Depeche Mode - Some Great Reward album review (part 2)

Part 2 of an in-depth album review of Depeche Mode's 4th studio album , "Some Great Reward."
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[@adamtokay]

I can't believe this album is 35 f***ing years old. I can still vividly remember looking up in the dictionary every single word of Blasphemous Roumors as I was starting to learn English just then. Imagine how much my teenage mind was blown away as the lyrics of this magical music that I fell in love with revealed it's secrets. I never recovered.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Amazing to think that this is 35 years old?? That is just insane!! VG:-)

[@sndlugo672]

Haha, I did that with Strange Love the same way for the same purpose. ...Bring up a bottle from the cellar, I haven't had the sweet stuff in a looooong time. Szia.

[@michamazurkiewicz6252]

I also learned English analyzing the lyrics of DM's songs.

[@Cl4rendon]

Thank you so much Vaughn for reviewing this tremendous album. You again put it straight down to all the points. It is indeed a very dark album. I remember that very moment unpacking the LP on a cold winters evening as a 19 year old under florescent blue light and holding the light grey vinyl disc in my hands... It illuminated under the UV light and was such a magic moment - The very short intro of Fluid like going through straws, sounding like a pre- warning reminding of that girl lying in intensive care who got "hit by a car" .. Then the gloomy, mechanic opener "SOMETHING TO DO" ... Another one of these DM tracks that sounds a bit like rock `n roll to me. You are absolutely right about the vocal entry - I suppose the intent was portraying a merciless life running fast and trying catching up with the tempo of like jumping on a running train. It radically stops and then.... One of my favorites LIE TO ME .. I first had difficulties recognizing Dave`s vocal on this, as it sounded quite different to other DM songs - My dilettante guess is his voice might have been compressed - The song is like a warm, soothing blanket recovering you from the cold , tough beating you received from the song before. It highlights with the "oooooooohhhhAAAaaaaaaahhhhh.." towards the end and i remember at the Hamburg gig, all were on the mics doing that long vocal..:) Due to intense radio play, PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE really does`nt do much to me, but i love the surface melody behind Martin`s " i can`t understand.." - So i tried to figure out what is in that sound - I hear choir of course, something metallic and ( listen close) a seagull kind of noise. These trickling sounds on that sweet ballad "IT DOES NT MATTER " are like a little delight - To me it`s a cute love song and has some lullaby effect in it too. .:) "STORIES OF OLD" is wonderful too .. All these flutes and a slight atonal "aahh" sample playing in the background. ( I`m sure i could hear these clutching straws again), "SOMEBODY" Enough gas been said about this song - Not really my cuppa, however i must say, it`s really THE song where Martin proves himself as the second lead singer. I always skip MASTER AND SERVANT - It`s just too commercial to me. The rest to come is just pure brilliance! I absolutely agree that IF YOU WANT is one of THE outstanding tracks - Powerful, gloomy and the vocals are almost worshiping. The album closes with "BLASPHEMOUS RUMORS" and what should one say.. It`s indeed very depressing but let`s you think about the harsh reality of life and reminds you about things are not always meant to be peaches & cream ... Here is the girl lying in intensive care with all the tubes in her body, making all these slurpy, gargling sounds....Such a sad moment that tears you apart and then...... The ending with her last breath outro.... Chills me everytime to the core and sometimes leaves on to this day a tear in my eye. The album was released in late fall - early winter and i could`nt think of a better phase for it to be released - It was hard stuff for hard times of a hard teenaged life i and many others had to go through back then.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Wow Awesome post !! So much passion and detail !! I appreciate your constant support and interaction my friend!! VG:-)

[@robgrossi2368]

Cl4rendon great post!

[@robertcopland7541]

Love the video! Also that cat looks comfortable on the record player :))

[@wickedannabellaqbasicbitch4777]

I love these reviews. Looking forward to a Black Celebration review. 🤞

[@jo6est]

Another great review my man. The alan "fanboy" alert from part 1, and the martin laugh from part 2. Genius! -John

[@louisj2256]

No one appreciates it doesn't matter, genuinely believe it to be one of the best tracks on some great reward. The gurgling synth bassline is really strange and sincere when you pick it out and listen to it, the whole thing just takes me somewhere

[@wattage2007]

Louis J Totally. One of my favourites. Odd timing too which makes it all the more interesting to listen to.

[@benrous8430]

I love It doesn't matter, one of my faves. It's a great synth pop ballad of a song.

[@stefanchernev4996]

Philip Glass?

[@wattage2007]

Stefan Chernev You’re maybe thinking of It Doesn’t Matter Two from Black Celebration which is very Phillip Glass.

[@Tomversal]

I agree with you, It Doesn't Matter is so beautiful and the first time I heard it the only thing stopping me from crying was I was in the car with my family XD but I was in a hard place when I first heard it and it struck me, and still does if I hear it

[@daveschrdinger]

"Some great reward" is my favourite DM album! 1) None! All the pieces came together, every track stands on the right place. This is an example of ideal album structure. 2) I think "Blaphemous rumors" is the most radical track, because it describes the injustice of our cruel world and religion hypocrisy. And, of course, creepy samples that make you scarry. 3) Maybe, "Master and servant". Music video were played often on VH-1 Europe and "101" actually starts with this track. 4) I really like the fact that album has very good, very eclectic songs, which didn't became a single. They are all so beautiful. 5) 10/10. Yes! Yes! Yes! Perfect. From first to last sound.

