Depeche Mode: Songs Of Faith And Devotion Album Review Part 6 - "The Mercy In You''

Part 6 of an in-depth album review series of Depeche Mode's 8th studio album , "Songs Of Faith And Devotion ", released in 1993. In this episode, we analyse track 4 - "The Mercy In You".
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[@VaughnGeorge]

Part 6 of an in-depth album review series of Depeche Mode's 8th studio album , "Songs Of Faith And Devotion ", released in 1993. In this episode, we analyse track 4 - "The Mercy In You". Join "Vaughn George Locals" - Members Only streaming site: watchvg.com Join the Depeche Mode Hub KZbin Channel: www.youtube.com/@DepecheModeHub

[@vausemike]

That part at 31 minutes ish, sounds like a grandfather clock plus chimes but very effected and then played.

[@sergeygolovin2760]

One of the best songs from this album, if not the best!! Very groovy and true DM chords... Martin did a fantastic track.. and production is also fantastic.. many sound layers.. at the end of the song Dave singing high notes very emotional.

[@dieter67]

In Your Room is the best song from the album. Clearly.

[@xaviercapette2356]

@@sergeygolovin2760 obviously!

[@motr1912]

Definitely the best track on the album.

[@danielgros5947]

I love when you go over Alan’s keyboard sound mapping! Great video!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you ! VG :-)

[@MSgt_0699]

Agreed. Vaughty is really good at dissecting these songs.

[@dieter67]

Song of Faith and Devotion is still excellent today. "I would do it all again..."

[@niklasandersson9084]

It's not Martin belting "The mercy in you" at the end of the track, it's Dave. Listen carefully.

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

Exactly

[@charlesmetz]

Agreed. 2m43s on the album track is Dave belting it out, not Martin.

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

​@@charlesmetz yesss!

[@syracusemusic1539]

It’s Dave at 2mins 43 secs. But the rest is Martin mate

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

​@@syracusemusic1539 no, Martin only does "Oh, oh!" at the bridges and the outro

[@fabfab2769]

I must confess that I forgot this song after so many years. Your piano interpretation and explanation bring back all its intensity and complexity… Actually it is a very strong song. Thx Vaughn.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome ! VG ;-)

[@RobinPM100]

by the way, I am looking forward to Recoil albums analysis ;-)

[@ninawildr4207]

Omg me too!

[@carlosmodegahan4455]

Great video! I enjoyed it so much, it’s been so long that I almost forgot how good these are, this is excellent work and very professional!!!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Sir! VG:-)

[@jounikainulainen7625]

Great work again from you VG! It's very lucky that we have great old DM music. I don't comment on the newer production and compare because someone might get upset. 😉😉😆

[@markplunkett5955]

Your content just gets better and better Vaughn! Definitely the best analysis online. Bravo once again Sir 👌

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you ! VG :-)

[@indianajonesforceghost3156]

Cant stop binging your videos Had the biggest smile when you started playing Alan's keyboard bank Sounds godly

[@niklasandersson9084]

Great!! One of my absolute favorite DM-songs. Thanks Vaughn! a very underrated track.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers! VG :-)

[@EzertMusic]

Great analysis Vaughn! not to be controversial but the high note vocals i believe are sung by Gahan himself, if you listen to the isolated vocals in the 5.1 surround version, it’s more clear that’s Dave’s raspy voice and timbre. Keep up the great work man!

[@maximilianolopez6644]

Yes, Its Dave on the high note vocals

[@niklasandersson9084]

I'm all for DM with guitars, the weirder the better.

[@kylereece1979]

Im a huge metal , rock fan. Yet, Depeche are one of my favourite bands, and SOFAD has such heavy momens in terms of feelings, atmosphere , sounds and tones. This album itself easily fitted in with the alternative rock scene in the early 90s. You would see songs like In Your Room on MTV alongside Nine Inch Nails for example.

[@niklasandersson9084]

It is clearly dave's lead vocal between 2m43s and 3m2s.

