Depeche Mode: Memento Mori - Initial Thoughts

[@VaughnGeorge]

My initial thoughts after hearing Depeche Mode's "Memento Mori" album for the first time. What are your feelings on this album?

[@oliverchristian2437]

Looking forward to your thoughts! Been waiting for them! Myself, I really like the album - of course it's not Violator or Black Celebration quality, but it actually can be DM's best album since Ultra. I will now listen to it again, as I await your live session.

[@thirdlantern]

"Never Let Me Go" almost sounds like "Set Me Free (Remotivate Me)"!

[@audiolego]

@@thirdlantern that's my fav song from the new album

[@thirdlantern]

@@audiolego And for good reason! I'm seriously blown away by MM. It has a Black Celebration feel to me, in that it's best listened to ftom start to finish. A most worthwhile trip!

[@craighart783]

Been a fan for 40 odd years and it's better than sofas. People must realise including you Vaughn that Depeche are producing very good music at this stage in their career. Do well to forget A.w!!!

[@antagorithm]

"Always You" was my favorite track from this album. Overall, I was very relieved that this album was pretty solid - I also didn't really care for Spirit, and they seemed to be on a downward trajectory, so my expectations were not high. I was pleasantly surprised.

[@VaughnGeorge]

It is an outstanding song indeed ! VG

[@ChadMichaelSimon]

I have the perspective of a particular fan group. Born in ‘72, aware of DM via Mtv but never bought an album, was blown away on a Goth Night dance floor by “Enjoy the Silence,” and rested on that level of knowledge for twenty years. Somewhere in that time I favorited a live performance of “Enjoy the Silence,” which was my introduction to the band on stage. I met my wife in 2012. She has very few “things.” Depeche Mode is her one thing. Through her I’ve heard every album, watched live shows spanning their career, and saw them on the Delta Machine and Spirit tours. In short, I was a casual fan turned latecomer devotee wannabe. So, Delta Machine and Spirit were my first new Depeche Mode albums I was able to hear upon release. I rather enjoyed them, more so than my wife and other die hard fans. Just an observation there - without the history and levels of expectation, the tracks from recent albums sit beside their catalogue perfectly in my mind. It’s all Depeche Mode. I love the duality of their album presence vs. their stage sound. I’m still learning which album is which and couldn’t name all 16. I appreciate the Clark and then Wilder years but scratch my head when modern fans moan about a 20-year-old split. My wife and I will see them twice this year, maybe three times with their added dates. All of this to say - listening to Memento Mori for the first time and every time since has been a sublime pleasure. I don’t care where it ranks or how it compares. I’m thankful that I’m here to receive it. Remember that we must die and enjoy every lick and phrase the boys are able to produce while we’re all still here.

[@andreterhaar2570]

Haha, I'm lucky, being born in '62, so I've been following (and been a fan of) DM from the beginning, meanwhile more than 40 years. Besides, I'm Dutch and I met my (Polish) wife in Warsaw in '91, where I took her for our first dance on Enjoy The Silence 🎉 So you can imagine the bond we both have with DM and since then we've seen them performing life twice in NL, some 5 and 15 years ago. Luckily I have several DVD/BluRay's of life DM performances of which I especially like the atmosphere of SPiRiTS in the Forest, incl. the documentary part where Anton Corbijn follows 6 superfans of various ages. Very glad with their new MM album and love Before We Drown. DM does and will always remain part of our lives 🔊💪

[@jeanpaulmichell7243]

The more I listen to this album, the more I like it. Pulls me deeper and deeper in, discovering nuances and layers I missed before. So happy DM have come through with such a lovely release. If this should happen to be the last -not to suggest it is or anything - album they make, it is a worthy close to a fantastic legacy.

[@danielpc897]

Listening this album again and again, it feels like a kind of time machine to me.... Each song seems to be extracted from differents DM albums, from mid-80s till mid-2000. I loved it so much!

[@UPFX]

Yes. My thoughts exactly. I feel moments pulled from various eras of the band meticulously threaded into this modern DM sound.

[@Moody801]

I was at the Vegas show last night and got this same exact impression, especially when you look at the setlist. It was such a good mashup of old and new sounds that it sounded like it all came from one album. Like VG I was disappointed in Spirit and have a hard time listening to it, and when they announced the new album in October I was nervous until I heard the Ghosts Again teaser. At that point I felt the DM we all knew and loved were back, and after listening to Memento Mori repeatedly since release they did not disappoint!

[@philmarston9078]

Before we drown. First time I heard that track I loved it. For me one of the standout tracks of theirs since Violator for me. In fact the final half of the album is so strong.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hi Phil! A lot of the fans are commenting on how good the second half of the album is ! It gets stronger at the halfway point ! VG 🎹👍😎

[@andreterhaar2570]

Same for me, love Before We Drown, take it away! 💪

[@mikeBlogic]

That wouldn't even have been a B-side in violator's time

[@andreterhaar2570]

@@mikeBlogic Who cares, really? 😇 I'm a big fan of all albums DM produced in the '90s, but still like Before We Drown, too, because it's a typical DM song. My 2 cents 😋

[@DemiAndHisSyndromes]

“People are good” is the best track from the album. “heaven help me” line is so good!!

[@MrChippiechappie]

I totally agree yet it washed over this guy.

