The years '81-'85

Although their first single was originally "Photographic" in 1980, I chose 1981 as a starting point, because that is the year when DM published their first album on Mute Records: "Speak and Spell".

At that time DM were Vince Clarke, Martin Gore, David Gahan and Andrew Fletcher. Their first album was quite a success and I think everyone still remembers the hit-single "Just can't get enough".

But soon after that Vince Clarke left the band and later founded "Erasure", which was also a very renowned electro-pop band of the 80's. When they recorded their second album - "A Broken Frame" - Alan Wilder joined them and took over Vince's part: keyboards and synths. Vocals were and are until now done by David. Martin on the other hand took over the song writing. And Andrew - well, Andrew... He sort of played keyboards, too. But Mr. Fletcher has also been always a kind of manager for the band, though he plays keyboards on the stage, too.

Although "A Broken Frame" was in the line of "Speak and Spell", their next album called "Construction Time Again" became a little more experimental, and also a little melancholic. This particular sound became some kind of trademark for DM and Martin's songs. Soon thereafter followed "Some Great Reward" (1984) which featured some great hits, like "People Are People" and "Master And Servant". On this album the sound is quite "industrial". DM uses heavy and mechanic-sounding samples, though the songs are quite melodic. The titles also express a strong feeling of anger and sadness - again.

The years '86-'90

With the year 1986 came the fifth album ("Black Celebration") and also a change in DM's style. Though it was not that great a change, Martin's songs grew ever darker and more mysterious. Some of the hits on this album include "Stripped" and "Fly On The Windscreen".

A year later the very important album "Music For The Masses" came out. Again DM shows great innovative ideas, many songs feature some guitar strikes which give the songs sharpness. Songs like "Never Let Me Down Again" or "Behind The Wheel" sound so much different than the older DM albums. The whole album emanates a feeling of breaking away, voyaging, travelling. Into this spirit fits also the B-side of the "Behind The Wheel"-single, which was a reinterpretation of "Route 66".

In 1988 followed the famed video, tour and double live album "101". This featured all their greatest hits to date and the video was done by legendary D.A. Pennebaker.

In 1990 finally "Violator" was published. This album is a sleek, nifty pop-album. Not that innovative, but it features many catchy tunes like "Enjoy the Silence" or "World in My Eyes". And last but not least "Personal Jesus". I personally consider "Violator" one of DM's best albums, because the synth-sounds are just great, and the music is also very danceable. But as said afore, it's not that intellectually intriguing.

From '91 to present

After a pause the album "Songs of Faith and Devotion" hit the scene in 1993. This was probably their commercially most succesful album. "Walking in my shoes", "I Feel You" and "Condemnation" are featured on this album.

But here at their peak of success also the problems began to rise. After the "Devotional"-Tour Alan Wilder quit the band in 1995 to concentrate on his solo project "Recoil". David Gahan attempted to commit suicide and had serious drug problems.

However, the band overcame all those problems and returned in 1997 with their album "Ultra". In my opinion this is their most innovative album ever. It features hits like "Barrel Of A Gun" or "It's No Good", and also more athmospheric and instrumental titles like "Jazz Thieves".

In 1998 followed the second singles compilation "DM 86-98" and also the "Singles Tour", which was a great success. For the end of 2000 a new single has been announced and a new album for the beginning of 2001. So there seems to be more Mode on its way...

Mode on the net

The official homepage of DM on the net can be found here. You can find there a complete archive of their discography, lyrics and excerpts from nearly all music videos and also other video material.

Another place to look is the alt.music.depeche-mode newsgroup on the usenet. There you will also find a lot of user homepages dedicated to DM.

DM's label Mute Records can also be found on the net. They also feature many other prominent artists like Recoil, Moby, Einstürzende Neubauten or Nick Cave.