Playing The Angel
by Depeche Mode
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Oct 18, 2005
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 246 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 221 out of 246
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 246
  3. Negative: 11 out of 246

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  1. jothaxej
    Nov 1, 2005
    10
    This is why I still love Depeche Mode after all these years.
  2. heinec
    Nov 6, 2005
    10
    this is just so dm as dm can be. i love the feel and sound. every dm fan will love it, maby even some new listeners here and there..
  3. daved
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    a classic electrosoul cd. Never boring, never repetitive, lyrically brilliant. album of 2005.
  4. AndyE
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    great
  5. PeterS
    Nov 15, 2005
    10
    Mode's new album is nothing short of a masterpiece. Their opening show in Tampa was unbelievable. Tight music with vocals that combine and take you on a journey of sight & sound that is almost unmatched in music today.
  6. HenrikA
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    One of their absolute best
  7. JanR
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    great album! they are back!
  8. JoeC
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    My heart stopped when I first heard that DM was working on a new album. My boyfriend Rubin and I are lifelong fans, and just hearing the new material brings back many happy memories (thanks Rubin!)....
  9. DavidH
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    The addition of Dave's writing into the mix adds inspiration and new life to the band and keeps Martin on his toes. The analog factor is nice and hoping so desperately that some of the analog synths travel on tour with them and get some triggering live. The synthi, arp, jupiter, Juno, moog, oberheim, hoping and hoping that its not all pro tools audio we hear on tour and that its some The addition of Dave's writing into the mix adds inspiration and new life to the band and keeps Martin on his toes. The analog factor is nice and hoping so desperately that some of the analog synths travel on tour with them and get some triggering live. The synthi, arp, jupiter, Juno, moog, oberheim, hoping and hoping that its not all pro tools audio we hear on tour and that its some real gritty live triggering. I feel the presence of Alan Wilder back in the wings, lingering and hoping to step back to do some work with the band. His polish is something that could bring back the Violator days gone by. Great listen.… Expand
  10. coryh
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    rolling stone is such a bunch of want to be emo kids its a embarresment, stick to my chemical romance, this is a powerful cd, and it has some great songs that make you remember why there truly standing the test of time, 25 years .. wow
  11. mikeT
    Oct 27, 2005
    10
    I think that this album is a lot more akin to their older stuff than exciter was. Both were great albums, but this album kicks major ass! Precious, john the revelator, suffer well, lilian, a pain that i'm used to all kick major booty! Better than all of this saturated rap crap currently playing everywhere.....enough already! Buy this album!
  12. elo_rey
    Oct 30, 2005
    10
    DM doing their best again! perfect pop-synth songs, love the sound of these old sinthethizers.
  13. KurtA
    Jan 6, 2006
    10
    Depeche Mode Rules
  14. JuanR
    Oct 9, 2006
    10
    This album is dark and melodic. Best album since Songs of Faith and Devotion
  15. ianb
    Apr 30, 2009
    10
    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.
  16. Gaurav"Doc"M
    Nov 25, 2005
    10
    Though I am a long time fan, in honesty, this is some excllent work in production and writing. Depeche I feel has come in STRONG with this "Playing the Angel!" Well worth the wait for a classic DM album!
  17. Bulky
    Nov 29, 2005
    10
    PTA is awesome! It's not Violator Part II as some DM fans have lamented but who wants it to be. Had DM kept on doing the same old thing year in year out they would have lost their loyal fan base years ago and they would have ended up becoming a sad parody of the great band they used to be (Yes I'm talking to you Rolling Stones). DM do something fresh, different and rewarding PTA is awesome! It's not Violator Part II as some DM fans have lamented but who wants it to be. Had DM kept on doing the same old thing year in year out they would have lost their loyal fan base years ago and they would have ended up becoming a sad parody of the great band they used to be (Yes I'm talking to you Rolling Stones). DM do something fresh, different and rewarding with each record but yet still manage to sound distinctly like DM. PTA is no different. It might not be their best record but then again it just might be. Time will tell. DM fans, just rejoice because they have released a new album which will hopefully not be their last. New lfans, do yourselves a favour and go back through the DM catalogue and find out what you have been missing out on for the last 25 years.… Expand
  18. Jo
    Nov 5, 2005
    10
    Amazing how they can combine experience with authenticity. Fresh but mature, brand new but drawing on the best DM stuff of the late 80s, it's definitely music for sophisticated masses.
