Depeche Mode - Memento Mori ALBUM REVIEW

[@WillHerren]

Love seeing legendary groups/artists still put out great material decades into their career

[@Picolettto]

I agree, it's really cool to see so many artists going strong despite being over 30

[@te9591]

Yuh

[@kaleid1014]

Yeah, like Tears for Fears. Great album too

[@alexismoma]

The concerts they are giving are amazing too. Both Dave and Martin are in pretty good shape as musicians for their years.

[@marksheargold5536]

Not sure you hit the mark there Anthony. There’s no nostalgia on this album. Instead it’s two men in their sixties who’ve lost a lifelong friend and are assessing their own mortality. People are good is a reappraisal of People are people but at a different stage of life. This is DM at their most inspired for decades.

[@trinajacobs9154]

They were working on the album before Andy's death. RIP Fletch🙏

[@TomZolnierczyk]

I agree with you, I’m loving this album

[@OcelotDAD]

The whole album was finished before Fletch passed though. Martin recently said so in an interview.

[@marksheargold5536]

@@OcelotDAD that’s not correct. If it was, Fletch would have appeared on the album.

[@hisgrinningskull2122]

@@OcelotDADthey hadn’t started recording when fletch died, they were due to go into the studio not long after he passed. the songs were written before he died though

[@Kim-cu7bc]

It's a stunning album. They are acknowledging getting older and for OG listeners it hits home. 10/10

[@Fx280_]

My bf and I were cruising throughout LA at like 1 am listening to Memento Mori for the first time and it was raining and when Speak to me came on the rain was being dramatic as hell throughout the song pouring harder the further along the song went. It was one hell of an experience. This album is like black celebration in the way its great listening to it in the rain at night.

[@MUSE1795]

Well it is a tribute to their late member Andy Fletcher

[@ryanbusby7120]

Sounds like an amazing experience that happens once in a lifetime ❤️

[@GeoMeridium]

@@MUSE1795 Speak to Me is about Dave's overdose and NDE back in 1996. Fletch was alive to hear the demos for this album, and Memento Mori's title and concept came before his death.

[@strychnyne3530]

​@@GeoMeridium Martin said that Fletch didn't hear anything from MM unfortunately.

[@Majamham]

I think Ghosts Again is an almost perfect pop song.

[@simunijima3327]

amazing song

[@samkutz9090]

Ik I like the tones idk wtf he was going on about

[@Trainy2]

Really one of the most consistent bands in history considering how long they've been doing it.

[@zeno6169]

up there with my bloody valentine and swans

[@illistas]

@@zeno6169 I like My Bloody Valentine a lot, but they have put out like 3 records and some EP's. I don't think that comparison flies.

[@nidocin]

Consistently coke supplied band

[@zeno6169]

@@illistas yeah however how many comeback albums are as good as mbv? really a few in my opinion

[@mamavitaemusic]

Absolutely

[@jackhealy3328]

Still hurts that we lost Andy Fletcher.

[@wellokayyes1266]

What happened to him? Please don’t mention the dissection bit. What happened.

[@LabutoHelpGuy]

@@wellokayyes1266heart attack

[@nox4298]

@@wellokayyes1266aortic dissection. Grow up ffs “please don’t mention” so juvenile.

[@fizzletrie1592]

Love to see only honest comments praising the band. That's how you know this album is special. RIP Andy

[@shanetaylor761]

Yeah, I've never listened to them much. All I remember was a really long time ago I had one of their vinyl records. I'd sneak records from my cousin, and when I finished, all the rap ones started listening to new stuff. It was a blue album with people on it(sorry that's all i remember lol) and i like it. Any way Anthony finally having a comment section full of people loving music is a beautiful thing to see. Off that strength alone, ima give this album a shot and look into their old discography. It's about time.

[@ljm_6161]

yeah same, great to see.

[@titicaca.]

​@@shanetaylor761 definitely check their old stuff out.

