When Violator came out, I listened to this album with headphones every night before bed for months. This is my favorite song from the album but I love every note, every breath, every moment of the album. It's just so good.
Violator fave album ever!!!! You must must must watch one of their songs or this one and a live video version. They are amazing in concert! Enjoy the silence is a beautiful and powerful song and waiting for the night to fall. FYI, they have a huge discography some a little stranger than others. They were so innovative when they began, there was nothing else like them. PS if you listen to the first verse, I believe he’s being a little sarcastic as he might be referring to a televangelist on TV, where you can call in and get prayers! Hence on the telephone, I’ll make you a believer.
I'm 57 and remember how this song would literally clear all the boomers from the dance floor, while all the GenXers packed it (we were pups). Before Nirvana, this was OUR music! Great memories!
I'm 59 and I remember the same! Some friends of mine and I were travelling in north Arkansas where they have a HUGE Jesus statue patterned off of the one in Rio called "Christ of the Ozarks" and there's an old Victorian/bohemian city there called Eureka Springs with alot of hippies and free spirits living there. We were at a bar and talking about this statue and one of us started singing this song which we all knew and we substituted some words with "Your own fifty-foot Jesus..."The tourist crowd was confused which only made us sing it louder.
@judasgoatbarbecue4336 Yup! I'm in Wichita, Kansas, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a popular spot in the region to visit. On one hand, it's so "Arkansas," but also so very "not." It's a cool town! That's hilarious! Thanks for sharing!
The song was written on one of their US tours when Dave Gahan was watching late night US tv and came across televangelist 1-900 phone number ads on tv and was bemused but fascinated by the concept. The line "Reach out and touch faith" is actually a reworking of an 80s British Telecom slogan from their tv adverts, "Reach out and touch someone".
@depeche1972 Yeah, Martin is the musical songwriter but my point still stands, it was Dave who saw the ads, had the inspiration and brought it to the band.
I've been hooked since their first album 'Speak and Spell', after hearing Just Can't Get Enough, Any Second Now and New Life. Gosh, that was so many years ago.
Yeah, Depeche Mode are often genre-elusive. Here, the synthpop (industrial) rock(?) band that plays darker than Goth starts out bluesy, then goes 'fuck it' and delivers a club-floor stomper. Go figure.
I've never really been much of a Depeche Mode fan, but this album is dang near flawless. All bangers, no fluff. It's well worth listening to every single track. You should probably check out the videos for all the tracks that have them. They made some fine videos back then.
Blasphemous Rumors is my fav. It’s the song that introduced me to DM in 1985. Been hooked ever since!!!! Finally seen them in concert last year. Took my 16yr old daughter. She loves DM too
Yessss! Love your deep dive into the soundtrack of our lives! The beauty of being able to hear these songs on the radio was that our opinions could change over time and evolve. Some songs we would think were meh, would become songs we were so desperate to hear that we’d have to buy the album that exact moment! 😉🖤🥀
I grew up in Montreal and they were HUGE on the dance-nightclub-club scene! I'm dancing now to this reaction LOL. I'd definitely be here for more Depeche Mode 😉
When the seriously talented melodist Vince Clarke departed and went onto success with Yazoo, then Erasure, a number of people wondered whether Depeche Mode would survive. But, they emerged with a much "darker" sound, less reliant on synths. And, they became quite adventurous and experimental. I _love_ this song; it has a sort of "Glam Rock" feel to it. Also try the disturbingly dark "Never Let Me Down" and also, "One Caress," with it's expansive, adventurous melody and great string writing!
I remember the first time I heard this... where I was, what I was doing, who I was with... there is only one other song that ever grabbed me that way. I just fell in love with it immediately.
Catch a live concert performance of this song - the audience is in that moment part of the band - and sing it back to the stage at the top of their lungs. It's quite the experience, I've seen them 3 times in concert. Epic shows.
