Depeche Mode - Black Celebration album review (Part 1)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Watch ALL the previous Depeche Mode album reviews HERE: DM - Speak & Spell album review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIPFm5R9lpV8hNk DM - A Broken Frame album review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4CQnnynha6Wrsk DM - Construction Time Again album review (part 1): kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqHJaIpsnL-kb5Y DM - Construction Time Again album review (part 2): kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGKlfIt3m8-ZjcU DM - Some Great Reward album review (part 1): kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHYYXRsi7Z-gsU DM- Some Great Reward album review (part 2): kzbin.info/www/bejne/in3YloKcfJeMbKs

[@anderslarsson6149]

Still recall the first time the needle touched the vinyl and my teenage world went 🖤

[@Wesaveingold]

Black Celebration is Legendary

[@uneedtherapy42]

Your review is stunning sir! This isn't just a great DM album it is one of the greatest albums ever produced. I may get push back for this but I rate this album on the level of a Beach Boys Pet Sounds or The Beatles White Album. Yes I just said those things! The lyrics, the sonic architecture, the ordering of the songs, the vocal harmonies (Here is the house for example)... etc etc... are as close to perfection as I have ever heard. Again, your expertise on DM is only matched by your unabashed love of this band!! Can't wait to part 2...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you do much for your kind words !! VG:-)

[@samuelheldilaof6361]

There are also people who don´t think Pet Sounds or The White Album are on the same level as Black Celebration... I mean I understand they are great albums but they don´t mean much for me...

[@samuelheldilaof6361]

"They" don´t sound right in that sentence hahahahaha

[@joseitsme]

I actually love " Its called a heart."

[@mattpoe7178]

Me too, it's one of my favorites.

[@ucity88]

Loads of us do. Just goes to show, artists don't always know how good they are. ;)

[@jennyolsson4040]

Me too, it was popular in Sweden at that time.

[@matsfrommusic]

Lovit. The 12 inch is the first track on my Spotify DM playlist, amazing production.

[@methos101]

Oh yes I am so excited about this series about black celebration. It is one of my favorite albums they ever did. One of my favorite songs is here in the house. I love the song. Speaking about the tension in the video stripped they really let it out with smashing that car. Being in the studio for months it definitely was a release. I look forward to the other parts in the series. Thanks Vaughn 😊.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome John!! VG:-)

[@methos101]

Vaughn George Thanks Vaughn 😊

[@christophermoreland50]

My favourite DM Album ❤️

[@neveser]

Amazing album and my favorite. This had a huge influence on me musically.

[@patriklev2955]

I agree, Stripped is also the most favourite song of DM and maybe the most favourite track ever

[@ash23neuro]

Love the intro! 'Fly on the windscreen' a capella ♡

[@VaughnGeorge]

HAHHAHA Cheers Ash!! VG:-)

[@andrewburns5697]

Loving your passion for this album. I agree it's one of the band's best.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Andrew!! VG:-)

[@Helen-cj3mk]

Drinking my cup of tea and watching my favourite youtuber talking about my most favourite album from DM is the best combination ever!! Greetings from Greece 🖤🌹

[@MareTranquillitatis]

You mentioned around 18:56 minutes that Martin Gore's writing is odd or weird. I actually think it is very layered. There is a generic, or surface level, interpretation that you can take on any of their songs. But then you can also take it several tiers beyond that. "Stripped" is one great example of that. Great video by the way. Black Celebration is my favorite DM album, and "But Not Tonight" is still my favorite song by them.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for you kind words and for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate it! VG :-)

[@athanasiosvivikidis1056]

I love your sense of humour, Voughn!!! Looking forward to the next episodes!!! You do a fantastic job!!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my friend!! VG:-)

[@DxModel219]

Such a great video. The banana added great color to your video too

[@dimasavila9158]

And I feel your warmth And it feels like home And there's someone Calling on the telephone Let's stay home It's cold outside And I have so much To confide to you

[@micmarkno]

Thank you for another great album review!

