80s Song Was SO CONTROVERSIAL...Even Band Members Were Offended By It! | Professor Of Rock

COMING up a classic hit double A Side from one of the Depeche Mode In the 80s the band was starting to make it’s way up the charts and they haven’t stopped since. Today we break down the beautiful, sensitive Martin Gore Ballad Somebody along with it’s other side Blasphemous Rumors. Believe it or not the latter song caused an uproar in my small community of Blackfoot Idaho for it’s out right blasphemy…in fact when the main writer showed it to the rest of the band one key members was afraid it would offend everyone… . When Martin Gore brought Somebody to David Gahan, the late Andrew Fletcher and Alan Wilder he decided to sing it.. and sing it he did… buck naked. He wasted to sing it in the nude to capture the vulnerability perfectly. Boy did he ever. Coming up next the story of an 80s DM classic and how it lead to other great song of the same nature like, Enjoy the Silence, Stripped, A Question of Lust and more..
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#1980s #newwave #depechemode
Hey Music Junkies Professor of Rock Always here to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time. If you love classic rock and pop from the era of yesteryear, you will enjoy this channel . Subscribe below, Make sure to click on the instant notification button when you do sub, so you never miss out. We want thank our sponsor Zennie eyewear when you can design your own glasses, try it out at the link below.
It’s time to induct another song into our honor roll that we call
The New Standards where we honor a song that is both timeless and multi generational. On this episode, we submit & spotlight a song by A DM concert really is a few hours of non stop standards, songs that are the checkpoints of your life especially if you grew up with their music. But the song that really does obliterate the Tin Pan Alley test, again to recap on what the Tin Pan Alley Test is: can the song still be compelling when you take away all the bells and whistles. Can the song still soar when it’s broken down to the bare minimum. Either guitar or piano and could it exist in any year or any decade. Well, the Depeche Mode songs that does that so perfectly and that could be sung by
Frank Sinatra in the 40s or Elvis in the 50s or even the Beatles in the 60s well you get the point… Is the beautiful soaring love song. Somebody.
Martin Gore’s desperate pursuit for a soulmate that gushes with so much honesty & vulnerability it elicits a universal empathy that absolutely makes it a new standard.
“Somebody” was released in 1984, as a double-A side single in Europe from the Depeche Mode album Some Great Reward.
The Double A side of “Blasphemous Rumours” & “Somebody” share darkness, and stark reality, with diametrically different subject matter. “Blasphemous Rumours” is a devastating tale of a 16 year old girl who attempts to take her own life, but fails. In her recovery, she has a religious awakening, only to be killed in a car accident. The bitter irony of the tragedy is culminated in a blasphemous declaration that God is playing games with human lives. It’s the Depeche Mode song that had parents flipping out in the small-town of Blackfoot Idaho I grew up in. I can clearly remember quite a few instances where my friends were getting their cassette or CD copies of Catching up with Depeche Mode confiscated because of the Blasphemy within Blasphemous Rumors that made many a parents’ heads explode including my own.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who is your pick for the greatest New Wave band of the 80s?

[@catherine6653]

The Talking Heads. They started in the 70s, and had commercial success in the 80s. A record producer described them as New Wave and this is where the term started.

[@stephenbrown4211]

Flock of Seagulls Tears For Fears Thompson Twins

[@PinkyJujubean]

Devo. Yeah I know they started in the 70s but they were a staple of the 80s . Also their music was hugely influential and their music has held up well over time.

[@charleyanne]

*With a little perseverance you can get things done* (without the blind adherence that has conquered some) by Corey Hart, this has resonated with me since the 1st time I heard the song.

[@sureiseeyou]

The Cure Talking Heads Radiohead

[@FedericoPalma]

Martin Gore is the most underrated songwriter in rock history... A true genius apart from the rest, one of the greatest in every sense... Such lyrics!!!

[@Spiderific]

I have a memory connected with this song. I had just started art school, and my roommate ended up being this really tough punk girl who was super sweet inside, but she felt it was weak to show it. I was driving somewhere with her in the back seat and my other friend in the front. We were listening to a mix tape I made and this song came on. I knew it would be too mushy for her so was waiting for her reaction. Halfway through the song, I hear sniffles coming from the back seat. My friend in the front and I looked at each other bewildered. Was this hard punk rock girl with a mohawk CRYING?! She tried to hide it, but we heard it. Only time I ever saw her crying and never saw it again. The power of music, right? 🥀

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hotrod1793]

Well? What happened to the girl?

[@pdmullgirl]

Yes. I think music is the one thing we can all share and have a heart felt meaning of it. And during that instance, we’re all the same. Beautiful. Enjoyed your story. ❤️💜💚

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@pdmullgirl True but we are all the same anyway regardless of music.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow, wow, wow. So heartfelt. ❤

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

I included "Somebody" in a mix tape I made for my girlfriend 28 years ago. It became our "song." We later played it for the first dance at our wedding. We celebrated our 25 year anniversary last summer. She's still my "Somebody," and it's still our song.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The perfect wedding song.