Violator was the FIRST CD I EVER BOUGHT (i think when I graduated from 8th grade, though I don't think it was brand new). Looking back... it explained SO MUCH about who I am as a person, lol. And this is so helpful in the strangest way. The layers (YES), the driving beat, the way this song F()GGS with you in the last 2 minutes and teases you and doesn't let you go (YEEESSSSS), the hint of western dirty rawness (YESSS), the dark goth meets clean synth, the industrial chaoticness... It makes SO MUCH SENSE why I loved it lol
I was a kid, like 9, when i first listened this track back in 1990, imagine how the mind of a 9 year old kid reacts to that electronica switch, it blew my mind. The only other time i got that impressed was when i bought my first Madonna cassette, Like a prayer, and the last track starts, a song called Act of Contriction, destroying completely what a pop female artist is supossed to be. Those moments make one fall in love of an artist. Glad you liked this one (:
Salvo, the end of the album version of this song is basically the best part, but they released a "Pump Mix" of this same song that basicially utilizes all of the hardest hitting aspects of the album version in a 7:50 long version that just bangs hard from beginning to end! This Pump Mix was the version that was played in all the clubs back in the day. It is so dark and brooding and you can just loose yourself in it. Check it out! ruclips.net/video/6PoXgM5zNgc/видео.html
I hadn't heard "Personal Jesus" in years. As soon as the opening riff hit, I remembered every word and was immediately transported back to Fetish Night at San Francisco's The Power Exchange club when it was on South Van Ness.
My best friend and I loved DM. We blasted the Personal jesus Maxi-single on the stereo while we played Nintendo. We had dorky DM shows in the garage, performed the song "Nothing" in our drama class. Depeche Mode 101 was a weekly thing, on VHS. I have some of the best memories from the Songs of Faith and Devotion concert. Depeche Mode is the best
I listened to that album until the cassette broke when I was 11-13ish... still one of the best albums of all time for me at 46. This song live at concert is a spiritual experience.
Looks like you’re reviewing Violator. Interested in your rxn to “Waiting for the Night”. It’s become my favorite on this album over the years, but all of their hits on the album are really good, and all the other tracks are hidden gems. It’s an amazing album.
It’s a pivotal moment as after the music for the masses / 101 tour they realised they were bonafide stadium filling rock stars. So they did what rock stars do. Martin picked up a guitar. This is the first release by them that featured him playing physical guitar…..and he went slide. Massive song, a perfect storm as the album is the bench mark of showing what a band can become. Playing to their strengths then adding to it. Boss video as well
Personal Cheeses. ;) Another amazing band. I still haven't seen them play live. It's on my bucket list. And remember the influence of the great Vince Clarke one again (Erasure, Yazoo). When he was part of Depeche Mode's early days, he wrote "Dreaming of Me", "New Life", and "Just Can't Get Enough". So he basically invented their earlier sound, before it got darker, and more grungey.
That was Depeche Mode. There are like 12 albums of total perfection. Violator, Black Celebration, and Music for the Masses are all unbeatable. The whole 'future retro western industrial thing is made perfection on the best album on Earth - Music for the Masses.
Been a DM devotee for 40 yrs, I still can’t pick a favorite. I definitely suggest watching ‘One Night in Paris’ their live shows are something to behold, the energy & electricity is indescribable. Even after all these years when I saw them last year (2023, I’ve been fortunate enough to see them for every album release tour except one)it felt like the first time.
Violator has not got one bad track. they are all awesome, and the album is a work of art. Play all the tracks and react to all of them. After that, add any of these: Agent Orange; Breathe; Blasphemous Rumours; Little 15; Master and Servant; New Life. That should do for a start!! Prepare to be blown away.
I've seen them perform many times and they are amazing live. Check out "Depeche Mode Personal Jesus Devotional Tour 1993" One of the best concerts of my life.
The 101 album is amazing, if you ever get a chance, give it a listen! 🖤 Also, as far as the cowboy thing...you should watch the official video to this song. I think you'll lol.
Awesome! If you didn’t know, Dave Gahan isn’t the only singer in Depeche Mode. Martin Gore (who’s the songwriter) is also a great singer, and he sometimes sings lead too. It’d be great to see you cover a track sung by Martin, like A Question of Lust.