[@Unknown360DD]

I think the thin/brittle guitars on Ghosts Again is quite genius. The song is about growing older, weaker, loss and mourning. It's not supposed to sound strong or bombastic, it's supposed to be barely holding itself together.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Love that this legendary group still makes music

[@SevenDevils88]

Saw them live in Québec City on Easter Sunday and holy shit Dave Gahan still runs circles around frontmen half his age. His voice is still pristine, clear and loud. His energy is seemingly infinite. Martin is still more stoic and reserved but he took lead vocals for 2 tracks. MF eats records for breakfast and dinner. Truly one the best shows I was able to see so far.

[@kimberlyfoust2815]

Agreed! Saw them in Sacramento and San Jose. Dave is one of the best frontmen of all time.

[@HACHIMOTHEDESTROYER]

How does he spin so fast without getting dizzy??

[@RayVinyard]

I think this is their best album since Playing The Angel.

[@e.m.b2834]

Delta machine was great too

[@lena.dymytrenko]

​@@e.m.b2834 oh, thank you

[@wellokayyes1266]

Playing the Angel was unbelievable. Appreciate that you appreciate that one.

[@ninadekoning_]

I think so too

[@suena7288]

In my opinion these guys are the greatest band of all time.

[@toryficarola]

Same here!

[@Fx280_]

That's not an opinion its a fact.

[@monoraildj]

There’s no question about it! The absolute GREATEST!!! I don’t think that people in the U.S. realize how huge Depeche Mode is worldwide. They have the biggest cult following in the entire world.

[@rubaidaallen2764]

I concur 👏👏👏

[@suena7288]

@@monoraildj i agree, their influence on sampling especially in how its used in modern edm, pop is extremely underrated and overlooked as well

[@Drophinoia]

something I never hear mentioned but is key to Depeche Mode's success and sound since Violator, is Martin Gore's love of and fascination with the old African American blues, the real blues not that limp Clapton shit. the delta blues. Lead Belly blues. It was that blend of soulful blues guitar elements in songs like Personal Jesus married with the dark synth and industrial sounds and sexy atmospherics combined with the polyphony of Dave's crooning and Martin's vibrato wailings that I think make peak Depeche Mode's signature sound, and they've tried to mix up that formula to relative success since. I'm not much of a music geek so I can't speak on it too deeply, but i've never seen an interview or even a discussion about those down deep Mississippi blues in DM. I know Martin's biological father is a black American bluesman and i wonder if their relationship, or lack thereof led him there, maybe while exploring his own roots as a white-passing half black kid growing up in Basildon in the UK? But yeah, as someone who has had a special place for Depeche Mode since i was a kid ,i think a 7-7.6 is a respectable score for them at this point. There are some excellent tracks on this album, but also some duds and forgettables. But i feel the high points on the album are remarkable and as performers it feels like they'e at the top of their game, especially Dave who has put in a tremendous amount of work since his low points on Ultra, which imo is still a great album, for the record. his voice was just ragged. Again, I'm no music geek, more of a history nerd. If anyone knows of some substantial interview discussing these connections, feel free to let me know. I've been curious about it for some time. I mean, obviously the blues are at the foundation of everything we call rock and roll and 20th century anglo-american music and how that shaped post war global culture, but his background seems to hint at a more personal connection.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

Ah, the Clapton shade is always welcomed

[@Victorcolongarcia]

This comment was better than the review 😅 thanks!

[@AnnaKaunitz]

Martin had no idea about his biological dad until he had his first child. Martin and DM has always been firmly against racism too. Martin loves music of all sorts. There are videos of him buying blues records in the US when they toured there. This fixation of skin colour and passing is a North American thing.

[@trinajacobs9154]

As a black woman who loves DM. The comment about his race😡Fyi.. He meet his father when he was younger. His musical back ground did not come from his Father

[@mrmxyzptlk8906]

You typed all this jargon just to make shit up because you hate white people. Depeche Mode’s biggest influence which they’ve stated multiple times is David Bowie. Stop making everything about black people, it’s weird.