[@Nephilim-81]

Fantastic start, Vaughn. A great watch here. I believe Black Celebration to be an incredibly special album. Thank you. :)

[@jo6est]

Well done Vaughn! Your album reviews keep getting better and better. We all appreciate what you do for us. Thank you sir!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Tall Cammanche and I appreciate your support my friend !! Thank YOU!!🎹😎VG

[@steventalavera2381]

Joyful, happy song. Death is everywhere

[@AJDIYNetwork]

I would love to watch the series of demo progression of m. Gore!!!

[@DadBraves]

I saw DM on this tour in Park City, Utah. A great show. Fletch wss clapping up a storm

[@VaughnGeorge]

DadBraves LOL 😂

[@visitor5451]

happy to see your videos as always Vaughn!! Stripped was my first DM song and not only showed me how GOOD they were, but showed me that you absolutely didnt need guitars to "rock," so to speak. it was really powerful electronic music you were supposed to listen to as opposed to dance to.

[@Maxthemode]

Black Celebration Their first Masterpiece!! I‘m happy that you’re taking your time reviewing this one👍 This is a special one!

[@michaelbruce6190]

I've been a fan since Speak and Spell and this is still hands down my favorite album and in my opinion, their best album.

[@KortKramer]

Your wide-eyed intro had me rolling Vaughn! And by the way, ...banana. Looking forward to going to go see Spirits In The Forest next week.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers again Kort!! VG:-)

[@deliciousexperience689]

I noticed that banana a while back...its a sneeky thing...it keeps moving...i reckon its that chicken we keep seeing who is moving it...hmmmm (sherlock holmes mode activated).🔦🚬🔫📌📏📝📆📋💻💽💾💿💭📷🐒🐵🐓🐔🐣🐤🐥🐦🍌

[@angiefuego]

Black Celebration is undoubtedly one of my favourite albums, not just by DM, but within my whole record collection. It is the atmospheric sound that makes this album so unique, and, contrary to what Daniel Miller believed, very listenable, which I think contributed towards the goth and indie sounds that became more mainstream in the late 80s/early 90s. There is not a bad song on this album, but I do love A Question of Lust. I think it's a continuation from Somebody, and Martin delved even further into the deep emotional side with his lyrics. Great video as always, and well worth the wait!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Angela!!

[@viol8r]

Black Celebration definitely is my Depeche Mode go to song. It’s so melodic but dark and gloomy. It’s this low thunderous apocalyptic soundscape infused with this euphoric melody that takes you on a trip.. it always takes me back to sophomore year when I discovered it.. nostalgic... if you haven’t made the video yet... please please please go into depth with the title track. Especially the keyboard solo and the following melodic tone of “I look to you, and your strong belief, me I want relief tonight”.. you knowwww.. you got it Vaughn.

[@ewashortnotsofastandfuriou6947]

What a lovely intro🐔😂😘 This album review was definitely worth the wait 🙏💖 So excited for the next episode!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my favourite Diva!! VG:-)

[@wickedannabellaqbasicbitch4777]

The anticipation was well worth the wait.😉

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello to you Annabella !! Thank you as always !! VG:-)

[@video2000_TV]

I always liked "It's called a heart". maybe being a german kid, the naff lyrics weren't so obvious to me. I also could imagine a parallel universe where it starts side 2 of Some Great Reward, as it has a similar production to "Something To Do" from side 1

[@depesci7133]

I'm Scottish and I don't see anything naff about the lyrics

[@rachaelroessler9978]

"Depeche Mode is music for people with brains" What an awesome compliment! I was born a little late - 87, but my parents exposed me to a very eclectic mix of 60s, 70s, and 80s music from little on, and Depeche Mode is definitely amongst my top 5 (also love Fleetwood Mac prior to their trashing and firing of Lindsey Buckingham, Lacuna Coil, Linkin Park, and Disturbed). Black Celebration is by far one of my favorite DM albums, especially because I adore every track!!! Even on Violator, there are some tracks I'm just "iffy" about, although I personally feel Depeche Mode has no "bad" songs. And you sir, are so very talented, I adore your videos and ramblings!!! And I love and miss Alan... Keep it up!!!

[@Mr-Roberto-Flak7]

Your series is Brilliant Vaughn...As someone whom has followed the band since the beginning ...I have also met Martin 3 times now... All thanks to my wife's bravery on the tube in London... Keep up your great insights...I also feel the same regards Alan Wilder...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello Rob and thank you for your kind words !! If you are new here, I hope you will subscribe and join the community !! Kind regards VG :-)

[@Mr-Roberto-Flak7]

@@VaughnGeorge Indeed I will & Thank you for the Insight... It's always nice to find out more about the People we adore 'Musically' The depth of people is an interesting element... Brilliant !!! And yes will do... In between writing like yourself :-)

[@rickblasing1237]

Always look forward to these reviews. I like the "Demo to Completion" series idea; I too really enjoy Martin's demos, particularly the demo for Pipeline.

[@peterstachura8595]

This is by far DM’s masterpiece and definitely my all time favorite DM album and one of my all time favorite albums ever!🖤🖤🖤

[@ducav2]

Great review! Looking forward to seeing the rest and indeed, I'd like to see the demo-to-final product series too.

[@LusciousApparatus_]

If Some Great Reward was DM dipping their toes in the dark water, Black Celebration was them diving headfirst into the deep end of it. I love all the samples and industrial sounds of this album. This was a great start to the BC album series. And I love the idea of a series on their demos. I think that's a must-do at some point. Can't wait for the next installment!

[@AJDIYNetwork]

Excellent review. I’ve been a mode fan for several years now. It’s nice to hear some history that makes a lot of sense! Thank you!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Sir !! VG:-)

[@ageless30]

Black Celebration to Depeche Mode was what Pornography was to The Cure ... Their darkest record. I read many years ago that the infighting ( that still goes on ) nearly broke up the band during the post production of this record. It was up to Wilder, Jones and Miller to rescue Black Celebration and make it the masterpiece that we love today. I very much look forward to part 2 and your chat with Griffin.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Well said !! VG:-)

[@586101]

Excellent, Vaughn! It seems that everything fell into lockstep with Black Celebration: the songs, the production, the vocals, the artwork. "Stripped" still floors me every time I listen to it; I can't hear it without getting goosebumps. At any rate, great video. I am looking forward to delving deeper into this masterpiece of an album.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome!! VG:-)

[@ahmadeffendy3348]

Just noticed the black & white album image behind is a mirror image of the colour version on the album. I wonder which is the actual orientation.

[@craighart783]

Awesome production and one of the best live performances ever x2 emulator ll's and and an sci pro 2000..kicking vaughen

[@woodmasta22]

This was the first album of Depeche i was able to listen completely when it came out in 1986. I grew up in east germany so we weren't able to buy their records. But the east german youth radio had a big crush on Depeche Mode so they aired the entire album, giving people the opportunity to record it in decent stereo quality. It is one of my all time favorites since then.

[@MrMarshalbeej]

One of my two favorite albums, the other being Songs of Faith and Devotion. Looking forward to the rst of the episodes

[@jameskimball8159]

Vaughn, we have finally gotten to my 2nd favorite DM album! I'll wait until the end of this Black Celebration series of videos to make a longer comment. I wanted to thank you for doing this DM album in many parts! Keep up the good work! Looking forward to Brian's interview Cheers!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you James!!

[@kalan167]

Spot on, Vaughn! Thank you! Enjoying your video reviews very much.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you!! VG:-)

[@ucity88]

Rewatching. You are just darling. :) SO thrilled for the growth of the channel and the community! :) Also, dM is music for people with a trauma history and brains. Happy people could not possibly understand the longing and despair that Martin Lee Gore weaved in his song lyrics in his youth.

[@mr-robot-2.099]

hi, t's good to get this series back on track.

[@allisterainsworth9090]

Great start Vaughn. I hope we will talk about the fact that Martin sings 4 out of the 11 songs (including 3 in a row on side 1!). Very unique compared to his usual 1 or 2 per album.

