Depeche Mode in the 90s: From Violator On | POP FIX | Professor of Rock

[@mikeelko8527]

Let’s be real. Violator is like a greatest hits album for most bands

[@TheVinylGuru]

Mike Elko biiiig time.

[@zibbybone]

Violator is full of hits, but nearly every song on The Cars' first (eponymous) album got tons of airplay.

[@rodrodriguez3334]

Absolutely!

[@Lunatic4Bizcas]

@@zibbybone : Yes, but The Cars' first album was released in 1978.

[@TheChristafershawn]

I thought "Some Great Reward" and "Black Celebration" and even "Music For The Masses" were all better albums but Violator was also very good. But that said Policy Of Truth is one of my favs. Truth is everything from "A Broken Frame" to "Violator" are solid albums from start to end.

[@raserx63]

I love every DM song but this chorus ..omg “I’m hanging on your words.. Living on your breath.. Feeling with your skin.. Will I always be here ?”

[@libbyhardel1826]

They lyrics to that song have always haunted me! The imagery is amazing.

[@Electric-vo9zv]

In Your Room! My favorite DM song!

[@FredQuijada]

Excellent lyrics from one of their best songs, ever. Always hit me like a sledgehammer. Good call.

[@evam5589]

I was in a bad relationship one time in late 90's but still listen to all the album's but that song really made sense to me. Amazing.

[@stopbunsen]

It's just absolute perfection that song. The way it builds is memorising.

[@robynsegg]

For me World In My Eyes is number 1. I will NEVER forget listening to that OPENING, in that West Coast Video... That synth POUNDED throughout my chest and into my soul. And yes, you felt like you were being hit with a musical sledgehammer. I've listened to that song thousands of times, & I am still transported back to 1990. And as for Andy Fletcher... our beautiful Fletch... you've GOT to see the World In My Eyes tribute with the band acknowledging that this was his favorite song. #RIP_Fletch.

[@cobras034]

Yet again it just shows how timeless DM is.... forever will be my favorite band of ALL time

[@officialWWM]

Cobra they were the worst band of the 8os :/

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@officialWWM Nooooooooooo!

[@officialWWM]

Professor of Rock I love most of your choices but I really didn't get this band :/ they certainly weren't "rock" :/

[@ProfessorofRock]

@@officialWWM I understand. Music is subjective. We like what we like. Thanks for commenting...

[@johnj28]

@@officialWWM People either love them or hate them, but Listen openly to Martin's lyrics on songs like Here is the House, or Lie to Me! If it doesn't hit you, then I am sorry. This band is a HUGE part of my life!

[@mrhoffame]

DM stayed strong into the 90s, because they were one of the only synth bands from 80s that actually had a "deepness" to synth music. Most bands in the 80s played off the great/fun playful nature of the 80s (Which was Awesomw!!!! lol), but DM actual put deep, dark, sensual lyrics and presentation to the synth sound and that just doesn't fade. Hence Violator and Ultra were as powerful as anything else at the time.

[@stopbunsen]

@Lukeyep, Rush is the best example of them leaning in the NIN direction.

[@monstermom4358]

agree but dont forget the epic vincent clarke whos touring with erasure

[@depeszTOja]

DM stayed relevant in 90s thanks to all Alan's synth experiments in 80s. They grew over the popines and kitch of synth pop. Its like muscle memory. Ultra is so good only because they were following all Alan's teachings. We all saw what happened on SOTU. Can you imagine how great it would be with influence of Recoil?

[@joshuawilliams7351]

"deepness" as opposed to depth?

[@lippyfrybender4622]

Waiting for the night to fall is a brilliant single play that driving at 3am

[@stumm71]

I agree 100% with your comment. It is difficult for me to choose my favorite dm song, but if you ask me quickly, it is the first one that comes to my mind

[@lippyfrybender4622]

@@stumm71 enjoy the silence is the greatest song written but what makes violator so good it was done pre Berlin wall fall recording.you will never Get that bubble effect in music again raw Non influenced intelligent music freedom To express without today's bullshite or Pandering to society social if very dumb Down told what to say society. In the words of the late Edwin Starr (whom I met many a time

[@lippyfrybender4622]

Sorry I didn't finish the sentence war what is it good for absolutely nothing but he said great for writing music.thanks

[@ElonMuckX]

3am driving through the desert between Vegas & LA.

[@charliesiswick224]

Not the band of the 90’s. THE band. Prof, you get it, not sure many others do. 40 years nearly and still going..... strong. Crazily, still underrated !

[@msf1967]

I could listen to, "It's No Good", forever. That song gets down into my marrow.

[@PimpRandal]

Word

[@citehman]

I am partial to 80's Depeche Mode with some of the decade's best tunes. My favorites... 5. Blasphemous Rumors 4. Master and Servant 3. People are People 2. Everything Counts 1. Shake the Disease

[@RockEagle.]