[@bobablaw1298]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Great wedding song, until the twist at the very end.

[@justJelene]

My sister & I sang it (I harmonized) while our new sister- in- law's dad accompanied on acoustic guitar at our youngest brother's wedding reception ♥️ They're the cutest & now have 6 littles ranging from almost 14 to about 14 months old.

[@St.Linguini_of_Pesto]

Damn, @Demetrius Cooksey, you made me choke up. 🍸 here's to your next 25, friends. Congratulations.

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

@@St.Linguini_of_Pesto thanks

[@mangoblaze]

I've never felt more of a sense of unity than when I saw Depeche mode live and they played 'Somebody' live, the song that my teenage self had only ever listened to alone, and I sang along to it with a full stadium of 20,000 people . My heart felt complete and I felt so understood. Then at the end of the song Martin went off stage to hug his wife - showing that he was no longer yearning for his somebody, he had found her. 💗

[@AndreaAnd-gg4ye]

Me encantó tu relato💕

[@jessicaisraelsen8815]

I sang this to my husband Dwain on our wedding day in front of our friends and family this past May, 25 years after when we first fell in love over this song. Home is our other love song of when we first dated. We broke up back in 98 over the misunderstandings of youth and found each other again just before the pandemic. Thank you for covering this amazing song! We love all you do!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wow! Thanks for sharing that beautiful memory.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is so sweet.

[@jacklopes4699]

yup, somebody was our wedding song as well. I guess it's a popular one.

[@misterwombat]

What really sells "somebody" is thr haunting piano played by Alan Wilder. He truly was the musician of the group.

[@mizginavale22]

I've been to 7 or 8 Depeche Mode concerts and one of the highlights of each concert has been when David Gahan takes a break from the stage and Martin L. Gore takes center stage to sing "Somebody". He gives as much fragility to the delivery of lyrics as the studio version. It is deeply moving. Other songs that showcase Martin's vulnerability are: "Home" and "Shake the Disease". One song that doesn't get as much play is the song that is beautifully sung by Martin named "One Caress". This band is my favorite and it was disheartening when Andrew Fletcher passed away in 2022, leaving just a duo. Their discography is an amazing work of deeply interesting and moving songs.

[@bcastromusic]

That’s when I go get a drink ;) blasphemous rumours on other hand is awesome. Typical wilder composition w/ many layers and counterpoint but still leaving space for song to breath.

[@ssazerac]

“One Caress” is such a poetically driving, passionate yet haunting song. It blew me away the first time I heard it.

[@mrfry3]

All albums with Alan Wilder (Construction time again, Some great reward, Black Celebration, Music for the masses, Violator and Songs of faith and devotion) have no filler songs, they are all masterpieces.

[@greva2904]

Yeah, DM definitely lost something when Alan Wilder left. Musically they’ve never reached those heights again.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My fave is Music for the Masses.

[@bcastromusic]

Agree 100%. But I don’t think he had anything to do with somebody. It sounds like one of gore’s home studio demos and I don’t think he could write such a sophomoric composition (the composition not the lyrics and vocal)

[@ninawildr4207]

Agreed!!!💯

[@madtownjeremy]

BLACK CELEBRATION is such an incredible album

[@aelialoves2judge90dayfianc8]

My soul mate asked me to listen to this song the morning after our first night together. I was breathless- it was the first time I had ever heard it. 32 days later we got married. 18 years later, this song still manages to define our love.

[@bicyclist2]

Growing up I was one of only two or maybe three people in my high school who liked Depeche Mode. I sent "Somebody" to a high school girlfriend and she liked it. I'm so glad to see Professor of Rock covering Depeche Mode again. Depeche is my all time favorite band. And has been since the early 80's. I used to have all the albums up to Violator on cassette tape. Don't forget to mention the passing of founding member Mr. Andrew Fletcher R.I.P. I remember where I was, the moment I first heard DM. The song was "People are People". DM has been the soundtrack to my life. Please keep up the good work. Thank you.

[@charlottesmom]

I graduated in 85' never cared for DM, my little sister adored them! Now that I'm 56 maybe I should check them out. 😊(I should say I know a few of their songs, its not like I lived under a rock..)

[@JP_IN_TX]

This is fun to recollect. My father was a federal judge and my mother was a cardiologist. I was 12 in 1984. The song "Blasphemous Rumours" was playing, and my father passed my room and heard "I don't want to start any blasphemous rumours, but I think that God's got a sick sense of humour and when I die I expect to find him laughing". He immediately turned off my stereo and just ran me through a spiritual riot act. Told me I would need to grapple with my faith. I then asked him one single question. "Do you hear the attorneys full statement or argument prior to judging, or listen and put things into context before you render a judgement?" (That's what he gets for sending me to private school). He thought about it and sat down next to me and listened to the full song while reading the lyrics. I then put on "Somebody" and he listened to it several times in a row and then went to purchase the album for himself. Fast forward to present time. I'm now 50, a cardiologist, and the last concert my father and I went to was Depeche Mode Devotional. Music is the universal bridge between the unknown, the known, and the possible. Music allows us to communicate through humanity. Professor, 2023 is going to be amazing and thank you for kicking this off with my favourite band.