  19. calinv
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    PTA is a masterpiece of dark and dirty electronics : half of it is a puncher and the other half is a trip ; Few audio sessions are required and some into-electronica music preferences This album is for the masses who refuse to be shallow...
  20. DH
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Ace album, takes the best moments from the part 4 albums and combine them into one diverse and hyperactive synth rock album. Pure genius.
  21. ShaunR
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    This completely makes up for Exciter. This is Depeche Mode in top form!
  22. peteb
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Maybe their best album. For a 25 year old band that is incredible. Dark, daring and delicious Depechealbum!
  23. KevinA
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Best album this year by far.
  24. gianfrancol
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Best one since Violator album!! Great DM!!
  25. EliaR
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    excellent album, Nothing's Impossible and Suffer Well stand up as great and obscure tracks, actually the whole album it's genious
  26. IJekic
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Although DM are my favourite band, I never thought that they would release the masterpiece like this, after all affairs and time they spent together!! Congratulations guys!!
  27. Jared
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Depeche Mode is definitely back after 'Ultra' and 'Exciter' which contained some great and powerful songs, but did not have the same charm as 'Some Great Reward', 'Black Celebration', 'Music For The Masses', and 'Violator'. This album is on par with those classic albums and gave it a 10 because making music and staying a group Depeche Mode is definitely back after 'Ultra' and 'Exciter' which contained some great and powerful songs, but did not have the same charm as 'Some Great Reward', 'Black Celebration', 'Music For The Masses', and 'Violator'. This album is on par with those classic albums and gave it a 10 because making music and staying a group for 25 years is hard enough while coming out of the shadows of poor reviews from their last two previous attempts. They are truly back in great form!… Expand
  28. sunes
    Oct 19, 2005
    10
    Excellent! The mode back in shape. Classic feel, but as always totally reinvented them self.
  29. nats
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Amazing!!! They're back:)
  30. ADAMB
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Up there with violator + music for the masses - April can't come around quick enough!!
  31. DavidC.
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Freakin' A!!!! I love everything about this album; the music, the lyrics, Dave's voice... It'll stick in my heavy song rotation for a long while. Depeche Mode have just proven their staying power and that they're not done yet.
  32. StephenI
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    As usual, Depeche Mode manage to come out with an album that surprises, yet satisfies. At first listen I would have rated it a 7 1/2. But given a chance, the songs grow like a spark to a flame. Could have maybe tweaked a few things, but overall the album scores!
  33. CubeLuke
    Oct 20, 2005
    10
    I love DM since 1989 and my three best albums are MFTM, Violator and now also Playing the angel. Thank you Depeche Mode for this amazing album. I'm enjoying it all the time x-times a day and still discover new and new forms of live. DM FOREVER ;)
  34. BenjitheGreat
    Oct 21, 2005
    10
    Rolling Stone can kiss my freakin ass, this album is better than sex.
  35. RicardoC
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    Almost 25 years have passed since Depeche Mode recorded their first album, Speak and Spell. They became the best and most influential band in the electronic scene, and also one of the biggest and most important acts in the world. Obviously, all of these achievements force them to give their best in every new album they release. And this is what we find in Playing the Angel. The album starts with
  36. NankingY
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    I love this album!!! It's the best they have put out since Violator. I can't wait til their next one.
  37. Karen
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    As a fan of Depeche Mode's since I was 13, I have never faltered from them being the best out there. Their music ages well. Now with this album, they aren't slowing down. I would say it ranks up there with Music for the Masses, Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion.
  38. DaniilK
    Oct 24, 2005
    10
    The Best.......Rolling Stones are jealous s... some real views at life!!!
  39. AshleeS
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    First two singles are amazing. Sure the songs sound dated compared to the nasal banter of what the disney channel force feeds to young kids! Hats off to DM for keeping the faith. Reward Ashlee Simpson with endless media play and dump DM to the back of that rag of a magazine. I won't mind not hearing or seeing DM anywhere but my ipod.
  40. ozumgroup
    Jan 11, 2006
    10
    it is the best music group...
  41. RomascuA
    Nov 9, 2006
    10
    it's very good.
  42. BjörnL
    Jan 25, 2006
    10
    Best DM Album since Violator and I wouldnt be suprised if I will rank it as number 1 in a couple of years
  43. LiliM
    Jun 27, 2006
    10
    dm are consistent with producing classic albums one after the other. its music with meaning and is original and inspiring. you can listen to the alibum over and over again and each time you discover another sound, another part which relates to your life in some way. they are just like no other.
  44. AlvinA
    Jul 26, 2006
    10
    Depeche Mode stand as one of the greatest bands in the history of contemporary alternative pop music. Being my number 1 band, I must say that I am indeed impressed by the simple, yet well-layered beauty of each track. This sounds like Depeche Mode at their best, doing what they know: producing good rhythms, lyrics, vocals, and a collective pattern of sonic bliss. They still sound like Depeche Mode stand as one of the greatest bands in the history of contemporary alternative pop music. Being my number 1 band, I must say that I am indeed impressed by the simple, yet well-layered beauty of each track. This sounds like Depeche Mode at their best, doing what they know: producing good rhythms, lyrics, vocals, and a collective pattern of sonic bliss. They still sound like Depeche Mode, with the analog synths, but also more evolved, with more sophistacted electronic effects, and addictive guitar hooks. Way-2-Go! :) The best thing next to Some Great Reward and Violator. In some ways, even better! Stand out tracks: A Pain that I'm Used To John the Revelator Suffer Well The Sinner In Me Precious Nothing's Impossible The Darkest Star… Expand
  45. SaharM.
    Nov 21, 2005
    10
    The greatest album Lilian is the best and also others
  46. LeoMoz
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    so cool!!!
  47. josem
    Nov 3, 2005
    10
    muy buen material
  48. robb
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    Best album since Violator...Great work DM!
  49. NikD
    Oct 17, 2005
    10
    it is just an amazing piece of work, you need to listen a few times and then you get really addicted to it !! let the electricity flow...
  50. HapF
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    Incredible. DM at purely great form.
  51. AramisG
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    A really solid album. It just pisses me off thinking it is going to take another 5 yrs to get more material out of these guys when this album is so good. Sounds like they have been listening to some of the bands they influenced (Xiu Xiu, etc.).
  52. GoranM
    Oct 18, 2005
    10
    it is a beautiful and mesmerising...true DM
  53. Endorphine
    Oct 22, 2005
    10
    Very vibrant and deeply layered music, that takes hold of your brain. Good to see a varied mix of songs this time, and more upbeat.
  54. SteveJ
    Dec 2, 2005
    10
    A truley incredible album. Like everyone else I agree their best since Violator. Also this is their best concert since world violation tour. I have no doubt that deeche mode is the greatest band ever to see live! I have seen bands like The Rollingstones, Matellica, Korn, Green Day, etc. Depeche Mode blows them away. Also I think that although depeche mode has never really been too A truley incredible album. Like everyone else I agree their best since Violator. Also this is their best concert since world violation tour. I have no doubt that deeche mode is the greatest band ever to see live! I have seen bands like The Rollingstones, Matellica, Korn, Green Day, etc. Depeche Mode blows them away. Also I think that although depeche mode has never really been too comercial and a household name like The Stones, U2, Beatles, Nirvana, etc. I really do pray that this will be their year to be recognized at the Grammys!! Some people say they are the kings of electronic music, I say they are the Beatles of Alternative music, Depeche Mode is truley in my opinion the Greatest Band in our generation!!!… Expand
  55. skyew
    Oct 26, 2005
    10
    Ive really enjoyed this album and i just cant get enough!
  56. OskarS
    Nov 21, 2006
    10
    It made me feel emotions that I haven´t felt since 1990. Great collection of addictive songs..
  57. jg
    Feb 21, 2006
    10
    some of DM's best stuff!!!!!!
  58. TaninoM
    Nov 13, 2005
    10
    A great album by one of the best and most consistent bands in th world. My favourite tracks are Precious, John The Relevator, Nothing is Impossible and Lilian. A great reurn to form !
