How did I sleep on this for so long? I've been a fan as far back as I can remember - since I was like 11 or 12. But somehow, this album kinda snuck past me without even registering. I had it when it was out. I knew all the singles. I even love all the singles. But I had no idea the rest of it would be so strong. The 5 other main album tracks are some of the best music I've heard from them, and it seems like a really unique style within their work. "The Love Thieves", "Sister of Night", "Freestate", "The Bottom Line" and "Insight" are all killers. They're so fluid, organic and even tender - not a word usually assosciated with DM. I love them for their dark moody stuff, but these songs have an optimism and sexiness I'm not used to and I can't get enough of it. I guess the closest comparison would be "Home" and "Only When I Lose Myself" from the same time period. If you're a DM fan and aren't familiar with these songs, I highly urge you to check them out.

And why aren't more people talking about the new album? It's freekin' fantastic too! Can you tell I'm feelin' them right now?

i need to get this album. i love all the songs i've heard from it (mainly from the 'best of' collection that came out a few years back).

GangstaFam said:

All of the above there, exact same for me.

I totally forgot about it until I saw this thread. I don't think I even know the singles though.

Oh Ultra and Exciter are fantastic. They're actually two of my favorite Depeche Mode albums.

Halo is gorgeous.

I have this one. It's soooo good. I love the beats in it, and I dig dark stuff, but sometimes I feel like it's too dark... like when I listen to it for a few days in a row.

Tom said:

except for "i feel loved", i'm not big on excreter...maybe i should give it another chance...

Yes, Ultra has a cool vibe, a good variety of textures, and I'm impressed with the variation and artistic depth of their latest "Playing the Angel" BUT for me personally, my favorite album of theirs will always be Songs of Faith and Devotion.

EMattP said:

I just got Songs of Faith and Devotion - excellent. Black Celebration, though is their most underrated. That's a great album.

Some believe that since Alan Wilder's departure that the music has taken a downturn.. especialy in the last two albums Exiter and Ultra....

GangstaFam said:

I love the guitar at the end of "The Love Thieves".

Anxiety said:

Yes get it! And if you don't, should I make you a copy for next week?

DiminutiveRocker said:

It's funny that Wilder was considered the master arranger and real "musician" of the group, but that Ultra was probably their most musically accomplished and intricate work up to that point. Their new album might hold that distinction now, but I really don't see how his exit from the group has affected them at all. Since nearly the beginning it's been all about Martin Gore and Dave Gahan.

And I agree about Black Celebration. It doesn't seem underrated among fans and critics, but it's definitely overlooked by the casual fans.

GangstaFam said:

hey...

VinaBlue said:

It is dark, but I think it's actually one of their least oppressive albums. There's real beauty and romance throughout it.

The first 2 singles are misleading I think. "Barrel of a Gun" is dark and rocking and "It's No Good" is just classic Depeche Mode. The rest of it doesn't sound like those 2 at all.

sosgemini said:

Did you see her on Letterman last night?

GangstaFam said:

no..did she mention her prison stay?

sosgemini said:

That's ALL Dave wanted to talk about. She had a great sense of humor about it although you could tell sometimes it was making her squirm.

"It's No Good"

GangstaFam said:

Anxiety said:

k. Any other missing pieces I should know about?

GangstaFam said:

hmmm. bring stuff. we'll crack open the ol' binders and have a party.

Anxiety said:

deal.

Far better than the outdated Exciter.

jn2 said:

I just got a dose of Ultra today. It's quite yummy!

Moonbeam said:

I'm glad you agree, especially since you're not crazy about Exciter. It's just gorgeous, isn't it?

Ultra is fantastic. One of my faves (my absolute fave is Black Celebration). The new disc is more of what I was hoping for in a follow up to Ultra than Exciter. To me, Ultra really went in a cool direction, and I was disappointed that they didn't continue on that path. Fortunately, Playing the Angel really delivered the goods! It's my favorite album of this year!

Novabreaker said:

Don't act like ya don't love 'em.

JediMaster said:

The new album is wonderful. Glad to see they've still got it after all these years. AMG gave it a glowing review.

Novabreaker said:

I only have 'United States of Mind'. Is that their best album?

GangstaFam said:

Oh, and they have it in spades, it turns out!!! The new disc is simply superb, through and through. One of their best, no doubt about it.