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Sounds Of The Universe
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Sounds Of The Universe Image
Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 119 Ratings

  • Summary: The first album to be released by EMI in the US (previously Warner Music had US rights) for the English alt-electronic band.

Top Track

Wrong
Wrong Wrong Wrong Wrong I was born with the wrong sign In the wrong house With the wrong ascendancy I took the wrong road That led to the wrong... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. The A.V. Club
    91
    With Universe and 2005’s "Playing The Angel," Depeche Mode has created back-to-back albums compelling enough to stand up to its past best.
  2. Drowned In Sound
    80
    Sounds Of The Universe arguably goes on for a bit too long--it doesn't help that closer 'Corrupt' is throwbackish bobbins--and it certainly could have done without token Gore vocal ‘Jezebel’. But other than that it’s just a damn fine record, possessed of the kind of unshowy high quality the Basildon band have seemingly actively opposed in the past.
  3. musicOMH.com
    80
    Once again the theme of emotional cleansing runs through much of the lyrics, though this particular well of inspiration has not yet run dry.
  4. Urb
    70
    Depeche Mode have produced another album fit to fill headphones and stadiums, leaning more towards a muted commercial than perverted side, but for 30-year veterans there’s really nothing wrong with that.
  5. Pitchfork
    63
    Ending with a brief, queasy reprise tease of 'Wrong,' Sounds of the Universe concludes anticlimactically, an echo of its promising start.
  6. Observer Music Monthly
    60
    They might be no longer going through the motions, but those moves seem awfully familiar.
  7. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Dave Gahan's songwriting has improved since 2007's solo "Hourglass," but this Sounds like a mundane midlife crisis.

See all 28 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 34
  3. Negative: 6 out of 34
  1. tarekmallo
    Jun 19, 2011
    10
    Depeche Mode has made a huge change in sound since exciter. That said Sounds of the Universe is a great disc with some of the best of whatDepeche Mode has made a huge change in sound since exciter. That said Sounds of the Universe is a great disc with some of the best of what they can offer: Great vocals, wonderful lyrics and amazing music with a dark and grim tone.… Expand
  2. FelipeP
    Apr 21, 2009
    10
    Fantastic album, one of the best albums of Depeche Mode, I love it!
  4. IgorA
    Apr 27, 2009
    9
    Not better then "playing the angel" but strong and nice album, excellent singing.
  5. NickW.
    Apr 21, 2009
    8
    I love the album. I didn't realize the universe sounded like my subwoofer exploding though. I like bass in music, a lot, but I love the album. I didn't realize the universe sounded like my subwoofer exploding though. I like bass in music, a lot, but there's so much and it's so deep it's hard to hear the songs under it. When I have to turn the sub volume down 2-3 notches compared to every other CD I own, something's messed up. Aside from that, great album ;)… Expand
  6. BitBurn
    May 4, 2009
    8
    Okay so it's not Violator but it's a darn good effort nonetheless. It sounds like the DM we love, lots of synth, great vocals, Okay so it's not Violator but it's a darn good effort nonetheless. It sounds like the DM we love, lots of synth, great vocals, dark, catchy, modern. My favorite track are "Come Back", "In Sympathy" and "Fragile Tension".… Expand
  7. 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 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"… Expand
  8. stephenb
    Apr 23, 2009
    0
    Just awful. I loved Playing The Angel and had high hopes for this cd. There is nothing to like about this album. Definitely DM's worst. Just awful. I loved Playing The Angel and had high hopes for this cd. There is nothing to like about this album. Definitely DM's worst. Before you dismiss my opinion as a hater, let me say that DM is my favorite band of all time.… Expand

See all 34 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

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