  59. DavidZ
    Nov 18, 2005
    10
    Very enjoyable. A more industrial electronic sound than in recent albums. Martin's lyrics are thoughtful and interesting. I saw the live concert in Vancouver and it was excellent. It makes you realize how many great songs Depeche have written over the years. Best tracks Precious, Suffer Well (Dave Gahan wrote this - now I want to buy Paper Monsters CD) and the Darkest Star.
  60. AlexJ
    Nov 19, 2005
    10
    After several listens, I found my enjoyment growing and the emotional depths of DM's electronic layering as rich, unique and beautifully bizzare as any previous work of theirs that has endeared me so much to this group. Playing the Angel is full of fresh new sounds, providing an all too familiar sense of awe. How do they do it?
  61. LilianW
    Nov 26, 2005
    10
    ...I just cant get enough of Depeche Mode! Im really impressed with their new album...very very Depeche Mode-ish!! Cant express how honoured I felt (and still do -blush blush sigh sigh) seeing they came out with a song called Lilian.....with ONE L, too!! Now thats what I call justice in the world!!!
  62. jennifer
    Nov 26, 2005
    10
    doesn't get any better than this....live in san diego was awesome.
  63. erikam
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    the best!!!
  64. RobertN
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    Great album from a great band.
  65. devotee
    Nov 29, 2012
    10
    While most recognize that DM began to ascend around Black Celebration and peaked somewhere between Violator and SoFaD, this is the blip in the flat line that makes you think there still may be some life left in them. Suffer Well, Nothing's Impossible, Precious...all brilliant. Even the b-sides from this album's singles rock. Get everything you can related to this album! Singles, TourWhile most recognize that DM began to ascend around Black Celebration and peaked somewhere between Violator and SoFaD, this is the blip in the flat line that makes you think there still may be some life left in them. Suffer Well, Nothing's Impossible, Precious...all brilliant. Even the b-sides from this album's singles rock. Get everything you can related to this album! Singles, Tour DVDs, remixes...… Collapse
  66. sufferingwell
    Feb 9, 2013
    10
    With hindsight being 20-20, and this review being written 7-1/2 years after the released of this album, I can write, without any hesitation, that Playing the Angel is my favorite Depeche Mode album and that is saying a lot because I am a completely devoted fan of the band since I first heard them in 1986. Playing the Angel is a different kind of Depeche Mode album and it would be unfairWith hindsight being 20-20, and this review being written 7-1/2 years after the released of this album, I can write, without any hesitation, that Playing the Angel is my favorite Depeche Mode album and that is saying a lot because I am a completely devoted fan of the band since I first heard them in 1986. Playing the Angel is a different kind of Depeche Mode album and it would be unfair to try and compare it with any other album, except maybe Violator. This album is so good that it has been the staple of my musical diet since the day it was released. What sets this album apart from all others are two secret ingredients never before present in a Depeche Mode album. First is a unique and permeating throbbing that flows from song to song and ties them all together, and secondly David Gahan contributed songs to the album, and not just any songs, a couple of fantastic songs. Individually, nearly every song is excellent beginning with the explosive opening of A 'Pain That I'm Used To' right down to the last note of the last song 'Darkest Star'. This album is far greater though than the sum of its individually outstanding parts, and that is what sets this album apart. 'Suffer Well' is my personal favorite, and this song has replaced 'In Your Room' from 'Songs of Faith and Devotion' as my all-time favorite Depeche Mode song. I find it very ironic that 'Suffer Well' (written by David Gahan) has become my favorite DM song of all time because it is the first song written by anybody but Martin Gore in 25 years, and I have long considered Martin Gore to be among the greatest songwriters of all time. This album excels on all levels and there are six standout tracks that help give this album an unparalleled timelessness and longevity: John the Revelator, Suffer Well, Sinner in Me, Precious, Nothing's Impossible, and Darkest Star.… Expand
  67. commentspae
    May 14, 2021
    10
    Ironic how this is an album I favour the most out of professional Depeche Mode groups works and yet for hundreds of the generic fans who claim to be "devoted", this was the last straw. If anything, this is the stylistic revival for the analog mishap that was Exciter, that was also a non-functioning mess of a production and quite possibly the hardest, most obnoxious album of theirs to justIronic how this is an album I favour the most out of professional Depeche Mode groups works and yet for hundreds of the generic fans who claim to be "devoted", this was the last straw. If anything, this is the stylistic revival for the analog mishap that was Exciter, that was also a non-functioning mess of a production and quite possibly the hardest, most obnoxious album of theirs to just casually sit through out of all of them, future ones included. I have been a fan since my introduction to them at the time I was born in early 2004; if I was born in the 20th century, I'd STILL claim this to be one of the better albums of theirs rather than the worse and STILL wouldn't immediately refer back to Violator as the best as though they're not even remotely comparable in terms of, basically anything worth comparing them to. The likes of 'Nothing's Impossible' doesn't match Violator's tracks, nor does 'Precious', the most popular track on this album in particular, and the same people choosing Violator over Playing the Angel are the same people who claim 'Precious' to be up at the top in terms of general tracks. However, contrary to the general consensus, 'Precious' is the more generic tracks on there, not only because it's popular, but because it sounds much more stereotypical than any of the other tracks and even the album's B-sides and repeats the same phrases over and over again without any difference. Even the piano leitmotif of that song is used for both the beginning and end with no significant difference, and the only other track on here that does anything similar to that is 'Suffer Well' with the guitar leitmotif written by Dave and performed by Martin.