"Where's the Revolution" - Depeche Mode Cover. Please comment and share this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6ebkHqFjJihppo

[@mattbelinski7760]

Great, great list!

[@lumiesgotcha]

You forgot "Martyr". i've had that song on repeat for the last 3 days while at work. :- )

[@cindigonzalez7350]

Here is the House and But Not Tonight are good ones too

[@PimpRandal]

He has a different post for 80s - check it out and repost

[@hedevilbyday488]

I'm a simple man, I see a pic of dm in a profesor of rock vídeo and I clicked immediately.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for watching!

[@vincentkrisiak6337]

Same

[@jeremyjungman1290]

Martin Gores writing with Alan Wilder's classically trained musical talents made DM great! I miss the Alan Wilder years. I always thought that extra special something was missing after Alan left.

[@Scotland_Above]

Depeche Mode: Gods of music. Masters of sound. Voices of angels.

[@lawrencesalmon2934]

Amen

[@anyopp1]

For me, In Your Room is the best on Songs of Faith & Devotion. It is so beautiful and haunting at the same time. This song, along with Higher Love played live was just bliss. I remember seeing them on that tour and how the show started... I still get chills when I see the performances on KZbin.

[@Penny2018.]

I totally agree. in your room live 93 song of faith and devotion is amazing.

[@vaadaenmacchi]

Dressed in black is a highly underrated song

[@vincentkrisiak6337]

From the same album, But Not Tonight is a good one as well...hell, who am I kidding? I listen to every song on every album every time I listen.

[@salozmen29]

Ummm its Blue Dress...

[@jakubpetricek]

@@vincentkrisiak6337 But Not Tonight is not on Black Celebration! Yes, it is on the US edition but the band never meant to include it on the album. It sounds out of place on BC. The whole album is very coherent, it is a piece of art. But Not Tonight is as indispensable as for the album as my appendix is for me.

[@ChadCurry]

When you talk about merch and the afterglow of a show, you brought tears to my eyes. I live for those moments still at the age of 47.

[@johnj28]

I feel your passion for DM! My favorite band since buying Some Great Reward followed by Black Celebration in 85/86 my senior year of high school. Some Great Reward through Ultra gives you the Ultimate in DM! You had B sides like Dangerous, Sea of Sin, and Happiest Girl that didn't even make the Violator Album! 90's 5'er 1) Enjoy the Silence 2) Policy of Truth 3) In Your Room 4) Insight 5) One Caress... So many great songs!

[@jeffkillion3383]

Speaking of B-Sides, My Joy is incredible...probably my 6th favorite DM song from the 90's

[@mikekaraoke]

Well I heard-Enjoy the Silence live a few times at concerts, And 3/4 of the album was recorded in 1989 + then the album and the music video for-Enjoy The Silence came out in 1990-So Enjoy the silence is a 80's + 90's song

[@kellyhughes9064]

Those B sides were so brilliant!!!

[@greghand2273]

Blue Dress is a masterpiece. So simple, and moving. Martin Gore's voice, with his superior vocal range, is just amazing, using his deeper register to bring a haunting melody above the staccato back-beat synth and lilting, high pitched keyboards. There are dozens of covers and tributes to this song on the Internet, and some actually do it justice. And that interlude at the end...

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

Just saw them (again) during their last tour. I never get tired of seeing them. Will always love Depeche Mode. 🌹 I get chills listening to you describe your love for them. They completely changed my world, too.

[@kellyhughes9064]

Once I became an adult, I promised myself i wouldn't miss any concert I could get to, including when theyve passed through Toronto twice on the same tour. I even managed to see them twice in California when on vacation.. including the Hollywood bowl, which was a bucket list spot to see in itself .

[@ninawildr4207]

I disagree Sofad IS A MASTERPIECE as well!

[@ProfessorofRock]

IMHO Not on par with Violator, Music for the Masses and Black Celebration.

[@ninawildr4207]

@@ProfessorofRock love your channel!

[@kittensmakingcandles]

TOTALLY agree with you nina wildr! Genres, Bands, Albums, Songs, and more, can each have their own distinctive persona of greatness, like different flowers in a garden. Any music may fail to find favor with a specific listener, but for some of us Sofad resonates powerfully as a masterpiece in that lovely garden. I think we're the lucky ones.

