Evolution is a natural process of life and in the world of music it is no different. Just like the stages of life so go the stages of a bands existence.

In today's culture of one hit wonders and 15 minutes of fame, if a band is to be successful for more than the standard two album life span one must be in a constant state of evolution. Depche Mode is one of those bands who album after album they have defied the normal laws of the industry, defied mediocrity, and have yet again produced something that they can be proud of.

Courtesy : Reprise Records

On this project you can clearly see Martin Gores hand in the songwriting process which I am sure doesn't come as a shock to anyone with his extensive songwriting credits however the surprise this go around is Dave Gahan's contribution to the album. Penning three of the tracks that you hear, with "Suffer Well" in my opinion being among the albums best songs. This album is a well balanced varity of classic DM sounds and fresh uptemo beats. With the album starting off with the pulsating sounds of "A Pain That I'm Used To".

Venturing into the first single, "Precious" it belts out the synth-pop sounds that die hard DM fans will find takes them back to a day when they were wearing tight rolled jeans and way too much moose in their hair. With other songs like "John The Relover", and "Damaged People" you are able to hear how they have indeed grown as a band over the years and have proven time and time again that they still in fact have what it takes.

It's refreshing to see that after 25 years they can still come together and bring to the table a project that will not only have the snarl and hardness to remind us of their early years, but to also show that they have evolved with the times and will continue to evolve for years to come.

Depeche Mode is from the United Kingdom. To listen to music check out the Depeche Mode page at myspace
or log onto to the official Depeche Mode website.

Review by Melissa Deskovic © 2006 - Florida Entertainment Scene - All Rights Reserved.