Delta Machine
by Depeche Mode
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Mar 26, 2013
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 33 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 33
  3. Negative: 1 out of 33
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  1. American Songwriter
    Mar 27, 2013
    50
    It’s hard to imagine anyone other than extreme DM reactionaries finding anything here essential besides the abovementioned tracks [“Soft Touch / Raw Nerve” and “Soothe My Soul”], the stirring “Secret To the End,” and the mid-tempo “Broken.
  2. Austin Chronicle
    Oct 4, 2013
    40
    The camp is layered on thick, just as it always was, yet this time it crosses the thin line these electro pioneers once walked with ease.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 4, 2013
    50
    Depeche Mode’s biggest crime is that they're just a bit boring.
  5. Exclaim
    Mar 25, 2013
    40
    As it stands, it's another tiresome release studded with a few gems.
  6. Mojo
    Apr 9, 2013
    60
    Song titles like Soothe My Soul and The Child Inside suggest phoned-in conventionality, but there are edgy moments here. [May 2013, p.85]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 8, 2013
    50
    Where this album tries for a harder, more adventurous sound, they’re still stuck with one leg in leather trousers.
  8. No Ripcord
    Apr 23, 2013
    60
    Despite many good songs on this album, you will definitely get a sense that Depeche Mode is in a holding pattern.
  9. Pitchfork
    Mar 28, 2013
    50
    There is not a single moment of shock or freshness on Delta Machine, and it's enormously frustrating to hear what was once a band of futurists so deeply mired in resisting change.
  10. Resident Advisor
    Apr 15, 2013
    60
    Considering the odds, it shows an animated and still vigorous trio worthy of its semi-legendary status.
  11. The Guardian
    Mar 21, 2013
    60
    On their 13th album, Depeche Mode are as hamstrung as ever by their refusal to admit even a chink of light into their world of gloom.... The flip side of the coin is that the austere music that accompanies all this darkness is often very beautiful.
  12. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 22, 2013
    40
    Depeche Mode's weakest album in some while.
  13. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Mar 25, 2013
    60
    Surprises are few and what Delta Machine lacks is one big, arena-ready, fist-in-the-air synthpop stormer.
  14. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 25, 2013
    40
    It blows hot and cold.
  15. Uncut
    Mar 29, 2013
    60
    In spite (or maybe because) of their flaws, there's a vivid presence to tracks like "Heaven" and "My Little Universe" that fans will flock to and onlookers can't help but smile at. [May 2013, p.69]
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  16. Under The Radar
    Mar 22, 2013
    55
    Depeche Mode click here slightly more often than not. [Mar-Apr 2013, p.91]

Awards & Rankings

51
#51 Most Discussed Album of 2013

User Reviews

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 125 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 101 out of 125
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 125
  3. Negative: 6 out of 125
  1. depechemode4lif
    Mar 30, 2013
    9
    it's their best album in 15 years without a doubt. the sound it's just amazing. this mix of blues, synth-pop and dark ballads mix very well.it's their best album in 15 years without a doubt. the sound it's just amazing. this mix of blues, synth-pop and dark ballads mix very well. Dave gaham voice really amaze because he really push himself… Full Review »
  2. musicjustrocks
    Mar 26, 2013
    8
    Delta Machine, the new album from pop-electronic titans Depeche Mode marks a strong return for the trio with dark lyrics, powerful synths andDelta Machine, the new album from pop-electronic titans Depeche Mode marks a strong return for the trio with dark lyrics, powerful synths and Martin Gore’s trademark guitar sound. Welcome to My World kicks things off with cinematic sound, a huge chorus and industrial thumps, and deep lyrics sung by vocalist, Grahan.

    Angel, My Little Universe, Should be Higher, Alone and Soothe My Soul continue the album’s dark theme, and give Grahan a chance to perfect his crooning, aggressive voice. The album’s first single, Heaven, is melodic and atmosphere and slows down the pace.

    Alongside a few brooding industrial tracks, the album also showcases some pop-electronic sounds that are more reminiscent of the group’s early days—songs like Broken, Secret to the End (the album’s catchiest track) and Slow Touch Raw Nerve.

    Delta Machine’s final track, Goodbye, pulsates with incredible force, driven by a distinctive moody guitar riff, with the outro featuring a final clash of sounds and energy.

    This may not be an album that will welcome in new listeners, but it is sure to please old and new fans alike.    … Full Review »
  3. steame
    Apr 6, 2013
    10
    EXCELLENT. As a fan since 1987, I had become rather unimpressed with DM from "Exciter" onwards. The three albums which precede Delta MachineEXCELLENT. As a fan since 1987, I had become rather unimpressed with DM from "Exciter" onwards. The three albums which precede Delta Machine had some interesting moments, but were very inconsistent and rather "by the numbers" Depeche Mode. Delta Machine puts all that to rights.

    It's a record which pushes the boundaries of the band in the way that "Violater" and "Faith & Devotion" did. It doesn't really sound like those records, but the willingness to take chances and genuinely experiment is what makes it comparable. Stand outs for me include "Welcome", "Alone", "Soft Touch" and perhaps surprisingly the Dave Gahan penned "Higher" and "Broken" despite its rather mediocre lyrics.

    A definite classic album which I have no doubt will be widely acknowledged as such in the years to come.    … Full Review »
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