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31Knots Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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Exciter
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This is the first album of new material since 1997's 'Ultra' for Depeche Mode, which again sees the band as a trio (consisting of David Gahan, Martin L. Gore, and Andy Fletcher) but also sees them experimenting more with a wider variety of sounds, including acoustic guitar. It is DM's first time in the studio with producer Mark Bell, who has previously worked with Bjork and was a member of the early-90s techno outfit LFO. The lead single from the 13-track album is "Dream On."
| LABEL: | Reprise |
| RELEASE DATE: | 15 May 2001 |
| DISCS: | 1 disc |
| GENRE(S): | Alternative, Electronic |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this album is 8.5 (out of 10) based on 39 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Andrew T gave it a10:
It´s one of the best sites in the web
Ben U gave it a9:
Depeche changes with each album and their changes are always good. They explore new areas of sound. This album is certainly different from Violater or SOFAD or even Ultra. The "Dead of Night" sounds a little alien and certainly the beat is irregulary and heavy. I love how after a few listens I start to crave the sound. Lovetheme is an unusual short song without any vocals. There is the normal split on DM albums of fast and slow songs. Breathe, Goodnight Lovers (who doesn't sing along to this song!), and When the Body Speaks are all slower songs that fill the listener with relaxed feelings and a mixed happy and sad emotional state. There are more upbeat songs lik Dream on and I Feel Loved that make the listener want to move in the way that DM so amazingly does. Songs from this album weren't played on the radio as much as songs from other albums because this album doesn't have the immediate grabbing popularity of songs that make the radio. I, personally, am sick of popular radio and its search for faddish and similar songs. However, listening to the Exciter CD a few times straight convinces me that there is as much depth in the album as in any other of their albums. Any DM fan should own a copy of the CD and will enjoy it. If you are new to DM start with one of their more mainstream ablums and discover the unique style that is DM.
Matias M gave it a10:
Excellent!!!!
Alvin A gave it a 10:
I don't see why DM is being given such atrocious reviews. It seems as if hard-core fans of DM's older material want every album to sound exactly like the work the band already produced during the 80s and early 90s. DM's older albums were all great, but wouldn't it sound rather boring if every song sounded alike? Instead of being ridiculed, the band should be complimented for keeping an open mind in the music industry. DM is at the point where evolution beyond what they've done is very important. Being fast and dancy is great, but being slow and introspective is great too. FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DISLIKE THE CD, I CANNOT CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVES. WHAT I CAN DO, HOWEVER, IS ENCOURAGE YOU TO HAVE A MORE OPEN MIND. THE CD ISN'T AS BAD AS YOU THINK ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Dream On, Shine, When the Body Speaks, The Dead of Night, I Feel Loved, Breathe, I Am You. I will admit that "The Sweetest Condition" doesn't appeal to me as much. Not to offend anyone who actually likes it! Peace...
Steve H gave it a 4:
A must say I was disappointed with this album. I have been a DM fan for some time now. The positive aspect of this album is that they embark on new areas of music. The down side is that is lacks evigorating and emotionally grabbing songwriting of which they used to have. Buy "Songs of Faith and Devotion" and you'll see an example of better musicianship.
Spooky gave it a 7:
This is an underappreciated album that has massively disappointed many devotees. That Exiter is a well-written, low-key, heartfelt effort does nothing to satisfy those looking for a more upbeat offering. While those people will wring their hands bemoaning the fact that DM has "gone soft", others will realize it is a collective exhale from a band who has earned the right to stand still for once and appreciate all the good things that life has to offer.
Adam X. gave it a 2:
By far the worst DM album ever made, and one of the worst I've had the displeasure of owning. Imagine Depeche Mode doing easy listening. Imagine struggling to get through the album without falling asleep. You've got Exciter. Yep, it's that bad. If you're expecting anything like any of the previous albums, forget it - the only resemblance is Gahan's voice. And even that isn't enough to save it, what with the cheeseball lyrics ("Taken in by the delicate noise / Knocked to the ground by subtle thunder") and ("What chance did I have / With the silver moon / Hanging in the sky / Opening old wounds") are just a drop in the bucket of mediocrity that drowns this album. Can you tell I was really, REALLY disappointed?
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