[@mandel94]

I was afraid that this would end up as a YUNOREVIEW - thanks for taking the time to do a full review! 😃

[@Madceptor]

It's one of their best record in my opinion. I can catch all the DM's "vibes"and feelings that i appreciated throughout the years.

[@FabulousResults]

really didn't expect a light 7 from the tone of this review. felt more like a 3 or 4.

[@Malkav65]

Yeah, I would’ve guessed a 5 at most considering there wasn’t much in the way of positive comments. But hey, I’m happy with it

[@EEEdoman]

Melon's tone has been very odd recently. The Dogsbody review also sounded like he was depressed and I was expecting him to rate lower than an 8 (tho that album is still a 10 to me).

[@birkobird]

I think he has a cold or smth which is taking his energy away, his voice is down super low in his range too.

[@toryficarola]

I am very happy and pleasantly surprised that he is also gave this one a 7 as well, which is what I would've given this. Still certainly better than their last two records, thankfully.

[@SevenHunnid]

on my KZbin channel i do food reviews while I’m super high 😈

[@midnightrambler8065]

I completely disagree about the song my cosmos is mine. Depeche Mode started their concert with this song and it was KILLER. It’s ment to be odd, so I think all the parts work perfectly

[@BogdanNafornita]

Agree, this is a weird song that crawls under your skin. In the first month of daily listening, I just skipped it and started with Wagging Tongue. Now just I can't fathom not starting the listen with this powerful experimental tune. It's just so punchy and acid, it lays a great expectation for the entire album. 30-year long DM fan here. Also, saw them in Bucharest in July and a huge summer rain started around Martin playing Home. The rain unleashed massive energies from the crowd back to the band. They put on their best show so far (out of 4 I've seen). Just unbelievable.

[@Victorcolongarcia]

For fans is a 9. For casual listeners like yourself is a 7. Depeche don’t care for casual listeners 🎉 great album. BEFORE WE DROWN/ALWAYS YOU/COSMOS/GHOSTS AGAIN 🔥🔥🔥🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@adrianruiz4681]

This is an album that needs at least a dozen listens to really understand. I give it a solid 8. While its not in their top three greatest albums it is a joy to listen to.

[@zobry2xxx]

It took me only 3 listens to get hooked!

[@manuelcastellanos9653]

I was scared by the thumbnail, I thought you could give it a 3 or 2, I'm glad to see a 7, it's a fair rating.

[@toryficarola]

Same here. You almost got me down you wily trickster melon you!

[@rubaidaallen2764]

Happy to see this album getting the praise it deserves. I’ve been a DM fan since the mid 80’s and they have been nothing but consistent. Saw them live 2 weeks ago and they were AWESOME as usual. MM is really, really good and I was pleasantly surprised at how DM it is. Bravo gentleman 👏👏👏👏

[@toryficarola]

Legendary album from this legendary synth outfit that I thoroughly enjoyed growing up with. Before we Drown, Don't Say You Love Me & the repetitively catchy People Are Good are certainly the highlights for me on this stripped back, soulful and groovy DM record. Thank you and God bless you for taking the time to review this one, Anthony.

[@amerc50]

Memento Mori Very dark album like Black Celebration. Cohesive. Simple production. Dave’s voice in clear with little effects. You can listen to it on a loop. The last song goes smoothly into the first song. I love that. Memento Mori = ATMOSPHERE!!! …..which people say has been missing since Alan. They build walls of sound at different points in the album that are really good. I am excited. Going to see them in New York City soon What is surprising is that all of the songs are very short. I look forward to extended versions. Standout: Wagging tongue & Favorite Stranger. Caroline’s Monkey feels out of place. This maybe should have been a b-side track.

