#167 Depeche Mode, 'Violator' (1990)

Previously #342

On their seventh record, Depeche Mode had well and truly embraced a darker, more brooding sound. The band tried a different approach on this one. Whereas previously they had done extensive pre-production work, on this record, the demos were sparse and the band would work more collaboratively, all chipping in with ideas at the beginning of a track. Super producer, Flood, would tie it all together.

‘Personal Jesus’ was the tentpole of the record, setting the tone. The song was completely different to anything the band had ever done before. For a start, it begins with a dirty blues riff. It was the first time that guitar was the dominant instrument. The song was inspired by Priscilla Presley’s book, ‘Elvis and Me.’ According to Martin Gore, “It's a song about being a Jesus for somebody else, someone to give you hope and care. It's about how Elvis Presley was her man and her mentor and how often that happens in love relationships.” The album is a collection of some of Depeche Mode’s finest songs; ‘Halo,’ ‘Waiting For The Night,’ ‘Enjoy The Silence,’ ‘World In My Eyes,’ and ‘Policy Of Truth’ amongst them. The album is engaging and interesting throughout. Where some of their previous records might have included some filler amongst the hits, this album is true killer, no filler. It peaked at #2 in the UK and #7 in the US, but has endured, selling in excess of 7.5 million records worldwide.

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