[@VaughnGeorge]

It's the THIRD time you've said this ! I guess I am going to have to believe you ! VG :-P

[@niklasandersson9084]

@@VaughnGeorge I guess I am very passionate about this song😉😃

[@HenningUhle]

To this day, SOFAD is still the most ambitous album by the lads. And "The Mercy In You" shows it right. Such a monster of a song and then it is "just" an album track. Nice demonstration of the parts of this phenomenal song, Vaughn. Thank you for the video. And nice to see you back in the saddle.

[@tuschester]

Thank you so much for this fantastic detailed video! I thought that the higher part was also sung by Dave

[@VaughnGeorge]

The ending part was sung by Dave, I was wrong ! VG :-)

[@samborn7120]

Great vid Vaughn ❤️ One thing I wanted to point out, Dave is actually singing the high “Mercy In You” in the outro. I’ve heard the isolated vocal and it’s definitely Mr. G!

[@djOrenSarig]

Well, stating "Mr. G" is not so definite... ;)

[@xaviercapette2356]

Ah! Enfin! Tu as fait le tour de l Estonie a pied avant de trouver le temps de faire cette vidéo! Purée ti

[@niklasandersson9084]

I always found it funny when people can't hear the difference between a Dave and Martin vocal. For example they don't hear Dave's backing vocal at the end of "Sweetest Perfection". Dave can sing high notes. "Should Be Higher" for example. But Dave's vocals on "Mercy In You" have far more aggression and emotion, a real highlight.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Their vocal timbres are very similar in many cases. Throw the vocals in a dense mix like this, you'd be forgiven for not hearing the difference. VG

[@royalreign143]

I always heard it in “Sweetest Perfection”, but Vaughn is right, they can sound very similar depending on the song, and sometimes you have to have really good earbuds or headphones to catch it all. I noticed there is whispering behind each chorus verse on Mercy In You. I think it is Dave’s voice as well, but it subtler and quieter. That is what I love about DM. There are so many layers you can spend years trying to unravel every sound, every note, etc and still not catch it all. Thank goodness Vaughn does so much of the digging for us! 😄

[@erichschoenholtz5170]

@@royalreign143 It's Alan whispering the lyrics on Mercy In You. I believe he mentions that in a Q&A on his shunt page.

[@royalreign143]

@@erichschoenholtz5170 Thank you. I should have guessed. When he and Martin quietly harmonize they can sound similar too, and Alan rarely sings loudly enough to be heard over everything else. That is why they are such a fantastic band. There are these layers and subtle touches with voices, sounds, and instruments that maybe you consciously hear, or in some cases unconsciously hear, but you know you just love the unique melange that is their sound.

[@conradgibbons2438]

Thanks for all your hard work analysing this interesting DM song! Fascinating viewing and analysis.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@conradgibbons2438 you are very welcome kind Sir!! VG

[@robertgarscadden]

I love all the geek talk on the sound key programming choices and the actual beautiful sounds underneath the choices and this played live.

[@eltonjamey2584]

One of the most underrated DM songs. I love ur piano breakdown. I would never ever of thought of it as a ballady type song...but it really works beautifully. I agree with tge other comments that its Dave who does the raspy aggro vocals at the end tho. Also, not sure how reliable the source is, but im.sure ive read somewhere that the angelic chorus part was sung by Dave in reverse who had to learn it phonetically so it would have a ghostly effect

[@RobinPM100]

my second favourite on the album, after In your room

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

It will always on my mood, but my top 3 songs from "Songs of Faith and Devotion" are: 1. Mercy in You & In Your Room 2. Walking in My Shoes 3. Rush

[@vilhjalmrwt]

I love this song! Sounds crazy good with the bass turned up and driving to a fun destination

[@AgentOrange1988]

I always thought the belting out on the vocals on "the mercy in you" at the end was Dave? Take a close listen to it but im pretty sure it's Dave, not Martin. You can hear the rawness of Dave's voice. There was an interview sometime in '93 where Dave said there were some parts on the album where he sings much higher than he usually does. I think this part of mercy is what he meant. Another great song analysis! Mercy in you is my favorite track on SOFAD👍

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you ! Yes it seems I was wrong. That ending part was sung by Dave. VG :-)

[@dazbarone]

Great work VG! love it.