[@jakubpetricek]

​@@ProfessorofRock SOFAD and Black Celebration are the band´s best albums. Also, I do not consider But Not Tonight to be a Black Celebration song. It is almost as bad as The Meaning of Love and the band did not include it on the album. The US label did. Cheers from Prague. You know, I read an interview with Hepzibah from Miranda Sex Garden and Alan´s wife (not sure if they are still married). Her band was supporting DM and she had no idea who Alan was. He liked her and then she realised "he was the DM´s drummer" (her own words). Obviously she was no fan but she remembered working in a record store in California one summer. And that all the kids wanted were two albums: Disintegration and 101. I was at high school in a communist country where it was impossible to buy records from the world. We used to go to the changing rooms whenever we skipped a class. "Hey, we have a math test now. OK, let´s go down to changing rooms". There we would meet guys from other classrooms, of the same age, younger, older boys (girls were banned because they couldn´t keep their mouths shut and those changing rooms in cellar was our haven from teachers who were not to know about it) who had one thing in common...they were not exemplary students, they were smart and fun. We talked, smoked and listened to cassettes. And we listened to Disintegration and 101! Depeche Mode had a tremendous impact on our generation and the iron curtain could do fuck all to stop their music from spreading. Kids in Poland did the same. So did kids in Mexico and Argentina. In Germany, in both Germanies. In France or Italy. When the communism fell I worked the next summer in a hostel. And met these two guys from Glasgow. One sporting a DM t-shirt, the other had a Nitzer Ebb t-shirt. I immediatelly started talking music with them and they were shocked about how big DM were in Czechoslovakia. They told me they were the only 2 guys who listened to electronic music in their own school for 500! Depeche were overlooked in their own country. Ridiculed. So, they found their audience abroad. Maybe they were lucky not to be huge in Britain. The UK press is terrible. The love you for a while and then they loathe you. And if you´re big in the UK only and fall out of favor you have no other markets to go. And you are fucked. I imagine how happy the English music press must have been informing about Depeche Mode´s success in America. DM had been big in continental Europe but the USA was something else. OK, ONCE AGAIN cheers from Prague, Jakub

[@flaviusseverus8507]

@@ProfessorofRock it´s better, more spiritual and more vocally infused. It´s tough though, because all are great.

[@robertbeckerbecker1354]

You're wrong about one thing. They did make four masterpieces in a row. Some Great Reward. Black Celebration. Music for the Masses. Violator.

[@noremar12]

Top 10 1. Personal Jesus 2. Enjoy the Silence 3. Walking on my Shoes 4. It's no good 5. Useless 6. The Love Thieves 7. Policy of Truth 8. World in my eyes 9 I Feel You 10. Halo

[@malekiththeeternityking5433]

Never let you down again is my oersonal fav

[@ElonMuckX]

The Love Thieves!

[@maxheedrum100]

Enjoy the silence is number 1 ! Swap with personal jesus asap.

[@FHL-Devils]

@@maxheedrum100 ... no. a) It's a personal opinion / list b) I think you're wrong

[@WickedKingLycoan]

They are a multi-generational band. The 80’s, 90’s, and even into the next century. They are brilliant, and their music is timeless! I can’t think of ANY of their songs which isn’t a work of pure genius.

[@neilsun2521]

I personally don't like any of the last 3 albums. 'Precious' is the only song I liked since Ultra.

[@ingridarayaruiz2869]

Love DM, until the day I'll die

[@albertmurillo7522]

Right with you

[@zee2333]

Moi aussi :)

[@marklawson1773]

Violator is a masterpiece, every song resonates. For me, enjoy the silence kickstarts 90’s music. Proud to have seen them live during the violator tour abs every tour since.

[@ninawildr4207]

The heavens parted and the angels descended when i first heard violator...flood and wilder made me an addict! I wish they could work together again

[@WickedKingLycoan]

They still do work together. In fact, I saw them in 2018 in Phoenix. They rocked it. Not to mention the opening band Warpaint, who completely kicked out the jams!

[@stopbunsen]

SOFAD is my favourite album hands down, but Violator is the more complete masterpiece in my opinion. Get right with me lets SOFAD down. Other than that I adore every song. In your room is peak Depeche Mode. Love these videos! I get emotional too thinking about how important this band has been in my life, since I was a kid. They take you to another world. Thank you. Top 5: 5 - Judas 4 - Personal Jesus 3 - Rush 2 - World in my eyes 1 - In your room

[@DK-gz6vw]

GRWM is great song. Love it! I think SOFAD and Violator is very different albums but pretty much on a same level as masterpieces.

[@hernanmartinez5982]

Couldn´t agree more about SOFAD, and specially GRWM, it should had been a B-Side.

[@neilsun2521]

I think they peaked in the late '80s, with Music For The Masses and Violator; personally

[@MsTriangle]

Wait what? Get Right with Me is perfection.

[@JoSaunders]

Enjoy the Silence is a beautiful song.... Stripped - that melody midway through is my all time favourite musical moment, Strange love, Only When I lose Myself, Preci0us, A question of Time... and LOVE Pimpf.... so many great tracks.

[@brainalien3116]

I can remember going to Tower Records and getting Violator on tape when it first came out...I was smitten with it. I saw them tour for that album, and when they performed Waiting for the Night it was almost a spiritual experience...and then Songs of Faith and Devotion came out and it felt like a whole new world. Right after its release, when I was 18 turning 19, I went to England and France with a performing company I danced with...there were billboards all over London and Paris advertising the album...I walked the streets of those cities with my headphones on and Songs of Faith and Devotion playing on repeat on my portable CD player. That album transports me back every time I hear it. I was on a mission when they toured for it and didn't get to see one of the greatest shows of all time...

