Exciter - Depeche Mode
Exciter Image
Metascore
65 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.1 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 47 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: 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."… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. L.A. Weekly
    90
    Mellow, dramatic and bathed in atmosphere, Exciter is the sound of a band at the height of its powers.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    Lyrical gloom aside, though, 'Exciter' sounds like a band not just revitalised but reassembled from scratch. Not many long-running groups could make an album this fresh and confident in their 20th year, never mind one which bridges timeless soulman crooning and underground techno.
  3. Playlouder
    60
    'Exciter' stakes a hell of a claim on bringing Depeche Mode into the 21st century.
  4. Village Voice
    30
    Like nearly any DM record, Exciter, their 14th album, mostly leaves one hungry for the inevitable remixes.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 30
  3. Negative: 1 out of 30
  1. AndrewT
    10
    It´s one of the best sites in the web
  2. MatiasM
    10
    Excellent!!!!
  3. AlvinA
    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... … Expand
  4. DexStud
    7
    At times very beautiful and melodic. Dave Gahan sings like an angel. However most of the songs lack a specail zing that would make the album great instead of good.… Collapse

See all 30 User Reviews

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