[@ruskiessuck3337]

dude that was very well written and thanks

[@isabelleetchebarren8981]

I have loved Depeche Mode since 1986! I’m 50 now and I will never get tired of their music!

[@cnph7067]

My wife and I began dating in HS (Class of 84) and part of our bond was our mutual love of New Wave/Modern Rock with Depeche Mode our favorite band. If you only know Depeche Mode from a couple of their radio hits or popular videos you owe it to yourself to look deeper. Honestly you will not be disappointed!

[@fragout9575]

You're only a few years older than me, but when I discovered DM, it was around when Friday Night Videos was on NBC and my city didn't have cable at that time to watch MTV. I was ALWAYS the odd man out as a kid and so Alternative Music was my thing for sure in those years and since.... You're right, they have so many deep cuts and even their more recent stuff is equally as amazing as their older tunes!!

[@flesh4lulu475]

@FRAG OUT I discovered DM through Columbia House music club in the 80's....I'm pretty sure I still owe them money, lol

[@cnph7067]

@@fragout9575 even though we had access to MTV it seemed only a fraction of modern rock/new wave videos were in rotation until their “120 Minutes” program started. There was a show on a local channel in the SF Bay Area called “CMC- California Music Channel” that at the time literally only showed modern rock/new wave videos. CMC would show videos that never aired on MTV

[@fragout9575]

@@cnph7067 For me, at that time, ANYTHING that was on FNV was new! The area I grew up in had several college radio stations as well, and going to the local coffee shops and skate stores and record stores only augmented my early discovery and down the rabbit hole I went!! Cleveland's music scene was absolutely great for my young ears and the 80s!!! So when I we did get cable and MTV had 120 Minutes, I was glued to it EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT and recorded them as much as possible!! My mom would send me fresh VHS tapes while I was in the Army too!!!

[@cnph7067]

@@fragout9575 SF Bay Area had lots of venues and seemed their was always a good show or concert somewhere to see. Of course this was back when a teen could venture into the city areas without much fear, those days are gone. The area also had a lot of people in the recording industry so it attracted a lot of bands on top of the local talent. A couple local radio stations were focused on modern rock/new wave as well. We loved growing up there, the 80’s was a great era. As most places change over time sadly the Bay Area has changed too much for us to stay and we left the state, but our memories are great. Thanks for the conversation always cool to hear other’s stories! And thank you for your service!

[@Negative_Rust]

Growing up as a loner and introvert, Depeche Mode were one of the few bands I felt truly "spoke to my soul" and I identified with a lot of their songs, but Somebody was the first song I ever heard that gave me that lip-jerking, "on the verge of tears" genuine reaction from a song. It was the first time I learned a song could truly reach such depths of the soul, and as a introverted hopeless romantic fat kid growing up DM were the ones who spoke my feelings for me. Now, a 27 year old introverted hopeless romantic fat guy, I still listen to this song from time to time and hope to one day meet my own Somebody and find my first love. Thank you for this video. DM doesn't get enough praise still to this day in my opinion!

[@flesh4lulu475]

You're still young..you will find your "Somebody"

[@bobdavis4848]

Brandon, I'm also a hopeless romantic Depeche Mode fan, and more than twice your age, and I've still never found my "Somebody." You've got much more time left than me and I wish you best luck with it! I never weight shame and I do not use the 3 letter F word at anyone.

[@p.d.l7023]

DM is our Beatles.

[@djkenny1202]

I get this with Precious. The feelings as a child from Divorce, and association with having kids myself, it feels so deeply.

[@ARS1976]

Very beautifully put. "Somebody" is truly a masterpiece.

[@johnlloyddy7016]

Lol, a running gag my college friends and I had back in college was to treat this song like the national anthem. Whenever this song came on whether on the radio, the bar, parties, gatherings or even at home, we would all rise to attention and put our right hand to our hearts while singing along to this song. We still do this today whenever we get together for drinks and this song comes on.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s an amazing song.

[@norcalsportsguy]

That's beautiful

[@christianhelwig]

Classic

[@roseakarosiehweinstein3216]

I love Depeche Mode

[@PrairieDawnC]

Is it a gag or a declaration of allegiance to emotional vulnerability? As a woman, I'd find that very sexy in a man. Perhaps that's why I really loved this song.

[@1Blastarr]

Blasphemous Rumors is the song that attracted my attention way back then and it's still my favorite song by them to this very day.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Mine is Never Let Me Down Again.

