Depeche Mode

            Many British bands began coming to America in the early 80s as part of what was termed the “Second British Invasion”. Few were to find the success of Depeche Mode and few would have their longevity. And this was after their lead songwriter left less than two years after the band’s formation (which many people predicted at the time would ruin Depeche Mode’s chances of success). However, Depeche Mode managed to have great success not only in the 80s, but also through the 90s and to today.

As a quartet:

            Depeche Mode was formed in England in 1980. Although various band members have played a variety of instruments on their songs over the years, the primary instrument for all the members has been the keyboard/synthesizer. However, Depeche Mode has done a remarkable job in using the keyboards to make their songs not only varied, but also not electronic. Credit must thus be given to Martin Gore (current chief songwriter) as well as Vincent Clarke (chief songwriter until 1981). Depeche Mode released their first album, Speak and Spell, in 1981. Receiving mixed reviews, the album did produce a couple of hits in the U.K. However, during the subsequent tour, Vincent Clarke decided to leave the group. Martin Gore took over as chief songwriter and Alan Wilder was brought in to replace Vincent. However, Alan did not contribute musically to A Broken Frame as the band wanted to prove they could succeed without Vincent. The album would eventually reach #8 in the U.K., although barely reached the Top 200 in the U.S. In fact, every studio album Depeche Mode has released has reached the Top 10 in the U.K. And every one since Violator has reached the Top 10 in the U.S. “People are People”, off Construction Time Again, was their first hit in the U.S. (reached #13). Its success led to the compilation album of the same name released in the U.S. to get exposure to earlier Depeche Mode material. Catching Up with Depeche Mode was later released with the same goal in mind. It took time but eventually, Depeche Mode was able to really break into the U.S. scene. Violator, released in 1990, was their first album to reach the Top 10 in the U.S. and its single “Personal Jesus” was one of the biggest selling singles in the U.S. ever. “Enjoy the Silence” also became the first (and thus far, only), single to reach the Top 10 in the U.S. The success paid off as Songs of Faith and Devotion debuted at #1 in both the U.S. and the U.K.

1995 to today:

            In 1995, Alan decided to leave Depeche Mode. The remaining three members of the group have continued to perform and release material to this day with great success. Obviously, much of Depeche Mode’s influence as been on dance and electronica bands since the 80s, but many groups, playing a variety of styles, cite Depeche Mode as an influence. As a side note, Depeche Mode has had more Top 40 hits in the U.K. than any other artist without having a #1 single (they have had three songs reach #4).

Discography:

Speak & Spell (1981)
A Broken Frame (1982)
Construction Time Again (1983)
People Are People (1984)
Some Great Reward (1984)
Catching Up with Depeche Mode (1985)
The Singles 81-85 (1985)
Black Celebration (1986)
Music for the Masses (1987)
101 (1989)
Violator (1990)
Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993)
Songs of Faith and Devotion Live (1993)
Ultra(1997)
The Singles 86>98 (1998)
The Singles 81>85 (1998)
Exciter (2001)
Remixes 81-04 (2004)
Playing the Angel (2005)
The Best of Depeche Mode, Vol. 1 (2007)