[@mikegjennestad2586]

To be honest enjoying it much more than anticipated. Really enjoying it

[@AB-mx9lx]

I love this album...not sure is because of the stage of age and adultness I am at this point in life...but the music voice and lyrics just match...they go along...like dancing with each other...DM did a very good job on this album...I can't stop listening especially Soul with Me...such a powerful song...

[@eter2781]

I love ‘Soul With Me Too’. I don’t understand so much criticism of this one.

[@abrokenframe1]

Memento Mori is a fuc*** time machine ! its so good! Fresh and new and at same time all those 80's sounds and feelings are back ! Nobody expects that to happens again !

[@murrynathan]

Agreed!

"Always You" is just beautiful.🖤

[@janinebedfordl]

Glad to hear someone say that, a lot of reviewers have it down as a weak spot but I love it Oh VG likes it too 😆 excellent!

[@Kaleiddmode]

Before We Drown ❤❤❤

[@mariomoodley3391]

Can't wait for Vaughn's interview with Marta 😉 MM is epic!! Best for years.... the guys are back indeed !!

[@Dessi101]

The melodies are back! Really enjoy this album.

[@electrikmode9249]

I've heard the album in it's entirety twice, and select songs several times. With DM I've never really had to have multiple listens to know whether or not I like an album. I usually know instantly and this has remained true for decades. My initial reaction: Dave's vocals are back to form in a publicly released album. Having recently heard the delta machine demos it appears that Dave never stopped singing and production had a big influence on the end product ("Secret to the End" as a notable example). I used to wonder why Dave's vocals were so much better on side projects than on DM releases (question has been answered). Clearly, the vocals can make or break an album and Dave's voice unifies every track on the album in the same way it did on Violator, Ultra and Exciter (i.e. with more subtlety than on 80s albums and less grunge/power than SOFAD). Melodically every single track on this album is perfect, more so than even golden era DM albums (yes, I said it--even the greatest DM albums have tracks I can't stand, not the case here). PTA is the only other album where I've felt the same thing. As an album I feel it's cohesive and it flows and feels quintessentially DM. There isn't a "trying too hard" feeling I've felt at times in more recent albums. What I call the "DM quirk" is back, something I've missed greatly. SOTU, Delta, Spirit all had moments of quintessential DM quirks in the melodies/music for example [for example "Wrong" (in it's entirety) and the inexplicably excluded "Ghost"] but every single track on this album has "it" [except (sorry Martin) "Soul With Me" which sounds a bit too generic for my liking and what I would describe as futuristic-late-70s-lounge-music). Like others have said, it's the first album that's given me that "stuck in my subconscious" feeling. The last album to do so was PTA. Melodies just keep flowing in and out of my brain--whether I want them to or not. That didn't happen for the last 3 albums. I feel truly honoured to witness this moment in time because I never experienced BC, MFTM or Violator in real time and never thought I'd hear another album like this from DM again. A wish has been granted and a dream has come true. It's been a long time since I've written about DM. Need to get back to the forums!

[@Gopher86]

Wow. Your feelings reflect mine almost perfectly. Listened to it more than twice, probably more than 10 times in its entirety by now. The melodies and beats are stuck in my brain and subconsciously come back throughout the day at random moments. This "stuck in my subconscious" feeling is something I also never experienced at a time of an album release of DM except around Ultra maybe (I'm 37 yo now) when I was 11yo in 1997. It's always been MFTM, Violator, Black Celebration, SoFaD and Ultra for me. Since Exciter (I hoped it'd be "my own Violator" back in 2001 which it wasn't eventually) the wait was always long and most albums dissapointed me. Sure, some tracks were great on Exciter, PtA, SotU, Delta machine (especially Welcome to my world and All that's mine) and Spirit... I don't know.. just meh. But now Memento Mori? It's killing it for me. The themes, the lyrics, the more focused production and generally a more classic DM-feeling. I'm very pleased.

[@CHESEABUN]

More or less agree with what you have said here. The album is a grower and you do get hooked in. I love the album. Speak to me is Epic! The last three DM albums were so disappointing I actually thought they should call it a day. However this album they are back on form. Yes some of the songs are simple structures but it works. As you say some earlier DM albums there are some tracks I don’t like. But the tracks I do are continue to listen to. Richard

[@electrikmode9249]

@@Gopher86 So glad you feel the same way :) The DM-feeling is what makes us silly fans loyal.

[@electrikmode9249]

@@CHESEABUN Yes, simple doesn't necessarily make a song any less worthy. See you, TSATR, And then, GTBR...could perhaps be labelled simple (melodically). They've stood the test of time. Ghosts Again has elements of that beautiful simplicity, especially in the second verse and interlude. Like you said, the tracks I love, I listen to and love forever, those I hate usually I'll listen to them enough to try and like them, in the process memorizing the tune and lyrics (even though I don't like the song) and that's it. Ahem, a divisive one: Condemnation and another divisive one: Somebody. On the other hand NLMDA, for example, still gives me chills, and I first heard it around '95. I will love "Wrong" forever and sometimes production aside a beautiful melody is a beautiful melody ("Poorman", "Poison heart", "So much love" all have beautiful melodies IMO). So modern DM isn't all bad, it's just something, at times, is missing and a big part of that is Dave's vocals and the production (or overproduction that strips the songs of their beauty).

[@tillhischemoller9582]

Fantastic, I feel the same!

