Ignoring the “incident” that was the April Fool’s album review, I’m glad to be back to my old self and listening to music that’s more my style. The definition of which, however, is still vague and unclear. After all, Depeche Mode, the band responsible for this edition’s album review, is probably the darkest artist I’ve reviewed.
Their synthesized, electronic sound and haunting vocals about love and sin create a mysterious, eerie feel with every song on the 9-track album. Yet many of the songs are great everyday listens, in particular I’ve noticed on commutes and car rides.
One of the best “everyday” songs has to be “Personal Jesus,” whose bass melody makes for a great workout song. However, “Enjoy The Silence” has to be my favorite song on the album, partially because of its dancier beat and wonderfully comforting lines about how “All I’ve ever wanted, all I’ve ever needed, is here in my arms,” and partially because of its absurd music video, where lead singer David Gahan goes around various mountains with a folding deck chair, singing the song. It’s confusing. It’s not related to anything in the song, but through some stretches of symbolism, video director Anton Corbjin managed to sell the band on the idea, which I think is one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard.
This album is, much to both my and your disappointment, the last one I’ll be writing this year. It’s been so much fun being able to share my more eccentric music taste with all of you, and I’ve got something special planned for the final edition, so “Call Me What You Like” for ending this way, but there’s a few more albums I need to share before the “Summer Wind” comes through to say goodbye.