    This album is its own thing, even the members themselves claim that by noting that it was produced by someone who has never heard of Depeche Mode, so there isn't a sign of the band's traditional pop sounds and sample works (of which meant that, prior to advanced technology, they used samples of things that weren't created primarily by them before transitioning to fully unique sounds, sampling being some people APPARENTLY like more). Comparing them is the biggest, most naïve action to make to reach a conclusion on the overall quality of Playing the Angel.    … Expand
  68. ludovicf
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    This is their best work since Music For The Masses !!! I'm not an hysterik fan and i love all kind of music ( rock, electro, pop, trip hop, classic etc...) The futur will be great with Depeche Mode ! Great record !
  69. f_ii
    Jan 30, 2009
    9
    Just cool, amazing album.
  70. RolandoL
    Nov 16, 2005
    9
    Amazing, back to what they stood for. Singing about life's sad side. The truth about what can and will wrong with many people's lives.
  71. EleannaD
    Nov 1, 2005
    9
    a mature evolution of Gore's genius
  72. BrentT
    Nov 6, 2005
    9
    As soon as I heard songs from this new album, I knew it would impress. Despite the fact that Depeche Mode hasn't had a fresh new album in some time, they keep the same catchy and mysterious tunes that can be compared to those older ones that made them famous, such as those on Violator. Their new production techniques make the album sound even more unique.
  73. Jemma
    Oct 24, 2005
    9
    It isn't my favorite Depeche Mode album, but it really refreshed my memory as to why I fell in love with this band in the first place. I can't wait to attend their concert!
  74. stefanoc
    Oct 31, 2005
    9
    Amazingly fresh, incredible modernization of a classic sound, great vocals, compact album conception, is this a brand new band or what? they are a cult. They are unique legacy. Tthey are a passionate devotion to quality music and intelligent tunes. Fav tune? That shouting feast Jhon the revelator: energetic, classic, modern, succint, powerful. Nothing is impossible with these guys, even Amazingly fresh, incredible modernization of a classic sound, great vocals, compact album conception, is this a brand new band or what? they are a cult. They are unique legacy. Tthey are a passionate devotion to quality music and intelligent tunes. Fav tune? That shouting feast Jhon the revelator: energetic, classic, modern, succint, powerful. Nothing is impossible with these guys, even producing such great music after 25 years. Thank you depeche, u made my day one of hope and pleasure.… Expand
  75. DecepticonPom
    Jan 2, 2006
    9
    Generation i-Pod has too short an attention span to award this album the patience that rewards such an outstanding album.