[@chrissyhammond9089]

YOU beautiful expressive soul..thank YOU for "saving the music, my "professor of rock".... there ARE indeed soulmates after all!!!!!😲 YOU.. are my musical "soulmate" Adam, as far as I'm concerned anyway😁😆🎵🎶🎧🎛🎙🎤🎹 my gawd though!!! Overwhelmingly so, it's just mindblowing!! You're brilliant and SO appreciated!!!!🤩☺👍✌😀 "music is the universal language" "the music shall last!!!!"😘 Gratitude!!☆ "Andy Bell (Erasure) the Smiths, the Cure, it's like you're always speaking for me vicariously!🌹

[@WillScaryForCandy]

Do a video about the music in the movie Atomic Blonde. Best movie soundtrack I have ever had the joy to listen and watch. Depeche Mode, New Order, After the Fire, etc. So good.

[@garethfreeman3436]

Saw them live for the first time on their 'Devotional' tour in '93 in Dortmund, Germany...got right down the front... absolutely brilliant...seen them three times since...LOVE DM.

[@nathanwheeler9129]

Yes!!!!! I will always remember looking at the date on the cover and realizing this was the first time I’d ever seen 1990.

[@skid902]

Professor.....a joy to listen to you and wonderful to hear my feelings shared so explicitly! DM..the music...and the joy... of my life

[@joshuawilliams7351]

I just saw DM 4x in 20 days. 3 times in 1 week. They played your 5er at every show. Brooklyn, Philly, MSG, & Cleveland. I heard Home at one concert, 4 songs off Black Celebration at another. I also saw them back in April in Chicago. I think saying Anton C was a 5th member is an overstatement but being a U2 fan since my dad gave them a cab ride in San Fran in 87, discovering the DM catalog was better than getting into U2 but felt similar due to the AC photography. Your fiver is definitely solid.

[@chicameowr]

Saw twice in Chicago, do happy to have seen them live. I relive it in mind over and over 🌹❤

[@rumalo]

songs of faith and devotion to me is the best album, a true masterpiece Top 5 5- it's no good 4- condemnation 3- policy of truth 2- enjoy the silence 1- walking in my shoes

[@MrChristine79]

I get goosebumps listening to this guy talking so passionately about my favourite band , love it⚘

[@josepharmas1213]

It’s no good was on Ultra

[@user-pn9po6bc3v]

Joseph Armas Well Policy Of Truth and Enjoy The Silence are from Violator- he’s just saying SOFAD was his favourite album, but these are his favourite songs altogether.

[@brandonfugal6413]

Bless You Professor. Brilliant! The Greatest Band of All Time. Dark. Seductive. Emotional. Dramatic. Hypnotic. Honorable Mentions: - One Caress - In Your Room - Personal Jesus

[@joelashadali]

Honestly Anton has to be considered a huge part of the bands success. From the stills,videos and the live shows stage and production values. Photographer Griffin also made a big contribution to the earlier album covers.

[@Drexlspivey78]

I just came across your channel and your DM videos solidified that I’m along for the ride from here on. The way you describe your first interactions with DM and the visceral feelings the music gives you. I kept feeling like you are describing my exact experience discovering Violator in 8th grade, right before Songs of Faith was released. They changed my life. In 2005 I met my girl at a DM concert in Anaheim Ca. I knew my life had changed again when “Behind the Wheel” started and I couldn’t keep my eyes off of her. Still together today. DM is still my fav band.

[@jonathonriddle9922]

The first DM song I ever heard was Painkiller, the B side to Barrel of a Gun. I was riding shotgun (taking a ride with my best friend) late at night and I was transfixed. I found the Barrel of a Gun single on CD in a dollar dive bin at a Sam Goody a week later. I then checked Ultra out of my local library. It was the first full DM album I heard and I was hooked. I scooped up my own copy along with Violator and Black Celebration. Wow. And then SOFAD blew me away yet again. It is still one of my top 10 favorite albums I've ever heard. Thanks for the retrospective!

[@Penny2018.]

Went to see DM concert in London 93 song of faith and devotion. The whole performance from backing singers to wilder on drums amazing. 5 - mercy in you. 4- higher love. 3- enjoy the silence. 2- fly on the windscreen 1-in your room. (the live performance of this song from song of faith 93 is unbelievable 😍.

[@lolam.9291]

I have loved DM since I was a kid. I was able to see them in concert in 1988. Although I remain a fan to this very day, I kinda lost taste after Alan parted with the band. Their current work doesn’t have that Midas touch. I am still hoping 🙏🏼 for a reunion.

[@Zhorellski]

SOFAD was one of a kind! Mixture of Blues, Gospel and Synth Rock! No other Record (way underrated) sounds like it!

[@ninawildr4207]

Yes!