[@AdnamsDrinker]

Lose: Stories of Old - weakest song, the rest are belters Most radical: Something to Do - for want of a better word, the beginnings of pervy Mode Listened most: If You Want /Something to Do - absolutely adored both of these after seeing the Live in Hamburg video Favourite song now: If You Want Rating: 8/10

[@MrTasic]

I think number of tracks increased because of common album timing increased in whole industry (~45 to ~60 min) while moving from LPs to CDs

[@SLT-lh9jw]

1) If You Want: or maybe Stories of Old but I just love the gloominess (?) of It doesn't matter (though the second one is even better) too much 2) Blasphemous Rumours: It's perfect as the last song on the album, because it almost sounds like it's actually the first song from Black Celebration 3) People are People: probably, it could be M&S or Somebody as well 4) Master and Servant: it's really hard to choose 5) 8/10: actually too low, but the following albums are even better imo This is like the beginning of their best era to me.

[@greyroom6730]

Great review...these are things that I had been thinking about and discussing with friends for the past 30 years. Some Great Reward was really a pivotal album in terms of breaking away from main stream pop and moving towards a darker side. In particular Blasphemous Rumors stirred up quite the controversy....so much that the single was issued with a double A side.... Side A was Blasphemous Rumors and Side AA was Somebody. In the UK, Depeche Mode - The Singles 81-85 didn't include Somebody because...well...it wasn't really a single...However, the US version, Catching Up With Depeche Mode, did contain Somebody. Anyway....you mentioned the use of re-samples in If You Want (using Master and Servant)... Blasphemous Rumors also used re-samples...the opening sequence in Something To Do is also used in the middle of Blasphemous Rumors... Great topic Vaughn!!!

[@KortKramer]

I've been waiting for this video - Yay! I really can't lose a track from this album, but maybe It Doesn't Matter (but I still love it). BR is the most radical. Probably listened to People Are People the most -couldn't be avoided. Favorite song by far is Wilder's If You Want - I wish it got more love. A strong 9/10 - I love the whole album as is. Thanks as always Vaughn for an insightful review video (part 2).

[@jameskimball8159]

Good evening Vaughn, I hope you are doing well my friend. 1. It doesn't matter 2. People Are People 3. Master And Servant 4. Stories Of Old 5. 8 out of 10 I wasn't very old when Blasphemous Rumors came out so I don't recall any states here banning that song, but it being the 80's (hell it still happens in 2019) I would totally believe that did happen especially in the bible belt of the U.S. Another great video. They always just seem to get better and better. I'm pretty sure your fans wouldn't mind these having 3 or 4 parts to them. I mean I never get tired of hearing someone talk about DM albums. Maybe after your review of an album, you could do shorter videos on each song, or grab 5 songs of an album to go over in more detail. Just an idea! It's been a while but I had left you a comment about my take on the album titles "A broken frame" and "Construction Time Again" and it was nice to hear that I was correct about that (I think you confirmed it in an earlier video I think on Construction Time Again Part 1) cheers my friend!

[@VaughnGeorge]

James thank you for your support and kind words!! VG:-)

[@NicHills]

Cannot wait for the next few reviews, heading slowly towards in my opinion their creative pinnacle....

[@VaughnGeorge]

For sure!! Good to hear from you guys again Nic and Andrea!! VG:-)

[@dustinhesseltine2800]

Thank you for the video Vaughn, really enjoy the series and I especially liked the more in-depth analysis of the various parts in People Are People... I would love to see some videos from you down the line dissecting some of the more layered & intricate DM songs... Keep up the good work, kind regards from Texas!!

[@Victorcolongarcia]

This album for me is a 9.5/10. Just like you. I love every track. I´ve cried with some of them and danced in my room with the others. The contrast between technology and human is totally balanced, the melodies are pop and dark altogether, martin´s and dave´s voices are perfect. It´s sexy and romantic, rebellious and passionate. i love it. It doesn´t matter is the weakest track but it´s still quite good, just a bit too slow for my taste. GREAT REVIEW. I wanna hear what you´ve got to say about the most modern albums!! Omg the wait is gonna be LOOOOOOG haahah see you around

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello Victor!! Thank you bro for your kind comments and welcome to the channel!! VG:)

[@Desert_Sirens]

Hey V, I really enjoy this review, your best yet, particularly the way you break down 'Something to do' (being late to the DM party, I found this song through your Hamburg gig review and it's become one of my favorites since). I feel like it doesn't sound vanilla at all on the piano, it still sounds bad ass! The urgency and sexiness of it are hard to describe in words.... And of course, I loooove the Martin interludes, the laugh and 'the kinky bastard' references throughout this review. Thanks for doing these, you made my day!

[@ianwilson7637]

Interesting tidbit ... at around 3m16s into Blasphemous Rumours, just after "on a life support machine", they play the melody from the nursery rhyme "God's Love is so Wonderful". When I first heard it in the background I new it was familiar … from in Sunday School as a kid!! It was pretty ingenious of them to include that.

