Depeche Mode - Music For The Masses - Review
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critics' view

The beauty of the album is that 30 years after its release it still feels modern and as a whole entity offers the listener a cauldron of emotions that strike at the core of all of our existence. There is a subtle power at work here. A rawness and honesty that draws you in. With Music For The Masses, Depeche Mode stepped up their level of artistry—thanks in no short measure to the increasing influence of Alan Wilder—and reached for something more. The success and acclaim that followed turned Depeche Mode from curious electro synth-driven pioneers into a bone fide, critically acclaimed “band” that offered depth. The rise that followed its release is beautifully captured in the acclaimed 101 documentary helmed by D.A. Pennebaker and the corresponding live album that saw this little bubbling band reach boiling point. The awkward, uncool Depeche Mode were never supposed to make music for the masses. Their next album, 1990’s stadium-ready Violator, would sell over four million copies and spawn two global anthems in ‘Personal Jesus’ and ‘Enjoy The Silence’. Depeche Mode had grown wise beyond their years - Music For The Masses had fulfilled its own prophecy.

read Andy Healy's full review at Albumism external-link.png

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Albumism™ is an editorially independent music website dedicated to honoring the album as a vital art form, while connecting with the global community of passionate music fans to celebrate our love affairs with albums past, present and future. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, we offer feature articles, tributes, reviews, interviews, news, exclusive premieres, playlists, streams, and videos, among other forms of content, and always welcome comments, contributions and ideas from our fellow music enthusiasts.
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