[@Victorcolongarcia]

👏👏👏👏

[@ZZTopRockman]

Ultra and Excited have great atmosphere too for me

[@olivierbocquet9906]

Caroline's Monkey is the album greatest song, followed by Prople are Good and My Favourite Stranger

[@zobry2xxx]

Standout to me was Cosmos is mine and always you .. addictive

[@Victorcolongarcia]

@@zobry2xxx Yeah. Totally addictive. Cosmos I play it everynight 🤣 and the section this reviewer did not like is the most amazing! It’s like hell for 20 seconds and then back to space darkness. The chord progression during that section is SHOCKING and how their voices mix 🔥

[@roninmode]

as a depeche mode fan for most of my life and being a artist myself who has done lots or DM remixs i would say that its there best album since ultra! in world full of overproduced music some times holding back can be a good thing! DM was always pushing things forward in there past albums but to strippe things back for this album i would say was a good creative choice! at the end of the day the quality of the composition is what DM is know for! and not the fact that they are a electronic/synthpop group!

[@BobV97]

*If this was called "Memento Melon" he would have given this a 10*

[@Zbot665]

📠

[@skyleague9844]

Melonto Mori

[@Fx280_]

bruh 💀

[@lovepulse]

Edgelord gonna edgelord.

[@iamAustinxD]

Wdym

[@jacobooooo]

really good album, not perfect by any means but it’s amazing how they’re still able to put out such a great record

[@escourge323131]

8/10 for me, my fav post-Alan Wilder DM álbum. Ultra had better singles for sure but I find this album to have a better replay value as a whole, I like every song on it. Also I like that there's electric bass guitar presence in some songs and a cohesive concept instrumentally and lyrically. This being a mouring album a la A moon Shaped Pool so I never expected upbeat songs. Favorite Songs: 1. Ghosts Again 2. People Are Good 3. Caroline's Monkey 4. Don't Say You Love Me 5. My Cosmos Is Mine

[@eelponna3145]

It’s their best album since Songs of Faith and Devotion. I love the post punk Joy Division inspired Never Let Me Go - surprised you didn’t mention it as it’s an highlight on the album.

[@nikolademitri731]

*best since Ultra, you mean! (If you like it more than Ultra, you do you, but I think Ultra is near perfect.. I can’t call this better, but it is great!)

[@monoraildj]

@@nikolademitri731 agreed, in my opinion Ultra is their finest album

[@nikolademitri731]

@@monoraildj now I didn’t go THAT far! Haha… For real, it’s definitely up there close to the top for me too, though I can’t say it beats Violator, Black Celebration, Some Great Reward, or Music For The Masses.. at least not off the top of my head.. idk. I do think it beats SOF&D, maybe just be a hair. There’s songs from many albums of their’s I love more than anything one song on Ultra, but still Ultra is just such a well balanced, incredibly produced, front to back excellent album, so it’s still top 5, maybe top 3 DM albums for me. At the end of the day, I love most of their albums, so it’s not slighting any of the others up in the top 10 or so..

[@e.m.b2834]

I think playing the angel and delta machine were better

[@Nightsinwhitesatin645]

Ultra is my second favorite album right behind Violator. Definitely the best album of the 21st century.

[@BizzyD13]

I don't know what you're talking about the majority of the time, but I enjoy listening to you talk about music

[@dustinmartin6524]

Anthony really spend six minutes calling the album trash then gave it a 7/10

[@flaminghead1va]

😂 💯! Maybe he's grading on a curve and doesn't want to hurt their feelings TOO much? 😂 that's my best guess

[@sammo2560]

nice, this album is really solid. easily their best since 2005.

[@SirChadofWick]

since Ultra i think

[@EEEdoman]

I actually like Delta Machine the most of the front half of their career, and it makes me kind of sad people have largely glossed over it.

[@sammo2560]

@@SirChadofWick ehh I like Playing The Angel more than Ultra tbh

[@sammo2560]

@@EEEdoman it’s definitely underrated imo better than the ones before and after it

[@toryficarola]

I agree wholeheartedly!! Can almost rival that of Playing the Angel, in my book. Which is why I am loving this SO MUCH! Even the more oddball cuts like Caroline's Monkey have grown on me.

[@umraansyed]

I absolutely loved the chorus vocals on my cosmos. It’s very jarring and fitting to the song especially when the pounding melody fits into the chord progression.

[@giblet1618]

Before We Drown is definitely my favorite song on the entire album!