[@natachaalmeida9479]

I agree with you, I think its the best album since PTA and will stand alongside it. My favorites right now are GA, Never let me Go, Soul with Me, Speak to me and my favourite, Before we Drown. People are Good gives me a lot of kraftwerk vibes. The downside is at times I feel the songs dont develop much. Alan gave them that touch that made listening to a song from beginning, middle and end the feeling of being on a journey, storytelling, if thst makes sense, while in this one sometimes I expect it to have some big change or climax but it never comes. But its still a pretty enjoyable album and its great to see them going out of their confort zone and letting more people contribute.

[@Pufoe67]

I have listened to DM MM about 10 times now, and it's become clear to me that this is now my favourite since Violator . I think you'll be humming and singing along to this, and the tunes and lyrics will stick in your head. MM is a class act.

[@leisiquick5298]

I like the new album as a whole. The playlist is very well conceived. It flows smoothly, it could be easily a soundtrack for a movie. A kind of emotional journey, something you can experience with their most successful albums. Even if this is not their best, I think it s a great work for a band that is still here, after 42 years, re-inventing itself after all what they went through. And also, please stop to compare these days with 80's and 90's. World has changed, they aged, we aged as well, youngness can't come back ❤

[@t1callahan]

I have now heard the album probably 20+ times, and I had similar feelings as you after the first listen. But after a second listen, I wanted to listen again, which led to a 3rd, and so on. That's the thing I found with this album that is similar to albums their classic albums (before Ultra). The more I listen to it, the more I can't wait to hear it again. it's been so long since I've had a DM album that made me feel like that, I had forgotten what that felt like. Sonically and technically, I don't compare it to any of the classics, you just cannot compare- those days are gone. But it does grow on you, and listening enjoyment is there for me and it has brought back some of the same feelings that made me love the classic DM albums.

[@samborn7120]

I think you hit on a very important point Vaughn. It’s the choices made for production. The drums on this album are (again) all these TR 808 derivatives and they can’t seem to get away from that sound for the last thirteen years! The production choices are what nag many of us…

[@xoxox1011]

After hearing the entire album at least 30 times so far (absolutely love all the songs, and so hope this is not the last one they release), track 10 (Always You) is definitely my favourite, as it was after my first listening. It's simply otherworldly, futuristically-atmospherical and unbelievably powerful. Not so complex harmonically like many of their other songs from 40+ year repertoire, but probably the most beautiful they ever made, just superb. I liked that you said it reminded you of Talk Talk (who I still like very much and listen often), because it was exactly who this song reminded me of too as soon as I heard it. And lately Caroline's' Monkey is my 2nd favourite (it wasn't at first), then Before We Drown and Never Let me Go still my next favourites.

[@henrymurray4997]

First album since ultra that’s had this intoxicating effect

[@201950201950]

My perfect stranger reminds me of Photographic. I think is the keyboards. I really like it

[@dhalonreverse]

I actually love People are Good. I love the lyrics and I love the music to it. Over all love the album. I was pleasantly surprised with it. In every song I hear glimmers of tones of previous album sounds

[@chrismlarge1]

Best album since Ultra. My only gripe is some of the songs are too short ie before we drown should/could have been a 6 minute epic

[@586101]

I am really liking this album far more than I expected to, Vaughn. I've spent quite a bit of time with it, and it just flows in the best way. Really solid work and a reminder that they are still such a powerful creative force. Thanks for your thoughts on it!

[@grantbangkok]

A thorough and fair review. Agreed, Dave's voice is amazing on this record.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Grant! VG :-)

[@ninawildr4207]

Im obsessed with this album❤❤❤

[@kristiancornell5368]

Tack!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Tack to you my friend !! Much appreciated !! VG :--)

[@laudec00]

Hi George, it is a pleasure to watch you doing a very honest analysis. I would say it is very long the voices has not been that perfect and intertwined together. “Always you” is currently my favourite, but as you said, you need to let the notes settle inside you. Melody is also globally recovering. And what a musical firework that “Speak to me” final… Thanks

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thanks for that Laurent, I appreciate your support and kind words and glad you enjoyed it! VG :-)

[@deanjones684]

I love the album. Their best since Playing the Angel. Being a fan since black celebration this album isn't the mode of old but is a return to form. I love the Kraftwerky tracks like Wagging tongue and people are good. The stand out ones are wagging tongue, speak to me and before we drown. I might go see them on tour on strength of this album. The Mode are back

[@khanonkhaz2868]

Their best since Ultra IMO

[@patobantan420]

Saw them last week in Sacramento and again last night in L.A.. Crowd was a lot better last night. They sang Condemnation instead of Waiting for the Night and it was incredible. Dave still dave. Love these guys. Took my 10 year old son for the first time to a DM show. He was amazed. Seeing them again tomorrow in Vegas...Great show BTW😊😢

[@Harrison_Strunz]

As always. Great analysis, Vaughn! Thank you very much, mate.

[@VaughnGeorge]

You are very welcome my friend !! VG :-)

[@anthonysilvestre3715]

To me, Memento Mori is the 2nd best post-AW album, after Ultra. It's really well produced. The songs have melody (sorely lacking on Spirit). It's lyrically good. I was very pleasantly surprised with this album. Looking forward to San Antonio and Dallas this year.

