Spirit
by Depeche Mode
  • Record Label: Columbia
  • Release Date: Mar 17, 2017
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  1. musicOMH.com
    Apr 10, 2017
    60
    Spirit is, ironically enough, sometimes lacking in that, with a few too many downbeat, mid-tempo brooding numbers for comfort. For a soundtrack to a revolution, we’re going to need to party more.
  2. Record Collector
    Mar 31, 2017
    60
    On Spirit, Depeche Mode aren’t quite repeating themselves, nor is there real revolution in their sound. But they are nevertheless going forwards, and fans will be happy to join the march.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Mar 20, 2017
    60
    The main drawback is that hip producer James Ford isn’t allowed to conjure up as much newfangled ju-ju as Spirit could stand. Songs like So Much Love could come from any era.
  5. Paste Magazine
    Mar 20, 2017
    53
    It’s an occasionally comical throwback to when they were at their biggest, with a few good-not-great moments. One can only hope they chill out and come up with something better in a few years.
  6. No Ripcord
    Apr 5, 2017
    50
    Rather than going for broke, Depeche Mode eked out a half-decent release that doesn't do either the theme or their abilities any justice. It may be called Spirit, but this album is sorely lacking in soul.
  7. Consequence
    Mar 20, 2017
    50
    Best to appreciate them for what they are: a noble effort that likely won’t have a marked impact on the world at large.
  8. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 22, 2017
    40
    On Spirit, Depeche Mode get serious and political, which doesn’t really suit them.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Most Discussed Album of 2017
42
#42 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 123 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 123
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 123
  3. Negative: 12 out of 123
  1. jonste
    Mar 17, 2017
    1
    Boring. Where is the dynamics of the old DM? It might be a small step up from the horrid last couple of releases, but there is absolutelyBoring. Where is the dynamics of the old DM? It might be a small step up from the horrid last couple of releases, but there is absolutely nothing left of the great song-writing, arrangements or sonic palette (Oh how we miss you, Alan). Also, I cannot get over how one of my favorite vocalists is now a parody of his old self, continuously growling his OTT R O C K god act.

    My, oh, my, what happened to the band I fell in love with the moment I heard "Love In Itself"? The first 20 years where great. Let´s pretend they split up after that.    … Full Review »
  2. depechemodefan
    Mar 17, 2017
    10
    Wow! This album is ridiculously good! For me, Poorman is the highlight as to me, it serves as an excellent build up song like Never Let MeWow! This album is ridiculously good! For me, Poorman is the highlight as to me, it serves as an excellent build up song like Never Let Me Down. Dave and Martin's voices are as beautiful as ever. For me, this is their best album since Ultra because, unlike Exiter, Playing the Angel, Sounds of the Universe and Delta Machine, this album easily absorbs you into its dark and bleak world. Well done Depeche Mode!… Full Review »
  3. outd00rminer
    Mar 19, 2017
    9
    This is Depeche Mode's strongest record since 1993's Songs of Faith and Devotion. On Spirit you will find a frustrated and angry DM with aThis is Depeche Mode's strongest record since 1993's Songs of Faith and Devotion. On Spirit you will find a frustrated and angry DM with a production to match it. Still, despite all the rage there are moments of absolute beauty as found on "Cover Me", perhaps the album's best track.

    Other Standout Tracks:
    "Scum"
    "So Much Love"
    "No More (This Is The Last Time)"    … Full Review »
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