Depeche Mode: Violator Album Review Part 12 - Policy Of Truth

[@VaughnGeorge]

Part 12 of an in-depth album review series of Depeche Mode's 7th studio album , "Violator", released on 19 March 1990. In this part we analyse the chords structure, Vocals and production elements of "Policy Of Truth". Also includes at a look at some of the original multitrack studio stems.

[@dalidamezine5219]

Was that your Depeche album or were there others? And the least one?🙀🤦🙆🙋😆😄🤓👌🏽🎹🥳😍😍😭🤣😂😼💓💗💞💕

[@dalidamezine5219]

Thank you VG ‼️🥳🙆😍😆😄🤓👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽💓💗

[@theoldloveexcuse7860]

Hmm...noticed a fun thing. Back in the day when my band covered this song we did the verse in C - G#, not in C - F. On a sidenote; we took pride in making our own versions on any "cover" because if you straight out covering a song it is technically a wedding band. And that is just...sad.

[@EmpressTouch]

@@theoldloveexcuse7860 Vaughn mentions this point on his 'Crockett's Theme' cover video. And I totally agree in principle and practice. The world knows the original. It's waiting for good AND different interpretations, whenever possible. Far from easy, but great to hear when achieved to such level.

[@Kubit76]

In my opinion, the “droning” part you mention is the best part of the song. When I first listened to this song more than 30 years ago I was literally blown away. Absolutely amazing. Still today the production is stunning

[@kannjanichtsein7700]

So truth. I call those parts the Alan Wilder Breaks. It's on my opinon present on a lot of Songs. In I feel you, the pump Mix part of PJ. Those parts started with Lie to me in my eyes. There they are omnipresent for the very first time on a DM Album.

[@rachaelroessler9978]

Agreed 100%

[@Morse___]

So happy you announced the Songs of Faith & Devition upcoming review. CANNOT WAIT for that - a seminal moment in my life and for DM.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Cheers Jamie!! VG :-)

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

@@VaughnGeorge Im mostly excited for dissecting ULTRA and DELTA MACHINE

[@theoldloveexcuse7860]

This album is framed and glassed on my wall. So many memories. A truly life changing record.

[@cloudbloom]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Love your breakdowns as always✌

[@spootnik00]

22:58 that part you played is in the album version around the 2 minutes mark, great review as always VG!

[@morgankw]

Loving this series. As being a Devotee, a vocalist, and a musical knowlege nerd, it really fulfills me. Many many thank yous! It would be such a treat for an analysis of Gore-isms!

[@highwayman1218]

New viewer and great content! Il never forget after getting the Violator cd when it came out..... Pulled into work in morning and loudly playing "Policy of truth" on the loud system in my truck (loud stereo systems is what the kids did in the 80s here in Southern California). A guy began wildly dancing on the sidewalk, ran up to my truck, was totally into it and was asking me all about DM and this cd.. I'll always remember that moment everytime I hear it.... 👍👍

[@VaughnGeorge]

Welcome to the tribe Highwayman! Good to have you here!! VG

[@enriquegutierrezjr4710]

Hey Vaughn, great album reviews thank you for the content. I believe that little drone section in Martin's set up is the part where it goes "Never again is what you..." right before the trumpets. Greetings from Tijuana Mexico

[@VaughnGeorge]

Enrique!! Garcia’s amigo!! I’m glad you are enjoying the series !! VG 👍😎

[@niklasandersson9084]

Fascinating! Yet another great video. Looking forward to part 13.

[@daveschrdinger]

Vaughn, I think that's my favourite Episode of Violator series. Just watched it on Patreon.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank You Dave!! VG :-)

[@ultramet]

Thank you for covering one of my favorite DM songs. Video filmed in NYC and you can see places like the meatpacking district, lower east side and the Central Park reservoir before NYC became gentrified. Ultramet is headed to your Patreon now.

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Ultramet!! I look forward to inviting you in to the Patreon community!! VG :-)

[@ultramet]

@@VaughnGeorge My pleasure. Your content has been a godsend to us diehard DM fans and it’s the least I could do to keep your channel strong. BTW, you wouldn’t believe where I am right now--right by the Rose 🌹 Bowl in Pasadena, CA. “Good Evening, Pasadena”. Even the Pasadena Weekly has an entire article dedicated to the 101 concert this week.

[@isolar_THE_576th]

So many memories with this song. I remember first getting into Depeche and constantly hearing "Enjoy The Silence" and when "Policy of Truth" came on, I went back to the previous song. I finally opened my heart to it and I was astounded! My God this album.

[@MarcinZwir]

Oh man. "Policy of Truth" is still one of my two favourite DM tracks (along with "Walking..."). Such a great track! I think it was more than 10 years ago, when I was listening it on repeat. At the same time it was only a few years ago that I became serious DM fan. As far as SOFAD album reviev goes: CAN'T WAIT! IMO one of the best albums ever made, definitely the best DM record. True masterpiece, where first four tracks are hit after hit.