[@manuelulrich663]

Anthony, you are so right. 100 % agree! Have fun in San Antonio and Dallas

[@anthonysilvestre3715]

@D T Day I like Exciter for many of the same reasons I like Memento Mori. Good production and melodic songs. The Exciter tracks are just "weaker" songs, in general, compared to Memento Mori. I'd say Exciter has 2 songs I'd consider standouts; "I Am You" and "Freelove". I couldn't get into Delta Machine at all. I feel it's over-produced. Too much noise. But that's just MHO. 🙂

[@Kickingit06]

Maybe. But I'd say there's a big chasm between Ultra and MM.

[@anthonysilvestre3715]

@@Kickingit06 HUGE chasm. Huge.

[@r26000]

Delta Machine was a full load of melodies, just saying.

[@tombaker4586]

Thanks for the review, Vaughn. Greetings from a cold and rainy Belgium, Tom.

[@ericlavallee]

Ohhhh baby. Can't wait! Merci Vaughn!

[@DepecheModeFans101]

It's the best album in years. Just say it

[@Kickingit06]

Because it's the only album in the last six years and second in ten years.

[@kennztube]

Hope so as there's not been a worthy album since Ultra.

[@Kickingit06]

@@kennztube I don't say worthy or unworthy. I like a lot of the post Ultra work to some degree. But I also acknowledge that it is an inferior outcome compared to having Alan Wilder in the mix. That makes Memento Mori especially tough for me. Because it is probably the best written and conceive album since Ultra IMO. But the sound is just too damn subdued and lacking in lushness without WIlder.

[@KenanTekeMusic]

The album has an atmosphere that gets better as you listen. My favorite track is "Don't Say You Love Me". I got a SOFAD vibe on this track.The use of live instruments is very nice.Melancholic and dark. I wish they'd say it live

[@MrChippiechappie]

So much love from spirit is one of DM’s best songs in my opinion.

[@r26000]

This. Im glad someone does really appreciate what a hidden gem So Much Love is.

[@zedfear]

There is only one big problem with the album.... it is too short 🖤

[@loro3799]

Say that again! 😊❤

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

​@@loro3799 (....) I didn't quite hear you

[@loro3799]

@@MUSiC-world-20986 😂🤣👌🏾 Happy Holidays to you!

[@antoninsebera152]

If this will be last DM work. We could call it briliant ending. They could not do it better. In my opinion. Full concert halls are sure now

[@jgomezsego5317]

Great review. Best thing to say about MM is that you want to listen to it again and again intrigued to see what you've missed, to understand it better and the melodies get in your head. Some great songs here and as you say, relieved after listening to it I know it's far from it but it gets me back to Some Great Reward, because of the simplicity and the melodies...

[@nyc4233]

I think Delta Machine is so much better than Spirit. This for me was the last best album since playing the angel. MM is in a different category, the production and the vocals, the artwork are absolutely amazing!

[@lambertjosee3651]

I'v seen the show in Quebec City, Loved it !!!!

[@jamesnewman48]

It's growing on me. They'll Never make music like they did in the 80s and 90s. The recording process not the same. Dave loves guitar music and Martin writes songs on modular. My favourite album since ultra. Shocked they aren't playing Before we drown and People are Good. They were made to be played live. Maybe they will.

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

They played Before We Drown from January 2024 live to the end of Memento Mori tour

[@АнастасияБендикова]

Finally! I have waited for ages)

[@djzn]

Hi Vaughn. I think you had a very accurate sense in your review. Very quite what I was expecting. Incredibly, I also rated "Before We Drown" and "Always You" as, probably the very best tracks in this album. It's terrifying that the trio Gahan-Gordeno-Eigner came with a song that I thought it came from Martin. I swear to God I believed this was a Martin track. The lyrics is not very Gore... but the melody is. And I also agree when you said that if we are to rate this, and compare, you sounded pretty reasonable - best album since "Playing the Angel" (I also remember that very exact October 2005 on how that album was greatly anticipated) - and yes, we can't go farther like some folks had been saying "best thing since Songs of Faith and Devotion"... that is a little over the top, *and you nailed it* . Great review, my friend! - Just for an itch... *Memento Mori remixed by Alan Wilder* - Erasure did two or three spin-offs on "World Be Gone" (one of their best, by the way) and Erasure did quite a number of spin-offs on "The Neon" album... LP, EPs, Remixes, what have you. So I thought, if I were Daniel Miller... Depeche Mode could have this spinned off as well... 🙂

[@johnlindquister]

Totally agree on Always you. Love it🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers John!! VG

[@aleandrei5841]

For me is really one of their greatest album. I love every album the band made. Maybe Spirit is the overproduced but I like It. In Momento Mori I'm listening '70 references with new things that go to a new direction. Even I'm thinking it's exploring something that could inspire new artists and bands. And Dave's voice sounds really great, better than in other albums. Thank you for you accurate review!

[@DeflectionsJourney]

This was a very good Initial Thoughts video Vaughn, very well liked. 👍

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you kindly! VG :-)

[@jeremycasper8686]

My take on the album as a whole. I agree with you, it is very consistent, the theme is constant, it is deep, dark, developed, and to compare it to food or drink, I’d say it’s like a layered decadent dark chocolate cake. Or a very fine aged wine. Honestly, I don’t think we’ll ever get albums again like black celebration, MFTM, or Violator. Those are absolutely cohesive and flawless. We are just blessed to have gotten a few perfect albums. And I love SOFAD, ultra, PTA, SOTU, even Exciter and of course the earlier ones like a broken frame, construction time again, etc. I honestly don’t know how to rank them. Spirit I didn’t like much, and Delta is growing on me. This album MM is certainly a GOOD record. Very solid.