I was a dance club DJ and DM was a mainstay in the clubs , every year there old singles are remixed for a whole new generation, i think i have about 350 remix DM singles , if that is your first , you ain't heard nothing yet 😂
The video for this song is shown in a western format and the band are dressed up as cowboys.. If you are interested DM next album after this one the y change there look and sound i recommend the song "I Feel You " it is a bit hard hitting and a bit more reckier
I remember dancing to this in my room when I was a kid 😂 Have it on my 80’s playlist, I’m going to be 50 in a couple months 😂😂😂😂 All I see is an 80’s teenager dancing in her room to the radio 😂😂😂😂 🤷🏻♀️ Back when MTV was everything, you should have watched the video, lol.
"Violator" as a whole is a masterpiece. You haven't even got to "Enjoy the Silence" yet - or have you? Sorry, too many things going on right now! But still - knowing what really floats your boat, you're in for a lot more treats from this album! Can't wait. EDIT - Found your Patreon. Sod it, paid for - well worth it!
I was driving around with a rock and roll buddy of mine (Crosby Stills and Nash, Springsteen, etc). Popped in their 'Music for the Masses' CD. After a few songs he says. "This sounds like a techno DJ's funeral." I looked at him and thought "He's not that far off!" (Before people start ripping me, I'm a big fan.)
This entire album is genius. One of the best of all time.
Absolutely Brilliant!! One of my favorites 🥰
So true! One of the best albums ever!
My all time favourite album. Nothing is better and was better before. 😍♥️
When Violator came out, I listened to this album with headphones every night before bed for months. This is my favorite song from the album but I love every note, every breath, every moment of the album. It's just so good.
Violator fave album ever!!!! You must must must watch one of their songs or this one and a live video version. They are amazing in concert! Enjoy the silence is a beautiful and powerful song and waiting for the night to fall. FYI, they have a huge discography some a little stranger than others. They were so innovative when they began, there was nothing else like them. PS if you listen to the first verse, I believe he’s being a little sarcastic as he might be referring to a televangelist on TV, where you can call in and get prayers! Hence on the telephone, I’ll make you a believer.
I'm 57 and remember how this song would literally clear all the boomers from the dance floor, while all the GenXers packed it (we were pups). Before Nirvana, this was OUR music! Great memories!
I'm 59 and I remember the same! Some friends of mine and I were travelling in north Arkansas where they have a HUGE Jesus statue patterned off of the one in Rio called "Christ of the Ozarks" and there's an old Victorian/bohemian city there called Eureka Springs with alot of hippies and free spirits living there. We were at a bar and talking about this statue and one of us started singing this song which we all knew and we substituted some words with "Your own fifty-foot Jesus..."The tourist crowd was confused which only made us sing it louder.
@judasgoatbarbecue4336 Yup! I'm in Wichita, Kansas, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a popular spot in the region to visit. On one hand, it's so "Arkansas," but also so very "not." It's a cool town! That's hilarious! Thanks for sharing!
As a Boomer, I must confess to dancing with my dogs to this song regularly at 62.
Hey I'm 73 and have loved this song since the first time I heard it. I you dont have to dance when this song plays you aren't old, you're dead.
The whole Violator album is brilliant xx
I have listened to this album over and over and it has never gotten old. The music has a timeless quality.
Violator was the soundtrack to my Senior year back in High School (1990). I love this whole album plus all the B sides.
The song was written on one of their US tours when Dave Gahan was watching late night US tv and came across televangelist 1-900 phone number ads on tv and was bemused but fascinated by the concept. The line "Reach out and touch faith" is actually a reworking of an 80s British Telecom slogan from their tv adverts, "Reach out and touch someone".
Yeah, but it was Martin the songwriter, not Dave😉
But anyway, nice background😎
@depeche1972 Yeah, Martin is the musical songwriter but my point still stands, it was Dave who saw the ads, had the inspiration and brought it to the band.
Thats cool don’t know if i heard that before ☺️
Depeche Mode did an insanely good cover of "Route 66". Probably my favorite version of that song and I've always loved the song.
I love that cover, it's so good
I am a 40+ year Devotee. I have seen them in concert several times over my lifetime. My life would be so boring without D🌹M
@Hallas3
All us "old timers" need to book a club & have an 80s dance party
Sames, dude. I've never missed a concert since 1998! 🤘🏻🤘🏻
I am with you on that one mate. Not a week goes by where I don’t listen to DM
My favorite band of all time
Same for me😎
The official music video for the song reflects what you are talking about in regards to the whole western feel. I think you would enjoy the video.
