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. turnturnturn

   Apr 20, 2023

   10

   “’Memento Mori’ is a major return to form and then some. Everything about this era feels draped in the gothic majesty of yesteryear, soaring“’Memento Mori’ is a major return to form and then some. Everything about this era feels draped in the gothic majesty of yesteryear, soaring down the synthetic highway with an existisitential crisis riding shotgun. The synth pop meets alt rock style is executed flawlessly, but what’s even more impressive is the amount of album tracks that actually rival (‘Ghosts Again’) excellence.
   
   God tier cuts are pulled off with expertise and ease, 50 minutes zoom by thanks to the beautiful attention to detail. So, even if you’re vaguely familiar with them…’Memento Mori’ is a perfect place to start.”… Expand

   • 0 of 0 users found this helpful
5. 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
6. Astradyne

   Mar 25, 2023

   9

   Best album since exciter. Got An exciter vibe in the album. Beautyful arranged songs. The band is like wine....better with the years.

   • 5 of 6 users found this helpful
7. Spazgadget

   Mar 24, 2023

   8

   Ahhh, that's more like it.
   
   After at least 3 albums in a row that felt laden with drudgery and distortion, Depeche Mode have seeminglyAhhh, that's more like it.
   
   After at least 3 albums in a row that felt laden with drudgery and distortion, Depeche Mode have seemingly cleaned out the attic, and reminded us of why we fell in love with them in the first place. Lead single Ghosts Again is beautifully compelling, with pristine arpeggios over lines that remind us, as the album title reminds us, that we're all going to die someday. The juxtaposition of pristine electronics over dark lyrics is a key part of Depeche Mode's longstanding DNA, and this album shows they still have that lifeblood coursing through their veins, even in their fifth decade of making music.
   
   While no song here necessarily has the immediacy of Strangelove, Never Let Me Down Again, or Shake the Disease, the album remains tonally consistent and of extremely high quality, and further listens reveals the subtle beauty on display here. It feels well thought out and motivated by genuine emotion, and as mentioned, all wrapped in production so polished you can see your reflection in it.
   
   Odd that an album about death can be infused with so much life, but that's Depeche Mode, isn't it?… Expand

   • 8 of 9 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

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