[@r.w.bottorff7735]

You gotta be my favorite reviewer of classic music now. Even with songs I know well I always come away feeling like I learned something. You always hit the nail on the head, and with passion and humor. Great video, great analysis, great band and song!

[@BumAssGolfer]

Depeche Mode is so good. I put them right up there with The Cure. I wanna say they are underrated for how good their music is. I remember listening to them on my walkman delivering newspapers and just being so moved by the lyrics and tempo of their music. They taught me God has a sick sense of humor. Somebody is the best, heartbreaking and hopeful. I could talk forever how they influenced me. Thanks for this video. You're the best.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It is THE 80s classic for massive introverts, as Adam said.

[@Chivalry10]

After following your channel throughout the years and coming across videos like this, it makes me realize how much of a kindred spirit you and I are. Thank you.

[@cozmicpfunk]

Martin is a creative powerhouse- what a great story! DM is one the of the 80's most prolific iconic bands of their time. Their industrial, new wave, gothic, electronic pop sound is so unique and travels through so many genre's of musical emotions in a time of experimental music. They really stood out both artistically and visually- they are truly amazing and Martin is such a fantastic writer, singer and musician- so deep and vulnerable! Fantastic

[@ProfessorofRock]

Couldn't agree more!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s such a genius, and Depeche Mode truly mastered the new wave genre.

[@strychnyne3530]

One of the best bands in history. Over 40 years and still selling out arenas.

[@bobablaw1298]

Compare Martin & Dave to Ben Orr & Ric Ocasek (the Cars). And Paul & Gene from KISS. Every one of those names left a blissful era of questions & understanding for the greater part of us to plug in & appreciate to this day.

[@familyberliner6254]

"....darkness of stark reality". Subtle shout-out to one of my fave Violator cuts, Waiting for the Night. Expertly done, Professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@toonswap8511]

Only discovered this song about 10 years ago yet I'm 47 years old and have heard most DM hits over the years. I love when I can uncover an old gem today. Makes it seems both fresh and vintage at the same time. New old stock.

[@mybrothernumsie841]

I have to admit; although I loved ‘Blasphemous Rumors’ and played it on repeat, I felt guilty doing so. And hearing ‘Somebody’ will always make me stop in my tracks and say “ah-hhhhh” 💖

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I love both for various reasons.

[@Bacchus69]

I have been a Depeche mode fan from almost day one. This was one of the bands that most metal heads and punk fans would admit to liking when I was in school. I still play most of their albums often and frequently.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Everyone loves this band. Doesn't matter the social clique. That was actually one of my thumbnail ideas...

[@Bacchus69]

@@ProfessorofRock Nice! That would make a good segment for your next Depeche Mode episode.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I fit right in there with the post punk/new wave nerds who love DM!

[@Bacchus69]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Nice. Wishing you and your family a Happy New year. Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.

[@warrenny]

I've always been intrigued with DM, but I never had that "i love this band" feeling. I do think it was cool that Vince Clarke was a founding member of the band. A true pop music genius.

[@raserx63]

Got my DM tix for April at Madison Square garden. Can’t wait. It’s more than a concert to see them , it’s bigger , a life event you don’t forget. Especially if you’re a fan from 1981 like me !

[@colleenkeefer2545]

I got to meet Martin and Andrew on South Street in Philadelphia in 1988. Depeche Mode’s music was the soundtrack of my college years.

[@embraceyourweirdness70]

My favorite version of this song is the one with the heartbeat all the way through. It's definitely my favorite song by them...

[@bruresende]

I feel like Depeche Mode songs can strip me down to my soul. They speak directly with me in a level of intimacy only a few can do... I really love it!

[@Asphaltsquadron]

One day when I was 19 (1984), I was washing/detailing my car out front of our home in Saugus (So-Cal) on a beautiful sunny summer day getting ready for the night's good times to follow. I was cranking DM, specifically Blasphemous Rumors from my car stereo and my dad who was working on his plane in the garage at the time, walks out and says, "Why are you (and the neighbors) listening to such dark sad music?" I just smiled and turned it down. To us, it wasn't sad, it was musical mastery. As a young musician I knew what I was listening to and knew it would stand the test of time. Here I am now at 58, dad's still around and still remembers that day. I think he gets it now.

[@Laszlo34]

OMFG every time you play a snippet of Somebody I have to instantly pause the video and sing the next several lines on my own. This is one of my absolute most favorite songs of _all time_ and I know every word from start to finish. As I type this I have tears in my eyes. I definitely have never taken Somebody for granted. Truly awesome! Thanks very much for this video about it!

[@GenkiColleen]

'Somebody' was my anthem as a lonely teen just looking for that special person. Thanks for the spotlight, not just on this song, but DM's other work!

[@MedeaJaff]

Martin Gore is a genius lyricist. Add to the lyrics & music Dave Gahan's deep notes... and you have an entire back catalogue of masterpieces.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

For sure. DM are amazing.

[@andrewwhite9739]

I was a Rocker in the 80's. My girlfriend was into New Wave and Pop. Several times, I'd get dragged to a concert that was outside my personal wheelhouse. The Cure, Madonna, Wham, Billy Idol, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood we're a few of those type of shows that I really didn't want to go to, but ended up enjoying. There are two New Wave bands that were game changers for me. I saw the first of Oingo Boingo's Dead Man's Party Concerts at Irvine Meadows. I won free tickets that ended up being 3rd. row center. Danny Elfman was looking right at me with his maniacal smile and I was sold. I loved it. During college, some girls I hung out with took me to a Depeche Mode concert at the Rose Bowl. They made me dress all in black and they put eye liner on me. Ouch! The concert was fantastic. The music and energy of the crowd was electrifying. It was was one of the best shows I've ever attended and I've been to hundreds of concerts. I've seen DM two more times since then. I'm open to all types of musical experiences these days. I am so grateful to those girlfriends and those bands for expanding my musical tastes. I even sing Depeche Mode songs at Kareoke sometimes. I'll always be a Rocker, but I will go to a Cure or a Depeche Mode concert in a second if they come to town. 🔥

[@broodbynature]

Had a good cry to this video. Love this song. Always a treat hearing Martin sing it live.

[@robertnigro1430]

I love this song and got my wife to like it and we played it at our wedding

[@kevins4254]

I had never heard of Depeche Mode until I lived in Germany for 2 years in the mid-80s. They were enormously popular, and this old hard rocker grew to love and appreciate their music.

[@Silkyfur]

I went to art/music/theatre college in the mid-90s, and the coolest, edgiest goth girl in the class, would always sit down by the piano and perform this song from the depths of her heart. I've always loved Somebody, and you just explained the reasons why it is such an outstanding song. There is really no other song even remotely like it.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s such a beautiful song. A masterpiece.

[@alondathomas293]

Loved the heck out of Depeche Mode from the first time I heard the first song I ever heard by them, which was People Are People in 1984. Also liked a Question of Lust-----not familiar with Somebody, but I heard Blasphemous Rumours and also liked that. I can see why that would have had some religious parents freaking out. I'm surprised the song Personal Jesus, one of DM's biggest hits in 1989, wasn't a little controversial, lol.

[@alondathomas293]

Forgot to mention my other classic DM favorites----Never Let Me Down---loved the video for that one; Enjoy The Silence, Behind The Wheel/Route 66; Strangelove, and one that came out around 2000 or 2001 called Freedom, I think.

[@davecarroll4163]

Somebody is a great song. Adam, you definitely sold Somebody to those who aren't in the know. One can never go wrong with Depeche Mode. Probably my wife's favorite band. We even drove to New York to see them inducted it the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Looking forward to see them again this coming April. Thanks again for another great video!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Dave! I agree. I'm seeing them in Vegas!

[@davecarroll4163]

@@ProfessorofRock nice!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love me some Depeche Mode!

[@dukecraig2402]

I'm not going to sit here and cast hate on Depeche Mode because I'm not one of those people who hates on something I'm not into, to each their own. But a band like Depeche Mode getting into the rock hall when so many bands from the Golden Age of rock who were some of the pioneers that made rock what it is are still waiting just speaks volumes about that sell out place, I mean the whole Run DMC thing sums it up right there, how many years before The Doobie Brothers and Boston did they get in? Come on. And that explains why for 11 years I lived right up the road from the place and never went there, I drove past it so many times if I had a dollar for every one I could take everyone in this comments section out for a nice meal and still leave a great tip for our server, what a joke that place is. And officials from there going to jail for selling rock artifacts says a lot also.

[@NormaTLeon]

Where did they get inducted in NY to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?? I paid a pretty penny to see them get inducted in Cleveland, Ohio before the pandemic, which was changed to Sept/October, 2020, only for it to be ultimately canceled and my money refunded.. Then they got inducted virtually instead on HBO Max.. Lucky you! See you and your wife in April @ MSG😃

[@danielmarquis5258]

I was always impressed with how Depeche Mode used synths and became KINGS of Electronic Music. Their innovation, I heard, was to record sounds of stuff being thrown to the ground and putting that in the synth’s sound bank.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

I wish they would return to that…maybe not for reasons of developing the same sound, but that when they did that, it was highly freshly creative. It might sound dorky today but I believe it’s that creative exploration that gives the art it’s life and is the hidden element that interests viewers/listeners the most. An energy infused into it.. Young people at work do this best in their creative tasks. For some reason as we age we start to lose this- maybe because of familiarity of subjects (there’s not as much wanderlust) or the hum-drum of mundane everyday life. ..or both.

[@lynnpayne6262]

Wow! Thanks for sharing this.

