I've had a long-standing yet strange relationship with Basildon's finest, Depeche Mode. Their music has been in my life ever since 'Speak And Spell' came out in 1981 and that's because my best friend, Andreas, was and still is, a Depeche-nut and aficionado, and played them all the time. I didn't necessarily like them at first, I was and still am a rocker, but their music definitely grew on me. It could be that Andreas had a supreme brainwashing scheme going on which worked its magic on me, regardless Depeche Mode eventually became a band whose music truly meant something to me. And that's what brings us to 'Violator'. Their fourth album 'Some Great Reward' is what truly made me a supporter but when 'Violator' appeared in 1990 everything changed immensely and immediately. The band unleashed a complete album and with that I mean they remained true to who they are but the songs burst out and moved above all genres, and still do. Yes, Depeche Mode are a synth band but with 'Violator' they took their music and removed any genre shackles and rules and poured their hearts out at the same time. And the outcome is bloody fantastic! To this day there are other albums out there like 'Violator' but they are few and far between, so when you do come across one, embrace it and allow yourself to be immersed in its beauty and wonder.
The opening bass loop on 'World In My Eyes' is very mesmerizing and it leads the song on as ethereal synth loops plays on top. And that bass loop and beat reminds me of Kraftwerk. This is about the comfort of being with your partner both intellectually and intimately. 'Sweetest Perfection' follows and is one of two songs featuring Martin Gore on lead vocals. A solitary snare drum played with wire brushes accompanied by a bass loop guides the song until a guitar enters the fray. All while Martin profess that when you're so deeply in love you embrace your partner with warts and all, meaning you take the good with the bad because you found the sweetest perfection. Musically 'Personal Jesus' is worlds colliding to great aplomb with Martin's twangy surf-rock sounding guitar and hard-hitting programmed drums akin to Nitzer Ebb. It's a double-edged sword where you on the one hand are a guiding light and inspiration to others but on the other hand you use this to manipulate and fool people for your personal gain. 'Halo' is next and has the less is more approach and is nocturnal and captivating. Brings up the question of guilt, wrongfulness and a sense of ”let's do it anyway” despite the implications involved. Next up is one of my personal Depeche Mode favourites, 'Waiting For The Night'. Whenever I struggle to go to sleep at night this wonderful song is a great help. The main loop is very hypnotic and relaxing as is the recurring minimalistic path the band so greatly favours, let silence speak between the notes. Basically written about waiting for the day to end and the night to arrive bringing peace and serenity.
That simple drum beat along with Martin's guitar on 'Enjoy The Silence' are so effective. It draws you in and keeps a hold throughout. Dave sings about being content so enjoy the silence because more words would only ruin the moment. 'Policy Of Truth' follows and again the interplay between mesmerizing loops, samples and Martin's six-string slinging floors me. All the while Dave belts out how to hide what you have to hide and tell what you want to tell. On 'Blue Dress' we find Martin back on lead vocals singing about watching a girl getting dressed and realizing this is what life's about albeit with guilt all over it. At first listen 'Clean' is about staying clean and away from substance abuse but the more you listen a sense of religious imagery and sex seeps in. Musically the song is very laidback and etheral like floating in space and it has cathartic properties. As groundbreaking as Depeche Mode had been up to this point already, with 'Violator' they hit the stratosphere and definitely became an entity all of their own. Now they made music for anyone without losing any of the traits that defines them. And that takes quite a bit of talent to accomplish. Personally I wish more albums are like this, completely unfettered with no worries about rules, regulations and the dreaded: “You have to sound like this because you play this kind of music”. Depeche Mode threw caution to the wind with 'Violator' and did what they wanted 100 % and the outcome is absolutely fantastic.
- Swedebeast
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