Memento Mori

1. kmazur

   Mar 25, 2023

   10

   Very powerfull peace of music! Gahan in good vocal shape, very fresh composition of sounds

   • 9 of 10 users found this helpful
2. jkpokerface101

   Mar 25, 2023

   10

   An utterly cohesive, magnificent electronic masterpiece that references Kraftwerk, Bowie and Moby, while self-referential to the bestAn utterly cohesive, magnificent electronic masterpiece that references Kraftwerk, Bowie and Moby, while self-referential to the best creations in Depeche Mode history, of which Memento Mori definitely ranks. The best tracks are People Are Good, Never Let Me Go, Before We Drown, Speak To Me, My Cosmos Is Mine, Don't Say You Love Me and My Favourite Stranger.… Expand

   • 4 of 5 users found this helpful
4. stumm47

   Apr 2, 2023

   10

   This is their best record since "Ultra" (1997). The boys from Basildon did it yet again. Well done, lads.

   • 4 of 5 users found this helpful
5. Benz74

   Mar 27, 2023

   9

   Memento Mori is a definite step up from the last three albums, sound production wise. Textured, layered, reverb(ed)... Glad the distortion onMemento Mori is a definite step up from the last three albums, sound production wise. Textured, layered, reverb(ed)... Glad the distortion on Dave Gahan's voice was finally dialed back for this record. The presence of Marta Salogni as sound engineer -- who had experience working with electronic artists such as Björk and Goldfrapp -- likely played a huge part in this renewed Depeche Mode sound. (Quality headphones, people!)
   
   If Black Celebration, Ultra and Sounds of the Universe had a threesome baby, this might be the result. SOTU's B-side "Ghost" would've been a good fit for this record for the similarity in sound to some of the tracks. No songs are immediate crowd pleasers such as Enjoy the Silence (Violator), I Feel You (SOFAD) or It's No Good (Ultra), and Martin's guitar gets little action here, but most songs do hold your attention and bring you inside their dark, gloomy world... with hints of hope and warmth.
   
   Favorites: My Cosmos is Mine, Ghosts Again, Before We Drown, Always You, People Are Good, Speak to Me… Expand

   • 4 of 5 users found this helpful
6. Manc1968

   Mar 24, 2023

   9

   Having been there since the Vince Clarke fuelled Speak and Spell and everything since, I wasn't too sure what to expect after the fairly tepidHaving been there since the Vince Clarke fuelled Speak and Spell and everything since, I wasn't too sure what to expect after the fairly tepid Spirit album of 2017.
   
   Mode seemed to be a group calling time on their tenure as pathfinders in various genres of music. With Fletch's unexpected death I was surprised Gore and Gahen colluded on a new album, but I'm ecstatic they did. Gahan's mellifluous voice juxtaposed with Gore's obvious expertise leaves them with a fantastic album that Fletch would've been proud of. "Ghosts again" is their best single for years and the ethereal "My cosmos is mine" set the tone for a journey into the macabre but there are elements of" Violator" and" Music for the Masses" in this album, yet Memento Mori still somehow maintains a singular identity. Gahan has co- written a few of the songs and seems be honing his skills in this art form. Memento Mori seems full of angst and pragmatic life lessons and within this lie gems such as "My favourite stranger", a song which harks back to the group's halcyon days. Gore's still seemingly youthful tones massage sentiment on "Soul with me" and "Caroline's Monkey" is unique and may be viewed as the weakest track on the album but gets better after a few listens. Every song invites you in, making this the best Depeche Mode album for a long while and well worth the wait. I only hope it isn't their swansong.… Expand

   • 7 of 9 users found this helpful
7. StefMuscOne

   Apr 11, 2023

   8

   Depeche Mode deep inside their soul. They go over and write and produce new masterpice

   • 3 of 3 users found this helpful
8. MBeano

   Apr 25, 2023

   0

   I can't even say this album is depressing. That would require actual emotion, which this album is completely devoid of. First, nothing standsI can't even say this album is depressing. That would require actual emotion, which this album is completely devoid of. First, nothing stands out anywhere. There are sounds that remind of older Depeche Mode. However, no melodies that make DM so great. Yet even if remove ourselves from the pop magic that no longer exists, there is nothing truly moving, intimate, dark, introspective, otherworldly, emotive, broken, or even truly melancholy or sad. Every song occupies the exact same space, there is no dynamic or ebb and flow, or highs and lows. It is an even plateau from start to finish, and goes nowhere. Lyrically it is broad, generic, and with no character. It is all empty word "art" that you find at a chain store, in cursive. Superficial and lacking in any personal nuance, question, or inward examination. Note that the lyrics are all static proclamations - Dont Play, You are, I won't. The few departures are songs like Before We Drown - "I've been thinking I can come back home
   So how would that be, you and I alone?
   All alone?
   I have a feeling, you're not on my side
   There's a distance, between you and I
   You and I"
   every line paints the exact same idea... actually scratch that. "paint" is far too generous and descriptive, for such generic on-the-nose flat statements."Painting" would imply that there is some sort of picture, image, mood, atmosphere, story, none of which exists. As a side note, it is interesting (I'm being nice with that word) that there is no indication of staying afloat or being overwhelmed, which conjure the imagery of drowning, which is in the title of the song, and only comes up at the end. It doesn't even have to be blatantly water related, at least some sort of feeling of being inundated or suffocated. No, Standing "naked, standing on the shore" does not do this. It is beach related, it elicits exposure or vulnerability, not drowning.
   The music follows suite in its directionless static nature. choruses and verses blur together with little distinction. You can literally sing along or hum to most DM songs, even the moody melancholy ones, Not every song/album has to have that. But it doesnt have any interest in term of arrangement, different soundscapes, atmosphere, or musical exploration. It is just as flat and lifeless as the monotone droning of vocals and stagnant lyrics.… Expand

   • 1 of 3 users found this helpful

See all 44 User Reviews