[@brianpattison4603]

Bought violater while overseas blind meaning hadn't heard anything from it. I only knew people are people and maybe strangelove. Masterpiece. Still in my playlist. Side note, I like your album rack behind you

[@wendyc7730]

Brian Pattison Watch it...It keeps changing. Yesterday 5/21 The Wham album was very prominent. Now something is there today.

[@nancybender3076]

I love your passion for DM. I was a huge fan in the 80s but stopped listening to them in the 90s. I recently 'rediscovered' them and now I can't get enough. It's been lovely catching up with their albums of the last 30 years.

[@Obiwanshinobi11]

amazing band, countless great songs, grew up listening to them very underrated back then but people only beginning to take notice of them in later years my top 5 (in no particular order) enjoy the silence personal jesus policy of truth people are people walking in my shoes

[@marcusmetzkow7987]

Hi there from Germany. Had some similar expirience in Berlin when Violator came out. Enjoy the silence is my All Time favourite Song to this day. Devotional Tour in Stuttgart 93 was my first Concert ever at age 16 and I was flashed.

[@robynsegg]

I had heard of Depeche Mode while I was in high school, but it was Violator during my college years that brought me into the fold. I had my first job working at a West Coast Video that also had a CD department in the summer of 1990. By the end of the summer, I owned a copy of Violator and I bought the ONLY copy of "101" that was for sale in the store, and I bought my FIRST Depeche Mode T-shirt. I started crushing on Dave and his beautiful voice! I also bought "Catching Up With..." but like the title of their first hit song, "I Just Can't Get Enough..." I really couldn't! By the end of the year, I was dressing like the band. I bought my first pair of Doc Martins and my first motorcycle jacket. Within 3 to 5 years, I bought every studio album up to date. And from 1994 up to 2019, every time they came to my hometown, I was in the audience. (And I will be there again, this October, 2023.) To say that Depeche Mode literally and figuratively changed me is an understatement. No doubt about it! 🤣

[@irenelovelyasusual8035]

Walking in my shoes, Never let me down, Stripped and Personal Jesus are my favourites. Love them.

[@dwinterx]

I saw them for the first time in 1990 on the World Violation tour (got to be the best tour name ever!). Totally unforgettable and also my first ever proper gig. Saw them next for the first UK concert for the Devotional tour. Whilst it was special, I don't think the venue helped. It was an open air gig at Crystal Palace stadium. I was standing, but fairly far back and a bit self conscious, so didn't really let go. I saw them later that same year near Christmas when they came back to the UK. This was in Manchester where I lived at the GMEX. I was there early and managed to get quite close to the front. Was the most amazing experience in my life up to that point. Just the best gig ever and I'm convinced it won't ever be bettered. The ultimate DM! Of course it's great to see them still and I have been to every tour since World Violation. But the first time in 90, and that amazing night in 93 will always stand out.

[@christingey5281]

Awesome! You have described almost the exact experience I had with DM. It was a transformative experience. I first heard them through Violator, every song on Violator is superb, were and are my favorite modern rock band, found out they made some of those great 80s hits that I didn't know the artist (Just Can't get Enough, People are People, Master and Servant, Everything Counts) and bought all the albums I could, played them constantly on our high school radio station as a dj, eagerly anticipated Songs of Faith and Devotion, my first concert was Songs of Faith and devotion, bought merch and wore it to school ( had that same shirt), thought Stripped was awesome live, talked with friends and classmates at school about the concert, thought it was very dark times indeed for the band in the late 90s, but they survived produced some great stuff. My 5'er for Depeche Mode in the 90s, 5. Home 4. World in My Eyes 3. Walking in My Shoes 2. Policy of Truth 1. Enjoy the Silence. That was hard! I could probably swap out (there are so many other great songs) or rearrange them except Enjoy the Silence. That is unquestionably #1.

[@joewolter7478]

I have a memory of listening to People are People. I loved this song as a small child. I liked all their radio songs and really fell in love as the video for Its No Good played on a loop during my morning ritual. I bought Ultra and wore it out. I know every word and cherish them every time I listen. Keep up the great work.

[@colelauber7206]

I didn't listen to anything but classical music for the first decade of my life. Symphonies and concertos were always playing in my house. While other kids were buying their first pop albums like Andy Gibb, and KC and the Sunshine Band, I was memorizing all the John Williams soundtracks. Unsurprisingly, I went to a magnet high school for music and science, so my life revolved around classical and beautiful music. This perhaps is what attracted me to Depeche Mode. Their gorgeous compositions were enrapturing. Like Adam, I discovered Depeche Mode during their "Music for the Masses" phase, so when "Violator" came out, I was super excited and it surpassed my expectations. But unlike Adam and most others, my favorite DP album thus far is "Songs of Love and Devotion". "Ultra" was fine too, but I thought they had lost most of their melodic mojo until their latest album "Spirit". Lots of great songs on that one!