[@raizaponticelli7359]

Maybe because I'm a younger fan of Depeche mode (I'm 34) and a layperson when it comes to making music, I absolutely love this album. It made me feel something similar to what I felt when I heard Ultra for the first time. It made me feel the emotion, the darkness, the 'playing with death' bit.... I don't know. I love 'Always you' in particular... there is a dancing vibe that just makes me want to go to the dance floor... anyway, I can't wait to see them live again in London!

[@murrynathan]

Violator sounded sparse at first listen, then over time she reviled her secrets. This album does the same. Put on headphones and discover why MM is DM’s Vocal Masterpiece! Martin is in every song and the way he and Dave play off one another is amazing. The more I listen the more I hear. And all the synth stuff is in there as well, not buried, but out of the way of the vocals. I keep hearing comparisons, but this album is its own thing. My Cosmos & Before We Drown are my new favorite songs. Thanks to Never Let Me Go we know what a DM James Bond theme would sound like. Wagging Tongue is strait up Kraftwerk. And People Are Good is as good as Strange Love. I know this because it made a grown man dance in his bedroom.

[@TheMontyfire]

I’m really looking forward to your thoughts as I think you analyse the albums perfectly. I have prob listened to it 4 or 5 times and initially I was a bit underwhelmed as I was hearing that it was their best since SOFAD/ultra but it has started to grow more on me as I hear new sounds and it is different to their last few albums in feel. I’m yet to hear it on headphones as it’s only been in my car. I think Daves singing is superb in it. Having said all of that it is my favourite since Ultra.

[@paularcher8445]

I've listened to the whole album about 4 times now. I have to say, I'm really loving it and I think DM have done an excellent job on this one. It doesn't feel rushed to me, in fact quite the opposite. There's plenty of feeling and emotion in it for me. Don't Say You Love Me, Before We Drown, People Are Good and Ghosts again are standout tracks for me. That is until other songs reveal themselves - if you know what I mean. I would love hear your take on it in say a few months time. Cheers Vaughn.

[@orestis6894]

Better album than the previous ones, but no strong, uptempo , vibrating songs. Nice smooth songs, room songs with great lyrics. Also in live shows is very nice to hear Dave's voice without exaggerating anymore, he doesn't need this.. ALAN WE STILL MISS YOU

[@dennishough3709]

One has to wonder if Alan did come back would the magic still be there? I’ve all but given up Hope waiting for Alan to return.

[@thirdlantern]

I'm am psyched to hear your perspective. MM is amazing, in my opinion. It has these uncanny elements of their previous albums, but it stands as a unique body of work on its own. Martin and Dave expressed the need to "de-clutter" and I think this is a fine example of it.

[@phatmhat9174]

declutter is the word i was looking for. black celebration and masses - that era - had atmosphere. had unique arrangements. i like that. keeps things more interesting. this decluttering sound lacks complexity and atmosphere, especially for listeners of music for over 40 years. still good but i find myself getting bored earlier, wanting more. ive heard ppl use "tepid" too. like it's not WOW but nice.

[@performanceattributi]

Weird, MM is the most "cluttered" soundscape since SOFAD, and thus also the best since SOFAD. The previous albums have been painfully minimalistic and boring to listen to. What made me obsessed about DM all those years ago were the intricate and filmic landscape of different sound layers.

[@SOLDATT]

Always you - is absolutely the best track, it's beautiful, subtle and touching... Sends shivers .. !!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Right you are brother! I'm with you on that ! VG :-)

[@scipio8866]

Agree, best song on the album

[@vincentlemineur]

Overwhelming track. I abolutely agree! Instant classic in my DM world too!

[@eliashug427]

To me, Memento Mori sounds like Dave and Martin were taking all the strongest elements from the albums after Ultra and compiled it into an overall satisfying record. The sounds from the previous albums are still present, but they don't feel distracting from the core songs, which are very good for the most part. It's just nice to hear a solid late-period album from Depeche, that is sincere and doesn't try to be much else than that. If Memento Mori would end up being their final album, it would be a more than worthy end.

[@LectroDev]

Caught DM the other night in San Antonio, Tx. Great show overall, but you could tell the attendees hadn’t listened to the any of the new songs. Even Ghosts Again didn’t get the reception I expect. But the rest of the classic were well received - especially Waiting For The Night duet. As far as the new album, I agree with you. It will take a few listens to bond with some of the songs.

[@xavierpentelbury7245]

Old time grateful fan. Thanks VG for awesome 1st reaction. Cheers

[@VaughnGeorge]

No problem! My pleasure Xavier!! VG :-)

[@shamanix7614]

I am quite pleased with the album! Been on repeat the last few days, which is more than I can say for the majority of mainstream releases currently. I tend to have the songs stuck in my head more than songs from the last 3 or so albums...