  76. precious
    Jan 4, 2006
    9
    I bought PTA the day of release, and have not stopped listening to it since (its been 4 months). It is a constant on all my cd players and on my so loved iPod. Not only has the album proven its worth on a million counts, its also shown me why I love DM in the first place. Ever track (aside from Macro--don't like that one at all) is so DM it hurts....Love it. I recently had the chance I bought PTA the day of release, and have not stopped listening to it since (its been 4 months). It is a constant on all my cd players and on my so loved iPod. Not only has the album proven its worth on a million counts, its also shown me why I love DM in the first place. Ever track (aside from Macro--don't like that one at all) is so DM it hurts....Love it. I recently had the chance to see them live in Toronto (for the PTA tour) and it was by far THE best concert I've been too. Dave Gahan is a beautiful, beautiful man.… Expand
  77. Fitter
    Mar 23, 2006
    9
    First of all, far far better than Exciter. And this is a big surprise. It seems some competition (two songwriters) greatly contributed to the final result. DM at last deliver a number of good songs and although these won't turn out to be particularly remarkable in their career, I belive the band did all they could at the moment. Standouts: Sinner in me and Suffer Well
  78. MooMants
    Apr 1, 2006
    9
    This is a great album. Classic Mode, but still fresh and addictive listening. Some really cool production touches. I bought it out of loyalty to an all time fave band, but now I can't stop listening to it.
  79. ManuelA
    Nov 27, 2005
    9
    Wow, the return to the 80's!. I feef well with them again.
  80. PalP
    Nov 4, 2005
    9
    It is a great CD. Of course the times of Violator or Songs of Faith and the 80's will never be back, but this is a great return. It is far superior than Ultra and that the dissapointing Exciter. With songs like Nothing's Impossible or Suffer Well they took me fifteen years ago to the good times of techno-goth heaven.
  81. nickw
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    this album is surprisingly and wonderfully consistent compared to the previous two disappointments. not the best album they ever put out, but definitely on par with 'black celebration' or 'music for the masses'. David Gahan's lyrics can be a little trite at times compared to the usual martin gore penned material, but it's definitely worthy of attention. this album is surprisingly and wonderfully consistent compared to the previous two disappointments. not the best album they ever put out, but definitely on par with 'black celebration' or 'music for the masses'. David Gahan's lyrics can be a little trite at times compared to the usual martin gore penned material, but it's definitely worthy of attention. having so much of my soul invested in music, and having spent much of my early teens being such a fan of these guys, i can't help but be put in a good mood when i listen to this CD.… Expand
  82. BitBurn
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    Needless to say, these ol' farts still have a few new tricks under their sleeves! From the first 3 seconds you can tell they're back with a vengeance! The sound is raw, intense but yet underneath all these brand new analog layers of cool dirty licks you still find that goody deep and distinctive DM melodies that never cease to please us! Wonderful!
  83. matts
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    brilliant-I just dont get these guys -how can a band over two decades of music and performances can actually get better!!.
  84. RenéL
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    Best DM album for many years. The fans have been longing for more pace and edge - and the band delivers. Biggest surprise must be Dave Gahans songwriting, which has improved significantly since Paper Monsters.
  85. MikaelN
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    Is so great!
  86. EdwardE
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    Fanfuckingstastic.
  87. richardh
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    We have stepped back to the outstanding anthems of Violator and SoFaD. Truly outstanding. Manchester 30th March cannot come soon enough!!
  88. Mairac
    Oct 20, 2005
    9
    Just amazing!
  89. craigm
    Oct 22, 2005
    9
    What was Rolling Stone thinking? They interview Dave Gahan in the same issue as Bono, with the latter's face taking up the entire front cover, then they trash the Depeche cd in the 30th review of the issue.This cd does loads more for me than Morrissey , Echo, R.E.M. AND U2's latest--their only worthy contemporaries still around (and I adore all 4 of the aforementioned) But this What was Rolling Stone thinking? They interview Dave Gahan in the same issue as Bono, with the latter's face taking up the entire front cover, then they trash the Depeche cd in the 30th review of the issue.This cd does loads more for me than Morrissey , Echo, R.E.M. AND U2's latest--their only worthy contemporaries still around (and I adore all 4 of the aforementioned) But this is surely one of their Depeche's albums in a very long time and to see it get dismissed by America's "premier" musical reviewer and be thrown in the issue as sidenote is a terrible disgrace. God bless these guys-25 yrs and still counting!… Expand
  90. BrianE
    Oct 28, 2005
    9
    Back to basics and a much better offering than Exiter, which didn't exite me at all needless to say (save for 2 good tracks). Strong vocals by Gahan on "John the Revelator", and gotta love the 80's feel of "Lillian" and "A Pain that I'm Used To". I can't stand people comparing this album to violator in a negative way because it not about trying to re-capture Violator. Back to basics and a much better offering than Exiter, which didn't exite me at all needless to say (save for 2 good tracks). Strong vocals by Gahan on "John the Revelator", and gotta love the 80's feel of "Lillian" and "A Pain that I'm Used To". I can't stand people comparing this album to violator in a negative way because it not about trying to re-capture Violator. It's simply an album that shows Mode can still produce great music midway through their second decade. Martin has a lot of music left in him, and Dave ain't too shabby either. All in all a refreshing and potent addition to the DM catalog.… Expand
  91. FuzikéaK
    Feb 12, 2006
    9
    The first listen got me hooked, and I must say that it just gets better the more I listen to it. PTA fully converted me to Depeche Mode. Only flaw: Please, please, please, don't pay attention to "Macro"...