[@mrmxyzptlk8906]

Black Celebration and Violator are on repeat every week, love them. In my top 10 acts in music, period. Can’t wait to listen to this.

[@oleksandrbyelyenko435]

I enjoyed the album and have listened to it for 3 or 4 times. That minimalistic production may be both advantage and disadvantage, depending on your taste. But it is without a doubt so much better album than Spirit.

[@SomeSong2]

Ghosts Again thankfully not in the worst track spot. Now I can breathe.

[@toryficarola]

I love that song too. Was afraid that he would rip that one up too much. :/

[@BananaWorm]

This album is my second favorite . It’s damn good. Just because a band is old doesn’t mean they can’t still produce good stuff

[@easandiego8181]

What are your essential Depeche Mode albums?

[@jacksampsonforever]

Speak and Spell

[@gagemartin7207]

Violator music for the masses and black celebration (I like some great reward a lot more than other people)

[@JareththeGoblinKing86]

@@gagemartin7207 some great reward is underrated tbh

[@gagemartin7207]

@@JareththeGoblinKing86 I’d rank it 3rd behind violator and black celebration love that album

[@matthewregallis6458]

Ultra, songs of faith and devotion, music for the masses, playing the angel

[@modehead101]

Amazing that any band can come up with an album this good so late on in their career. This is in Mode's top 7 albums of all time in my humble opinion.

[@InsignificantNick]

Over 40 years later, DM is still getting 7s, baby.

[@toryficarola]

Heck Yeah! 😎

[@elifishwhat]

I just started listening to Depeche Mode, have only checked out ghosts again from this album but it was great.

[@stevesloan73]

Get a copy of music for the masses, then Violator asap. You'll understand right away how they have such a powerful fan base. Beautiful albums at the peak of their career. Then 'Songs of faith and devotion. That was after mega hit Violator and some consider their very best work before Alan Wilder left the band and alot happened personally with everyone, especially Dave Gahan. I've been a fan for 30 years now and still love them the same

[@boywonders]

Then from there go onto Black Celebration and Ultra! Amazing band!

[@faeriegraver]

I'm here to agree with both the comments above me

[@rubaidaallen2764]

The best DM albums are Black Celebration, Music for the Masses, Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion. 1986 to 1994 were the best DM years.

[@elifishwhat]

thanks guys! appreciate it

[@yannhollister9091]

My all time favorite band, they just are special.. nothing like them

[@monoraildj]

After countless tweets I’ve directed at melon regarding reviewing this album, the review is finally here… first of all I want to say that we FINALLY got a Depeche Mode album review on this channel. I think a few classic Depeche Mode album reviews are past due, since their discography is STACKED. It’s a good review. I agree with certain points. I don’t think that mixing is as bad as fantano makes it out to be. This album was mixed by Marta Salogni, the same person who mixed black midi’s Hellfire. I actually thought that this album had some of the best mixing that Depeche Mode has ever had. I do think, however, that James Ford’s drum programming was a bit too rigid at times and could’ve benefitted from a little more swing. I absolutely love all of the synthesized drum sounds though. I personally think that this was the best Depeche Mode album since Ultra. I consider Ultra to be their finest album, to the shock of Alan Wilder fans. Even though no track on Ultra has a BPM of over 100, it’s full of atmospheric bangers. Both ballads and more hard hitting songs. The Love Thieves is my favorite song of all time. Memento Mori is a beautiful album. I don’t think that there is a single weak song on the entire record. I agree that Caroline’s Monkey does feel a little out of place, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a bad song. It’s a good song, just stands out from the rest of the record. Ghosts Again is a great single. I’ll link a live studio version below, which I think is the best version of this song. The guitar sounds much much better than it does on the album version. My personal favorite tracks on the album are Don’t Say You Love Me, My Favorite Stranger, and Never Let Me Go (in no particular order). I would personally give this album a 9.5/10. Considering that this album was made after Fletch’s passing, it’s name, content, and feel weigh so much heavier for me. It was a huge blow to all Devotees. Dave and Martin coming together after losing their founding band member and putting out a record this good is nothing short of amazing. It’s great to see that Dave and Mart have developed a strong bond, that’s always been Fletch’s duty, to mitigate their relationship. As I’ve already said, we’re waiting on those Depeche Mode classic album reviews!