[@gayandrews3587]

I’ve been looking forward to hearing your review! I feel the same about Before We Drown too., instant goosebumps emotion. I really love the album. I only discovered Depeche Mode in 2018 hearing Enjoy the Silence on KZbin 🎶 Now Im a fan girl/devotee from Australia 🇦🇺 I watch your channel regularly and value your opinion 🎶 I love sooo many of their songs from past 40 odd years. I’d love to see them live!! 🎶

[@VaughnGeorge]

Hey there to you my friend "down under". Thank you for your comment and I do hope you get to see them live someday. VG :-)

[@basehead617]

Soul With Me live with just Martin singing and Peter playing piano was amazing at the show the other night.. it sounded a lot better than the album

[@kbrown649]

So, I fully expected to hate it. I really did. Instead, Ghosts Again really got me excited. Which is a perfect word because, this album is very similar in vibe and flow to Ultra/Exciter. Less obvious guitar, more melody, or, actually, less, perhaps, vocally, which all ended up being my favorite album from Mode since Violator. That’s big. To me…standard for me for nearly every DM album…love 80%, ignore 20%.

[@rogermorrow4746]

A very moving album , initially thought best, since PTA,but now leaning towards best since ultra...daves voice sounds more like the old days, instead of the electro Elvis,of recent years. ,Some really beautiful melodys,and sonic soundscapes,that were so lacking in spirit. Never let me go,is a real old school banger

[@jonathan.lahousse]

Probably one of their best work in the last 20 years. Surely not as good as their peak time but overall sounding good. In some songs Dave's voice sounds finally again as "himself", the Depeche Mode singer we loved but unfortunately not live. The production is good not over saturated, sound are pleasant and there are some good vibes here and there. My favorite track is "Before we drawn". Overall ok but no brilliant. Probably their last work that we must enjoy. I am still stuck in the SOFAD, Violator, Music for the masses, Ultra, Exciter for "when the body speaks", Playing the angel, after I am done.

[@jean-francoisjoanisse1445]

Our tastes are so alike. Before we Drown to me is the most if not the only stand out other than Ghost Again. Ever noticed how Dave's songs have been standouts on several albums of the past couple of years? Suffer Well, Should Be Higher, Cover Me?

[@torotaxi1]

Should be Higher is great

[@MisAnnThorpe]

"Cover me" was far and away the best track on "Spirit". I also really appreciate the LFO like "I want it all" from "Playing the angel".

[@Cherries683]

It‘s a great album, I think. The best since Ultra. Great synth sounds and really good arranged. I want to listen to it over and over again. Caroline’s Monkey (for example) is a classic grower for me. I liked it not much at first listen, but now one of my favourites. There is so much to discover on this album. It is a return to their classic strengths!!! Brilliant job from DM, James Ford and Marta Salogni (I think she is the key for the beautiful soundscapes). ✌️🤙

[@Florian-rf8xr]

Isn’t this album less compressed as all previous albums after 2001 Exciter ?

[@chrisgove4252]

Thanks, Vaughn. Can't wait for a deep dive on Exciter ...

[@alexander.roc.]

Agree “Before We Drown” is one of the best songs in years. Actually Dave sometimes outshines Gore as a songwriter, at least the last 20 years. Weird. Gore doesn’t seem to be able to do another It Doesn’t Matter, It Doesn’t Matter Two, World Full of Nothing, Somebody, Sometimes and more.

[@dezb1]

Before we drown is excellent would love to hear a Flood remix - like they did with Freelove years ago.

[@davisanaiz6742]

I haven’t liked a Gore song since Comatosh on Exciter.

[@manicminer1976]

​​@@davisanaiz6742 But do you mean as a singer or as a songwriter? Because if you haven't liked any song by Gore after Comatose, then you haven't liked 90% of DM songs from Exciter...🎉

[@davisanaiz6742]

@@manicminer1976 His Songs that he sings. I like the ambience of Exciter. I think Goodnight lovers is one of their best songs.

[@manicminer1976]

@@davisanaiz6742 Ah ok, understood. Since the initial message was about him as a songwriter, I wasn't sure what you meant. Yes I agree, I haven't liked most songs sung by Gore in the latest records. And The Sweetest Perfection will always be my favourite.

[@rebeccagouge6055]

I think Speak To Me is a stunning song. Lyrically it reminds me of Thirty Three by The Smashing Pumpkins and that’s no bad thing! Hoping to hear Speak To Me live at Twickenham.

[@caravanningwithcharlie]

My favourites are Soul with me, Always You and Speak to me.

[@viol8r]

My personal favorites were Don’t Say You Love Me, Soul With Me, Caroline’s Monkey.. I truly think this is the most true return to form since violator. And the best thing they’ve done since Songs of Faith… it encompasses the sensibilities and sounds from 82-90 and helps remind us of what makes DM special. The melodies take you on a sort of journey that you’re not sure will work out, but in the end take you somewhere beyond comprehension.

[@yavlennyy]

Wow, what a band. All songs are great, maybe only Wagging Tongue is too simple but it is the best album since Ultra/PTA, naturelly. Voice, experimental melodies, lyrics. Martin's songs are stronger then ever (People Are Good, Always You, Never Let Me Go), Daves songs are tipical DM style, but Speak to Me gave us that epic. Very good, immediately loved this record.

[@MSgt_0699]

I am pleased with this album. I like eight of these tracks, which is huge considering that I've only liked one or two tracks over the last three albums.

