ago with a friend who was jobless and depressed. She said he was in such poor shape she felt afraid to leave him alone at home and when she heard this song on the radio on her way to work that night, she cried.
If you know a friend who’s in trouble for having thoughts of suicide call the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline 0966-351-4518
2. Shake the Disease (Singles Compilation Album, 1985)
Understand Me, Understand Me this simple phrasing makes this love song a profound one. It’s like saying take a pause, hold your tongue and allow yourself to ruminate about the situation you are in with this special person.
This is the genius of Martin Gore’s lyrics. It paints pictures in your mind that makes the emotion even more powerful.
If love is indeed a disease,”understand me”.
3. Blasphemous Rumors (Some Great Reward Album, 1984)
“I don’t want to start any blasphemous rumors but I think that God’s got a sick sense of humor and When I die I expect to find him laughing.”
The Catholic in you can feel a little guilty, even a bit cringy in allowing yourself to enjoy such a sacrilegious song. But the reality is religion has turned people into blind followers. There has to be room for questioning one’s faith to be able to reach genuine enlightenment.
4. Enjoy the Silence (Violator Album, 1990)
Shakespeare once said: “Words without thoughts never to heaven go”.
Dave Gahan singing these lines tells you pretty much everything there is to know about how words have the power to ruin everything. What you are looking for are moments where actions speak louder than words. If you love someone, show it.
“All I ever wanted
All I ever needed
Is here in my arms
Words are very unnecessary
They can only do harm”
5. Never Let Me Down again (Music for the Masses Album, 1987)
Now this song is experiencing a revival. It’s been getting so much attention because of HBO’s The Last of Us. Finally, more people will discover the brilliance of this Music for the Masses hit track.
The song speaks about addiction and the loss of control. Martin Gore and the band at this point were going through the pitfalls of success and the excesses that go with it. Any form of addiction will always be a circumstance that can mean life or death and total destruction or upheaval.
Chris Martin of Coldplay once said: “Depeche Mode can make lost souls feel a bit more found,”
These are just five of the songs from a catalog that’s overflowing with messages of self-discovery, insecurity, misery, lust, love, life and so many profound moments of connection that reach the depths of someone’s soul, most especially the ones feeling disenfranchised.
Close to making the list and played a significant role in forming the ethos of the band are:
Somebody, Question of Lust, Walking in my shoes, Stripped and Strange Love.
What one would give to experience listening to them again for the first time.