[@PasseioNoturno666]

Violator or SOFAD would be good classic reviews

[@tomedward6756]

Best album they've done in 20 years. Better than exciter though? Exciting debate.

[@SirLemming]

Whenever a new DM album comes out I feel like I'm the only character in a Star Trek episode who's not caught in some kind of time loop -- the critics all say something about how DM is finally making their comeback, best since Violator, etc. Personally I think they've been killing it for decades. The only low point was in the late '90s / early '00s, at which point they obviously slowed down a bit and started showing their age, but they've never put out a bad or pointless record.

[@nikolademitri731]

So, you think Ultra is a low point? Or you mean after that?

[@SirLemming]

@@nikolademitri731 Yeah, Ultra is definitely my least favorite. And Exciter is not the best either, though I think I respect what they were going for more in that case. I don't think Tim Simenon was a good fit production-wise, the whole thing of Ultra just feels off. But of course it was a personal low point in their lives as well, so not really clear who's most to blame. By the time of Sounds Of The Universe I feel like they were reliably killing it again.

[@wMNWw]

I bet Logics "Confession of a Dangerous Mind" is Fantinos Memento Mori.

[@jaker721]

I've been meaning to listen to Depeche Mode for a long time now. Shout out to Ro from L4D2

[@alexanderpetrenko539]

I've seen DM, in various incarnations, 6 times live. And I'm soon gonna make it 7. They never disappoint. A true "listening for life" band for me.

[@myshkin89]

I saw them live recently and they slayed. They sound as great as ever!

[@adrianmaule7128]

I think the ML track "Soul with me" is one of the best DM tracks in some time

[@timshulepov]

I wouldn't say that the first half of the record is weaker. Instead, I think the first half caters more to folks that want to hear things like "Precious" or "Wrong", whereas the second half sounds more like something that would come out of "Songs of Faith and Devotion" or "Music for the Masses". One way or another, I think they reflected the loss of the band member perfectly -- it feels very personal, but overtly obvious that would make it seem like they are trying to capitalize on it.

[@gavtube1232]

"Depeche Mode. I love that guy!" - Francis, L4D2

[@yavlennyy]

I love this album. Never let me go is a killer track ❤ I love all about it!

[@r26000]

Right?, it’s just a mix of roughness and melancholy that no other song on the album shows. It’s a hardly ever mentioned song.

[@michellecassidy5254]

Seeing them perform 5 of the tracks live made me love the album even more. I'd give it an 8 and a close edge to Playing The Angel in terms of my post-00s rankings.

[@Mentally_Will]

My local alternative radio station (don't say "alternative rock") is treating this album and its lead single like the second coming of Christ.

[@presidentsquidward3970]

Mine too (91x) but it's weird considering corporate alt radio ignores a lot of releases that come out every year (last year had fontaines dc, backseat lovers, alvvays, spoon, gang of youths, the beths, black country new road, beach house, alex g, etc... a bunch of stuff that would make alternative radio even better, but only 91x focused on all of these, sadly the beths, bcnr, alex g weren't rotations though).

[@presidentsquidward3970]

I love alternative radio still but it's a shame the current state is just lacking variety of overplayed classics AND new music, and then half the new music for most stations is shit like lovelytheband lmao

[@TheShaitan2000]

I've been a Mode fan for years, and even to this day I can't understand what did Andy Fletcher actually do. He was just there. He didn't play anything in studio nor live, he didn't write and participate in any song, he didn't write one single lyric. Yeah, he was the boys friend but... what else?

[@NoCreamedCorn]

I think the song sequencing is the biggest issue songs 1 and 2 should probably have been 5&6 with some of the tunes on the final third, which are the strongest on of the LP should have been moved to the forefront. If you resequence it, the album is pretty damn strong.

[@djscrag]

Not a word about Richard Butlers contribution? The four songs sound so much like Psychedelic Furs songs I can almost hear his voice. That was certainly a change for the sound as well, they considered using them for a different project but they ended up on the album. I think that's important information to consider.

[@antoniodavidperez4702]

FINALLY MELON I'VE WAITED FOR THIS

[@angelohorta9635]

One of the records of the year for me!!

[@toryficarola]

I think this might be the strongest contender for AOTY for me, at least so far. So hyped he officially reviewed it and at least gave it a solid 7. :)

[@anyssamoya1559]

I did not expect a review on this one, much less one with so many positive things to say, but its a happy surprise. Depeche Mode tier list when???

[@aidanclare6602]

I am so pleasantly surprised by this album. Depeche Mode are past their prime arguably, but this album has so many sleepers and deep cuts that have so much replay value. Before We Drown goes so hard.

[@Frozen_Smoke1972]

Yeah, it's a weird set of duds at the start of this album but it builds into something very special indeed.

[@ozymandias___868]

One of my fave doom wads, thanks for reviewing it melon man

[@whiplash9548]

Wow, can’t believe that Rae Sremmurd disguised themselves as a different duo to trick Anthony into giving them a 7.

[@moshell5249]

Spot on with the review exactly my sentiment! I basically listen from before we drown onwards whilst occasionally tapping into a track or 2 from the first 7 :) i agree the opener is the weakest link. Interestingly, on the Dave penned tracks (before we drown, speak to me) some basics are there like simple synth chord progressions which are somehow missing in many of the oepning tracks. Would have been best as an EP imho but great to see the guys still rocking it!

[@dimitristsekeris1821]

Of all the songs in this album, he didn't like "My Cosmos is Mine". Is the man crazy?

[@sketch8287]

Should be a strong 7 to a light 8 imo but I'll take what I can get. It's such an amazing album especially in comparison to their albums past Violator

[@gabrielepassoni8598]

Man perfect scoring. And as a big time fan of DM I'm super confortable with them pulling 7/8 score albums. I'm aware they're well past their prime but still I'd like them to finish their career gracefully.

[@smurfette_blues7922]

Pretty much the same thoughts I had on this album. 'Dont say you love me', 'people are good', and 'speak to me' are the only songs I can replay.

[@surnameslade]

All I ever wanted, All I ever needed…

[@toryficarola]

Is here in mmmmmyyy aaaarrrms...

[@thierry07]

For true DM fans (30+ yrs here!) this is one of their best, and to us this is at least a 9. Lots of echoes of earlier albums/sounds and it sounds like classic Depeche Mode. I've found something to love on ALL their albums but this is their most consistent since PTA. Oh, and Caroline's Monkey is just grating. I tried to like it. Nope. Also the production is much MUCH better than the last 3 albums! This is a good balance of the sleekness of say, Violator, and the 'crunchiness' of Delta. It sounds like this dude is more of a casual fan, which is fine, but in order to really 'get' this one would have to be fully familiar with their whole output.

[@VonAllenMusic]

speak for yourself. This album is garbage and you're wanting to like it because of Andrew. Just be honest.

[@blairwheaton8905]

"Keep telling myself.... people are gooood" ... just listen to this people, DM at their mesmerizing best...

[@PetetG]

On the whole with each subsequent listen to DM MM IT GETS BETTER EVERY TIME! Thank you Dave And Mart. RIP Mr Flectcher.

[@spectralisation]

Fair rating, some peeps are rating this thing as the best album since Ultra or even Violator - no way. It's all quite solid but production was a bit underwhelming for me, featuring almost none of wild sonic experimentation and interesting layered sound design DM have always been known for. It's almost like they're recapturing not their own past, but early 80's in general, too many arrangemets on the album are just pure synths and drum machines. But I'm glad lads have pulled through with some genuinely great and memorable songs on this one.

[@spectralisation]

@ghost mall Rest assured, most of the rest of the tracks are much more interesting and there are some quite amazing moments as well. I guess they felt it was long overdue for them to release a basic simple pop tune as the lead single.

