Delta Machine, Alpha Marks?
Depeche Mode – Delta Machine
A review by Ange Chan
After a wait for 4 years, following their previous album “Sounds of the Universe”, “Delta Machine” was a much awaited offering from the boys from Basildon. The current album delivers pretty much what you would expect from Mode, on this their 13th studio album, namely depressing song lyrics from Martin Gore coupled with (mostly) catchy melodies. Having said that, a few “Delta Machine” offerings were written by frontman Dave Gahan, following moderate success with his own solo albums.
The album has been compared by some, to the 1990 tour de force “Violator”. Let me state for the record; “Delta Machine” is NO “Violator” and doesn’t even come close to *that* work of genius, which is surely the pinnacle of Mode’s musical career (spawning several Top 10 hits for which they are best known “Enjoy the Silence, “Walking In My Shoes”, and Mode’s anthem, “Personal Jesus”) and the benchmark by which all other Depeche Mode albums since have been judged.
Other tracks on “Delta Machine” range from having a Delta/Bluesy feel to them coupled with a defiant rhythm (“Soft Touch Raw Nerve” being one such track) to the achingly beautiful “The Child Inside”.
If you’re expecting to be surprised by “Delta Machine” then please set your expectations a little lower. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a perfectly acceptable Depeche Mode album which has its notable highs, in the form of “Soothe my Soul” and “Should be Higher” which are obvious choices for ensuing single releases. The low point for me is “My Little Universe” which quite frankly, is pointless, and too experimental for Mode’s usual style, consisting of blips and bleeps.
If you are a big fan and bought the Deluxe Edition, then your loyalty is rewarded with four extra tracks which are excellent. The digipak edition has song lyrics and some beautiful glossy and arty photographs, sure to please any fan.
All in all “Delta Machine” is a satisfactory offering and I look forward to seeing them live as part of their forthcoming world tour.
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After waiting a few years for a new Depeche Mode album and eagerly waited for March 25. I excitedly downloaded it and couldn’t wait to hear what new gems Depeche had produced. After listening to it a couple of times disappointment is an understatement. After some fabulous in the 80s and in my opinion the best in the 90s especially Violater and Ultra. I only really like two tracks on Delta Machine, Heaven and Broken. What happened Depeche we’re used to better things of you than this offering? Is it Dave Gahan wrote some of the tracks instead of genius Martin Gore. Don’t know but this gets 2 out of 10 from me only because of those two tracks I do like. From one unhappy D M fan
Did you spot the deliberate mistake?
“Walking in My Shoes” is *obviously* on “Songs of Faith and Devotion”….