[@diamondp.9688]

It's my favourite song not only by DM but my #1 generally. For a long time that place was held by ETS, but Mercy in You replaced it eventually. I just love its incredible might and power (as well as those variophone sounds :) ). Definitely should have been a single.

[@seankennedy923]

My fave DM song of all time 👍

[@davidvilla2157]

Two possible piano samples: The high piano part during "I'd do it my way again" -- Eno Ambient 1 The low evil piano during the verses -- something from Stockhausen's Licht. Not sure where cuz that thing is 29 hours long. Probably one of the Lucifer sections.

[@freezer02]

Thank you! This was worth a wait man :) Love the song but i was in shock when Alan once said tha this is not one of his favourites from the abum...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Glad you liked the video ! VG :-)

[@freezer02]

@@VaughnGeorgeVaughn, are you sure that the final screaming "Mercy In You" is really sung by Martin? To me it sounds like Dave on the record...

[@vethum]

SOFAD, the “last” DM album. ;)

[@BjarneBlom]

Well, Memento Mori is a very good album imo. and Playing the Angel isn't too bad either 🤓

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

​@@BjarneBlom Ultra??

[@Ultra7165]

Ultra is better.

[@BjarneBlom]

@@depechemoderemastered20pl Ultra is a fine effort too

[@royalreign143]

I am not saying this confrontationally because I know “tone” does not come across in typed words These are conversational comments and suggestions. Everybody has a right to their opinion, but I think that there are plenty of good songs on all of the albums after Ultra. In listening to VGs comments about Dave’s Soul Saver’s Imposter album, and in listening to comments he has made elsewhere. He has basically said don’t listen to it (Impostor in particular) with expectations that it should sound a certain way. While I already liked many of the songs on the albums following Ultra, I have really taken this idea to heart. DM has never really done the expected thing. I mean Violator and SOFAD are polar opposites in so many ways, and yet they still have the depth, the darkness, the hope, the “Goreisims”, the spirituality, Dave’s deep resonant vocals, Marty’s more lyrical vocals, and the sexiness that we love. Additionally, I think people who are die hard Alan lovers (nothing wrong with that) are almost determined not to like things because he left the band under such difficult circumstances. I am not saying you must like other songs or albums, but maybe put all of your expectations to the side and re-listen to each album and song as if you have never heard it before. You might find new lyrics you like, or think, that sound is cool, or there is a depth I missed. An example for me is the song Broken from Delta Machine. For some reason it popped into my head one day. I liked it a bit already, but it became an “ear worm” that day, and I finally re-listened to it. The lyrics really spoke to me. It has become a new favorite. I still believe even what we might think of as the “worst DM song” is still better than the best songs from many other artists. Just my two cents worth. 😀

[@CristiLuc]

I know this will sound strange for many but for me, "The Mercy in You" was the song that really made me fan of DM forever. I remember that I listened DM from their very start passively, I liked "Black Celebration", MTM and "Violator" for being good quality music, then I was very much into "The Cure", U2, lots of metal-rock, electronic music, and so on... when SOFAD appeared. After first tracks (on a bloody cassette) Mercy.. stunned me by it's weirdness and the fact that summarize everything I treasure from electronic and rock music, plus some sort of intense, scorching feel. And you're so right, no song from SOFAD is "nice" but are so human in every psychotic ways.

