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62 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Underrated, May 9, 2001
Songs Of Faith And Devotion could be Depeche Mode's most underrated album to date. A common misconception about SOFAD is that it was a sell-out to the grunge movement of its time. The only song on the album that might pass as being grunge, however, is "I Feel You," and only for its hard edge and raw emotion. The rest of the album has too much depth and complexity, both musically and lyrically, to be classified as a sub-genre of grunge music. Although the album contained some raunchy sounds, it maintained a spiritual aura from start to finish. In a year when bands like Pearl Jam and The Spin Doctors dominated the scene, Depeche Mode held themselves to a higher standard and forged a completely different sound. Also somewhat of a misconception was that Depeche Mode abandoned their roots on this album. It was a departure in the sense that live drums and more guitars were incorporated into the music, but SOFAD was still part of the band's evolutionary process. Martin Gore had actually started sneaking guitars into the mix on Music For The Masses, with the guitar work becoming more pronounced on Violater. SOFAD became a bigger outlet for this side of the band. Also, the album elaborated on typical Depeche Mode themes. Lyrically speaking, it's arguably Martin Gore's most inspired songwriting. I consider SOFAD to be my favorite DM album. That's a strong statement coming from someone who loves everything from Speak & Spell onwards. Unfortunately, SOFAD wasn't well received by the general public and many DM fans alike. Martin Gore stated at the time of its release that they wanted to challenge their listeners. It's not the kind of album everyone's supposed to like (DM fans included), but most people weren't up to the challenge.
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27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An epic and innovative album from an unlikely source, August 12, 2005
When Depeche Mode's 1993 album "Songs of Faith and Devotion" begins with screaching vinyl scratches of its opener and first single, "I Feel You", it becomes clear that there will be no room for enjoying the silence on this record.
When the album hit, dedicated fans of the group's earlier releases were shocked by the band's new harder, alternative rock sound, a far departure from the days of "People Are People". The thing is they made the mistake of misjudging the album for something that is not, and that is a standard rock record.
Even the band's most fierce song, "I Feel You", is layered with lots of synths, from the processed distorted blues guitar riff, to the digitally effected live drums, to the trademark Depeche Mode atmospheric synth lines.
But this album, much like most other Depeche releases, does not rely on a few singles, but is best heard in album form. When given a full listening, "Songs Of Faith and Devotion" (SOFAD) is arguably Depeche Mode's most challenging and powerful album.
From the crying gospel of "Condemnation" to the somber ballad "Judas", the album tackles faith and devotion as relating to humanity, as opposed to religiously.
One of the album's biggest strengths is the larger contribution from each member; Martin L. Gore's writing is more refined, Alan Wilder's arrangements are borderline perfection, and Dave Gahan's vocals are his best and most organic. He really lets loose on tracks like the bouncy rocker "Mercy In You" and the epic "Higher Love".
Epic is a word often used (especially in this review) to describe this album, and it is because the sounds are so powerful that this might even be thought of as a sonic concept album, as the mood and pacing are so well synched.
The Martin L. Gore sung "Judas" progresses into the large build up of "In Your Room", which is widely believed to be one of the band's best tracks. All those doubting the band's change in image can look right to that track, all the band's trademarks --- swirling synths, fierce beats, and Gahan's emotional vocals--- are all here.
The band's production also shows an improvement on that of "Violator" by Flood with songs like the hip-hop flavored "Get Right With Me" and the rave pace of "Rush".
Sure, the band show some modern influences (Nine Inch Nails, Grunge rock), but this album is not at all a sell out (which some argue due to its #1 charting). This album is all Depeche Mode, all emotion, and you could not call yourself a fan of the band without owning it.
For those of you that love rock, pop, synth, or all combined, you can find it here, in one of the most inspiring albums of the 90's.
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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Incredible Effort ...., May 16, 2006
While this is The Album that pushed DM (and Alan Wilder) over the emotional edge, the tension certainly wasn't put to waste. I truly hated this album upon first hearing. After riding the sweet aural waves of "Black Celebration", "Music For The Masses" and "Violator", nothing could be farther from that bliss than "SOFAD". I did find, however, that as I matured, so did my taste for the subject matter on this album. The lyrics are from the heart. The production and sounds are rich & layered. Gahan's vocals have true grit, hardship & pain. You simply cannot fake this. Put your headphones on and listen to this album in it's entirety. You'll likely hear something different every time you do. 13 years later and I'm still discovering the intricacies of this great album.
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