[@ghostprepperpatriot6647]

I stared at the thumbnail for a few seconds, until I realized it was Martin Gore of Depeche Mode. Love the group, seen them in NYC a couple of times. Been a fan since the 80's. Thank you for this video. They have a new album coming out for 2023, and they are making their way around to NYC this year.

[@rfordx2384]

Thank you for covering my all time favorite song by my all time favorite band. Thank you!

[@tonyabattistoni3560]

You hit the nail on the head with your summation of their music and lyrics. This is why I have loved Depeche Mode for the past 40 years. Brilliant post. Thank you!

[@craigs1266]

I snuck out of the house to go see Depeche Mode on their Black Celebration tour at Pine Knob amphitheater in Clarkston, Michigan.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool! That would've been a tour to see!

[@craigs1266]

@@ProfessorofRock I got grounded for a month. 🤣

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Did you get in trouble?

[@kxrv6629]

So many DM songs to choose from as you mentioned Adam. I’ll just mention 2 - Enjoy the Silence that I will be buried to… and Somebody that I used as the text for a personal ad over 25 years ago when I met my wife. Perfect

[@bjdefilippo447]

When I played this song for my college roommate, it changed her perspective on the band and genre completely. She did the same for me with James Taylor. Special time in my life. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Somebody is a great song. Blasphemous Rumours is one of the most incredible tracks of the last 50 years. It is one of the boldest songs for its subject matter ( especially at the time) and willingness to criticise religion. The eighties was nowhere near as progressive as many people thought at the time and might think when looking back. It will have varied to some degree, depending on where in the world you were but broadly speaking, daring to go against the grain on a lot of issues was frowned upon. Like a form of cancel culture before the idea was invented as a pejorative against the left, which is the modern version of trying to stop discussion of progressive ideas. The chorus has one of the sweetest melodies of any pop song in contrast to the content of the lyric. The audacity of the song has not faded with the years and it stands testament to the talent of Depeche Mode. The dark and brooding sound of Blasphemous Rumours also owes a lot to the heavy industry of the period ( long gone as other songs attest, such as Allentown by Billy Joel), with all that clanking and banging going on. They made a wonderful noise with so many singles and it is one of the finest tracks.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I LOVE Blasphemous Rumors. I completely relate to that song all the way.

[@jonsanborn6849]

I can relate so much to your experience around both songs. Somebody came out during my high school years and so encapsulated my teenage longings. I remember reading the lyrics out loud for a poetry class I think and almost passed out I was so nervous and vulnerable.

[@ThaddMcNamara]

Wow… you just keep on bringing out amazing vids!!! Love how you made this one so viable for each of us. I haven’t dug into DM’s catalog since I’ve been out of radio… (not my choice). You’re getting me interested in music I never explored, and am wondering how I can include my wife… she’s already been exposing me to some of her recent finds… so I guess we’ll see… maybe I can do the same for her again!!I I exposed her to Pink Floyd, Rush and Steely Dan, on a much deeper dive. She, in turn, has exposed me to recent finds such as NightWish! This should be fun!

[@draytonblackgrove]

I love your videos. Thank you.

[@thebarbecutioner6977]

Happy new year brother Adam.

[@robster7316]

Thanks for your personal insight and reflection on this tune, Adam. It's interesting how we can listen to a song for years and not really understand or even know the lyrics. We can develop a new appreciation for a song later, especially if we have to sing it in front of an audience! Good for you for putting yourself out there in front of your school, especially that particular young lady!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Robster!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I used to hate the Carpenters because music like that was too sappy for my tastes, but I came around to loving them after reading the tragic story of Karen. I appreciate them even more.

[@mournblade1066]

Eww. Recording completely naked. I'll never get that image out of my mind. Thanks a lot, Professor.

[@ninawildr4207]

Poor Alan...he put up with a lot of shenanigans...lol

[@US_Joe]

I know little of this group. Geez ! The knowledge you spread !💥 Thanx 👍👍👍

[@keepmichaellong]

I'm so glad that you covered this song. as a Gen-X person, growing up in the 80's and graduating in 91, I loved this song. I had a love in high school, that I lost, to another person . This song really strikes a chord even today. I'm 50 now, but the person I think of when I hear this song really strikes deep into my heart. Don't get me wrong, I love my wife, but that woman, that girl that I dedicated this song to, I would seriously walk away from everything for her. Thank you so much for recognizing this song. @professor of rock, you are a master!! love your work!!

[@lb6253]

I graduated in '91 also and I turn 50 a week from Monday. Love Depeche!!! Listened to them so many times in mid to late 80's and into the 90's.

[@alankelly1001]

I've always laughed at how quickly orthodoxy screams "blasphemy" about anybody pointing out obvious theological hypocrisies.

[@janehex]

This was my favorite, favorite band in highschool back in the 80s- early 90s. I knew from the thumbnail who that was ☺️ and I wondered if you were going to talk about "Somebody", though it's a pretty obscure DM song, but I loved it so much I performed it at my school talent show (though thinking of that now is pretty cringey, lol).