[@Helenkawhitedesign]

Absolutely love Depeche Mode. They always deliver. I grew up with their music. My first ever pop concert was DM in 1983 in Cologne ( shows my age) when they toured their third album "Construction Time Again". Since then I have seen them a few times - including on their "Violator" and "Songs of faith and devotion" tour. It was a shame that Alan Wilder left - he certainly left his mark on the production and songs. The last time I saw them live was in 2001 when they toured Exciter - in Hamburg. It was a horrible day - cold and wet. It rained all day - and despite the heavy rain they performed open air - and it was a great concert. I think that Dave's voice matured quite nicely and has so much soul and I love Martin's voice too. They still make awesome music - I listen to Delta Machine a lot and have rediscovered Dave Gahan's solo stuff - Dave's and Soulsearchers' Angels & Ghosts is a great record (or rather CD). I couldn't decide on my favourite 5 as it depends on my mood. I absolutely love "Music for the Masses" as a whole - Never let me down again gives me the chills. And so does "Stripped" from Black Celebration.

[@markleaning107]

Songs is a total masterpiece. In your room was once described as the greatest song ever written I totally agree. Album version

[@nobrega]

SOFD is the masterpiece for me. Dm are by far the best band in the world. Period

[@sdekavallas]

For me since I follow the band as of 1987 ... The turning point has been Music for the Masses ... That has been the moment in time that DM changed forever ... And inspired the whole music industry

[@kellyhughes9064]

I skipped school to go buy Violator... and had forgotten my walkman at home.. I had to wait until i got home for that first listen. I didn't even open the cellophane until I got home because I didn't want to see the lyrics until I had heard it first (and that's a huge feat for someone with poor skills with delaying gratification).. I dragged my mom's stereo system with speakers nearly as tall as me, into my bedroom, sat my ass down in front of it and popped the cassette in... it was amazing... it's such a vivid memory. I have had hundreds of cassettes and cd's over my life, and there are only a few I can remember the first listen from. Songs of Faith & Devotion was another. My mom lost the big stereo that day... it never left my room again.

[@MelaninMonarchy]

I had to pause the video for a second, Adam, your life and my life are like two dimensions. Our DM experiences are so similar. BTW, My first DM concert was SOFAD. I would have gone sooner, but being a Black Girl in Detroit, I didn't have any friends who would go with me, and my brother was away at College.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Loved your comment! Thank you for watching!

[@MelaninMonarchy]

@@ProfessorofRock Hope to see you at the RRHF Inductee Ceremony as well as the L.A. DM Convention

[@user-pn9po6bc3v]

You are so lucky to have seen them on the Devotional Tour. I wore out my DVD watching it so much. I think it’s them at their height, as far as live performances go. And the projected visuals and stage design by Anton Corbijn is still dope af.

[@vincentkrisiak6337]

SoFaD was my first show as well. Saw them in San Jose. Greatest night of my life to that point.

[@jasonkimes4981]

Loved Violator and it was an amazing concert with Electronic opening (I was a huge Petshop Boys fan, New Order and the Smiths too, so I was excited to see a band that had the remnants of all). Dodger Stadium in Aug ‘90. I remember being a high schooler, standing at that Merch table counting my money just like you. Great memory!

[@kennetking1]

Can’t believe Home isn’t in your top 5. It’s an absolutely beautiful piece of music. One of the greatest gig moments I’ve ever seen as Martin stood there on stage, solo, with his guitar. The vocal is simply incredible and the string section spell binding ....👌❤️

[@smrteypntz]

If you haven’t already done so, watch the Concert for the Masses from the 101 tour filmed at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena in 1988. I was there & it was a religious experience.

[@Graveyard65]

Depeche Mode helped me through difficult times in my life. Loved their lyrics and sound about 36 years. Every album has their special ones I love.

[@rebeccahwark8838]

I have seen them live 4 times....amazing everytime!!!

[@Elfdogable]

My all time favorite band in the late 80s and early 90s. Was fortunate to buy a 5 disc collection while stationed in Germany. Was a wonderful period in music and these hits still seem timeless.

[@morganerickson439]

World Violation Tour was fantastic! Saw them at Red Rocks, best place to EVER see a concert.

[@64jmoore]

In 1990, at the age of 26, I came out of the closet, in rural Missouri. And Depsche Mode Violator album was the album of that time for me. "Policy Of Truth", "World In My Eyes" and especially "Halo" were all about what I was going through at that time. "Halo" was a song to me for my self justification... an anthem if you will... of what is about to happen as I cam out. "And when our worlds they fall apart, When the walls come tumbling in, Though we may deserve it, It will be worth it." So true to me. Whenever I listen to this album, and I still listen to it today, it take me right back to 1990 and that emotional roller coaster ride of that time, both up and down. But these songs got me through this time, and I am forever grateful for that.

