Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion

Depeche Mode
Songs of Faith and Devotion
Reprise/Sire/Rhino
Grade: A-

This repackaging of 1993’s Songs of Faith and Devotion is part of the band’s and labels’ all-out assault to etch Depeche Mode’s legacy in stone and, well, plastic. The ten-track Songs of Faith and Devotion was the band’s follow-up to the uber-popular and successful Violater. The chances of matching the sensation of Violater was slim and the band moved into a darker, more rock sound. This is immediately clear as you launch off on “I Feel You” and move through “Condemnation,” “Walking in My Shoes,” “Rush,” and the notable “One Caress.” This release also packages those songs on a DVD in amped-up 5.1 and Stereo sound, with bonus remixes, and provides a half-hour bit on the band from 1991 to 1994. As the liner notes from Daniel Miller and much of the DVD bit discusses Songs of Faith and Devotion kicked the band’s ass. For the gentle casual observer, the recently released Best of Depeche Mode may serve you better. For fans of Depeche Mode, this collector’s edition is like crack.