[@Techinization]

Great video again! We're really getting to the absolute good stuff now. Really had to pause and check the snare story in "Master and Servant". And you're absolutely right about "If you Want" 1. (Loose) "Stories of Old" But only because I had to choose! 2. (Radical) "Something to Do" Because... WOW what a daring choice to start an album with. Typically Depeche Mode to choose such a track as opener. 3. (Listened to the most) " Blasphemous Rumours" I just like the flow, the melodies, the sounds and the atmosphere. This coupled with the lyrics make it so good! 4. (Best) "Lie to Me" (This is my current favourite. Love the bassline!) and "If You Want" 5. (My Rating) 9 This is an amazing album in so many ways. For me the first "real" Depeche Mode album if you get what I mean. I love the songs Martin sings and the addition written by Alan (If You Want) is a highlight. One more thing: Master and Servant > People are People

[@andyry1269]

Your huge knowledge makes it even more interesting to listen to my favorite album, Sir. Very nice in depth album review + analyse here. Thank you for pointing out some of the small melodies and even with the right sounds. -Andy Ry Denmark.

[@Torrente70]

the Emulator is the holy grail of DM's music

[@VaughnGeorge]

EMU indeed!! VG:-)

[@tracyjohnson4881]

Really enjoyed this, Vaughn - thanks! Also love seeing everything broken down on the keyboard; great learning opportunity for me right now ;)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hey Tracy!! Good to hear from you as always !! How's that piano practice going ? VG:-) xx

[@tracyjohnson4881]

Vaughn George Going well, thank you! Enjoying it immensely and we’re about to do a bit more DM, so even better :) x

[@MrOumboon]

Once again back to your precious,complete technicals, high leveled comments Mr VG ! My top two fav lp's from DM. What a better punchy song than something to do to introduce this masterpiece ? Thank you for your true dedication to Depeche, I just drink your words ! 9.5 to this magnificent album.

[@joanzensillystuff2285]

1.In fact, I don't want to start any blasphemous loss but with pain I choose "Stories of old" 2. "People are people" 3. "Blasphemous rumours" 4. "Blasphemous rumours" 5. 9/10

[@joebondo2422]

I noticed multiple comments hating on "Stories of old,". A very unique sounding song which I absolutely love and if you really pay close attention to the lyrics, it's about true love and not changing who you are to make a relationship work (don't force love). 1. It doesn't matter 2. Blasphemous Rumors 3. Blasphemous Rumors 4. Stories of old (Blasphemous Rumors a close 2nd) 5. 8/10 Great review. I like the breakdown of each song. It doesn't matter (no pun intended) how long your videos are to me. As a matter of fact, the longer the better because "I just can't get enough" (pun intended) Depeche Mode talk. Especially knowing that they probably will be calling it a career in the not too distant future, I think anyway. Dave's vocals are really challenged lately which is why I think they're more recent albums have more slower tracks.

[@AdrianCroftCrank]

Splendid work as usual Vaughn, SGR has always been my favourite. It was 'In Your Memory' that really hooked me with DM and especially Alan. Gareth Jones is a proper legend too of course. P.s. I think that Martin's laugh must drive himself round the bend also..

[@robertgarscadden]

A great review Vaughn.there,s so much going on in this album.i watched Dave in an interview for Spirit and said the track order has been an important thing."If you" want to this day for me is incredible.it's a bit evil.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Robert hi!! I agree with "if you want " sound a little evil!! Well said!! Evil and brilliant !! VG:-)

[@uneedtherapy42]

When you talk about the sequence of DM albums you nailed it. I know it's their next album but I submit to you (or anyone) Black Celebration is the best album of the 1980's. Has there ever been a better sequence of songs? Look at the first 3... title track, Fly on the windscreen, then A Question of Lust that kind of dissolves into Sometimes.... this album took them in a completely different direction. I have probably listened to that album 2000 times or so. I still listen to it. Really all their albums sound so unique. What other bands can boast that? Almost none. Overall I find Songs of Faith and Devotion is their magnum opus.... with Walking In My Shoes their best single of all time. And don't get me started about Dave's vocals on Condemnation!!! UNREAL. Again love this video!!

[@edvinsalpajevs9522]

1. It doesn't matter 2. Blasphemous rumours 3. People are people or Somebody 4. Somebody 5. 8/10

[@586101]

Excellent album review, Vaughn! I was a young kid when this album came out and although I liked and bought the People Are People single, I did not pick up Some Great Reward until my teens. Still, I think that this album represents the point where Depeche Mode really came in to their own as songwriters, as musicians, and as a cohesive unit. I usually don't do these, but here goes: 1). What song would I lose? It Doesn't Matter. Not bad, just not one to pick, if I must. 2). Most radical? People Are People. I mentioned this in the Part I comments, but I had never heard anything like it. What a song! 3). Listened to most? Definitely People Are People, but both Somebody and Master and Servant tie for close seconds. 4). Favorite now? Lie to Me. Something about it stands apart from most songs in their catalog for me. 5). Rating: 8.5/10 Thanks as always, Vaughn, for your insightful and interesting reviews.

