Sounds Of The Universe
by Depeche Mode
  • Record Label: EMI
  • Release Date: Apr 21, 2009
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 119 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 86 out of 119
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 119
  3. Negative: 10 out of 119

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. VerminD
    May 1, 2009
    4
    Of Mode
  2. JamesM
    Apr 22, 2009
    5
    "Wrong" is classic Depeche Mode but that's where it ends unfortunately. The problem is what many usually sight as the band's stong point, the lyrics. There's something uncomfortable about them singing about the same themes as previous albums but this time it's weak, bland and at times downright cheesy. This doesn't sound like Depeche Mode which is a shame because "Wrong" is classic Depeche Mode but that's where it ends unfortunately. The problem is what many usually sight as the band's stong point, the lyrics. There's something uncomfortable about them singing about the same themes as previous albums but this time it's weak, bland and at times downright cheesy. This doesn't sound like Depeche Mode which is a shame because "Playing The Angel" promised so much as far as the future of the band is concerned.… Expand
  3. andyg
    Apr 22, 2009
    6
    Not as good as usually, they luck inspiration and the tunes are not to be put in top of DM pantheon, though is better than most of nowadays projects.Always fun of them but i must i;m not as happy as have been with "playing the angel"

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Most Discussed Album of 2009
100
#100 Most Shared Album of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Rolling Stone
    50
    The result sounds like a time machine back to the Eighties.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    60
    Sounds of the Universe comes on a bit softer, with less industrial guitar clang and more of chief songwriter Martin Gore's dreamy atmospherics.
    Read full review
  3. The Guardian
    60
    A less then stellar return, then, but a welcome one nevertheless.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »