I recently read a review of Depeche Mode's 13th album, Delta Machine. I was very displeased with the review and I would like to do one myself and be much more specific about it. I will explain my reasons for liking or disliking each song. Here goes nothing...
Depeche Mode: Delta Machine Released on March 25th, 2013
Welcome To My World
Written by Martin Gore
Nice electronic start makes it sound like any other Depeche Mode song but as Dave Gahan begins to sing the beat stays simple and he sings in low notes and uses a bluesy tone. The lyrics are obviously the work of Martin Gore and talk in complex and beautifully poetic riddles. Dave reaches for higher notes and is joined by Martin in the chorus. This compliments Dave nicely.Final Score: A+
Angel
Written by Martin Gore
This electronic beat once again. It seems it will be very similar to the first track as you hear Dave sing and the beat remains the same with some interesting effects to fill the parts that have no vocals. The chorus is slow and shows off Dave's new vocal range. "Oh, leave me here forevermore. I've found the peace I've been searching for. Oh, let me sleep forevermore. I've found the peace I've been searching for." The lyrics also describe being dazed, weak, high and then being baptized. None of which are new to our gentlemen.Final Score: A+
Heaven
Written by Martin Gore
The first single from the album is very different from the music Depeche Mode is known for. In it Dave sings nice and slow with that Mississippi sound. Martin backs him up here and there to make a "heavenly" sound. Electronic keyboards and piano with some guitar and even some drums. A new sound for them but it fits them so well and makes their aged voices sound even better than ever before.Final Score: A+
Secret To the End
Written by Dave Gahan
This one seems to be about an ending relationship. I also wonder if the lyrics are suggesting that it is the end of Depeche Mode's long reign. (I sure hope not.) Dave and Martin do a classic call and reply for the chorus. The chilling echo is enough to give you goosebumps. This one is electronic as well but how many songs by Depeche Mode do you know have no electronics? The new movement/flow (there's a word for it but it escapes me) of this album has this incredible effect on the voices of Dave and Martin.Final Score: A
My Little Universe
Written by Martin Gore
This one is very interesting as it does not actually do what most of their songs do. Dave sings lead on this track as well. Martin does back him up to give his voice an extra kick of power and strength. This track stays quiet and allows Dave to project his voice and gives it clarity/power (again I have lost my word). The flow of his voice is excellent and I am very pleased with their choice of melody.Final Score: A
Slow
Written by Martin Gore
Woo! Sexy! Smooth like honey and oh so steamy! It moves with a bluesy flow and makes you want to swish and sway with it. Dave's voice pops out of the music while somehow moving nice and slowly with the music. Martin sings in the background and vocalizes with a chilling pitch and gives the song that extra sugar. The guitar is incredible. At first you think "Wow!" when you hear Dave and the guitar, then you go "Damn!" when it picks up the pace and finally, when Martin vocalizes the first time....you die. Definitely an excellent track.Final Score: A+
Broken
Written by Dave Gahan
I am still working on deciphering these lyrics. I do enjoy the sounds of Dave and Martin's voices and the music but I have yet to understand the story. The chorus is supportive words from him to the woman he loves. He tells her he understands her pain and the trouble she has been through then he lets her know that if she falls he will catch her. I will let you know more when I get the lyrics deciphered. I suppose I am a little out of practice as far as Dave's writing goes...Final Score: A may change when I learn more about the meaning
The Child Inside
Written by Martin Gore
My favorite track and the only one that Martin Gore sings lead for. His voice has aged quite noticeably but is much like wine in my opinion, the older the better. The music behind his voice is simple and quiet allowing his voice to be heard loud and clear. Martin always had such an incredible vocal range and I was pleased to find that he has not allowed that to change. He may be speaking to himself in this song but I can't be sure if that is right. I have had some difficulty with this song and it's meaning. I understand bits and pieces but the song as a whole is still mysterious and that may be part of why I like it. (Of course, the fact that Martin is the lead vocalist has nothing to do with it at all...)Final Score: A+
Soft Touch/Raw Nerve
Written by Martin Gore
Good, fast beat and the singing starts very quickly. Dave leads with Martin right behind him almost all the way through. As far as lyrical meaning, you'll have to decide for yourself because it has it's own meaning for me. I think it's talking about a very troublesome girl in his life that he finally agitated in return. The song is very short or maybe it just seems that way.Final Score: A-
Should Be Higher
Written by Dave Gahan
Me likey. It is slow with a nice, moderate beat. I suppose Dave is talking about allowing himself to fall for this girl. (Who he is talking to, I can only guess.) He hits some excellent high notes in the chorus. Very bluesy song, overall. It has this rhythm that makes you wants to move your hips and dance. The song itself has a very seductive sound. I always thought Dave could do some seriously sexy things with his voice (and hips) and I am glad he has in this album.Final Score: A+
Alone
Written by Martin Gore
Perfect electric twist. Dave in the lead with a story written by our beloved Martin. He talks about a girl who he stayed with for better or worse. He explains that he can't be everything that she needs/wants. "Now it's too, too late for words that should have been said long ago." Martin and Dave sing in perfect unison, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It is an apology in song form. Who are you talking to, Martin?Final Score: A
Soothe My Soul
Written by Martin Gore
Single number two and I can see why. Dave sings in low notes with a sensual, seductive tone. In the chorus Dave and Martin do yet another call and reply. Now for the lyrics and woo buddy they are really...wow! It is very obvious to me what Martin is talking about in this particular song...SEX. But he puts it into words that slowly draw you in, close the door and lay you on silky black sheets. The girl he is talking to is probably an object of fascination and admiration that he wants to dominate. She wants him too but probably plays it cool. You should check out the video for this one but I didn't breathe at all from start to finish so be prepared.Final Score: A+
Goodbye
Written by Martin Gore
The guitar makes up a big part of this track. Dave sings the lead but Martin wails a chilling "Goodbye" all throughout the song. I think the story behind it is basically this: He's a bit of a player and he stumbles across a girl who keeps him in one place. He hurt before and had problems trusting people but she changes that. Or something to that effect. I do love the guitar and Martin's last bit in the song but it isn't really my favorite.Final Score: B+
Overall, the album sounded incredible and was well written. I feel bad not mentioning the efforts of Mr. Andrew Fletcher so I just want to sneak a thank you in here for him. He's the glue of group and will always be a "Monument" as far as I'm concerned. So, Fletch, thank you from the bottom of my heart for every little thing you have done. It really means something to me and I appreciate it all. Also, Ben Hillier has been an awesome help and I thank him too. Martin Gore and Dave Gahan also get my sincerest thanks, as always. Here's to your 30 years, Depeche Mode, I love each second and we can always hope for more. See you in Georgia at the beginning of September.