[@GeorgeDemin]

I’m really happy to see you being satisfied with the new album! And it’s great to see that lots of people enjoy it much too. As you said, now we can only give our initial reactions, but I am so freaking happy with how this album turned out. Even the tracks like Tongue and Stranger which I haven’t really liked upon their live debut - I really enjoyed it. I also agree that there are no really bad songs, there are some that are awesome and good. Always You became probably my favorite right now and it was so unexpected for me. The first time I heard that chorus - tears began to pour from my eyes, they touched something deep in my soul. First five listens of that song - I sobbed each time literally. Speak To Me is a great closing track and probably has the best lyrics on the album. I can go on for long time, but in general - I am so happy that I liked this album as much as I did. Congratulations, Vaughn, and all other fans on the release of Memento Mori! It’s still sort of unbelievable to fully realize that DM are back and that they are still strong both studio and live-wise. We shall see what place in the DM’s catalogue it will take and whether I shall listen to it in years or not. I don’t want to think about the future, I am happy about now and that happiness is brought by DM. The magic, to me, is still there. Cheers

[@nylavillasis3451]

Always you and never let me go are my two fave tracks so far and closely followed by before we drown and people are good. 👍🏻

[@centralscrutinizer3961]

Vaughn, just got back from seeing them in Las Vegas, when they go over your way, you damn well better go! I almost didn’t make it because I was in a coma last month… My first thought was that I would miss the concert, but through triple time in therapy for a broken leg as well, I was able to attend flying from California to Nevada. It was most definitely worth the trip!

[@DepecheModeTimeAgain]

It’s not a question of age, when I listen the music of the groups this age (U2, The Cure…) I feel they’ve lost something…. And DM as you said perfectly where into ´innovation’ each album because it was a time of creativity and we’ve never heard all those incredible sounds (even the synths ones). Now nothing new when I listen to the sounds…. And the mélodies, sorry, but they don’t appeal me that much…. So I maintain : there is a problem. One day Martin said « we could easily make another Speak & Spell but we’re not interested in it ». Yes Martin we understand the meaning but just for one shot : do some DM ‘dancing’ album with catchy melodies…. I dream I know but it’s something I wanted to say Vaughn. Thanks for your great job. ❤

[@Nephilim-81]

You’re setting the stage for me. Look forward to getting a copy soon. ❤

[@sethmatthews7394]

I think it's the best since PTA, but not better than PTA. But I rate PTA much higher than most fans probably do. Speak to me is probably my favorite track, and their best closing song since insight imo.

[@cjp592]

I saw DM. I was just happy to see them. They looked niiiiice. I was 90% happy with the songs they performed and the rendition or versions of the song they played. Still love them. 💕💕💕💕🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧👍🏼

[@BdeMontarville]

I had read that when Mark Bell produced Exciter, he's the one that told Dave he could do much more with his voice. Mark Bell had worked with Björk and encouraged Dave to modulate his voice in different ways. IMO, that's when Dave started to change his singing style, incoporating more grunts, rasps, throat growls, and Elvis's crooner style. I love DM, and like all their albums to a certain point, but I blame Mark Bell for the "updated" Dave. 😆 (But I really like Memento Mori, and the textured, layered, melodic sound on the album has a lot to do with it. Before We Drown is my favorite.) Edit: Funny synchronicity moment. As I'm listening to your review of the People Are Good track, it starts playing on my sound system in the background... although the song is part of a 5 CD shuffle rotation. 😄

[@TheMontyfire]

Just to add ,I think it is an honest album and they are not trying to do DM by numbers if that makes sense ,it’s not about creating something groundbreaking as they have nothing to prove it’s just about being honest and genuine and I can say that they have succeeded in that

[@bgroovin1343]

Your comments are 100% in line with my opinion. You nailed it, which is probably why I like your albums. We must have similar tastes in music. I rank MM just below PTA. Before We Drown is definitely the best track.

[@BitcoinWillFixEverything]

Thank you for your thoughts on the new album. I believe it's the best album since Ultra. However, it is still somewhat disappointing. I still remember the excitement I felt as a teenager hearing "something to do" coming out of the speakers the first time I heard it, and then Black celebration-the whole album was a masterpiece. I waited for months for music for the masses to be released after the singles "strangelove" was dropped. The same thing happened with violator, I fell asleep listening to that CD for at least 6 months. Obviously personal Jesus and enjoy the silence are incredible tracks. But the beauty of blue dress and sweetest perfection we're such incredible even though they didn't chart, they were so much more than filler. SOFD had at least 5 outstanding tracks, Ultra had about the same. I feel like with this album, I'm trying really hard to enjoy it and I like the sounds of some of the retro sense but it just doesn't leave through the speakers the way their old stuff used to. The last CD I bought of theirs was sounds of the universe. I would have loved to hear just two or three tracks on this album that I could not stop listening to on repeat. I don't know if it's me or the band that is getting old, probably a bit of both. I still maintain that from 1984 to 1996 Depeche mode was as great as the Beatles, led Zeppelin, or any other classic band that you want to put them next to.

[@SunilP2]

Speak to Me definitely has a similar sound to David Julyan's soundtrack to the movie Memento directed by Chris Nolan. And then I remember the movie is based on a short story by his brother Jonathan called... Memento Mori!