[@nicolaiwassmann3982]

Great review. This started my love with Depeche Mode. Favorite tune: Something to do. I love it's haunting soundspace.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Nicolai!! VG :-)

[@skroll71]

Great review of an album that means a lot to me. Never thought about all the details you mention - now I have to /listen/ to it!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Michael Schollert thank you sir !! Be sure to watch the next episode of Black Celebration tonight !! VG🎹😎

[@stuferris9574]

Amazing review Vaughn. Thanks so much for this xx

[@VaughnGeorge]

Always a pleasure Stu!! VG:-)

[@Nephilim-81]

If I may add one more comment and it is the audio quality of this album. I have an original from Sire records and I must say that I get lost in this album with my headphones, especially being as punchy and dynamic as it is. Love it. People are People really is the crowning track for me on this album, but the 101 version is on another level. I’m honored to have and to hold this album for life. 🙂

[@alanwilder1549]

Great Review featuring a Cat! 1. Loose: None , but if:It doesn't matter 2. Radical: People Are People 3. Most listened: People are People 4. Favourite: People are People 12 Inch 5. 8 /10 I knew you had the Martin Laughter in You! Cheers, Stefan x

[@robb1865]

Excellent review!

[@laudec00]

Last song of last album, “fail” is pure brilliance! Martin still rocks :) You have been whipping him a bit hard in the video !

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you for your comment, The Whipping is all a joke and done in Good intention, VG:-)

[@VaughnGeorge]

"Fail" is not a good song in my opinion.

[@Austrocylindropuntia]

Yes, I totally agree with you on "If You Want". If I feel like listening to a song from this album, I don't worry about any of the singles, not that I think them bad songs, but "If You Want" has such a power to it, it's hard to skip.

[@gilo7171]

IMO - on this album there are no good or bad songs - all are GREAT - ALL OF THEM !

[@viktordelta247]

people are people .. 'chordial information' .. great analysis .. I heard Alison Moyet say that about Yaz once, not that phrase, but that they could not play chords but represent chords..

[@marje1813]

1. It doesn't matter 2. Blasphemous Rumors 3. Blasphemous Rumors/ Lie to Me. 4. Blasphemous Rumors (Seeing a pattern here, aye?). 5. Can't really score it but I feel that this the first really good Depeche album. To me it sounds like this is the album where they'd found themselves and laid the foundation for what in my opinion are their two best albums: Black Celebration and Music for the Masses. edit: they really should play these songs live again...

[@Baldowl]

Incidentally, I am a believing Christian, and I have no problem with "Blasphemous Rumours." Doubt is an important component of faith.

[@nashf5925]

Fantastic review once again. Score for the little things DM fans appreciate, like Martin's laugh. 1. It doesn't matter. It sounds unfinished like an underdeveloped Question of Lust or other MLG numbers to follow Also, its sound doesn't gel with the rest of the album. 2. Something to Do. What an opening! This is not a pop band anymore. The double entendre lyrics and innuendos. Getting oil stains from working too hard or too little is genius. 3. Lie to Me. Dave shows off his vocal range here going from soft to deep, crooning and swaying it out. Martin's lyrics about surrender and submission is timeless. The Some Great Reward line feels as good hearing as when a James Bond villain says the movie title's name in a monologue to 007. There are so many layers present that become more discoverable with every listen. 4. Stories of Old. I rediscovered the studio acoustic version from the SOTU sessions and revisited this one. At the time, it sounded very much like a leftover from the previous album. But now I am appreciating it more with Dave's vocals and Alan's instrumentation layouts. That keyboard melody at the end is a perfect icing on the cake. 5. 8/10 Shake the Disease should've been present here. Nowhere near as perfect as the next 3 studio albums. The groundwork was there for the future DM, especially the sex appeal and religious overtones. But there is something missing in that it is not polished yet as the next ones to come and still has that raw sound of youth and angst. But, I do admire that the band didn't let their new fame get to their heads and take the easy commercial route after the 2 US hits of People are People and Masters and Servants. For me, this album is like the movie Star Wars and the next one is the Empire Strikes Back where it hits you in that it all comes together.

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

You describe a sound on "Blasphemous Rumours" as being like the sound when someone inhales while crying, but I was under the impression it was the sound of the ventilator ("life support machine") mentioned in the lyrics. Great video, as usual!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Interesting! Thank you my friend. Glad you enjoyed it! VG :-)

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

@@VaughnGeorge Thank you for not slapping my hand with a rooster sound! 😆

[@GabeLane612]

Yup. This is the greatest Depeche Mode album. I've been listening to their records for years, and as much as I want to put Violator on top, I can't. The lyrics, the introspection, the witticism, the sublime sequencing...it's simply too good to pass up. While many rank Violator as their favorite DM record (and understandably so), I think some people are reluctant to admit how intelligent Some Great Reward stands. It takes everyday life, shows just a glimmer of corruption and struggle people deal with, and leaves the listener actually thinking about what they just heard. It doesn't try to sound hopelessly dark on purpose, or obsessively sexual. It sounds dark, because it is. 1.) I can't get rid of one song. Some Great Reward is that brilliant. Every song is essential for the picture. 2.) Definitely Blasphemous Rumours. Like you, I don't see it as anti-religious. As someone once commented in your mini-documentary, it asks an honest question about life. 3.) What's the one song I've listened to the most? This is tough. See, I listen to this album all the way through. But if I had to guess, it's People Are People. The live versions of this song pack so much energy. That impending echo of Martin's, "I can't understand what makes a man, hate another man. Help me understand," is possibly my favorite moment on the record. 4.) I've always had a high amount of respect for Lie to Me. It's subdued, cool, and mirrors the dishonesty in the workplace with dishonesty in relationships. 5.) It's pretty obvious if you've been reading along this far, but it's a perfect 10/10. Not only so, Some Great Reward stands in my Top 10 favorite albums of all time. I've been binging on your Depeche Mode reviews as of lately, and I don't intend to stop. I'm learning so much from you!