[@janehex]

Ok just finished the video and pleased to find I'm not the only one who sang this song in front of the school! 😍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks Jane. I:m sure it was great!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I immediately recognized it as well.

[@flavellinator]

"So nakedly honest," and "Laying his soul bare" in reference to Martin- I see what you did there with the double entendre... Good point PoR, it was a very contemporary ballad for sure!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Yes.

[@sonofhibbs4425]

It’s also the basis for “Stripped”.. a plea for someone to be so nakedly honest with them, ..the need for such intimacy it has a hint of potential violence and/or sexual passion. To be “stripped” almost implies a reckless abandon to intimacy or a strong desire to see that happen.

[@lisadewitte1970]

This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I remember listening to it over & over my sophomore year at Kent State. I recently played it for my husband. He's 9 years younger than me & had never heard it. It was great to share it with someone from a different musical generation.

[@christopherhooker6969]

The wonderful thing about Depeche Mode songs is how deeply fans connect to the music. There's an echo of my life in the story of you singing to the assembly.

[@jeremyhunter3807]

First concert I went to was DM in SLC in 93, Loved it! Great video! This brings back so many memories of growing up and High School specifically. I grew up in SE Idaho too and we have a lot of common interests and backgrounds; I wouldn’t be surprised if we knew some of the same people.

[@MichaelLeeHoward]

I remember singing this song in a talent show.... it was a perfect ballad

[@catherine6653]

Martin Gore is a tenor and David Gahan is a baritone. I have always appreciated Martin's vocal in some of their early songs. Their vocal harmony is really amazing. In the song "The Meaning Of Love " they sound like the Beach Boys.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's so true! They have an incredible blend!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They both are great vocalists, and it’s hard to believe that they’re in their 60s!

[@catherine6653]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Happy Birthday 🎂 🥳

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 Thank you! Rock on! 🤘

[@IDPhotoMan]

I like your videos so much that i even watch the ones with the bands that i really really don't like, like Depeche Mode. Very informative.

[@donnieyon8658]

Morning professor another great video awesome

[@ProfessorofRock]

Morning!

[@mode_12]

Thanks for the DM Professor! That Gin Blossoms t-shirt, fantastic. More DM and Gin Blossoms content!

[@JanesDough855]

They are still together, creating albums, even tho they lost Andy Fletcher. How cool is that! I love hearing that bands from the 70s and 80s are still kicking it out there.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Yes they are. On tour this year with a new record coming out!

[@davidlaw689]

Simple Minds is another that are constantly touring and still producing stellar albums

[@littlecatfeet9064]

@@davidlaw689 as are New Order and The Cure. Yet more reasons to love the 80s and the fact these bands are still making music and touring.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s sad since I cannot imagine them without Fletch, but I’m glad they’re still going strong.

[@Jimmyjames738]

Excellent video mate, I love depeche mode ✌️👍

[@MemorySparksJoy]

I didn't know you were from Idaho! Greetings from Boise... Love your show!

[@xuul7338]

Great take, DM is and will always be my favorite band. So much meaning and passion in their songs. Martin is a lyrical genius with a voice that may even be greater! I feel privileged to have been a teen in the 80s. Love the way you follow the song to its core.

[@Shag471]

I had to keep this cassette hidden inside my Sony Walkman so my minister father wouldn’t find it. The album had such a profane impact in my life at that very point in time when I was feeling dark and introverted moving to a new state to attend my sophomore year of high school. But their music was also the thing that pulled me out of that slump.

[@TheAlbumReviewGuy]

Brilliant review Adam. You make it just so damn interesting man. Superb!

[@twx4184]

Martin Gore is the greatest techno pop lyricist of all-time. 40 years, 100's of songs, none a dud. No one else comes close.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ain’t that the truth!

[@lb6253]

Maybe Vince Clark and Alison Moyet of Yaz and Howard Jones. They all do come close!!!

[@jasonhowarth6789]

Thank you for opening my eyes to this one of a kind masterpiece.

[@chrisguerra9631]

Professor going deeeeep! I love your enthusiasm for DM. I feel you

[@Trix897]

I met my high school love in driver’s ed in 1988. He was the one who really introduced me to Depeche Mode and “Somebody” became our song. Sadly, I was not ready for that kind of relationship that was emotionally intimate in a healthy way, and it didn’t last long, but we are still friendly, though I keep a respectful boundary, as we have moved on. He’s now a judge in the county where we grew up in Illinois, and I make sure that two large hospitals on the West Coast continue to receive the approximately $300 million per year that they are entitled to from Medicare. We are where we’re supposed to be, doing what we’re supposed to do, and I will always smile when I remember those days, dancing to that song.

[@richsheer4905]

This is our wedding song! My wife is a huge fan of Depeche Mode.

[@brucewilliamson578]

My wife of 33 years and I chose Somebody as our song for the wedding party...years later at our 30th anniversary party, we danced to it again. Beautiful.

