Review Summary: A charming look at Depeche Mode's old style and their humble beginnings. Good pop music with nice archade sounds, any electronic fan should get it, but be prepared for its different DM sound and primitive sound.
This is Depeche Mode’s first album, and the only one with Vince Clarke as the songwriter. It sounds pretty different from most of their other work, this is definitely not the place to start if you want to get into DM, but there are many many great hits on here, as well as the timeless classic “Just Can’t Get Enough.” I actually like this better than A Broken Frame, which I know I’m in the minority. I think the songs are more catchy and fun, which may be why fans don’t like it as much. The poppiness is striking at first but you’ll get used to it and learn to enjoy it.
NEW LIFE- Depeche Mode’s premier song in my opinion, very fast paced and poppy. Excellent, I never skip it. It automatically puts one in a good mood.
SOMETIMES I WISH I WAS DEAD- This is probably my least favorite on the album. It just feels weird and incomplete. The sounds are very cheesy in comparison to the rest of the album and the lyrics are weird.
PUPPETS- A very A Broken Frame song, very dark and challenging. I think late 80s DM fans will appreciate this one, it really makes up for the rest of the poppiness.
BOYS SAY GO! - Many people will probably label this song “gay” but the bottom line is its catchy and also interesting. It’s fast pace makes it great for driving.
NODISCO!- One of my favorites, very dancy and thrilling. The sound is really defining toward the end.
WHAT'S YOUR NAME? - This is probably the most campy and cheesy of all the DM songs, and is definitely the most convincing of the label “gay”. The chorus is silly but… I'm afraid to admit this, I really like it and find it catchy. It has a Beach Boy flare to it, and it will never leave my head.
PHOTOGRAPHIC- Very much like “Puppets” very dark, my favorite song of the album. Dave’s voice is extremely precise and passionate. The pace continues into the next song and fades out.
TORA! TORA! TORA! - The only song by Martin Gore, it would fit well on Construction Time Again. Another dark and heavy song with very cool lyrics.
BIG MUFF- A really great instrumental track filled with great Atari sounds.
ANY SECOND NOW- A Martin Gore ballad that’s soft and soothing. Great relaxation in preview for DM’s classic.
JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH- DM’s all time classic. Excellent song and wonderful lyrics that put you in the romantic mood. Who could not love this one?
DREAMING OF ME- The first single released by DM, it was never included in the original LP. It's an okay song but it's not as good as "New Life" and "Just Can't Get Enough".
ICE MACHINE- The B-side to "Dreaming of Me", I great track that is dark and interesting. The mood of it is so unique.
SHOUT- A really weird B-side to New Life that seems poorly arranged, I can hardly hear Dave's voice but it has a nice beat.
Cover Art: A very weird picture that contains a wrapped swan coming out of a nest or box. I don’t know what it has to do with “Speaking and Spelling” but I guess it’s somewhat creative.
A really great album for its time. Of course in comparison to Music For the Masses it’s cheesy and lame but every band has a start and the early synth sounds make it seem so authentically great. Buy it if you’re a Depeche Mode fan, but if you’re not start out with Violator.