[@andyry1269]

I love this. Thank you, Sir. -Andy Ry Denmark

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome Sir!! VG :-)

[@kenankustura8595]

Hi Vaughn, around 2 weeks ago I've discovered your channel and I absolutely love the DM content! Been backtracking the album review series. I've got a question, will albums like "Exciter" and "Sounds of the Universe" get the same in depth treatment like these recent videos? I know you're not the biggest fan of those, but that would be really amazing. In any case, cheers mate. You've got a new subscriber, keep up the great work. Greetings from The Netherlands 🙂👋

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are late to the party but you are very welcome here! l am glad you are enjoying the videos. I will review all the DM albums but every album after Ultra will receive 1 episode reviews. VG 🙂

[@igorkruszona4538]

Great song and great coverage. It's a song that doesn't get a lot of the spotlight. One thing about the "MERCY IN YOU" belt, doesn't Dave sing that? I always thought it was that way, atleast for the second belt, because he clearly sings the lower part in the first one. Cheers!

[@tominoakachudak]

Excellent episode Vaughn; I guess you understand that spare money I rather send to brave Ukranians instead of London, but anyway, great stuff!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you brother and lots of love to you! VG :-)

muchas gracias por la explicación. To me this song was a sonic progression from Policy of truth mixed with gospel and first attemps to triphop funky rhythm obsessions from Alan at that time.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome ! VG

[@kcjc]

Love the song, I’ve always liked how certain aspects from it scratch that weird semi haunting but also very beautiful itch for me

[@plutostube]

this I always explain to the people from this “wave” of “AW did everything” that are saying AW did the atmosphere of DM, but that is coming directly from the unconventional MG chord progressions and melodies, AW worked on that powefull and unique musical material from the demos, these somgs are powerful without electronics as well, like these piano interpretations

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are correct ! Although wilder added to or sometimes amended the song structures, we cannot take away from the fact that the core chords and the song themselves all came from Martin's brilliant mind. VG

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

I really like the "Mercy in You" vocals, especially the higher dramatic vocals from Dave Gahan

[@montechristo6677]

Superbe chanson et cet album ! finalement le meilleur de l'histoire de Depeche Mode !l!!

[@UnknownPerson-ws5df]

I think the chords is Am - Em/B - Cm7 - Em - G/D - Eb, I hear that when you play the alan part

[@ninawildr4207]

❤❤❤

[@VaughnGeorge]

VG :-)

[@patrick99e99]

the 3rd chord is not C minor, it's A minor in 1st inversion (C in the bass).

[@Avi.Avraham1]

My fav song by SOFAD album.

[@freezer02]

Vaughn, are you sure that the final screaming "Mercy In You" is really sung by Martin? To me it sounds like Dave on the record...

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hello Sir! Although I always thought is was Martin! It appears I may have been wrong ! A lot of subscribers have mentioned this. Dave and Martin's vocal timbres can be very similar sounding sometimes. Yes I do get it wrong sometimes. VG :-)

[@depechemoderemastered20pl]

My favourite song from Songs of Faith and Devotion, although I hated it in mid-school

[@N.SLASH.A]

How did you get the samples isolated like that?!

[@petcucristi8002]

Hello from Romania,why don't you review" Ultra"?

[@TheFilminators]

Where would one find these samples?

[@erichschoenholtz5170]

I like where this track falls on the album. It sort of is a bridge from Condemnation to Judas. VG, how do you feel about the track order on this album? To me, what makes DM's albums memorable is how they definitely consider track order to tell a sort of story. Memento Mori really does this the more you listen to it. I feel like that was what was missing from the Spirit album. That album has too many tracks IMHO, and I also feel like the tracks don't flow well together at all. Contrast that with Sofad and it's like the band forgot how to do that on Spirit. To me, Spirit is the "I hate MAGA" album. Which is sort of lazy and trite. It's a shame though because Going Backwards is such a good song that needed more production to elevate it. There was a fan remix of that song on KZbin when that album came out and it was far superior to the album version. Anyhoo, I'm looking forward to your review of the next track...Judas. Clearly this was the most contentious song on the album where in Flood's own words: Alan and Martin were like really arguing (shouting) with each other about how this song should be done.

[@MyJoyDepecheMode]

🥰👍❤❤❤👍🥰

[@nukenoly8751]

Fletch clapping most of the time🤣... Devotional Tour

[@bwest6275]

This album furthered my disdain for guitars in DM.