[@IntubateU]

Literally the music of my life and my absolute all-time favorite band of all time. From the very first time I saw them live and then each time since (1990 World Violation Tour, 1993 Devotional Tour, 1993 Singles Tour, 2001 Exciter Tour, 2005 Touring the Angel, 2009 Tour of the Universe, 2013 The Delta Machine Tour, 2017 Global Spirit Tour ), I knew I was in the presence of musical divinity. That they still fill stadiums speaks volumes about them as few groups from the '80s are still selling out stadiums. Very few. DM is indeed in a league of their own.

[@lathan.]

I remember buying it on holiday in Turkey as a teenager, hated the holiday but listening to this on my Walkman made it fantastic!

[@TheSudsy]

What a lot of people do not realise is that DM are two groups. Their albums, songs, music and production in the studio are works of art. But then, you watch them live. The performance, the engagement, the theatre, the power, you feel like this is a different group covering your favourite studio artist. And yes, live performances bring tears to grown men's eyes. That intro, that lyric, that riff or that sound effect. People say DM are a religion, the trouble is religions never really evolve, DM do. People also forget that DM formed around 1981 and are still today doing 18 month world tours with new albums roughly ever 4 years. I heard New Life at my school youth club in 1981, aged 13. Epiphany. Last saw them live in Manchester 2017 Global Spirits Tour.

[@djkenny1202]

90’s DM? At least thats easier than top 5 DM.. 1. Insight 2. Home 3. Waiting For The Night 4. Halo 5. In Your Room Love “Sea of Sin”, too. But “Happiest Girl” sends chills up my spine in the way one experiences often with their music.

[@warganization]

Insight really is an otherworldly tune

[@Electric-vo9zv]

My Joy is my fave b side.

[@davidgalinat4257]

Great album closer!

[@djkenny1202]

Electric 7718 its really good out of tge later ones, also Ghost

[@TheGrayMatters]

Violator is an all-time top 5 album. Just perfection. Top 5 from the 90’s 5. I Feel You 4. World In My Eyes 3. It’s No Good 2. Halo 1. Policy Of Truth

[@ProfessorofRock]

I like your 5er. Halo is great.

[@TheGrayMatters]

Professor of Rock honestly. It should be higher. I probably should put it number 2.

[@TheGrayMatters]

Professor of Rock Fixed! 😎

[@noremar12]

The Love Thieves and Useless

[@noremar12]

I prefer a top ten

[@edhirt6946]

I love Depeche Mode ... hard to cut down for a top 5. I guess my top 5 are Precious, Never Let me Down again, Blasphemous Rumours, Everything Counts, and either Enjoy the Silence or Just Can’t Get Enough. Wow, they are great though ...

[@shawneeanstett7253]

You definitely hit the nail on the head with this one. We discovered DM just about the same time and we definitely share the same love and passion for this these guys!!

[@Windupchronic]

DM were a huge part of my childhood. The first song I remember hearing was Just Can't Get Enough, but didn't know the band. It was People Are People that broke them into my consciousness. Suddenly, everybody at school knew who Depeche Mode was. And Shake the Disease only solidified them as favorites. But it was the four hit combo of Black Celebration, Music for the Masses, 101 and Violator that made them supreme emperors of pop. I include 101, even though it's a live album, because it was probably the cassette I listened to most for about two years, aside from maybe New Order's Substance. They were monsters. I was able to see them three times: Music for the Masses (unfortunately not the 101 show; I saw them at the Forum the year prior), World Violation and the Devotional tour for Songs of Faith and Devotion.

[@MareTranquillitatis]

If I knew you back then, you’d probably be my best friend. Similar to your story, People Are People was the first DM song I ever heard and cemented them as my favorite band. However, New Order’s Substance album is still one of my favorite of all time. I’ve seen both bands live five times each at this point. DM forever!

[@djalioop]

Depeche Mode are Rulers of Alternative Music. Luv this channel thank you again Professor Of Rock.

[@UnholyNekochan]

I saw DM on the World Violation Tour in 1990 in Stuttgart...it was quite an experience. That concert was legendary. The PA system was messed up and we ended up singing Shake the Disease accapella with Dave. I was barely 15 at the time. Great memories. Still my favorite band and Violator is still my favorite album. 🌹Ive loved them since Everything Counts though in 1983.

[@cmjm123]

My favorites are still "Music for the Masses" , "Violator" and "Ultra" But "Black Celebration" and "Songs.." are huge also..

[@bicyclist2]

I've been a fan from the first moment I heard "People are People" coming from the second story window of the neighbors house while I stood in the driveway of our Pennsylvania home. I was maybe 7 or 8 years old at the time and didn't know who they were. I collected every album and 5 of the 6 box sets. Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling for over 30 years. Keep up the good work.

[@AaronLaw92]

I feel the merch comment. It is an amazing experience... I have been lucky enough to see DM quite a few times now and I hope to be back down the front once we are all allowed out again!

[@dougherty1980]

Saw them live for the first time 3 years ago and they were freaking awesome,best gig I've ever been to ❤.