[@782xlx]

1. Lose: Somebody, not bcoz I dont like it, but I had to choose one. 2. Radical: Master & Servant, bcoz of the one octave difference between the shouts of "Its a lot!" & the S&M theme... 3. Most listened: It Doesnt Matter, the lyrics are deep, & the melody soothing & simple. Love it! 4. Fave: If You Want, hands down! 5. Score: 8.5/10, my 1st proper vinyl LP in 1984, which I played & played on the turntable between uni classes & assignments. The songs helped me study, in fact!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Brilliant !! Thank you !! VG;-)

[@sleipboerd]

1. None or if I had to chose one, It Doesn’t Matter 2. People are People 3. People are People, though Stories of Old was the song I listened to most (of all songs on Spotify) 2018 4. Blasphemous Rumours 5. 9/10 Also, that bassline that plays on most of Lie to Me is perfect...

[@VaughnGeorge]

That is a great bassline!! VG:-)

[@sosiska2842]

1)Lose a track - Something to Do; 2)Most radical song - Blasphemous Rumors; 3)Listened to most - Lie to Me; 4) Now like the most - Blasphemous Rumors; 5)Rate the album - 10/10 When I was listening to DM discography this is the album I found to be great from the the very first listening. 40 years later it’s still one of the best albums by DM. To me it’s perfect: the sound is experimental and memorable, the lyrics are brilliant, tender and haunted when it’s needed (with provocative Master and Servant and Blasphemous Rumors with the sound of life support machine at the beginning of the latter), the great vocals by Dave and Martin (separate gratitude for It Doesn’t Matter and especially Sometimes). To me this is the album that made DM the band we know and love and my third favorite album.

[@TheRosePhantom]

01: "Somebody" 02: "Blasphemous Rumors" 03: "Stories of Old" 04: "If You Want" 05: 9.5

[@manicminer1976]

I would lose It doesn't matter. My favourite is probably Blasphemous Rumours, but lately I'm enjoying Stories of Old a lot. Great vocal performance by Dave. To me, this album deserves a 9 out of 10. Good video as always.

[@Lady.Luthien]

Some Great Reward still remains my favorite DM album, so answering some of these questions will be a little tough. However, I am willing to give it a try... 1. Which song to remove? "If You Want". It isn't a bad song, but it might have been better as a B-side. 2. Most radical song? Musically, "People Are People". Lyrically, "Master and Servant". 3. Most listened to? Probably "Somebody" or 'Blasphemous Rumours". 4. Favorite song? "Blasphemous Rumours" 5. Rating 10/10

[@martenjallad2437]

This was the 1st album I bought of theirs and one I probably listened to the most. I couldn't imagine losing any tracks. Amazing album 9/10

[@davestevens6283]

Lose track: something to do; Most radical: Blasphemous rumors - DM challenging religion and humanizing god in an unflattering manner; Listened to the most: Stories of old; Favorite song now: Somebody; Rate - 9/10.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Dave!! VG:-)

[@LusciousApparatus_]

I'm such a huge fan of this album. I was only 10 when it came out, but I learned a lot ("It's a lot!") very quickly! I've enjoyed peeling back the layers with you. 1) Lose - Stories of Old 2) Most radical - (tie) Blasphemous Rumours / People Are People 3) Most listened - Master and Servant 4) Fave song - If You Want 5) Rating - 10/10

[@bucksatanII]

1. Lose - It Doesn't Matter. 2. Radical - If You Want 3. Most listened to - Stories of Old 4. Favorite - Stories of Old Favorite now - If You Want Demo 5. Rating - 9.5

[@yaelrozen259]

Love love love If You Want! One of my all time favorites.The demo is brilliant, i miss Alan in depeche so much. It's just not the same.So much of the groove and the mystic is gone.... Cheers for your reviews! Love your channel :)

[@mattavalon]

Lose: Stories of old, most radical: people are people, most listened to: Lie to me, best track: Blasphemous rumours, Rated: 9 Great show as usual, you've got Martin's laugh down, I heard it 15 years ago in London at Flech's bistro on Blenheim Terrace over a few Hoegardens...

[@ninawildr4207]

Aaaah thank god...im doing a 24 hr fast 😫and I needed this...great awesome distraction...immersion...into the world of DM !

[@VaughnGeorge]

Good to hear from you again young lady !! VG:-)

[@iankeys8496]

The thing I love about Depeche Mode is how so much of their work can appeal to different people in different ways. It's funny watching your video, If You want would easily be the song I would lose from this album as it's definitely my least favourite and the only song I'm not in love with from Some Great Reward. It Doesn't Matter happens to be my absolute FAVOURITE song from this and probably my fave Martin led song ever. The lyrics are so haunting and romantic to me.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Right you are my friend! VG :-)

[@TheUtuber999]

On Blasphemous Rumours, I think the inhaling sound is meant to represent the 18-year-old girl on a life support machine... which continues until the end of the song, representing the end of her life. Dark stuff.