Listen to everything counts that is an epic brilliant awesome amazing single you can't beat the 80s Duran Duran d mode erasure 🎉🎉🎉
It’s funny you mention western. That was the vibe they were going for. Watch the video
And DM is my favorite band since people are people in 84
I've been hooked since their first album 'Speak and Spell', after hearing Just Can't Get Enough, Any Second Now and New Life. Gosh, that was so many years ago.
❤EPIC 80s band. Amazing writers and musicians. They really are great to see live. They still perform as a duo.
And they are still great and amazing live...DepecheMode 4ever!!!❤
Wait till you get to Policy of Truth. That is eargasm! 😍
He already listen to that. 5 months ago.
Depeche Mode were always ahead of their time. 30 years later and Violator still sounds like it's coming from the future
I remember buying this album and just leaving it on repeat for days.
Yeah, Depeche Mode are often genre-elusive. Here, the synthpop (industrial) rock(?) band that plays darker than Goth starts out bluesy, then goes 'fuck it' and delivers a club-floor stomper. Go figure.
Everythinng on Violater is a banger. On vinyl, on a great HiFi played loud its an amazzing sonic experience
I've never really been much of a Depeche Mode fan, but this album is dang near flawless. All bangers, no fluff. It's well worth listening to every single track. You should probably check out the videos for all the tracks that have them. They made some fine videos back then.
Walking in my shoes. Somebody is a great song featuring Martins voice.
Simply amazing ❤
You gotta hit early DM “everything counts” then middle “behind the wheel”
Blasphemous Rumors is my fav. It’s the song that introduced me to DM in 1985. Been hooked ever since!!!! Finally seen them in concert last year. Took my 16yr old daughter. She loves DM too
He did Behind the Wheel not long ago!
me and 3 Navy buddies got snuck into their 1990 Violator concert in Marseilles France by the English roadies. Greatest concert ever...
and the kids today would ask; "what's a receiver?"
🤣😂🤣 💯
Yessss! Love your deep dive into the soundtrack of our lives! The beauty of being able to hear these songs on the radio was that our opinions could change over time and evolve. Some songs we would think were meh, would become songs we were so desperate to hear that we’d have to buy the album that exact moment! 😉🖤🥀
Danced to this in many a dance club! Great reaction Salvo!
Great choice! Try Blasphemous Rumours next.
I quite enjoy their later stuff, 'Enjoy the Silence ' being their top tune in my humble opinion
One of the defining 80s bands from the UK. They're right up there with The Smiths and The Cure for me.
I danced to this back in the day and Depeche Mode are still killing it with their sellout concerts all over the world ❤
Depeche Mode is a genre
This whole album got me through studying for my quals in 1989-90. The WHOLE album, brilliant. Every single thing worth listening to compulsively.
So nice to see your Reaktion on 4:40….. felt the same those time in 1990😎
I grew up in Montreal and they were HUGE on the dance-nightclub-club scene! I'm dancing now to this reaction LOL. I'd definitely be here for more Depeche Mode 😉
This album and Music for the Masses are my two favorites by them. I listened to both over and over and over...
When the seriously talented melodist Vince Clarke departed and went onto success with Yazoo, then Erasure, a number of people wondered whether Depeche Mode would survive. But, they emerged with a much "darker" sound, less reliant on synths.
And, they became quite adventurous and experimental.
I _love_ this song; it has a sort of "Glam Rock" feel to it.
Also try the disturbingly dark "Never Let Me Down" and also, "One Caress," with it's expansive, adventurous melody and great string writing!
I remember the first time I heard this... where I was, what I was doing, who I was with... there is only one other song that ever grabbed me that way. I just fell in love with it immediately.
Wow Sal! You're almost at 100k!!! That is amazing!! Congratulations!
Catch a live concert performance of this song - the audience is in that moment part of the band - and sing it back to the stage at the top of their lungs. It's quite the experience, I've seen them 3 times in concert. Epic shows.
