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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
Playing The Angel
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 22 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 174 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Reprise
Release Date: 18 October 2005
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Alternative, Electronic
Summary
Borrowing a page from late-80s to early-90s DM in terms of sound (and possibly even quality), the Ben Hillier-produced 'Angel' is the first Depeche Mode album to feature some David Gahan-penned songs in addition to the usual assortment of Martin Gore tracks.
Also By This Artist: Exciter Sounds Of The Universe
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
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...
E! Online
Not only is Depeche Mode virtually indestructible, the pioneering British synth-pop group also keeps getting better.
Read Full Review >Stylus Magazine
Every moment screams to be played a little bit louder and a little bit longer; because Playing the Angel is just that good.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
Sounds so sure and committed that it could be the work of a new band. [Nov 2005, p.127]
All Music Guide
Like the best Depeche Mode, almost everything on the album will make an initial wowing impact while remaining layered enough in subtle details to surprise and thrill with repeated listens.
Read Full Review >Filter
It's got all the allure of classic D-Mode, but there's that lingering hint of taking oneself a tad too seriously. [#17, p.97]
Billboard
Revels in dirty guitars and fuzzy distortion while maintaining Depeche Mode's familiar electronic sound. [22 Oct 2005]
musicOMH.com
Some may say it doesn't move Depeche Mode forward a great deal; I say I don't give a damn, it's a real treat and I'll have some more, please.
Read Full Review >Playlouder
'Playing the Angel' is hardly the most essential Depeche Mode album ever, but it is Depeche Mode doing what they do best.
Read Full Review >Urb
[A] remarkable return to form. [Oct 2005, p.75]
Uncut
A pleasant surprise: engaging, exciting, and a much better album than most bands can muster after 25 years together. [Nov 2005, p.106]
Alternative Press
It's DM's ability to make you dance and look over your shoulder--sometimes simultaneously--that makes them relevant. [Dec 2005, p.212]
Mojo
Shows a good deal more focus than their last two studio efforts. [Nov 2005, p.104]
Under The Radar
It's taken ten years, but our beloved Mode has returned in fast fashion. [#11, p.106]
Drawer B
The album skillfully and confidently showcases all of Martin Gore’s songwriting strengths.
Read Full Review >Entertainment Weekly
Their most self-assured and accessible release in over a decade. [28 Oct 2005, p.83]
Los Angeles Times
There's an unexpected freshness to most of the songs. [16 Oct 2005]
The Guardian
It may be grim round Depeche's way, but they don't let it get in the way of a good melody.
Read Full Review >Pitchfork
If you really are the sort of person who's been waiting with bated breath for a new Depeche Mode release, then don't worry: You'll love this. Dear everyone else: It's pretty okay.
Read Full Review >Rolling Stone
The formula remains largely the same, although the group adds some production tricks, dialing down the perv factor and turning up some extra chirps and bloops they haven't used before.
Read Full Review >New Musical Express
Far from bad... but so much of it sounds like a museum piece, the glum-pop self-harmings of another time. [12 Nov 2005, p.45]
Blender
The second half drops off badly--the band seem to think that the tonic for a weak lyric is to slow the tempo to a crawl. [Nov 2005, p.130]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 8.9 (out of 10) based on 174 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
DexStud gave it a9:
Stellar entry from synth-pop's greatest guys. Covers many genres including: alt rock, dance, and, pop. Once again proves Depeche Mode as one of the greatest bands of all time.
ian b gave it a10:
I hated this and wanted to sell it on ebay, but after a lengthy gap, i returned to it and playing the angel is an amazing album, after several listens it hits you. It is a very modern classical album - it's complex and the songs are built with perfect components- it's dm's equal to radioheads in rainbows, keep listening you will get it.
f_ii gave it a9:
Just cool, amazing album.
tim e gave it a0:
I freaking hate this band and any other of those goofy synth rock Richard Blade douche bags that passed around nothing but crap in the 80s. Thank God for Sonic Youth, the Pixies and the Mary Chain. This genre should have never made a comeback. Fortunately it was so obnoxious that the 90s is making an early comeback. Shoegaze killed synth and that's why it's my favorite genre. This was glorified garbage and nobody took it seriously. If they're so dark and gloomy they should have ended it all in their heyday and given up on this bullshit that passes of as music.
Louise S gave it a4:
I'm really dissapointed. sounds like adults trying to tell what it's like being a teenager, they've simply lost it.
Brooke O. gave it a4:
Overrated! "Precious" is there best track in a long time, but, past that, not much else on here to enjoy. I wish they would either hook back up w Alan or call it quits. DM are no longer relevent to anything or anyone, save themselves and their bank account.
Oskar S gave it a10:
It made me feel emotions that I haven´t felt since 1990. Great collection of addictive songs..
