How this Dark 1990 Album and Band Mangled the Mainstream Charts | Professor of Rock

It was time for a monumental breakout for another historic quartet from Britain that evoked Beatlemania excitement… Depeche Mode interrupted the mainstream in 1990 with a fresh perspective The back-story of why Violator- became a landmark album for Depeche Mode NEXT on Professor of Rock.
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#90s #ClassicRock #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 90s vinyl songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community.
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While designing the project that became Violator, Mute Records Founder, and trusted DM collaborator, Daniel Miller, sensed that the band he signed to his label in 1980 had the potential for a HUGE breakout. In order to reach new heights for Violator, Miller felt the band needed what he called "a new perspective."
Miller enlisted the talents of Mark Ellis, professionally known as Flood, to produce Violator.
Flood’s philosophy was simple…throw away the play book, and create an environment in the studio that was spontaneous and fun. Normally, Martin Gore would arrive at a new recording session armed with a batch of songs that were studio ready.
Gore, followed the plan, and abandoned his usual formula, bringing in unfinished demos that left room for the entire band to be involved in the creation of the music.
Flood worked really well with Depeche Mode’s under-appreciated keyboardist & composer Alan Wilder. The duo worked ’til all hours of the night to create inspired soundscapes with sparse arrangements that provided the deep and atmospheric framework for Violator. Another invaluable contributor to the Violator ensemble was engineer Francois Kervorkian.
Kervorkian, who had collaborated with Kraftwerk on their acclaimed ’86 LP Electric Cafe-brought an innovative electro influence to the final mix down of the album. Violator, while more stripped down than earlier recordings, was a wildly adventurous album- full of fascinating anomalies, and embellishments.
Let’s pay tribute to this amazing assemblage of musical perfection by a re-examination of the first cut on Violator “World in My Eyes."
“World In My Eyes” is the perfect lead track for Violator, with Depeche Mode taking us on a journey where pleasure reigns supreme, and nothing else matters. As our tour guide, Dave Gahan persuades his lover to “Let your mind do the walking, and let my body do the talking” for the ultimate indulgence between two people. In our mind’s eye, we’re seeing a hedonistic world through the lens of Martin Gore, and experiencing the towering vocal seduction of Dave Gahan.

[@musicnauts]

I met Martin Gore on the MFTM Tour. I told him "World Full Of Nothing" was my favorite Depeche song, and that they should play it live. Two years later, World Violation Tour they play it. Met Martin again, I said, "you played my song". He told me, "I remembered our conversation". True story!

[@flappah]

Holy s**t! That is awesome!!!!

[@burnout3722]

1989 was The Cure - Disintegration. Then in 1990 it was Depeche Mode - Violator! Great time for dark music!

[@austintrousdale2397]

Pretty Hate Machine by NIN was released around this time too 🖤

[@miked3168]

@@austintrousdale2397 which was nothing compared to ministry's the mind is a terrible thing to taste

[@miked3168]

89 and 90 were skinny puppy's rabies and too dark park. Kmfdm - Naive

[@hw343434]

I can’t imagine what it must’ve felt like to actually buy The Cure “Disintegration” followed by “Violator”!!! What a time

[@Terri_MacKay]

My favourite albums from my 2 favourite bands. I still own the original albums that I bought in '89 and '90. 🎶🎶

[@curtis3014]

33 years later and I still think it’s the most perfect album every recorded. Absolutely amazing.

[@randallleddy4822]

When an annoying song gets stuck in my head, I sing "Enjoy The Silence" to myself, and the annoying song disappears. Magic.

[@TheJpep2424]

Never hated a song more than enjoy the silence.

[@skid902]

Greatest song of all time....

[@wscottwalters74]

My go to has always been “What’s Your Name?” because nothing is worse than that. P-R-E-Double T-Y!!!

[@Blackhawk556.]

@@TheJpep2424 you seriously hate ETS??

[@paulhiggins6024]

@@TheJpep2424 you are in the wrong place,

[@fairdose]

Easily their best album and one of the best albums of all time. “Violator” landed like an alien in the spring of 1990 given that since 1988, most popular music in North America was firmly in the grips of hair metal. I was graduating that summer but nixed going to my high school prom since it was the same night that Depeche Mode were playing Montreal that night for a sold-out-in-15-minutes show at the Montreal Forum. My high school was like a really bad John Hughes film and I would rather celebrate my favourite band of all time with 5th row seats instead of spending all this money looking my best on a bunch of people I couldn’t stand. It paid off. After the concert, we went to the hotel where they were staying and I ended up meeting Martin and Fletch, took pictures and I ended up chatting with Martin for about 10 minutes. He told us which goth club they were going to and invited us along. We met them at the club and I actually danced with Fletch and Alan. Come Monday morning and I find out that prom was a bust, everyone hated it. When people asked me what I did, I told them and eventually showed them the pictures. NOT going to prom was the best decision of my life.

[@ProfessorofRock]

WOW! Awesome story!

[@JohnBoyQuincy]

That tour with Nitzer Ebb as opening act is easily one of the best shows I’ve ever attended.

[@lindsaygraham6974]

DM have always said that their music always attracted the kids who never really fit in - sounds like you not fitting in with the “in crowd” at school paid off big time.

[@davecarroll4163]

Great story and memories!

[@04beni04]

That is an awesome story!!

[@ministerofdarkness]

Sounds as fresh today as it did in 1990. Play Loud

[@steph7738]

Yea! Someone told me that 30 years ago! “You have to play Depeche Mode LOUD!”

[@tinadrew6104]

The Violator album is one of my top 5 albums ever ! I never get tired of listening to it.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's one of the most complete albums of that time.

[@suemommie]

Agreed.... never get tired of the songs. Going to edit: Saw them in concert in Tampa and they are phenomenal live.

[@LordHolley]

True

[@tannoys2008]

I remember listening to it over and over for months on end and brought Enjoy the silence on 12 inch but the albums i go back now the most are Construction time again SOFAD and Exciter thought certain particular songs will be on my playlist forever.

[@robynsegg]

Same here! It's the PERFECT ALBUM. A TRUE MASTERPIECE in EVERY sense of the word!

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

Until I first heard DM, Violator, I had been a metal head. Although I loved metal and a lot of popular Top 40 music, I had never found music that really spoke to me until discovering Depeche Mode. It was 1991 and I was 16. A new friend I'd made asked me to have a seat in his room, put on some head phones, and just listen. He left for a while as he had to discuss something with his dad, and I listened thinking, "what in the world is this?" I went out the next day and bought the album for myself, and within a few months I'd located and bought all of their other albums to date. The rest, as they say, is history. I am to this day an unapologetic DM fan, and if I had to pick one album to bring with me to a deserted island it would be, you guessed it, Violator.

[@georgiarn3915]

I was also a teen age metal head. I was really into Motley Crue, Ozzy, GNR and the ilk. I was 18 when I was introduced to DM and I love them to this day. No Apologies.

[@dsanchez9703]

From when I heard Depeche mode the first time sometime in 1983 i disliked them cause they gave me a certain 80s vibe I didnt like with their sound and fashion sense, but when they Released Violator I was surprised how cool their sound and vibe was and I've been a huge fan ever since

[@triphophoney2981]

Dude...will you be my boyfriend? 😉

[@rvfiasco]

Damn, same for me. I was also 16 that year and Violator changed my views of what heavy music could be. I then went to dig The Cure, My Bloody Valentine and Lush. Landmark album.

[@robynsegg]

Same here. It started with Violator & within about 2 or 3 years, I bought all their studio albums and all of their CD singles. Call me a Hoarder when it comes to Depeche Mode. I don't care. I'm damn proud of that fact!

[@curtmurray6085]

Violater is one of my all time favorite albums. It baffles my mind how "Halo" was not released as a single, also the B-side tracks "Sea of Sin", "Dangerous" and "Happiest girl" are all killer tracks.

[@bioniccop40]

Yes In Deed Halo should have been a single freaking awesome then and still is to this old-school Devotee :)

[@Jabberwok28]

Happiest Girl is an amazing song - the remixes of the singles they released were incredible. They got the guys from the Orb and Front 242 if I remember correctly.

[@zoes320]

Agreed, Halo is a superior track compared to the oversaturated Personal Jesus.

[@matthewcarlton5693]

Sea of Sin is so good.

[@sistabliss0609]

I don't know how I have managed to be a huge Kate Bush and Depeche Mode fan for nearly 40 years, and didn't know there was a sample from Kate on Personal Jesus...

[@miked3168]

You weren't that big of a fan then

[@Heartwing37]

Kate Bush is everything! And frankly everywhere!!! She been my favorite artist from childhood! One of the few people that I’ll buy anything she does without even hearing it!

[@sistabliss0609]

@@miked3168 my record collection disagrees with you.

[@sistabliss0609]

@@Heartwing37 she is indescribable, her music has been with me since 1979 and I can't imagine a world without her. So many artists look up to her or emulate her style, she is iconic 👍

[@mayscough72]

@@sistabliss0609 absolutely, I fell under her spell many years ago whilst still at school when I was about 14 I’m now 48 and still under her spell, once under her spell there is no way out of it and I wouldn’t have it any other way

[@HappiestGirl69]

I was in line at Wherehouse Records at midnight when Violator released. There was a long line for it and they were playing it on the sound system. I remember having goosebumps while I listened. I'm a HUGE music fan and love all sorts of music, but DM is my ride or die and Violator is their best. Best record of my lifetime. Thanks for this video, Adam! One more memory: I camped out overnight for tickets to World Violation Tour. After a long night we heard "Enjoy The Silence" thumping from a vehicle that was nearing us. I looked up and my Dad rolled down his window grinning and said he brought us breakfast. Someone in line asked, "That's your Dad?". I thought he was the coolest Dad ever at that moment.

[@ryanbusby7120]

That's so cool!

[@hw343434]

Epic

[@KatMat777]

Depeche Mode is my favorite band, and I've been listening to them since 9th grade. Their music, especially this album and Black Celebration, is what got me through high school. Dave's voice, Martin's lyricism, and Alan's instrumentals together produce some of the darkest, but most beautiful and hypnotic songs ever!

[@zeynepsaatli394]

For a moment i thought that i wrote this comment . I can’t believe we go through same stuff and have no idea about each other . I currently go to 10th grade and albums like Black Celebration , Songs of Faith and Devotion has helped me so much . I discovered new things about myself , i became more aware of the world. I hope other teenagers would see this comment and feel not alone . Greetings from Turkey.

[@syrophenikan]

Love me some Black Celebration.

[@KatMat777]

@@zeynepsaatli394 Wow, thats awesome! It's great to know we have this in common. Greetings from New York, USA 😄

[@DxModel219]

and Fletcher’s clapping 👏

[@Liquidmuse3]

Martin wrote most of the music.

[@Nephilim-81]

It is a monster. Once the guitars were added, the album became a masterpiece. Very creative and Violator has some of the most slick production and mixing ever done. Hard to believe only 100$ SHURE microphones were used. Just goes to show you, technique is everything.

[@ProfessorofRock]

very much so.

[@Rubberneck1965]

How amazing it is when your three favorite bands all had arguably their best albums come out in the same small time period... Violator, Out of Time, and Achtung Baby. 1990-1991... what an era!

[@Button101Man]

You're not wrong. I don't think we will see the like again.

[@mrp4242]

Agree! My freshman-Junior years of high school. Great times! Acting Baby and Violator easily make my top-20 albums OF ALL TIME. Out of Time is a great album--but I actually have it as my 6th favorite REM album.... In addition to the albums you list: The Origin, The Origin (1990) Blue Sky Mining, Midnight Oil (1990) I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, Sinead O’Connor (1990) Flood, They Might Be Giants (1990) X, INXS (1990) Pale, Toad the Wet Sprocket (1990) Leisure, blur (1991) Ten, Pearl Jam (1991) Shepherd Moons, Enya (1991) Leveling the Land, The Levelers (1991) Fear, Toad the Wet Sprocket (1991) Blood Sugar Sex Magic, Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991) Nevermind, Nirvana (1991) Green Mind, Dinosaur Jr (1991) So much good music. Plus bands that I’m not necessarily a fan of, but still had landmark albums then, include Metallica and GNR.

[@ryanbusby7120]

Also Wish by the cure

[@fluidikons]

Good year for sure. (I graduated high school!) However, Out of Time, though decent, is not their best but it was the last REM I loved until UP. Blue Sky Mining would be my replacement vote.

[@austintrousdale2397]

@@fluidikons Midnight Oil fan?! 🤠 NOICE ✊

[@bonezyjonezy3403]

Violator is simply timeless. Even today, The production quality on this album is insane!

[@christianrichesmusic8101]

One of the very few albums where every single track is a masterpiece.

[@aaronlatham8358]

The phrase "soundtrack for a generation" sometimes gets used for certain albums and I believe it applies to "Violator." It opened up a new decade with a bang. I've known several people who point to this album as the one that influenced them the most and helped to shape the way they heard music. It's a touchstone for many folks and it still remains an impressive piece of work.

[@raineboe85]

Depeche Mode❤️ . I love all of the members but I love what Alan brought to the group. He was very technical and was professionally trained in music.

[@nicholask388]

They’re definitely hurting without Alan.

[@michaelwilson2340]

The thing is, Alan seemed like the down to earth and rational member. Sort of like when Jamie Stewart left The Cult and they lost a vital element.

[@raineboe85]

@@nicholask388 Definitely

[@raineboe85]

@@michaelwilson2340 Yes, I agree plus the sound they created during Violator and SOFAD era were more rich and you hear layers of it.

[@HMcQ7891]

DM w/o Alan Wilder is like The Who w/o Keith Moon - it just doesn't work.

[@DougGoodwin]

Violator was my entry point into Depeche Mode - these tracks were templates for so many other bands of the 90s. They still sound timeless and powerful. Martin Gore is a hell of a songwriter.

[@aplleyva]

Music For The Masses was mine but the great thing was to discover the songs and albums that came before

[@shanesmith7899]

An older brother of mine got me into DM at the age of 10. He bought the 12" of People Are People. Over the next 3 years, until his death, every time he bought a single by them, I would swipe it from his room to play it loud in mine. When he died, I claimed all of his Depeche Mode and A-Ha singles as my own, so no one else could claim them. When Personal Jesus came out, I felt like it ignited something in me, something my brother would have been proud of. I started listening to all of his old records and found my love for all things electronic and punk. Enjoy The Silence was the one song I think he would have loved as much as I do, and Violator would have probably been played relentlessly by both of us. MY love for DM is DEEP. I still buy their albums, have seen them 3 times live and still wish I could attend the shows with my brother, if he were still here with us. 1990 has a special place in my heart for music. I was 16, had left school and began listening to all of the indie and alternative music that was coming out around then, and I loved everything I heard. Thanks man. I appreciate this little nostalgia trip

[@villesaarenketo2506]

I heard Enjoy the Silence for the first time back in '91 when I was twelve. The song has been with me all my life in everything that has happened to me. Best song ever made.

[@ryanbusby7120]

Same here and I was about 12 as well. Made me fall completely in love with DM

[@laughteraddict1003]

I think it's their best song

[@skid902]

I was 32...love all music...but I agree..EtS is without doubt the greatest song of all time....and always will be

[@CrankyOldNerd]

This reminds me of how things have changed how you listen to music. At this time, you still listened to the album. I knew every one of these songs. However if you look at songs today, I’d be hard pressed to know an album so well. Shuffle and large libraries to shuffle from have kind of ruined that experience. I’m guilty of this, i listen to everything on random these days, rarely do I find an album and just listen start to finish.

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's very true. Thank you for your perspective. Something to think about.

[@boblaw6903]

You are so right, Tom. I love all the access, but we have lost something special. On Saturday mornings, I play an album for my kids, "Dad's Choice," and give them a history lesson. They are fans of Depeche Mode. Then it devolves from there. Every now and then I hear my youngest singing something 1986ish in her room. Makes a dad proud.

[@laughteraddict1003]

@@boblaw6903 what a cool idea !!! Your kids get the experience we used to have.

[@wscottwalters74]

I agree with this to a point. But the true masterpieces pull you in regardless of today’s drive-by tendencies.

[@CrankyOldNerd]

@@wscottwalters74 the last one of those I can think of is Studio Killers album from 2017, that one really sucked me in. Lorde's second album was like that for me as well.

[@mizginavale22]

I've been a devoted fan of Depeche Mode from their album Speak and Spell. When they released Black Celebration, I was mesmerized by that album and how they were evolving musically. But when Violator was released, it sealed my complete devotion to the band. No longer a unique group that was different from the mainstream, which made it cool that I loved a sound different than what most peopled listened. I was now officially a fan of one of the most iconic bands in the world and I never missed a concert or failed to learn the lyrics of their songs. Like others who go to see them perform live and have transformed into a one-minded community of music devotees, I am in awe of what this band has accomplished and what they have done to my psyche. All their albums have brought something quite unique but Violator is their crowning glory. Perfect in every way. The band has been a trio for a while now, but Alan Wilder was a strong component to their sound. For me, he should still be with them.

[@timmedlock996]

Great album! Saw them on the Violater tour at the Starplex Amphitheater in Dallas. Nitzer Ebb wad the opening act. Good times!

[@Button101Man]

Violator is quite possibly one of the best albums ever made, with Policy of Truth one of the best tracks.

[@islandbee]

Love that song. Especially the first seconds into the song.

[@marcusviniciusmagalhaesdea3779]

Oh man! Halo is my favorite song in this album. Super underrated song.

[@HMcQ7891]

Yep, was obsessed with that song/video in high school. And the tall dancer girl in the video is a young Jenna Elfman.

[@saltysynthesizers]

same!

[@popolony2k]

Yes. I love Halo too

[@freyjulundr]

it was thanks to alan wilder from 1983-1993 that gave DM the classic sound that they had literally what you hear on Construction time again to Songs of faith of devotion is alans work ... and dont forget to do music for the masses and songs of faith and devotion in the future Professor of rock !

[@marconewlandez]

Enjoy the Silence is a spine tingling classic. I was in my last year of high school when it came out and was in love with a girl called Lynne Thompson who was also a fan. I think of her every time I hear the song. Wonder where you are these days Lynne...Thanks Prof

[@TheJpep2424]

Worst song of all time. Absolutely hate it.

[@wscottwalters74]

@@TheJpep2424 A contrarian simply for the sake of being a contrarian. Or candidate for worst taste ever?

[@Blackhawk556.]

@@wscottwalters74 both 😂

[@corporatemerger653]

The Cure's disintegration, Depeche Mode's Violator were huge albums for me. Then to switch it up I was obsessed with the B52's Cosmic Thing album.

[@HMcQ7891]

The Smiths gets dismissed for being "overtly emotive" & indulgent in their "adolescent angst" but of the Holy Trinity (Smiths/Cure/DM), DM was the band I connected to as a kid the deepest on that emotional level. The Smiths were more about self-empowerment than anything else.

[@raineboe85]

Thanks to you. I have whole new Holy Trinity. I think Morissey is more playful with words in his songwriting whereas Martin is more emotional and goes deep with his choice of words

[@timharper3390]

Perfect album in every way. A tour and live show that quite literally took crowds to church. Fantastic.

[@pimpfnick8116]

I tell everyone whoever talks about music with me, who doesn't talk about music, who hates music, who's ever listened to music, I tell them that this is the greatest piece of music ever created. No arguing, no talking bac.k I don't want their opinion. THIS IS THE GREATEST PIECE OF MUSIC EVER CREATED! The album cover is incredible. It contains the greatest song ever made, Enjoy The Silence, and that video is the greatest ever made. Everything is just perfect.

[@DanieVargas]

Violator dropped that first week of Feb into 1990. I was still 20 and I bought that album that week!! The memories I have attached to it are the SWEETEST memories I hold in my heart and memory. I was going to Tracks on the regular (Tracks was the HOTTEST nite club in Wash DC at that time) and made some incredible friends there…. Thursday nites were “college nite”, Friday nites were “Alternative Nite” and Saturday nites was when EVERYONE showed up!! MAN!! 1990 was the Year of the Dani!! This album will be forever in my Top Ten Albums of my life!! Great post Adam!

[@allenschmitz9644]

ooooh D.C. was one hot spot back then some of my band friends moved there back then.

[@Socimer]

Totally Agree! It has it all. This is why I miss Alan. SoFaD/Ultra were good follow-ups, but DM peaked with Alan in the band. Just my Opinion.

[@djigor]

Yes, absolutely! And Alan was there during SOFAD, actually he was instrumental to creation of that masterpiece.

[@raineboe85]

100000000% agree

[@drea4195]

Violator is my favorite DM album. I'd put Violator up there on my iconic albums list: Disintegration, Pet Sounds, The Cars, Purple Rain, Aja, Kick, Remain In Light, Dark Side of the Moon, Synchronicity, Dream of the Blue Turtles, Thriller, LIcensed to Ill, Hysteria, Ultra, Golden Age of Wireless. All sheer perfection in every track.

[@Terri_MacKay]

I would add War by U2 to that list.

[@gdcadad]

As is the case with children, it is hard to pick a favorite. I love Violator for the memories that I have from when the album came out. I was newly married and I gave this to my (now ex) wife for her 21st birthday. She liked it...I LOVED it...and still do! This is definitely in my TOP 5 DM albums...but I dare say that Black Celebration is still my overall favorite. #1 Black Celebration #2 Music For The Masses #3 Violator #4 Some Great Reward #5 Sounds of the Universe

[@henrikssonskans]

This is one of those albums that you have to listen to from the beginning to the end. It is a whole. A story. An experience.

[@Lillith_Luna]

I love Depeche Mode! I swear Dave could sing me a phone book and I’m be swooning. This video was awesome! Thank you for recognizing my favorite band!! I’ve loved them ever since People are People. I wore out my Music for the Masses cassette.

[@fairdose]

My Desert Island discs as a teen 1) Violator, Depeche Mode 2) Achtung Baby!, U2 3) Express, Love and Rockets 4) Loveless, My Bloody Valentine 5) The Queen is Dead, The Smiths 6) Rebel Yell, Billy Idol 7) London Calling, The Clash 8) Power, Lies and Corruption, New Order 9) Skylarking, XTC 10) The Head in the Door, The Cure My god, what an amazing time to be a teen and discovering music!

[@Terri_MacKay]

I bought every one of these albums when they came out!!! And most of them still make my list of all-time favourites.

[@mdduckman]

Violator is tied with Black Celebration for my favorite DM album. Both played such an important part in my life - Black Celebration when I was in High School and Violator when I was in college. Such great memories. THANK YOU!!!! And what you said at the end - about the pop music of 1990 not saying anything to you about your life (thanks Moz/Marr). Completely and entirely agree. I loved pop music in the 80's up until around 86/87. After that, I had full converted over to Alternative with The Smiths/The Replacements/REM as my favorite bands. And Depeche Mode wasn't far behind. The album is a masterpiece and you very eloquently expressed what I was also feeling on nearly every one of these tracks. Keep up the magnificent work, Professor!! You do such a great job of expressing how many of us felt with this important music in our lives!

[@davidcole2337]

One of their Best Albums for sure..

[@RBS_]

...what made "Violator" stand out (aside from it's INCREDIBLE production & strong set of Songs), is it's timeliness; DM were the TOP 'Goth' band by 1989, and, they were leading the charge of what to expect in 90's Music, as a WHOLE...The Band were melding Pop, Rock, Industrial, & Club Music (with it's string of HOT remixes), but, with a 'dark' sensibility..... (cont.) ...I was always following DM, but, by "Violator", EVERYONE was following them, and, they became Dance Music LEGENDS by 1990, opening Club Music to 'darker' sounds, which opened doors & influenced sounds for Jr. Vasquez, Armand Van Helden, & Peter Rauhofer (his 'aka' moniker, Club 69, was referenced from DM)....Depeche (and, PSB) were the ONLY Men to appear in Billboard's "10 Top Dance Acts of All-time" list, AND, Dave & The Boys STILL chart with timely precision of the Dance charts....a TRUE classic of an Album.... ...Sorry for the LOOONG Post, Prof., ya got me STARTED!! ....Thanks, AGAIN!! ; )

[@jorgest1973]

The best album of Depeche Mode. Thanks to Alan Wilder. I miss him so much

[@johanjohansson7717]

If I’m not mistaken it was Martin who wrote all the songs 😌

[@MinaLobo]

I remember Violator having this magnetic draw that even kids who weren't into new wave or alt rock (like, *at all*) went tramping into Sam Goody to snatch it up. What an amazing year for music that was. 💜

[@camilaroman8262]

It's such a haunting and atmospheric album. And the tracks on the deluxe version are gems

[@XMesandidge]

I saw an interview where Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top talks about seeing Depeche Mode in concert and that really inspired him in the band. When DM was inducted into the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame recently, Billy Gibbons was one of the people who spoke. Of course, you all probably know this.

[@travisrainey1171]

I did not know this!

[@jamesbiggs8187]

Another great video Professor. I still remember hearing the opening WIME on the day of the album's release. Never understood then (and still don't) why that wasn't released sooner as a single (which probably explains the low charting). 'Clean' is a majestic closing track. Yes - from start to finish there is not a single weak track. Epic album for sure, second only to SOFAD in my heart.

[@kimberlymason1060]

My top band and the cure. The album is ingrained on my soul. Met my first love to music for the masses but lived and loved together through the violator era. Some great memories. Thanks Professor. I wore my cassette out, playing back then. Halo.

[@Terri_MacKay]

My 2 favourite bands as well. Seeing them in concert back in the 80's and '90's was amazing...but the best has been seeing them with my daughter, and passing on my love of their music to her.

[@islandbee]

This album was an awesome entrance into the 90s. I have to say this is my favorite Depeche Mode album. Maybe it's because of the time of being in high school. My favorite is Policy of Truth.

[@Dr.Quarex]

I still cannot believe how good World in My Eyes is all these years later. I mean, everything else is great too, but damn

[@davemitchell6990]

Their best song in my honest opinion

[@grimlund]

@@davemitchell6990 Its Fletchs favorit Depeche song to actually. So even if Andy isnt really a musician he has good taste.

[@swanofnutella4734]

I tried to convert my girlfriend away from hair metal with "Waiting for the Night." It didn't work. BLUE DRESS is the song that's had the most staying power for me. Great episode. But I still hope you do some more obscure content. So many hidden gems out there worthy of highlighting.

[@sonofsocrates9899]

Never clicked on a video so fast DM forever and man great video professor.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I appreciate that!

[@SuperCartmanlp]

Finally a Depeche Mode video again 😁

[@ninawildr4207]

I know ...took forever

[@Cureboy2325]

Damn Professor you have done it again. This one ranks second right after Black Celebration of videos you have done. I didn't know about Kate Bush. I love her music as well. Keep up the good work.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for watching!

[@troyplumb5013]

“They can only do harm” my favorite chord change of all time C minor to B

[@user-sy9ke8cq1q]

C minor to C major

[@EdwinDavenport]

Absolutely phenomenal album and group!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Their best album

[@josephcorcoran8714]

@@ProfessorofRock definitely!

[@HenningUhle]

OMG! What memories around this album! This was the iconic album of my teenage years in Eastern Germany. Me and my buddies celebrated to "Personal Jesus" that the wall came down. We enjoyed UV light in our dancehall to "Halo" and "World in my eyes". Me as a DJ enjoyed playing the "Trancentral Mix" of "Policy of Truth" by the KLF. There was always some kind of dark magic around this album. You never forget the special atmosphere when you listen to "Waiting for the Night" with headphones in the darkness. And you finish this album with desperation when David sings "Sometimes... You know what I mean". THIS - together with "Black Celebration" - is what Depeche Mode was all about for me. I cannot enjoy albums from them like "Sounds of the Universe" or "Delta Machine". It's the dark ambivalence of "Violator" an "Black Celebration" that always makes the show. Thank you for the breakdown.

[@mutazah]

"You wear guilt/Like shackles on your feet/like a halo in reverse" -- Halo

[@MelaninMonarchy]

"Goth-a-Billy" - trademark that phrase as soon as possible. My Violator tape remained in my Mom's Toyota tape player all year. When my cousin saw the tape case and read the titles on the back, she asked me, "Is this a Gospel Album". I laughed and laughed. Yes, it was the Good News that kept me through Junior High and High School. Thanks Adam. Again, another wonderful Music Essay to my Loves.

[@AlIguana]

erm... gothabilly is already a genre en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothabilly

[@KennethDillard]

I would put Depeche Mode's run of albums from "Black Celebration" through "Songs of Faith and Devotion" as one of the strongest strings of top-quality albums in a row in rock history.

[@ryanbusby7120]

The Cure Head on the Door Kiss me Disintegration Wish

[@KennethDillard]

@@ryanbusby7120 - This is a good run. But, and I know this is merely my opinion, that run of DM albums is up there with the Beatles 65-69 run. I would never knock the Cure, though. That band has done some stellar work as well and are as vital to the 80's as (more so in most cases) anyone else.

[@austintrousdale2397]

@@ryanbusby7120 Good to see Wish getting some love. Once you get past the two or three pop tracks, some of the music deeper into album will leave you shook. ✌️

[@BunnyTree]

Best music group of all time 🌹

[@73Goodfellow]

I saw them live in July, 1990. It still might be my favourite concert ever.

[@MF-le7fp]

The Policy of Truth...Some of the best lyrics (message), DM ever put out.👍 Decided to come back and clarify.... (thus, the "edited"). Honesty is always the best policy. And as individuals, we should always strive to maintain that, as a principle in our lives. But you can't have it both ways. And live an immoral existence in actions, while at the same time attempt to "maintain virtue", simply because you are 100% open, and honest about it. I'm not eluding to any one specific action he might be referring to, though. Because I simply don't know. But he is definitely referring to maturity, and discernment in regard to how the world really works for all of us. And maybe his own past experiences.

[@alexmanne]

I still remember the first time I heard Depeche Mode was the video for "Enjoy the Silence" around 1990 or 1991. I was 11 years old. Its one of my favorite songs ever. Love the guitar part and that tone.

[@BkCriollo]

One of the greatest experience of my life is going to the violator concert in NJ. It was an out of body experience and cemented my love for dm.

[@kevystead]

I could talk for hours about the Brilliance of DM. More specifically the melon collie songwriting of Martin and the genius of Alan's musical background that would be the catalyst to make Martin's music shine. I was in HS when this Album dropped and it was on my Christmas list for CD's (I had the cassette single for Enjoy the Silence and Personal Jesus) Being somewhat a fan from the 101/MFTM era. But it wasn't until my late 20's that I really understood their brilliance and I absorbed the whole back catalogue. Today I'm a life long fan of this band and their music. We all miss you AW.. Come back to DM once more!!

[@jarrodkrohnert9939]

This album is my crowning achievement of getting my younger brother, off of hip hop and reggae solely, opening him up to a galaxy of “other” music types. And ‘Clean’ & ‘Blue Dress’ are his favourites. He would have played those songs on constant repeat. To anyone else, they would have hated the songs by a year later, but 30 plus years later, this indeed, landmark, album is one that I still fall back to with these grand memories. Thanks for this today!!!