[@spectralisation]

@ghost mall My biggest gripe with the whole project is drum programming, it's really stiff and synthetic, a lot of snare drums are basically just white noise bursts. I guess they consciously went for the oldschool analog drum box vibe but it somehow sounds more sterile and primitive than even their first two albums. On the other hand most of synth pads, leads, basses etc. sound quite lush.

[@spectralisation]

@ghost mall I'd certainly rate this album above the last three, so best since Playing The Angel (but it's a matter of taste of course).

[@toslinked]

what they have pulled off here is incredibly difficult. all my respect for them. martha salogni did an exceptional mixing job on this.

[@simonesalvatore9345]

I was about to throw hands after seeing the thumbnail. Love love love this album.

[@bilalbhatti9898]

Excited to listen to this album!

[@Lorenzo957080]

DM are my favorite band and I think MM is their best album since SOFAD. For me the best songs on this album are My favourite stranger, Never let me go and especially People are good and Before we drown: two amazing masterpieces.

[@wpleary2]

Agree. Really wish they’d played these during the tour. Really thought they’d sound great live.

[@C1NDR0N3]

easily their best in a long time

[@saneksin]

definetely the best album they have put out in last 6 years

[@C1NDR0N3]

@@saneksin lol

[@WorldInMyEyes1]

It is a true return to form, It's not without it's faults but moments like 'Before we drown' lift this album high above the band's last effort and hint at their peak late 80's, early 90's output...

[@clydegbc]

I really liked Ghosts Again. Good vodka music

[@timdraper4559]

What are you waffling on about man? - This is a seriously good album.

[@mamavitaemusic]

You finally did it!! Thank you 🖤🖤

[@stefan86wtf]

Wonderful album. Their best since "Playing the Angel" for me, which says a lot :)

[@olivierbocquet9906]

Caroline's Monkey is one of the all time greatest song from DM

[@jdw777]

I think the album is solid 8. Favorites are Perfect Stranger, Always You and Don't Say You Love Me.

[@chillinJohnny]

It's at least 8 at least for a band that origins in disco

[@toeknee1505]

Enjoyed your review of the Depeche Mode album!

[@kombarris]

I love how they are still releasing music, but this album is not for me. It's pretty cool how Dave Gahan's voice barely hasn't changed though. I prefer their early work, Black Celebration and Violator are great to.

[@victorarstad3570]

As a DM fan I would give this album a 10!

[@siotibi827]

Good album. It's still got the post-Exciter raw synth sound, but this time they used it to compose lighter tunes with simpler rhythms and melodic pop hooks. Gone are the blues bar tremolo guitars and shuffle rhythms. My favorite tune is Always You with its cool synthwave twilight atmosphere.

[@runnersdialzero1244]

DEPRESSED MODE?????

[@daviddgrant]

Depeche Mode have made 4 great Albums (Music for the masses, songs of faith and devotion, Violator and Ultra. Anything before / after is Meh (a lot better by other bands / genres in this genre). They were a following electro pop band before those albums and never regained their form since Ultra, which was 26 years ago. They have enough to do a great live show and definitely are commercially one of the success stories within this genre, especially how they broke USA.

[@NoodleaDoodle]

Call me crazy but i think Always You is their best track of all time

[@enricopallazzoofficial]

Well, it's not the best of their career BUT it's one of the best of this century for sure.

[@tomasjanak4113]

Never thought I'll live to see fantano reviewing DM album

[@patjlinnane]

Ill say why it took you so long to review. Its the best since Violator hands down. Each album theyve made in 43 years has been just a steeping stone in order to get to this one. Theyve done every experiment to come up with MeMo. What a way to bow out.

[@cutalin]

I agree, at last a non indulgent review. It's cool that the fanbase is always faithful to whatever DM release. They might need a signal that they have derailed since Playing the Angel instead of getting falsely praised. We will still love them, it's true.

[@iHappy12345]

I would love to hear a Feist, HMLTD, or Waterparks review