[@larrys9497]

Pretty sure David belted the high part.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@larrys9497 yes! It appears that I was wrong. VG 😎👍🎹

[@spahndirge]

There's a video floating around on KZbin that isolates the electric bass in the verse. It's really well hidden within the mix, and difficult to hear, but still pretty cool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZmbl6h4fKmAbK8

[@jamiechan441]

-The "stripped down playing" is missing the resolution "F maj" chord after the Cm of every "mercy in you" line instance. Hurts the ear to have the missing resolution down to the "Bb" bass from the same chord. -The outro screams of "the mercy in you," is clearly Dave's voice. "Attention is to detail" is clearly not applied here.

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@jamiechan441 oh dear MR school teacher ? My apologies. You are more than welcome to provide context by posting a video here explaining what you mean seeing that you are so caught up on "attention to detail". VG 😎

[@jamiechan441]

@@VaughnGeorge Funny guy, you are. Assumptions abound. Videos, obviously, can still be made in error. But I will entertain your little jab with the following text guide. Hope you can figure out from the following. Don't worry, there will be no "exams" from this "school teacher." Verse 1: Am - B - Cm - Em/Em7 - Eb - Ab - Cm - F Verse 2: Am - B - Cm - Em/Em7 - Eb - Ab - Cm - F - Cm - F Chorus 1: Ab(9) - I would do it Cm - all again Ab - Lose my way and Cm - fall again Db(9) - Just so I could Ab - call again Db(9) - On the mercy Cm - in you - Cm/Bb F - On the Ab - mercy Cm - in you - Cm/Bb - F - F/Ab Chorus 2: Ab(9) - I would lose my Cm - way again Ab - Be led hopelessly Cm - astray again Db(9) - Just so I could Ab - pray again Db(9) - On the mercy Cm - in you - Cm (feedback solo) Verse 3: Am - B - Cm - Em/Em7 - Eb Ab - On the mercy Cm in you - Cm/Bb F - The Ab - mercy Cm - In you Cm/Bb F - The Ab - mercy Cm - In you Cm/Bb F - The Ab - mercy Cm - In you Cm/Bb F - The Ab - mercy Cm - In you Cm/Bb Et al.

[@alejandromorales8715]

It's amusing how the guitar player got almost all the guitar parts wrong.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Feel free to provide a video where you show the corrections and explain what you mean. This is a discussion channel after all so please go ahead. VG

[@alejandromorales8715]

@@VaughnGeorge I don't have the time nor the motivation for a video, but: - The first riff is played with a slide. They are important for the character of the sound. And the fourth phrase definitely does not have a legato. - The wah-wah rhythmic pattern is just wrong, sorry. It's difficult to point out all the mistakes in written form, and English is not my mother tongue, but the atonal part is just different, and the melody is similar but not the same. You can hear it pretty clearly in the studio version, but the Devotional video and greater sound separation of the live guitar makes it more clear. - The line that he starts playing around 44:00 doesn't follow the melody nor the rhythm. In the original song, at 2:15 there's line which is a combination of perfect octaves (and maybe just some single notes on the upbeat?). It's difficult to tell if the source is a guitar, though. Later on, the more complex line playing that line is played by a bass guitar, and definitely not in that rhythmic pattern, and some of the notes are again different. Maybe it would have been a good idea to give him the 5.1 stems, where the bass can be heard in isolation in some sections. It's not the first time I give some criticism on the guitar analysis of the SOFAD videos, and I understand it can be perceived as annoying. And you might be right by thinking so, specially considering how muddy SOFAD's mix is, but at the same time I don't think there's anything wrong with stating some parts of the analysis could have been studied in more detail.

[@MSgt_0699]

I have never cared for this one. I don't know what it is, but I do not like it at all (and I like 113 Depeche Mode songs). I think it is the awkward melody. "I suffer from greed..." That's the part where I lose it. Ruins it for me. Almost likes it's out of tune with the vocals from there. So awkward.