  92. DexStud
    Jul 29, 2009
    9
    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.
  93. KevinH
    Oct 17, 2005
    9
    Great album - a definite return to form from Dave and the boys! Suffer Well is amazing - I can't stop playing it. I've got tickets for their show in Montreal and can't wait to go! Welcome back guys!
  94. Alex
    Oct 18, 2005
    9
    The best album after Violator. New sound challenges and still sounds like Depeche Mode.
  95. Ian
    Oct 19, 2005
    9
    Shades of Construction Time Again and Speak and Spell - they really went back to their roots for a lot of the sound here.
  96. omarc
    Oct 19, 2005
    9
    Thank god! I was worried there for a bit. Depeche seemed to slide in the post Alan Wilder era. But this album is a return to form for the crew from basildon. Nicely done. It's like the band took a song from every album past and grafted on the theme. John the Revelator a cross between Pleasure, Little Treasure and Personal Jesus. The SInner in Me born of Rush. Precious in the style of Thank god! I was worried there for a bit. Depeche seemed to slide in the post Alan Wilder era. But this album is a return to form for the crew from basildon. Nicely done. It's like the band took a song from every album past and grafted on the theme. John the Revelator a cross between Pleasure, Little Treasure and Personal Jesus. The SInner in Me born of Rush. Precious in the style of enjoy the silence and it's no good.… Expand
  97. John
    Nov 9, 2005
    9
    DM is inventive once again meshing violator on to form " Playing the Angel."
  98. igor
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    well ... first impession was ... disturbed, crushed and fooled around again. After several rounds of listening - it's %^@#&^ great! I love it.
  99. RAYV
    Oct 21, 2005
    9
    One Of Depeche Mode s Great Albums Very Good As Always
  100. Bryan
    Oct 27, 2005
    9
    Theres something Wilder added that has been missing the past couple of albums. However PTA has brought back about 80% of that feeling I got when I was a teenager. And the best part is, as I was ready to give it thumbs down on the first couple of listens, now I'm beginning to think its pure genius. Everyone is talking about "suffer well" and its comparison to "behind the wheel", I Theres something Wilder added that has been missing the past couple of albums. However PTA has brought back about 80% of that feeling I got when I was a teenager. And the best part is, as I was ready to give it thumbs down on the first couple of listens, now I'm beginning to think its pure genius. Everyone is talking about "suffer well" and its comparison to "behind the wheel", I think its pure "Question Of Time" ingredients. Best tracks by far(not in any order) : John Revelator (Faith Devotion like track) :Suffer Well (Question of Time like) :Sinner in Me (Rocks) very (Violator "Clean" meets Music Masses) Nothing Impossible (Kicks ass, delivered chills) Damaged People: Awesome ("World Full of Nothing"/"Home" Gore Track..however "macro" sucks By the way, Precious sucks, doesnt even fit in this album..Wanna be "Enjoy the Silence" And it comes nothing close to the brillance of that track. Lillian couldve been better..but props up to Darkest Star..Weird track but haunted depeche like construction time days was half the reason I got into them. 9/10 Rating… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Most Discussed Album of 2005
57
#57 Most Shared Album of 2005

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. AllMusic
    90
    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.
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  2. Billboard
    80
    Revels in dirty guitars and fuzzy distortion while maintaining Depeche Mode's familiar electronic sound. [22 Oct 2005]
  3. Filter
    86
    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]
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