[@daviddavison6391]

I had never heard this song. I will have to play it. Thanks

[@80ssynthfan48]

Martin is a fantastic songwriter. He has a great way with words and tunes.

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the best out there.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He’s so intelligent.

[@toddgaak422]

This is the first time I've opened one of your videos, and I didn't own one of the albums you have on display!

[@hawkeyeted]

“Checkpoints of your personal history.” ☝🏻100% that.

[@Falconer1128]

Adam! (I hope you'll see this!) I've been in love with Professor of Rock for years and didn't know you were from Blackfoot, Idaho! I grew up in Rigby, Idaho, "the birthplace of television." I graduated high school there at 17 in 1987. I love your channel so much! Thank you for keeping my childhood alive!

[@strychnyne3530]

Gr8 video as always professor. One small nitpick tho. Dave sang Condemnation.

[@Rossturnerphoto]

I didn’t know what to expect from the description and thumbnail, but this is a great song from a great band, and deserves to be more prominent in pop-culture than it is. I’ve actually never heard this song before until I got a Depeche Mode compilation sometime in the 90s. The song is strikingly beautiful and also very different from everything else Depeche Mode has done. While I have always appreciated how raw and honest the song is, it is true that it’s easy to take it for granted. The lyrics are worth pondering to give us something to strive for in our relationships.

[@snidelywhiplash]

I definitely remember the harrumphing over both "Blasphemous Rumours", though I recall "Personal Jesus" getting a lot more flak just because it did much better on the charts. "Somebody" still makes me all verklempt.

[@ElPedicabAvenger]

Hey Professor, i know I am not a channel member, but you know a great song I would love to hear the story of The Stranglers "Always the Sun"

[@MsEcrivain]

I love it! When I was a teen I sang loudly only half of the lyrics, english not my mother tongue and them with that british accent... But I just melted every time I played the cassette

[@EphemeralProductions]

I agree what you said about Martin’s amazing songwriting and its honesty. One great example that comes to mind other than the ones you mentioned is Fly On the Windscreen. Talks about the reality of death in a way that I’ve never heard in any other song. Creepy and harrowing but very real and makes you think.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That one made me cry once.

[@GoryionB]

This was the song my wife and I had our first dance to at our wedding. It's a beautiful song.

[@jenniferstine8567]

I never heard this song before, but you captured how I've been feeling for years. Getting along with people long-term is a struggle for me. You just get used to being alone after awhile that you stop actively looking for someone. Then I met someone that has gone through what I'm struggling with. I never feel like I have to apologize for how I feel. A year goes by and I realize that how I feel hasn't changed. It took every bit of courage to ask if he'd go with me to a concert. The day of his boss made him call and cancel because of relationship policies. I'm heartbroken, but I understand why it happened. Not long after that Covid hit. So I haven't been able to see him in over 2 years. Over that time so much has happened that would be much easier if I had someone who understood what I needed from somebody. When we were able to spend time together I'd listen to him talk about his life. I couldn't tell him how I felt about him. So I'd listen to him talk about his dating life and the various things he's done. Honestly it hurts to listen to the person you long for talk about their dating life. Eventually I figured it's a way to find out what kind of person he is with the least amount of potential pain. Well I still like him after hearing all of this. I come to find his crazy goes well with my crazy. Being alone is a lot less comfortable. Now that it's been years it's not comfortable at all.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow, thanks for sharing.

[@shawnataylor864]

My wife walked down our wedding aisle to sombody 30 plus years ago. Song still gets us emotional. Beautiful song

[@jennifermorris6848]

I am so excited to see them this April this year. It will be my first time. Somebody is my favorite song. I post it on my Facebook on my Anniversary every year.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

Wow professor this song really speaks to your soul. While I do know this song I have never given it a true deep listen now that I have heard your praise for it I must go and listen more intently. Thanks professor, great episode always enjoy learning about songs that I may have overlooked

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening My Name. Always appreciate your comments.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

This one is a real hidden gem.

[@yanmcrae6106]

So many memories with this song! Loved DM so much at that time, still do. I remember breaking up, not breaking up, fighting with my high school girlfriend mingled with DM music! Argh, things felt so raw in those teenage years, so different than now, not better/worse, just different! Thanks for the flashback!

[@R3aperSophi3]

As soon as I saw the title, I knew EXACTLY which band & song he was going to talk about! That's crazy! O.O

[@CynthiaJFinnegan]

First off, your t-shirt. The Gin Blossoms' New Miserable Experience is one of my favorite albums. Second, until today, I'd never heard "Somebody." I kid you not. "Blasphemous Rumors," yes (thank you, KROQ), but not "Somebody." Now I can look for it. Third, have you ever listened to DM's song "Precious" from a few years back? It is gorgeous.

[@josephtime]

I wish more people would appreciate this song for what it is.