[@grimlund]

Martin said that the BC album was the first album that didnt had any song that he is ashamed of now today.

[@deeppurplefan9648]

Wait are you saying he is ashamed of music for the masses, violator, some great reward, Ultra and songs of faith and devotion?

[@bronte8989]

I love how passionate you are about them, as am I. Thank you so much for your videos and all of the information you share with us who are not in the music industry.

[@kategorska4158]

Finally! Black celebration! My favourite DM album! And yay to a separate video on demos, I love them so much! I can imagine the comments though: "AW took crappy MG's demos and transformed them into beautiful songs". I think a lot of people don't appreciate MG enough, giving most of the credit to AW, and that's so frustrating... Anyway, can't wait for the rest of the videos on Black celebration! Thanks!

[@therealmattmann]

Vaughn - Thanks so much for this review. B.C. is my absolute FAVORITE album EVER! This was such an interesting listen for me. You ROCK!!

[@DayAntilles]

Black Celebration was the turning point for me. I didn’t care for ABF or CTA back then but this was bloody great!

[@VaughnGeorge]

agreed David!! VG:-)

[@TheUtuber999]

Call me weird, but my favorite mix of "It's Called a Heart" is the Slow Mix - probably because it's easier to pick out the individual voices and enjoy their harmony. That and the factory samples forming the percussion gives me goose bumps to this day!

[@vicariousannotations]

You are the man! So glad to have stumbled upon this incredible channel.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Jaco!! I am glad to have you here !! VG:-)

[@leenorton6230]

Another great video! I can't wait to watch the rest as this like most fans is one of my top 3 Depeche Mode albums 👌🏻🖤

[@atari1040]

Ok, I decided that each time I FULLY agree with you I am going to comment and this is the first time but I see there will be moooore! Yes, this IS a music for people with brain, or at least some specific brain. I guess it is about emotional intelligence that not many ppl have, while being pretty smart overall in terms of IQ. BTW: This the greatest channel and my biggest finding ever on YT! THANK YOU!

[@iDoTechOK]

Be great?!!? You're great Vaughn. The wait was worth it for this part 1 and I'm starting to fall in love w/ Black Celebration all over again.

[@yusufkhan-ig7dv]

Great video, can't wait for all the other parts! Black celebration is currently my favourite album

[@VaughnGeorge]

it is an outstanding album for sure !! VG:-)

[@yusufkhan-ig7dv]

@@VaughnGeorge that's a quick reply 😂

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@yusufkhan-ig7dv I guess you can say you're on the "A list " my brother !! VG:-)

[@johnbarrett561]

Great album , great review part one.. still one of DMs greatest. Black Celebration a great opener, New Dress a great finish.....Looking forward to part 2

[@VaughnGeorge]

JOHN BARRETT thank you matey!! VG

[@damian2779]

Really waiting for the next part where You dive into songs! PS. Stripped is my no. 1 of all Time.

[@sandorkis8813]

One of my absolute favorite is Its called a heart. Just love it!

[@Suzbatin1000]

Is Alan Parsons Project too vintage for your fans? So much to chose from there...

[@markduffy2536]

My mate at school had a gettoblaster with the twin cassette decks and used to blast this album out, I would constantly say to him play stripped.

[@shawnheap2936]

This is one of my favorites as well. I remember going to the record store on the release date and getting this album on vinyl and cassette. I was 16 and blown away. The concert was my first Depeche Mode concert as well.

[@kennlubbers5963]

Incredible intro to a review of one of the best albums ever released ...