[@andyry1269]

You are making me more interested in this guitar driven song, Sir. There are wonderful synth/sample elements and I love the sound bank demos on your Emax. -Andy Ry Denmark.

[@sergiolanda6263]

LOVE heraing your toughts and passion on DM. Much love VG

[@ageless30]

Policy is my favorite Violator single. Not my favorite track (torn between Waiting for the Night and Clean) . Always a fascinating watch ! Thanks VG.

[@marciochris75]

I like so much at the end when emerges a sound like a heavy train on track through a distant railway in the silent dawn. And then it bends and fuses into a guitar riff.

[@depeche7289]

I really like when you go through the soundbanks. Brilliant!

[@ninawildr4207]

Yes The Big One!!!! Cant wait! Thank you sooooooo much for everything that you do Vaughn...this was lovely...much needed ...it animated my spirits ...still recovering...💕💕💕

[@Morse___]

Just signed up to your Patreon site as I love these vids and wanted more content. Live this track and the lyrics, particularly. It’s a bit of a “taking the moral high ground” kind of track. Serious song with a beautifully melancholy jazzy, bluesy musical scenario. Brilliant stuff Vaughn ☺️

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you my friend !! I look forward to inviting you inside the Inner Circle!! VG :-)

[@linobianchi7728]

Always a big pleasure listening to your great analysis!

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Lino!! VG :-)

[@leenewcome85]

Once again another great insight into the violater album review thanks for sharing VG take care 🙂

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Lee!! VG :-)

[@h.ferguson3645]

Excellent review. I highly recommend joining Vaughn ‘s Patron .

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you so much for the shout-out my friend !! VG :-)

[@gloraditch6915]

Off topic: Your chicken 'Cluck' sound byte just had my German Shorthaired dog come running to the window and look outside - - no joke.

[@mikeL65000]

Good vid. Man I can't wait for Blue Dress!!!

[@civicmindedjimthehonest6389]

I find policy of truth is one of those songs, that lends itself really well to extended versions. The synth backing and drum tracks, I reckon I could listen to that alone as an intro for about 10 minutes. You wouldn't even realise it was that long 🤔🤔 I listen to depeche mode at some point every day probably, it would have maybe been weekly pre Vaughn George. I just can't get enough.......... Alan Wilder

[@MUSiC-world-20986]

Definitely my jam from VIOLATOR album My first jam from this MASTERPIECE OF AN ALBUM was "World in My Eyes", then it changed to "Enjoy the Silence", then it changed (once again) to "Clean", but now it's "Policy of Truth".

[@h1gh-arty774]

Great video as always !

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Bro!! VG :-)

[@lonelarsen9226]

Love your Channel ❤️❤️

[@VaughnGeorge]

Love ya straight back my friend !! VG 🎹👍😎

[@dalidamezine5219]

Good afternoon VG ‼️👋👋🎧 🎤🎼🎵🎶🎹📺 VERY GOOD thanks ‼️🤓😎🤠👌🏽👌🏽😽😻😃🥳🤩😍🥰♥️❤️💝

[@siliconteens5637]

Hej Vaughn, they (Alan, I supose) added the "bendinge" on the samples (TC:25:14), because the Emax had no Portamento functionality. The sounds that are further up on Martin´s layer (fifth octave), are backomg sounds for Policy of Truth, which are present in the original by the end and the "droning" part (mind protocol when repeating the song om my mind). Not used live I supose.

[@niklasandersson9084]

Can't wait for Songs of Faith and Devotion (My favorite DM album).

[@ash23neuro]

Here we go! SoFaD is only two more tracks from here ⚡

[@ericlavallee]

and speaking of Songs of Faith and Devotion (can't wait for your album review series on this one VG!!!!), I would so love if the band would consider a mini 20 date tour for this album only (a la U2's The Joshua Tree redux) prior to permanently waving goodbye.

[@Esperluet]

26:30 The bent slide guitar from G to E flat is missing

[@NicHills]

My favourite Mode track for years only beaten by Walking in My Shoes…

[@vilhjalmrwt]

You are so talented! Thanks for sharing with your fans and of course Depeche Mode forever Long live the sounds of our lifetime Long live the sounds of the universe

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you so much!! VG :-)

[@Kaitlin267]

Getting the sense that the "shouldn't hid it, should've knew" was about being underage, but you know, we didn't talk about that back then. Not blaming anyone, but back in the early 90s I could see it, and did back then. I am old now; don't come for me.

[@Kubit76]

The samples are Amazing. I would okey them for weeks

[@anitaklisovic7782]

...is simplicity best or simply the easiest? the narrowest path is always the holiest...

[@xpimpfx]

Helo VG😊. I love your song analyzes and take a lot of knowledge from them but when you play "Gore-ism" it looks like a B chord. I think you made a mistake and you should play G7/B. Hope you can check what the G7/B sounds like😉. There is also a small detail about your analysis. In the score, there is the A flat major chord not G sharp ☺ Greetings to you.

[@lisajohnson1528]

G sharp is a a flat also

[@xpimpfx]

@@lisajohnson1528 Yes of course. G# = A flat, but considering the harmonies in this case, you must use A flat major in notation of the chord.

[@TheCarporation]

@@lisajohnson1528 The note is the same, but if you look at it scientifically, then in this key you need to call it A flat. Don't be a Fletch. Hahaha

[@lisajohnson1528]

@@TheCarporation you musically it should be Ab as the scale its in that's what fletch told me

[@JackHekler]

I would enjoy a video on "Gore-isms" I have always wanted to hear an expert on music theory explain what is going on in DM music

[@vilhjalmrwt]

Oh.... I love Policy of Truth!!!

[@dalidamezine5219]

I'm going to buy myself the VG "Violator" vinyl at Fnac en CD et DVD 🥳🤩😍😭🤣😂😅😆😂😅😆😁😄 It's gonna be really super cool VG‼ ️🤓😎🤠🎹🎶🎵🎼👍💪📻👋🎧🎤📺

[@moonflick]

I love the track and production so much, it's in my top 5 DM tracks period. But the lyrics are so subversive, so clever. I still find myself surprised sometimes that they actually went there, so-to-speak. To say, "you know what friend? Sometimes you need to lie." Not as a joke, not as a way to live on the downlow or somesuch, but simply as a survival mechanism. As you say, a very adult concept and (unfortunately?) a truism.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

that part of the song, never again is what you awore...the time before...story of my life...a man would think I would learn till now, but, no

[@vilhjalmrwt]

Excellent

[@vilhjalmrwt]

I sitting here On the toilet Watching and listening I'm understanding the music I'm understanding the pain What I feel with depeche mode The music that flows Through My arteries

[@lisajohnson1528]

Lol made me laugh with your fletch impression crucified lol ty

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Had problems called life. Now I'm here again. With my Personal Jesus...

[@anderslarsson6149]

Sign up on Patreon!! Love it! 🖤🌹

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Anders!! Love you bro!! VG :-)

[@radmiladjurica9050]

fantastic song:)

[@watkins7086]

Would really like a 'Gore-ism' video!

[@dalidamezine5219]

Was that your Depeche album or were there others? And the least one VG ?🙀🤦🙆🙋😆😄🤓👌🏽🎹🥳😍😍😭🤣😂😼💓💗💞💕

[@VaughnGeorge]

That is my copy of Violator. VG :-)

[@notyourchannelyt7481]

You keep forgetting that there are 2 guitar bend parts

[@HappyMealBieber]

what does fletch do?

[@EtsiJuuret]

Wining, dining, biding his time.

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Goreism is a way his brain functions, you could write a book about it

[@anitaklisovic7782]

Don't know sometimes whether you are serious or not

[@TheCarporation]

Hello. Harmony in verses C C A flat C. You made a mistake. ;)

[@VaughnGeorge]

Really? Please elaborate, thank you my friend, VG :-)

[@michaelkuchenbecker1688]

@@VaughnGeorge Hi! Thanks a lot for all of your videos and the effort you made to begin with! Keep up the great work! Yet I also think the verse chord is rather Ab major the f minor, since the bass note is Ab. The bass plays c c c c d c ab ab c c d c. BTW, since the song's key is c minor, there is technically also no G# but Ab - even though it's the same note/key on the piano. This is an enharmonic change. Since the scale contains a G, there can't be an altered version of the note at the same time. And I also believe the "Gorism" chord is not B major but G Major/B; G Major chord being the dominant chord in c harmonic minor, adding suspense until resolving into c minor. I doubt there is an F# note played at that time. Forgive me, I don't mean to be nit-picking here! ;-)

[@VaughnGeorge]

@@michaelkuchenbecker1688 thank you my friend and I do appreciate the input so please don’t apologise, I’m going to have a look at what you’ve said and experiment with the chords you’ve suggested !! Cheers matey !! VG 🎹👍😎

[@alexshlogin7288]

Xueta

[@niallmcdonagh1093]

When you look at the garbage out there at 90 to 100 thousand subscribers and gold like Vaughan is in the lower 20s... je désespère...hoffenlich....it's not too late to change events....

[@VaughnGeorge]

Thank you Niall!! It saddens me that my channel is failing to break through. I do feel like a failure for it........VG😞

[@Kubit76]

By the way, you have to be a real bum as a keyboard player (Fletch) to miss any of those simple notes as a “musician”. Muting the notes is just wrong

[@thesynthfloyd]

I really think that DM should have changed the name of the group after Alan left.

[@ash23neuro]

They were DM before Alan so why? It wouldn't change anything.

[@thesynthfloyd]

@@ash23neuro Oh...so you take things literally? Please, think.

[@manlynrivera7659]

Alan wasn't even in the band when the name was selected.

[@jacopo.dainotto]

Dave came up with the name, not Alan

[@ash23neuro]

I know exactly what you mean by saying they should rename the band to Demo Mode after AW left

[@tomwenzel4018]

I think it's true that Dave played the guitar on crucified. Alan confirmed this on his website at the Q+A