Depeche Mode - The Singles 86-98 - Copyrights by Mute Records
If you don’t know me yet, you might be thinking that this new column I’m about to present to you is quite different from the articles I’ve shared here before.
Beyond coaching, a certain philosophy, and travels, it turns out that I am, above all, a music lover and even became after that, a passionate musician.
If you’re wondering about my seemingly disorganized nature, I’d simply tell you that each element is part of a constellation that makes up the essence of a whole.
Anyway, all that to say that moving from classical music to jazz, with stops at rap and melodic deathcore, defines my musical personality, following the philosophy of:
"A warrior is vulnerable when he knows only a part of reality."
So today, and in the articles to come, I want to talk to you about an album that left a mark on me.
Depeche Mode — The Singles 86-98
The very first album I’m going to present to you is a compilation featuring the group’s best singles from 1986 to 1998.
Starting this column with a "best of" may seem like an easy choice, you might say. To that, I would respond that this is a symbolic approach because this album was a trigger for my blossoming love of music.
At that time, I was about ten years old and the youngest in a family of siblings. With two older brothers at home, I often tried to assert myself by playing on their turf.
One day, sneaking into one of their rooms, I spotted this compilation lying on a desk. I immediately snatched the album to listen to it on my little stereo, so I could later pretend I knew the band and surprise my brothers by listening to the same music as them.
Although I wasn’t immediately captivated, I soon found myself humming the tunes that caught my attention. I began listening to this double album on repeat and became a true fan of the band.
What About Now?
Now in my late thirties, as I mentioned at the beginning of this article, my musical tastes have changed quite a bit; I’ve put aside some styles to delve deeper into others. But what about Depeche Mode, you may ask?
After all these years, I remain a huge admirer of the band. I’d say the magic of this group was already revealed in the album I’m presenting to you here.
Whether you love them or not, one thing is for sure: this little fellas from Essex has managed to stand the test of time, evolving its style while riding the waves of changing trends, all while maintaining their unique touch.
For me, this compilation perfectly showcases this, taking us through different eras, each of which had a significant impact on the group and their way of composing.
While we no longer need to introduce timeless hits like "Personal Jesus" and "Enjoy the Silence," it’s also a delight for the ears to rediscover gems from other periods of the band, such as the dark "I Feel You," "Walking in My Shoes," or "In Your Room."
Let’s not forget some surprises like "Only When I Lose Myself," an unreleased track, or a live version of the incredible "Everything Counts." I’d also like to add a personal favorite: the brilliant "A Question of Lust" and "Home," both sung by Martin Gore, the band’s composer and guitarist, who occasionally takes a shot at singing, much to our delight.
In conclusion, this album, as you can probably tell, is a symbolic choice for me. But whether you’re a newcomer or not, it’s an album to listen to without hesitation. It was the first in a long series to come, with the band continuing to evolve their style to this day.
Perhaps it’s from them that I inherited my love for musical evolution, even if it means exploring sounds that are sometimes at opposite extremes...
And what about you? What do you think of this album, or which of their albums is your favorite?
And if I may ask a broader question, what album comes to mind for you now, because it left a mark on you?
Thanks for reading,
Musically yours!