[@gabija_v2012]

"It's just so bloody unusual, but so beautiful" - Never expected to hear that description, but I bloody well agree! Stripped has the. Best. Music. Video. Ever. And it's not even Anton's work! Personally, I think Peter Care did an excellent job on all of the videos for this album. The only way the video for Stripped could be better was if it was developed further for Here Is A House. The image of the white house at the end just makes you imagine without end. For me, all of the tracks released in 1985 without a doubt belong with BC. Then there are the shorter songs on the like Sometimes and World Full Of Nothing, which I wish could have been longer. Nonetheless, this album is a perfect listening experience. It overtook CTA by the time I was 13 as my favourite album until I was 16. Of course, that obviously changed, but we haven't gotten to it yet... Five parts? Brilliant. Just brilliant.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my friend !! I am unsure of how many parts but I want to be sure I cover everything !! VG:-)

[@claradrappier7764]

Briliant video about depeche mode as always Vaughn! I'm really glad to have found your chanel earlier this year, your doing a very good job. I wanted to ask you if you went on the HMS Belfast in london ?(right now it is a museum) where they filmed the music video of People are People in 1984 . i visited it this summer , it was amazing to see the different places they filmed ! i think it would be interesting maybe a video there :) can't wait for the final artwork discussion with Brian cheers from France , clara

[@VaughnGeorge]

Clara Drappier thank you Clara an me I am happy to have you in the channel !! I will visit the HMS Belfast for an video special sometime !! VG🎹😎

[@daveschrdinger]

"Love in itself" also has guitar sounds.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Dave Schrödinger you are right !! VG😎🎹

[@ndeb3371]

There was actually a version of Love In Itself that was just guitar and vocals. I think it was on the B side of an import

[@cristianmutascu4516]

Thank you for this review.

[@TheDessa66]

Been waiting for this review. Great album. Like the demo to finished concept. Bring it on..

[@harrymonk5880]

DM did a lot of layering of sounds on BC, recorded sounds through a 1KW pa system(not used on SGR i think) and used the UMI sequencer/BBC Micro as it was easier to edit sequences and move stuff around than on the synclavier. all quotes interviews.

[@mabrun001]

My favorite channel for Depeche Mode info.

[@thevanger101]

Great review !! Great album !! It’s a great Black Day 🎹 ... hope that you will one day dive into the DM 12 inches .. for instance just like you I love Stripped and through the High Land Mix i feel that you get a much more complet sound, because of the 12 inch it seems like “there is no rush” and you can really hear AW adding nice elements to the sound / LOVE IT 😅 - thanks again for a very good review - you rock 😎🤜🏻

[@ryantremblay594]

GOAT album!! Stripped is my personal favorite, some amazing songs.

[@ninawildr4207]

Screaming! (Joyfully)

[@Js-oo9jq]

Black Celebration tops my list of all DM albums. Still listening to it very often. BlackCelebration_Fly_QuestionofLust has to be listened as a 'single' track!

[@jonnuanez2843]

'The Singles 81-85' and 'Black Celebration' were our intro to Depeche Mode in Southern California. KROQ 106.7 was really starting to play them a lot. Of course in England everybody knew those songs by heart. But this was the time when they really started to break out in the States. And what an album to break out with...'Black Celebration'. Lol. Like having 'Blade Runner' being Ridley Scott's breakthrough movie.

[@75Kerouac]

Hi Vaughn. Thank you for all your in depth reviews. So much detail, I truly appreciate the efforts. Now, do you think you could do some videos to explain with the software and gear all the sound effects? Their technology driven sounds are fascinating : new dress, fly on the windscreen, stripped, clean, world in my eyes...

[@lunahj6120]

thank you was a great rewiew. I am waiting for more, specially some about Martin's Demos

[@andyry1269]

Very nice, Sir. And btw. I really like It's Called A Heart which is an overflow of ideas. Looking forward to part 2. -Andy Ry Denmark.

[@andrewsly3183]

Hi Vaughn Loved it! Lots of detail & good reflection.Thought you was going to say that they came in every day dressed in black 🐓😍

[@davidsanderson2960]

I must say, I'm a relatively new subscriber to your channel after stumbling across it accidentally. I'm a huge DM fan and love your indepth analysis of their music and interviews with the boffins behind the production. I'm wondering if you have considered doing an indepth review of some of DM's B-sides and remixes that they had done, such as Shout, Now this is fun, Surrender, Dangerous, Sea of Sin, Prettiest Girl, Slowblow etc etc ? These I think are just as good as any album tracks and would be interested to hear your take on them? 😀

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you found me David! I am always very dissatisfied with that blasted KZbin Algorithm that blatantly discriminates against KZbin Channels outside of the USA. Forgive my rant but it's been hard work and I'm surprised that Depeche Mode fans struggle to find me after all the love I have put into the content. I have considered the "B sides". You can find a whole series on my "Demo to To completion" series on my members only site if you like that kind of thing. (www.watchvg.com) It has an every growing library especially for DM fans! Thanks again for your kind comments! VG 🙂

[@davidsanderson2960]

@VaughnGeorge Thankyou, I'll check that out! 😀

[@anitaklisovic7782]

It's apsolutelly amazing how can you talk for 1 hour only to prepare us for the subject, and still beeing fun and interesting and teasing into wanting more

[@NicHills]

I've been waiting for this!!!

[@marshallpotter818]

I have to agree with Daniel Miller. Although in retrospect the album is a masterpiece, when I first heard Black Celebration, I was not a fan. Of course, It quickly grew on me. But at the time, it definitely felt like band was throwing pop songs out the window. I’m glad they did. But that’s a risky move in an industry that’s risk adverse.

[@Reprodestruxion]

Would love to hear a play by play comparison of U2 with Brian Eno composition of you’re so cruel off Achtung Baby with Depeche Mode’s. Same with Brian Eno , Robert Fripp and David Bowie’s Héroes compared to the Depeche Mode’s cover.

[@alenaludewig5289]

14:49 is like: "Myyy preciouuus!" Black Celebration! The album (especially the song A Question Of Time) that made me fall in love with Depeche Mode. (You saw my mug, didn't you?:-D) To me Black Celebration is the "true" Depeche Mode. During the previous albums I feel they were still kinda evolving and searching the real "face" (sound) of Depeche Mode, and BC is like what they wanted to get to the whole time. I also love the way they looked in 85/86. It's the typical DM look consisting of completely black outfits, leather jackets and Martin looking like a bondage dungeon escapee. I'm happy you think DM music is for people with brains, I always knew I was smart. LOL. Can't wait for the next part! Btw. is the banana in the background real? I mean, it's so big and.. well, yellow. :-D

[@viol8r]

I’ve never felt Shake the disease belonged on either album either.. definitely a stand alone song. Very strange, but beautiful

[@orestis6894]

Black celebration was the turning point on their music.. 80-84 it was just testing... Until ultra they grew so much.. Pure depeche sound..

[@jorgeccaa]

Amazing review! Love the “Fly On The Windscreen” intro too! A little trivia for you though (if you don’t already know it): the voice you hear at the beginning of the song is actually Daniel Miller saying “over and done with” (source: almostpredictablealmost1.blogspot.com/2016/03/an-interview-with-gareth-jones.html?m=1) You’re welcome! :P

[@mustafakemal9547]

Best DM album hands down

[@Techinization]

You'll probably score it a 10+ at the end of part twentyseven I assume ;)

[@VaughnGeorge]

For sure!! VG :-)

[@SoulOhm]

Awesome intro 😂 had me wetting myself lol ... Brill review matey 😀❤👍

[@PerteTotale]

very nice, a BC review with a pro. and you know your stuff clearly. I bought this lp in 1985, and I still have it. I even bought remastered cd lately. But still the thing is the original. And Alan Wilder did the transform from home piano to atmosphere. Skip the producers: DM is weened of that load as you hear on BC.

[@ruiteixeira1594]

Long series ? Yes please :)

[@joanzensillystuff2285]

You have stolen my words. "Black Celebration" is my favorite album along with "Violator" and "Music for the masses". Still I dont know which I like more after allnthese years. I am looking forward next round. Thanks for sharing these videos.

[@user-no7gh1nn1e]

@ Vaughn George ... Love in itself had an acoustic guitar sound as well.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Right you are !! VG:-)

[@kevinstock2100]

Are you going to see the Spirit movie on 21/11/19?