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musicOMH.com

These songs show him in a newly redemptive prime, and will satisfy both short and long term devotees.

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Observer Music Monthly

This kind of electro-glam was acceptable in the Eighties, and Hourglass proves that it still is.

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Hot Press

Gahan hasn’t arrived at the palace of wisdom yet, but it sounds like he’s enjoying travelling this new route there.

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All Music Guide

A more electronic, better built, and altogether better deal than "Monsters," thanks mostly to the singer and-don't-you-forget-to-mention songwriter's better sense of self.

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Billboard

Dave Gahan wisely returns to the highly synthesized electronica of his main band Depeche Mode.

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Under The Radar

Gahan has crafted an genuine album utilizing old and new tricks in surprisingly adept and original ways. [Fall 2007, p.73]

Dot Music

There are a couple of moments where Hourglass works perfectly.

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The Onion (A.V. Club)

Gahan has actually made one of the year's best-sounding electronic releases, containing a surprisingly small number of cringe-inducing moments.

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Lost At Sea

For the most part Dave Gahan has a lot of catching up to do after his lackluster solo debut, and Hourglass, while an improvement, will likely suffer from the continued fallout of "Paper Monsters."

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PopMatters

Hourglass isn't a perfect album by any means, but it's got enough really good stuff on it to make your overlook the not-so-good.

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Uncut

Gahan is a way off from being a David Sylvian–-but not as far as you might think.

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Q Magazine

It's a vibrant affair. [Nov 2007, p.138]

Rolling Stone

On Hourglass, he makes a very Depeche-sounding album indeed.

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Mojo

Hourglass plays the "I, an artist" card with equal earnestness, a collection of electronic songs that mix dungeon-master sexual predation with angst-ridden introspection. [Nov 2007, p.104]

Pitchfork

The problem is that while Hourglass has Gahan sounding a lot more assured and competent as a songwriter, it's also too much what you'd expect of him.

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Spin

Houglass blatantly resembles sedate, later-day Depeche. [Nov 2007, p.118]

Hartford Courant

Left to his own devices, Gahan, a mediocre songwriter at best, is forced to rely mostly on personality. Hourglass, his second solo album, is more a collection of moods than tunes.

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NOW Magazine

Some songs start out peppy and intriguing, but his moaning over top sucks all the life out of the groove.

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What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this album is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 22 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Julian G gave it a9:
Very interesting. I haven't expected that much from Dave (I mean, I absolutely love his 'Depeche Mode voice'... but...). There are many good texts and I claim that other people insinuating that it is too much a Depeche-like album to be good are pretty wrong: cannot they see (hear) the difference? Anyway, critics in general are so skilled to denigrate artists and their work, that it doesn't seem astonishing... Even if there are some similarities - and 'its absolutely not a problem, considering his amazing Depeche performances - why doesn't he have the right to bring a little of their atmosphere in his own songs? No, I think we have here a good stuff.

Champer D gave it a9:
Noy perfect, but I just love it.

DJ PAUL MC gave it a7:
Gahan's second solo release has peaks & valleys, plenty of different sounds. The remix CD of the first single "Kingdom" gives the song some definite added punch. There is also a vinyl-only 12" single of Kingdom that has a fantatic remix by Ralphi Rosario and Jody Denbroeder. Hard to find, but definitely worth seeking out! Hourglass is unique full length, and if your a longtime Depeche Mode fan you will appreciate it.

carol g gave it a10:
the worst thing an artist can do is listen to the critics opinions. for if they had the talent they wouldn't be making a living off judging others. i praise Dave for a job well done, you have the voice and talent, and a handsome performer! Keep up the good work, I also hope Depeche Mode will get together for another tour sometime.

jiltd gave it a9:
Best of two so far. Some pieces (Saw Something, Use You, Endless) are on par with Martin's best songs. I must admit i was skeptical about Dave could pull out something big like Hourglasses, especially after rather weak Paper Monsters.

Chantal M. gave it a10:
Great album Dave!! You have always had a great voice. I am from South Africa and will always listen to you and Depeche Mode!

jyotirmaya das gave it a7:
I love it! Dave is quite an artist. I like his solo work much more than I do Depeche Mode.

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Hourglass

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