Violator was the FIRST CD I EVER BOUGHT (i think when I graduated from 8th grade, though I don't think it was brand new). Looking back... it explained SO MUCH about who I am as a person, lol. And this is so helpful in the strangest way. The layers (YES), the driving beat, the way this song F()GGS with you in the last 2 minutes and teases you and doesn't let you go (YEEESSSSS), the hint of western dirty rawness (YESSS), the dark goth meets clean synth, the industrial chaoticness... It makes SO MUCH SENSE why I loved it lol
I was a kid, like 9, when i first listened this track back in 1990, imagine how the mind of a 9 year old kid reacts to that electronica switch, it blew my mind. The only other time i got that impressed was when i bought my first Madonna cassette, Like a prayer, and the last track starts, a song called Act of Contriction, destroying completely what a pop female artist is supossed to be. Those moments make one fall in love of an artist. Glad you liked this one (:
Salvo, the end of the album version of this song is basically the best part, but they released a "Pump Mix" of this same song that basicially utilizes all of the hardest hitting aspects of the album version in a 7:50 long version that just bangs hard from beginning to end! This Pump Mix was the version that was played in all the clubs back in the day. It is so dark and brooding and you can just loose yourself in it. Check it out! ruclips.net/video/6PoXgM5zNgc/видео.html
I hadn't heard "Personal Jesus" in years.
As soon as the opening riff hit, I remembered every word and was immediately transported back to Fetish Night at San Francisco's The Power Exchange club when it was on South Van Ness.
That "breathy" bridge is them trying to reproduce the harmonica
Studio versions offer so many interesting sounds- love them!! Behind the Wheel next please!
This song is in my top 3 favorite songs.
OMG yes! Love this song so much from the first time I heard it. So good to dance to. Hahaha, cowboy vides ... check out the video for it.
I've seen them in concert 3 times but I would go again in a heartbeat
My best friend and I loved DM. We blasted the Personal jesus Maxi-single on the stereo while we played Nintendo. We had dorky DM shows in the garage, performed the song "Nothing" in our drama class. Depeche Mode 101 was a weekly thing, on VHS. I have some of the best memories from the Songs of Faith and Devotion concert. Depeche Mode is the best
Love this song! Depeche had an amazing sound all their own. ❤
I listened to that album until the cassette broke when I was 11-13ish... still one of the best albums of all time for me at 46. This song live at concert is a spiritual experience.
Looks like you’re reviewing Violator. Interested in your rxn to “Waiting for the Night”. It’s become my favorite on this album over the years, but all of their hits on the album are really good, and all the other tracks are hidden gems. It’s an amazing album.
This is one of those songs that makes you want to immediately get up & dance.
I love this song. They also did a great acoustic version of this, too
🤠My favorite Depeche Mode Song!!!
One of the greatest albums of all time..fight me on this..every song AMAZING
Yep, one of my faves, since its release.
Great car song
Loved your reaction! Saw them in Indianapolis back in the day-awesome concert!
It’s a pivotal moment as after the music for the masses / 101 tour they realised they were bonafide stadium filling rock stars. So they did what rock stars do. Martin picked up a guitar. This is the first release by them that featured him playing physical guitar…..and he went slide. Massive song, a perfect storm as the album is the bench mark of showing what a band can become. Playing to their strengths then adding to it. Boss video as well
One of my favorite bands to see livel😍
One of the best songs... EVER!!!
Personal Cheeses. ;)
Another amazing band.
I still haven't seen them play live. It's on my bucket list.
And remember the influence of the great Vince Clarke one again (Erasure, Yazoo).
When he was part of Depeche Mode's early days, he wrote "Dreaming of Me", "New Life", and "Just Can't Get Enough".
So he basically invented their earlier sound, before it got darker, and more grungey.
4:56 (album version)
3:43 (7-inch version)
5:48 (12-inch version) "Personal Jesus" had a total of 6 remixes across all versions
That was Depeche Mode. There are like 12 albums of total perfection. Violator, Black Celebration, and Music for the Masses are all unbeatable. The whole 'future retro western industrial thing is made perfection on the best album on Earth - Music for the Masses.
Been a DM devotee for 40 yrs, I still can’t pick a favorite. I definitely suggest watching ‘One Night in Paris’ their live shows are something to behold, the energy & electricity is indescribable. Even after all these years when I saw them last year (2023, I’ve been fortunate enough to see them for every album release tour except one)it felt like the first time.