[@QuangLy]

I really love your take on this album. Do you hear a vocoder in People Are People? It’s very subtle. Their music has so many layers. If You Want is certainly the most underrated DM song. I love the blasphemous rumours live versions where the chorus drops the snare and you just hear their vocal harmonies. Thanks Again. Really enjoy this video.

[@diegoguadalupi7836]

It used to be It doesn't matter my least favorite, but as I'm older I'm appreciating it more. I keep listening to those days to Lie to me as much as I did in the past and less to master and servant and people are people. I did like them at that time but I don't know maybe I just had enough. There's something I have to say though. Even when DM comes with simple tunes or melodies, almost childish as Vaugh said, they sound good because of the choice of sounds . If you want is as well one of my favorites. Looking forward to Simon's review on the Emus.

[@BiserAngelov1]

"If you want" is my favorite song as well. And i will ditch "It doesn't matter" so that people don't confuse it with an amazing song from their next album, with the same name. :-D

[@VaughnGeorge]

Well said Biser!! VG:-)

[@xaviconde]

BC's one is "It doesn't matter two" ;)

[@BiserAngelov1]

@@xaviconde ...We talk of love and trust, that doesn't matter two! :-D

[@alexandrujelev]

This is the first DM CD album I bought when I started listening to them in college. Before that I only used to listen to Violator as a child on tape cassette. I felt - and still do - that SGR is one of their best albums, arguably top 5, definitely top 7. There are no weak tracks on it and it's hard to pick the best song on it. Something to do, Lie to me, If you want stand out perhaps.

[@isolar_THE_576th]

Lose: It Doesn’t Matter - It’s grown on me but compared to the rest, it’s not my favorite. Radical: If You Want - When I first heard it, I immediately loved it. So hard hitting! I feel as if it’s connected to “Black Celebration” (song) like it’s a prequel as if a guy calls the girl to say “hey, wanna hang out tonight for a little celebration? That’s if you want.” Most listened: Stories of Old - Lyrics are A1. The song overall gives me this feeling of a dark and foggy overcast night after a bunch of thunderstorms happened over the day with this “blue lighting” all over. It makes me think of the album cover as well. Most Favorite: Blasphemous Rumors - The lyrics and production are incredible. Especially that instrumental break after Dave sings “on a life support machine” where it’s this innocent yet creepy lullaby sound (mostly audible in live performances) and to me, that bit sounds like the sound of their early years dying out which was appropriate for albums that were to come. As a matter of fact, the whole album is a burial of their earlier poppy and naive work. Anyways, it’ll hold a special place in my heart since it was the first Depeche Mode song I’ve ever heard by them. I first heard it when I was watching “Goths on Top of The Pops” and went on a Depeche Mode binge and still can’t stop since last year. As for the rating, definitely a 9/10. Definitely one of my favorites. Also, can you imagine Martin doing his laugh while he’s writing his darkest work? heh heh heh HA ha ha

[@SEsand86]

Stories of Old: "I've got things to do and you have too, I've got to be me, you've got to be you" Shake the Disease: "Now I've got things to do, and I said before that I know you have too"

[@lebonora]

I'm a little late this time, but I loved the review as always and wanna answer the questions: Song to cut: It Doesn't Matter Most radical: Blasphemous Rumors Most listened: Master And Servant My favorite: Something to Do Rating: 7.5

[@jankaant]

" Just can't get enough " is the song which got me hooked , " People are people " and "Master and servant " confirmed my lifelong love for Depeche Mode which culminated with " Never let me down again ",I also liked "Enjoy the silence " of course , but at that time I felt something strange as if I was dispossessed of something because of the popularity of the song .

[@yorkhawk]

Lose: Really hard to choose one as its such a great collection but probably Something To Do. Most Radical: People Are People Most Listened To: If You Want (I was bit obsessed by it when my brother got the album) Favourite: People Are People Score: 9/10

[@richardrobertchapinii1022]

This is a tough one 1. Lose It Doesn't Matter ( replace with In Your Memory. My favorite Alan Wilder song) 2. Most radical is Master and Servant 3 Listening the most, People are People 4. Favorite now, Lie to Me 5. 8.5 out of 10

[@maryfedotova4406]

A spectacular album. Each time I listen to it I hear more and more, especially the more and more I learn about record production in general. Probably one of the key records for the history of music! The five questions would be really tough... 1. Maybe “Stories of old”... 2. “Master and Servant” no doubt. 3. Listened to the most either Master and Servant or Somebody. Probably Somebody. 4. I would say Somebody because I sang it to myself countless times. I train my voice with this song and I really love the ease and the realness of the lyric. And the melody of course. And the piano. Everything!!! 5. I think it does deserve a 10/10 at least for the production side. But I honestly don’t feel confident enough to give such a brave score... maybe I’d agree on 9,5! But that’s very close to a 10!!! Thank you for the review, Vaughn! I think it’s the deepest one you’ve done so far! Waiting for the wonderful Black Celebration 😍

[@maryfedotova4406]

Completely forgot to mention that the LAUGH cracked me up every single time 😂😂😂😂

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

Lose: It Doesn't Matter (although, I love it) Radical: LIE TO ME Song I've listened to the most: MASTER & SERVANT My Favourite song r.n.: IF YOU WANT Ranking: 10/10

[@tgwindu1203]