[@lippyfrybender4622]

I bought it in 1989 for my birthday violator is the greatest album of my life Even my father likes it . Every song is so unique And open to so many different emotions. I find it hard to listen too now Because I feel we have Lost So much as this was the last Of pre old world sound (before the Collapse of the Berlin wall ) Which will never be able Get that sound again. U2 tried it with Achtung baby Probably there best album. It's getting late I'm Waiting for the night to fall! Enjoy the silence.

[@michaelwilson2340]

At least Fletch could dance and clap his hands onstage with the best of 'em.

[@Seligs]

That's all Fletch ever does.🤣🤣

[@brianspenst1374]

I remember when this came out and the DM took over MTV. Songs like Enjoy the Silence really spoke to me. The whole mood of DM touched my outsider existence.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Great episode Professor! Always loved DP's music, another great band from life's soundtrack! Thanks for sharing!

[@deanhenderson7940]

You've hit sooo many nails on the head with this one!!! You just brought back my entire 3rd year of college and the flood of memories and emotions that this guy went through and had Violator as the soundtrack. Anytime I want to feel truly free, I'll put this song on and drive and remember a time when it was all about me and new discoveries! Good Job Adam!!

[@EmoBearRights]

Depeche Mode are the best live band ever - bar none. Ironically I grew up with them but first saw them live during Touring the Angel - barely knew the Playing the Angel album, sat so far back could barely see the stage, prats talking behind me during the quieter numbers meant I struggled to hear in occasions, had awful stinking cold and felt like shite - still one of the most enjoyable gigs I've ever been to. Saw them on their last two tours for the last album - both superb and on the tube on the way home met a guy who'd been watching them live since their tour for Speak and Spell back in the early 80s Vince Clark days. How many bands can say someone has to been at every tour of theirs for nearly forty bloody years.

[@eat_pray_porg8450]

One of my all-time favorite DM albums. It hits all the right notes in your mind and heart, and it was constantly played for days after I got it. This is an awesome video! 😎👍🏼

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you!

[@georgiarn3915]

As a kid in the 80's with a solid education in classic 60's and 70's rock from my parents, my dad hated most 80's New Wave and Pop. I would listen to Casey Kasem's Top 40 as an act of rebellion! He nearly had a coronary when he found a Madonna tape in my collection! So with that said, I had very little knowledge of bands like DM, The Cure, Souixie Souix and the other Proto-Goth bands. My first serious relationship introduced me to DM, The Cure and NIN in 1994, for that I will always be grateful. This was about the time I was also of age to start going to Nightclubs in Atlanta, so I was introduced to numerous bands during my frequent attendance at 80's Night and the Goth Industrial scene. I

[@timvoliva2269]

My first memory of a Depeche Mode song was People are People followed by Never Let Me Down Again. Throughout the 80s, I couldn't stand them. When Persinal Jesus was released and received heavy airplay on MTV, I would often switch to a different channel. Something changed in me when I heard Enjoy the Silence for the first time. The catchy chorus drew me in and the video had something truly magical about. I eventually bought Violator in August of 1990 and became a convert. It is my favorite album of all time. Within 6 months of purchasing Violator, I bought Music for the Masses and became obsessed with it. Soon, I owned every DM album and their music represented all that I would listen to. When the grunge era arrived, I still listened to Violator and waited nervously for DM's next release. I still do to this very day. It's now 2024 and Depeche Mode is still my favorite band. Memento Mori has been out for over a year and I consider it to be one of their best albums. By listening to Depeche Mode, I opened myself up to other artists like The Cure, The Smiths, Kraftwerk and Pink Floyd. I also began listening to ambient music and this is something that I still do. By listening to Depeche Mode, I discovered a new world of music that spoke directly to me.

[@TonyVirili]

Another spectacular job of breaking down a masterpiece. And you couldn't have described the time better - what it was like to hear the product of this collaboration with incredibly talented producers and engineers who knew how to introduce something completely different to many of us without it being jarring or requiring time to adjust to. Immediately catchy, but so much complexity underneath.

[@lune78]

My absolute favorite album of all-time. It is, without any exaggeration, a masterpiece.

[@nate_d376]

You know, there are some albums that you can listen to ALL the songs on it, with the same enthusiasm, and love, as the singles off of it, with ease and excitement. This is one of those albums. I was a fan before it came out, and am still a fan of DM.

[@allenschmitz9644]

KDFM was better.

[@lasvegasvegas4236]

Love this album and it was my second DM concert. Watched Alan Wilder get on the kit and rock out. Been a DM fan since 1983 when I was 13. The wife wasn't a fan of DM until one evening after 4:20pm I placed headphones on her dome and told her to close her eyes and listen. I played her Waiting for the Night and she fell in love with their sound. She now regrets turning down a ticket to the Spirit tour in 2017 which I gifted to a friend. The Alan Wilder years are my favorite and I hope they reunite for another album one day. Peace my DM brothers and sisters. Edit. Wife now listens to DM daily.

[@spruceeagle4684]

This album really is a religious experience. It’s as luscious as it is stripped down which really is quite incredible. To me, there’s no other album out there quite like Violator, it is it’s own entity.

[@colterco.6040]

Love this so much. Such a good album. Thank you for the background to this masterpiece!

[@WriterusAeternus]

I’m surprised you haven’t interviewed them yet. This band’s maturation parallels my own growth and development from adolescence to adulthood.

[@georgemathie8123]

Your channel professor of rock makes me as a fellow fan of music and Fellow fan of 70s,80s and 90s music your channel everyday brings me so much joy and happiness and I look forward everyday to see what artist that you will talk about everyday thank you for your intelligence and passion for music geeks like myself

[@Oldmanmoo]

When I bought this cassette in late 1990, two things struck me. The bass on these tracks was so deep and clear; my yellow Sports Walkman strained to contain it. Also, the electronic synth sounds on these tracks alternated between sinister and ethereal. It gave a sense of foreboding. of something dangerous approaching. Given my enlistment into the Air Force, and the imminent conflict of the Gulf War; this album resonated with me like no other album of the era. Thanks for highlighting this one, Professor!

[@zafnatpaneaj4992]

I still remember when Violator came out. I was in high school and play it constantly. Enjoy The Silence and The Policy Of Truth are my favourite ones...!!! I just love your analysis. Greetings from Buenos Aires...!

[@soprano4ny]

Dramatic Oprah! This is my best description of Violator. It’s my best description of ALL their music. This is my Life soundtrack. It always brings tears to my eyes they way they move me. Thank you once again for another great video!! ❤️🐜❤️

[@fernandoescalona7089]

As a native Angeleno and DM fan, this video speaks my love language. Thanks Professor!

[@hw343434]

I can’t imagine what it must’ve felt like to actually buy The Cure “Disintegration” followed by “Violator”!!! What a time

[@Terri_MacKay]

I can tell you that it was amazing!! It was a great time for music, especially for The Cure and DM, my 2 favourite bands. I still own the original copies of Disintegration and Violator that I bought when they were released. ❤️🎶🎶❤️

[@shane6242]

Yes!!! Great job Prof, I remember putting that tape in my Walkman for the first time as well...and being blown away by it.

[@nicolenovi4619]

Hi Professor, i just had to write this comment to remark on how right you are! This was an outstanding and extremely enjoyable episode- i loved traveling down memory lane with you and stopping to re-discover the brilliance of the songs on "Violator." I just want to say that i too had a similar experience, and was a headphones and casette girl too- and i remember the first time i sat down and listened to these songs. They were so mature and not like anything i had ever heard. The rawness of the vocals and the clear, pounding sounds of the synths and the guitars on the album just mesmorized me, and i cant imagine not having a band like Depeche Mode in my life or not loving their sound. I was entranced when i heard "World In My Eyes," and the same with "Waiting For the Night," and i had to listen to them multiple times. When i got older i even made tapes of myself singing karaoke to these songs! A cherished album for me indeed. Thank you! I love you! Xoxox keep up the good work and dont stop rockin'! 😘❤💕✌️

[@hellradiolives]

OMG!!!! I have been sincerely awaiting this featured album. Such an amazing music masterpiece from one of the most adept chameleon bands. Thanks for a fantastic and in-depth profile, Professor!

[@babygerald4645]

Flood's production skills helped a lot of bands break into the 90s with a fresh direction. Violator is one such masterpiece and should be enjoyed in surround sound via the DVD/CD extended release- it is immersive brilliance.

[@BillGraper]

Enjoy The Silence, Personal Jesus & Policy Of Truth automatically make this the greatest new wave album of all-time! "Enjoy The Silence" is clearly their best song. 🙂👍

[@footnotedrummer]

Strangelove off of Music For The Masses really made me pay attention to Depeche Mode. I was never a super fan, but that song just grabbed me. So much, that as a punk and metalhead, I actually went out and bought that cassette.

[@TrashLefties]

Timeless LP. I remember getting the Personal Jesus CD5 many months before justvwaaaaaiting for the full album. The acoustic version on the CD5 is awesome.

[@skid902]

Professor, you have outdone yourself on this one my friend......absolutely brilliant tribute to the greatest album of all time...for me.....a 63 year old music lover of many genres......this brings tears to my eyes

[@mkoschara]

Thanks for This. Again, I'm glad that you're feeling better!

[@timothyabraham3850]

Dear Professor of Rock As always I love your videos on Depeche Mode. I love the Violator album since I first heard it in my teens. I had a teenage brother and sister in the 80s who loved them so growing I heard quite a bit of them. To this day my favorurite song of theirs is People Are Poeple. Its one of those songs that lyrically holds true today because we both know we still live in a world currupted by hate. I am 38 years old now and I will never forget seeing them live at age 18 in support of their Exciter album. I saw them at Madison Square Garden (I am in New York). It was an amazing night. Lastly keep up the good work. Devoted Fan, Tim

[@jaypi8223]

I too had an existential experience the first time I heard DM. The song I first heard, was "I want you now". As a teen in the southwest, I had never heard anything like them! I was memorized and could not get enough! They instantly became my favorite band- there was no sound like them. It was like they knew exactly what I was going through and had a song to help ease the pain of each angst-ridden teenage situation I faced. I love how you said they wrote songs that related to the situations you went through. Same for me- no other band had ever done that. They have been my fave since I was 15 years old and that will never change. To this day, they are mostly all I listen to- they are perfect.