[@rolanbc]

I think it´s a good album. Much better than the previous three. I felt a little like you. I wanted to like this album but was afraid of being deceived again. Now I´m relieved. Pretty familiar to other things we´ve listened to before. There´s a few good songs. I think "Speak to me" is a masterpiece compareable to "condemnation". Happy they´re back!

[@peterstachura8595]

Always You is BY FAR the best song on the album next to Ghosts Again & Before We Drown

[@eter2781]

Thank you for a great video Vaughn. I agree with you regarding the production sound of the last 5 albums. I personally have never been fully convinced to the sound on their trilogy recorded with Ben Hillier. Most tracks sound too raw and minimal to my taste and there was nothing bonding the bits into more cohesive and finished sound texture that would show the producer’s own style at the same time. And yes there is that unsatisfying hole between high mids and bass which apparently has been a record industry standard since early 2000s allowing to increase the overall loudness of the records. That sonic signature as you call it is still there indeed but I like that on Spirit and Memento that sound is more balanced with ambience, strings and fatter more live sounding and prominent drums which all I missed so much. Thanks to that Memento Mori has got a bit more of that richness and finish here and there that brings it closer to the sound I prefer. So far ‘Before We drown’ and ‘Soul With Me’ are my favourites. ‘Soul with me’ seems to get a lot of criticism but it is now probably my favourite Martin solo since ‘One Caress’. I love a well balanced sound and nice swinging drums on ‘Before We Drown’ . Dave’s vocals on this album are great. There is so much emotion and his voice sounds so young with that alternative guitar on ‘Never Let me Go’ . ‘Ghosts Again’ is probably my least favourite, Although, it is a great tune and piano cover sounds beautiful. Very simple though and predictable, I would dare saying childish (just like the ghost lady in the music video:) compared to the rest. Very much like other lead singles on recent albums. I just kind of accepted it now as little bait track for the album;) Overall Memento Mori is a really nice surprise and it brightens up the start of this year for me. I find it an easy listener in a good way and still the more I listen to it the more I like it and get pulled into it as with their best albums. Definitely the best since PTA. Waiting for more videos from you and curious to check your music too. All the best.

[@zacknaiyer448]

With all the well-deserved love for Momento Mori (every track is godhead for me!), I also want to stick up for their post-Ultra output: DM are a remarkably consistent band and each album only adds a glittering facet to this many sided jewel! I’ve been a fan since’85ish, too, and went to the fabled Masses Rose Bowl and Violator Dodger Stadium shows and have never been disappointed by any of their output. I was saddened when Alan left but very grateful that the Mode were still putting out quality work and tours. I never felt the need to compare one album or era with another and have always appreciated that the Mode march to their own drum. From the fans I’d interact with, the critical reactions to the latest albums (btw, all of their post-Wilder output gets generally favorable reviews; I’d definitely encourage people to read the All Music and Ned Ragget reviews: that guy knows his Mode!), and the celebratory feel around each tour, I always thought fans just had a “Mode have new material and I can see them live again? Hell yeah!”-attitude. Prior to maybe Delta Machine, I never read online forums (probably a good thing given some of the ridicule-worthy knobs that leave their comments and make me want to physically harm them for being such disrespectful, snarky, unappreciative lame asses-sorry, someone has to say it), so I was unaware that there were even fans that were operating from such a hypercritical place (and as previously alluded to, no, IMO, that does not make you a true fan; it makes you myopic and obnoxious). Some DM fans seem to place such unreasonable expectation on new material and have to get so annoyingly nerdy about every musical decision, they don’t just let the music breathe and work its magic. Also, I feel like certain electronic fans tend to be very close-minded regarding what an artist does in studio or live and, for me, DM have never been a traditional electronic band like say Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, or OMD. Some of these electronic nerds seem to have trouble reconciling that. But whatever. I’m glad I enjoy everything the band has done and look forward to where they go next. I also love all the side projects, whether it be Soulsavers, Recoil, or VCMG. Thank you for all the great work and sharing your heart and soul and putting your bodies on the line for us, DM! It is appreciated

[@alfredomoreno9756]

Funny! I got the same Erasure vibe from their second track, sounds like Erasure's 'A Bitter Parting' intro. Really dig this in DM album, the cracks have been filled.

[@neilsun2521]

'People Are Good' has a very Kraftwerk-esque sound. Reminds me of The Model in parts. (Also, Before We Drown sounds similar to the Enjoy The Silence chorus a little bit, to my ears.)

[@petercarrington948]

Ghosts Again reminded me of 'Precious'.

[@deanphillips6866]

always you is my favourite track of the album I have it looping around in my head since ive heard it lol :)

[@dariodiamante4029]

Amazing and professional review! thanks for your job!

[@VaughnGeorge]

My pleasure Dario! Appreciate that ! VG :-)

[@wieimechtenlebensteffie5832]

For me the album is like comming home

[@jenniferperrin9112]

Thanks for your thoughts, so glad you like, and if you are like me, the more you hear it the more you get from it. Just wanted to say one thing, and that's you'll realise ' People are good ' is not a positive statement, but the info is in the lyrics, and you've not had enough time to hear it in depth. In at least one of DM's interviews they also acknowledge that point . So wishing you a lovely evening and take good care ❤😀

[@TM-uo1xk]

Memento Mori - "Something beautiful is happening inside for me something sensual it’s full of fire and mystery I feel hypnotized I feel paralyzed I have found heaven..."