What a great album. Anyway... 5 questions answered 1) Lose = well... none please... LOL... OK, I have to chose.... I'd go with Stories Of Old (Or It Doesn't Matter)... Not because I don't like the song but I can't do without the others... 2) Radical = People Are People (Master & Servant has a point here too IMO). Though you could see Somebody as radical too because of its acoustic way. All the tracks are really synths/samples but Somebody takes the opposite view (though the back sounds are there, but the main point is the piano/voice anyway). Some kind of relief IMO... And then starts Master & Servant and you wake up lol... 3) Listened the most = I think it's a tie between People Are People, Master And Servant and Somebody. 4) Like the most = Blasphemous Rumours (though Somebody or Lie To Me are not far away). BTW, I do agree about If You Want... Best Alan's song ever. Great track ! Not underrated by me ;) 5) Rate = 9/10

[@stevena3244]

1. (Lose) - All songs are too good 2. Blasphemous Rumours (Radical) 3. People Are People (Listen Most) 4. Lie To Me (Favourite) 5. 10/10 Equivalent Beatles Album: Help

[@Curtiss1965]

Album length: I think one of the main reasons albums of that era had 9-10 tracks was due to the fact that these albums was printed on vinyl. Vinyl had/has a total playable space of approx. 42-45 min. Today, all music is released digital and the albums can therefore be endless, in theory. Something To Do: It's quite unusual to start the verse on the 7th of the scale. Usually verses starts at the 1st, 3rd or the 5th of the scale. This catches the listener off guard, but this is also one of the reasons this track is awesome... I think, in addition to the 4 singles from this album Lie To Me is a hidden jem. It has a hypnotic groove that sticks to your brain for a long time and some great, simple, multiple melody layers on top of it... My favourite track! :-)

[@DanneFernstrom]

The vocals of Somebody where recorded in Hansa Tonstudios basement. They said Martin recorded it completely nude....

[@iamdahliaaa]

Great review! And shout out for bringing up Martin Gore laugh! 😀

[@kennlubbers5963]

Great review from you, once again thanks 😊 1. It Doesn’t Matter (lose track but I don’t want to😉) 2. Most radical must be People are People. 3. Most listened to People are People as well 4. Favourite track Blaphemous Rumours 5. 8,5 out of 10

[@PatheticoMorbid]

Another DM upload. #HappyDays 👏👏👍

[@dennissaluaar9103]

1. It is an album without real low-points, but if I had to lose one song: It doesn't matter 2. Sound-wise: People are people. Theme-wise: Master and Servant - or - Blasphemous rumours 3. In later years: Lie to me, there is something about this song, hard to explain... 4. Still: Lie to me 5. A really good album regarding theme, songs, sound, I would say an 8 ( the next three albums after this are in a class of their own... let's get back to them when you do those reviews!). And by the way, Vaughn if you read my comment, this is a side track perhaps: happy to see that grey shape in the background actually moved, caught me by surprise, didn't notice this cute cat until 12:42 into the video... good bonus! ;-o

[@vincefaro4970]

Lie to Me . Top 10 Dmode song

[@platetec4636]

I remember recording the album onto tape and listening to it at work on my walkman during lunch hour. Depeche did what no other band was doing at the time, their drums sounded different, the sonic landscape opened up and we heard the potential of what could be done. Depeche were carving out their place in music to the extent that the press could no longer ignore or say they're a electropop band. One album at a time where Martin becoming more comfortable writing and singing. Dave his voice had matured and could play around with it. Alan well he was without parallel, the sonic direction seeker. And Andy 1) People Are People It had it's moment in the sun, but listening to it today is a bit cringe 2) blasphemous rumours The bang in your face lyrics were a change from Martin's more usual slight of hand approach, a forerunner to Personal Jesus. 3) Lie To Me you know when a song delivers a volt of lightning through you, well this song did it to me, love the mix on Dave's voice. 4) it's going to be Lie To Me again still holds true, great song 5) 8/10

[@robgrossi2368]

Platetec ... “And Andy. 😂

[@platetec4636]

@@robgrossi2368 That was mean of me Andy is my Hero really

[@robgrossi2368]

Platetec fair enough 👍😎

[@b17marko]

Lose: (controversially) Somebody Most Radical: Blasphemous Rumours Listened Most: Master and Servant Current Favourite: Lie To Me Album Rating: 9/10 This is easily the hardest album thus far I have had to pick track to lose, "Somebody" is an awesome song and the way Martin sings it is great but I am just not a ballad type of person, "Somebody" is effectively my least listened to track. Album overall is absolute class, off the top of my head, there is only one album that could maybe top this one for me, and that's the next one ;-)

[@ronwayne9377]

Track to cut: Stories of Old - nothing stands out about it Most Radical Track: Blasphemous Rumours - very dark and eerie, also as you mentioned how it ends the album Most Listens: People are People - first song I ever heard from DM Favorite Track: hard to pick, but I’ll have to say Blasphemous Rumours for this one also Ranking: 9.5/10 - it is a near perfect album

[@ComposerJoakimS]

1) Master & servant 2) It doesn't matter 3) Stories of old 4) Stories of old 5) 8.5

[@Simya69]

After listening to this album hundreds of times since 1984 - the song I still enjoy as if new remains as : LIE TO ME

[@andrewwatitsch3327]