THE ENTIRE ALBUM IS SUPERB! ❤❤❤
Violator tour was the first concert I ever saw. Great intro to concerts😊
The moment you start listing Depeche Mode…. It’s like you opening Pandora’s box. Im Addicted since 1987
The acoustic version is also quite good, which is on the CD-Maxi single.
Great memories of being on the dance floor to this.
This song always inspires me to make more music.
The song never bores me
Uk 🇬🇧. Great reaction Salvo! Did you know Marilyn Manson did a cover of this?
Saw them at Disneyland at cool theaters/stage there in the 80's. VERY GOOD!!!!😎😎😎😎😎👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Violator has not got one bad track. they are all awesome, and the album is a work of art. Play all the tracks and react to all of them. After that, add any of these: Agent Orange; Breathe; Blasphemous Rumours; Little 15; Master and Servant; New Life. That should do for a start!! Prepare to be blown away.
I love how they used the strings on Little 15.
Johnny Cash does an amazing version of this. One of his last recordings. ❤
I've seen them perform many times and they are amazing live. Check out "Depeche Mode Personal Jesus Devotional Tour 1993" One of the best concerts of my life.
Saw them in San Fran… love Depeche Mode
There is a band called Broken Peach that does a great cover of this song. You'll love it!
Enjoy The Silence Live In Berlin is awesome! Over 200 million views!
It’s a special album 🎉
Hilarious that you got that cowboy feel. Watch the music video for why I say that.
The 101 album is amazing, if you ever get a chance, give it a listen! 🖤 Also, as far as the cowboy thing...you should watch the official video to this song. I think you'll lol.
The pump mix is is worth checking out it has the intensity of the end bit all the way through
I'm Italian I had seen DM live and..... amazing
You must see live concert
remember to listen to waiting for the night,,, but do it blindfolded or with the lights off,,,, its one of their best last on the album i think
You have to check out the music video, it's like a Film Noir version of a Spaghetti Western. But in a good way.
Need to watch them live
Awesome!
If you didn’t know, Dave Gahan isn’t the only singer in Depeche Mode. Martin Gore (who’s the songwriter) is also a great singer, and he sometimes sings lead too. It’d be great to see you cover a track sung by Martin, like A Question of Lust.
We actually travelled to another city to see Depeche Mode. I’d be curious to see what you think of something from their newer album Memento Mori.
I was a dance club DJ and DM was a mainstay in the clubs , every year there old singles are remixed for a whole new generation, i think i have about 350 remix DM singles , if that is your first , you ain't heard nothing yet 😂
One of my favorite albums with not a bad song on it. My favorite though is the next track "Halo". Can't wait for that reaction.
I think this is a remix version. The radio edit I have doesn't have the same ending.
The video for this song is shown in a western format and the band are dressed up as cowboys.. If you are interested DM next album after this one the y change there look and sound i recommend the song "I Feel You " it is a bit hard hitting and a bit more reckier
I remember dancing to this in my room when I was a kid 😂 Have it on my 80’s playlist, I’m going to be 50 in a couple months 😂😂😂😂 All I see is an 80’s teenager dancing in her room to the radio 😂😂😂😂 🤷🏻♀️ Back when MTV was everything, you should have watched the video, lol.
Im 57 yers old and i just loves im until é, i see alive last yer and they are amazing belive me 😂❤
Marilyn Manson did a great cover of this.
My grown children: Why don’t you remember what you got me for Christmas when I was 5??
Me: I can’t lose all the lyrics from the 80’s. Ever.
😂
"Violator" as a whole is a masterpiece. You haven't even got to "Enjoy the Silence" yet - or have you? Sorry, too many things going on right now! But still - knowing what really floats your boat, you're in for a lot more treats from this album! Can't wait.
EDIT - Found your Patreon. Sod it, paid for - well worth it!
"Cowboys with guns but theyre lasers cuz theyre from the future"
Knights of Cydonia - Muse
THERE'S LIVE CONCERT VIDEOS OF THEM!!!👍🏼👍🏼
I was driving around with a rock and roll buddy of mine (Crosby Stills and Nash, Springsteen, etc). Popped in their 'Music for the Masses' CD. After a few songs he says. "This sounds like a techno DJ's funeral." I looked at him and thought "He's not that far off!" (Before people start ripping me, I'm a big fan.)