Not at all impressed with this release. A few good tracks at the start than it just drops me cold. Seems to alot of very slow tracks that seem depressing. Than what gets me is the constant repeativness of "Wrong". Just sentences and words that all rhyme with wrong. Maybe the remixes will be better.

BettaPlace2Die said:

I understand your viewpoint - but I think if you give it the 3 listen test you will see some of the later tracks revealing some gems.

Swa

Swa said:

I agree.
I think I like the second half of the album a little better than the first.

The negative comments I've seen about SOTU are pretty ridiculous. I've watched the reviews on Amazon from the first day, and even now (two weeks later) I think it's way too quick for people to have knee-jerk reactions to the album. The typical negative reviews on there consist of the following ingredients...

-Start by stating they are long time fans (even giving the length of time). This, apparently, gives them extra cred allowing them to launch into a "this is the end/worst album of their career" speech or use the title "Wrong" as an I'm-so-clever pun.
-Blame the producer (Ben Hillier) for the worst sound that Depeche has ever produced.
-Beg them to bring Alan Wilder back into the band or hire him to produce. Rinse and repeat frequently.
-List all of the reasons they were so much better in the 80s and/or 90s (mention Alan Wilder again). Continually compare it in a negative light to past works -- definitely mention Violator and SOFAD.

You get the gist of it. Sadly, I think they're really missing out on a fantastic set of tunes. I think this is one of their most mature works yet (No, I won't go into a monologue about why I'm qualified/not qualified to say so). SOTU is definitely an album that some may have to live with/absorb over a period of time before truly appreciating it. It continues to grow on me with every listen (of course I've had over a month to do so... shh, don't ask). Thankfully, DM never rest on their laurels -- always pushing into a slightly different direction with each new release (while somehow maintaining what makes them sound like DM). SOTU is a great album, if some "fans" would listen without all of the above distractions running around in their heads. In other words, listen without prejudice. It's worth it.

pzlyprk said:

bra-and-vo! Well said.

I agree, I'm still confused by the hostile reaction from a lot of fans. After living with the album for a couple of weeks, I'm still loving it just as much and finding new things to like. There's quite a bit of interesting sonic detail coursing below the surface of these songs.

Risico said:

When reactions are so equally split, love/hate, I usaully find the love in it.
The hate I've also seen/read is so drastic. It's like lighten up Francis. Geez.
It's a nice summer-type lite and breezy mature affair. Deceptively layered and deep as well. And the production is great. Period.

if you have an iphone or itouch ipod then get the free depeche mode SOTU app from the app store - it's probably the coolest free band musical app going.

wish youknowwho would do something like this...

Swa