[@chrislowman5374]

Videos like this, that remind me of joys that I have forgotten, really cheer me up. So much to love! Thanks for the video. Love to dM.

[@stephendarcy9803]

1:Clean 2: Enjoy the Silence 3: Freestate 4: In your Room 5: Policy of Truth God that was near impossible to do!!! So many great tunes from this truly fantastic band!!!

[@Sapper65]

Let's not forget the Devotional concert on VHS from '93. My brother Ivan and I wore that thing out, and sometimes would watch it before going out to parties. Amazing show which I think was directed by Anton Corbin as well.

[@docultra]

Thank U for your words. They are my favourite band ever! Cheers from Chile

[@WorldInMyEyes1]

Songs of Faith and devotion is up there with Violator for me, pure emotion, stunning melodies and some of Martin's greatest songwriting...

[@boniprakarsa5090]

Thanks for sharing your thought and Long Live Depeche Mode !

[@Racinek]

Waiting for the night has wonderful production. A clean, slightly echoed, voice tells the story with echoed harmonies to emphasize key phrases. And the sung phrases at the end.... Just watched your madman across the water video yesterday. This song is my version of that. Just simple, and chilling, and gorgeous all at the same time.

[@rodrodriguez3334]

Thank You for taking the words right out of my mouth. We are a different breed, us who appreciate DM for the music and what they represent to this day. “Enjoy the Silence” is and will always be my all-time favorite song. You, Sir, are very good at what you do.

[@frommetoyou1981]

My favourite album by Depeche Mode is Songs of faith and devotion. Every track is excellent. I feel you, Rush, in your room. Wow.

[@oldirtydawson]

Longtime DM fan. Solid Top 5 from that era. Major props for not including "Personal Jesus". All three albums are front to back perfect in their own way. No filler. While DM has written many good songs in this century, it really was an end of an era with Ultra and the Singles Tour. The Singles Tour was the best DM tour I've ever seen live (I've seen several), and one of my favorite tours of any band. The energy was unreal. Every song was a sing-a-long. Many DM fans had come of age at that time. It was also a celebration that DM had come through all of the darkness and made it out alive, sans Alan. It was a preview of things to come, with Peter and Christian, but it was still largely 90's DM, with Dave and Martin singing at their best with purpose. 90's DM. The best. I treasure those days. Thanks for the cool video, sir.

[@barataray]

The album was awesome. The 12" singles were amazing. "Happiest Girl" and "Sea of Sin" added in are amazing tracks off the 12" for World in My Eyes and Policy of Truth. DM is correlated with my adulthood. I graduated from college in 1991. Violator played in my dorm every day my senior year. Amazing band.

[@randomheadful7190]

I’ll never forget seeing them on their Music for the Masses tour in May of 1988. I was 18. It was so exciting! Somehow I was able to push to the front and was right at the stage. I’ll never forget being right at Dave’s feet and just bring in such close proximity to the band. It definitely made a huge impact on me.

[@FredQuijada]

I absolutely obsessed over 'Violator' for about 2 years in High School. I read the entire Arthur C. Clarke book '2061: Odyssey Three' while listening to it, and to this day can't separate one from the other. Great video, as always. Thanks, Professor!

[@AE-Rugby]

I love Depeche Mode .They are one of a handful of bands I’ve loved since a teenager . “Stripped “ has always been my favourite track

[@jenniferposey1814]

Depeche Mode has been my favorite band since seeing them in concert for the first time when I was about 18-19 (30 years ago). I was blown away! They are so consistently great. The very best live band! I've seen them four times. Can't wait to see them again.

[@bread_n_butter8614]

SOFAD and Violator are among the best back to back albums ever from a band, Depeche Mode never recovered from Alan Wilder's departure even though Ultra was very good

[@chadlucas7349]

They had to use Tim Simenon and his crew to make Ultra. It’s a good album bit two of the singles on it have terrible arrangements IMO. It’s No good and Barrel of a Gun would have been better if Alan had arranged them. No member of DM arranges their music anymore. Sad.

[@warganization]

Ultra is fantastic & Playing the Angel is on par with most of the Wilder stuff. after that it's hit or miss I suppose but I definitely have a soft spot for Delta Machine

[@thedrivechannel83]

I saw DM at Jones Beach in New York in 1994 and yes I bought that same concert tee!!!! I wish I still had it. Thanks for the memories man. Great job.

[@cash4chaos]

84, Some great reward freshman year high school, changed my whole life. Black Celebration first concert shoreline amphitheater Mt View!! Depeche have been with me in the most important times!!

[@pdzombie1906]

All I ever wanted, All I ever needed is hereeeee... in the Professor's Channel!! Thanx, Professor, you never dissapoint with your Depeche Mode lessons... (Except I would have given an honorable mention to: "I feel you", DM's sexiest song!!!)

[@australiancitydesigncollege]

I think Songs of Faith & Devotion is 100% a CLASSIC album. That said...Love your work Professor of Rock!