Lose-somebody Radical-Master and servant Most listened-Master and servant Fav-Master and servant Rating 8/10

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Andrew!! VG:-)

[@omgsolikevalleygirl]

1) no no no. Maybe "Stories of Old" is the most lightweight? But *NO WAY* 2) Lyrically: "Master and Servant" -flew so hard in the face of "all I want to do is see you again". Musically... People are People - most radical "musique concrete" ever in a pop track. 3) People are People all the way, and everytime it comes on somewhere it is special yet again. The best of the 1984 massive sampling operas (Propaganda Dr.Mabuse, Jean-Michel Jarre Zoolook being other examples)- by far. Who is responsible ... Gareth Jones? I LOVE THIS TRACK 4) "It doesn't matter"- my go-to inner earworm when obsessing about one of the hovering unrequited love affairs I've been through over the years :D 5) 10 out of 10 nothing else suffices if we can't go above 10. The other albums may sound smoother, have maybe better "songs" or some other advancement, but this is the one where the topics they handle in the lyrics are at the sweetspot, perfect balance between painting an industrial world, social commentary and dealign with introspective desires for human closeness - it's all here. etc.

[@sinidm9492]

”Some Great Reward” is another very important Depeche Mode album for me since I was a teenager❣️♥️ At first my favourite songs were ”Lie To Me”, ”Something To Do”,”People Are People” and ”Plasphemous Rumours” and they’re still so great songs.♥️ 1.”It Doesn’t Matter” 1.”Master And Servant” 3.”People Are People” 4.””Plasphemous Rumours” OR ”If You Want” OR ”People Are People”......... 5. 10/10❣️ I must say that the b-side song ”In Your Memory” has always been very special for me.It’s so beautiful and sad.♥️

[@PlanetoftheDeaf]

Great review Lose: Stories of Old Radical: Blasphemous Rumours for its challenging and completely "non pop" lyrics Listened: Blasphemous Rumours, it blew me away when I was younger Favourite: Really hard, but as of 2019 it's Something to Do as it brings back so many memories of what growing up in dull towns is like, AND because as it's not on compilations, I've not "overheard" it Rating: 8/10 but only because I'm being strict!

[@Rents.]

Thank you Vaughn!

[@Soul_In_Isolation]

sir, I'm so glad I found you by an accident, top notch content

[@thisistype_concept9964]

I think that "some great reward" was the first album of their great era until "SOFAD". As I listened to it the first time in the 80's, I was so impressed by their work and I still am. (lose track...not on this album & by the way my favourite song is "lie to me".

[@TheDessa66]

Someone should give you some great reward for doing all these reviews. Great songs on this album. What's really interesting though is DM don't really rate People are People now, heard Martin say this in two interviews, like he doesn't even like it any more..

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thanks for your kind words Derek!! Yes, Martin hates PAP but personally I think they have worse songs than PAP in their catalog!! VG:-)

[@TheDessa66]

@@VaughnGeorge Yes I agree, there are worse than PAP. Have you (/anyone) heard anything about DM working on a 'back to routes' album?

[@al_7387]

Blasphemous Rumours is still one of the most devastating songs ever recorded & somehow it's the perfect album closer. I mean, seriously, what could follow that? I loved that amazing moment in 101 where they managed to pick up the lone girl singing along - just sums up what this band means to people.

[@tompogson9755]

Where I came into Mode all those years back soo. 1)Lose... Doesn't matter (if I must) 2)Most radical, considering noone forgets it's there ... Master and Servant 3)listen most where I started Something to do 4) favorite - Something to do 9/10 and I'll be playing it now lol Thanks again for these Vaughn! 😎

[@jorgegarcia9724]

That's my list about 'Some Great Reward' : 1. It doesn't matter (Lose... Maybe). All songs of SGR are great, but I think this is the weakest. 2. Blasphemous Rumors (Radical). Very very dark song with intelligent lyrics. 3. People are People / Somebody (Most listened song). 4. Lie to me (Favourite). One of the best songs Martin Gore has ever written. Everything is perfect in such a track. 5. I know it sounds cheesy, but I have some beautiful feelings about this album, because my first girlfriend gave me this amazing album when we started after coming back home from living in Crewe, UK. It cannot be compared to Black Celebration but it deserves a 9 (Rating).

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Jorge!! VG:-)

[@maxlarocco7315]

One of my favorite albums. It was my first at age 16 which was played over and over. I would drop It Doesn’t Matter. Most listened to song is probably Something To Do. Most radical for me is Master & Servant (with Daniel Miller sampled at the end)

[@martinlund2843]

Lose: Stories of old (I like it, but the other tracks are more important) Most radical: Master and servant Listened to the most: Lie to me Favourite now: Lie to me (thank you for the analysis of the shift from "Something to do" to "Lie to me", I think that is a part of the fascination) Rating: 8½/10

[@buttertamayo8829]

great video! loved how your cat was just chillin the whole time! what is your cats name? is it "alan?" :) 1. if you want...sorry... i like it but if i had to lose one.... 2. blasphemous rumours 3. people are people 4. oddly enough after years of being annoyed with it...ive come back to loving "people are people" again.....maybe its the times we are living in 5. 8/10....i actually think the track listing on this doesn't flow as well as it could have

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hahahaha hi!! The cat's name is "Lily Blofeld" VG:-)