Exciter

Depeche Mode

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 15, 2001)
• Original Release Date: May 15, 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wea/Warner Brothers
• ASIN: B00005BL2A
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (383 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,436 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording
One of Depeche Mode's greatest strengths is also their greatest weakness. The band comes up with some of pop music's most inventive lyrics, and at the same time, they always give the impression that they'll arbitrarily sing about anything, as long as it's depressing. But on Exciter there's an autobiography in the lyrics that, for the first time, strikes a chord with skeptics and believers alike. Singer David Gahan's battle with addiction and its horrendous pitfalls took its toll in DM's 1990s releases; Songs of Faith and Devotion failed to measure up to their groundbreaking albums of the '80s, and Ultra found songwriter Martin Gore less inspired, and a hoarse Gahan incapable of delivering his signature clear and booming vocals. Mercifully, the band has exorcised the demons and produced an album that places them squarely back on track. The opener, "Dream On," is a close cousin to "Personal Jesus," combining earthy guitar with electrified, pulsating synths. The track's physical and metaphorical imagery poignantly relays the karmic revolution of living the fast life. The brilliant, mesmerizing monster of a tune, "The Dead of Night," swaggers with a giant, crushing industrial beat like a Nine Inch Nails song dressed in glamorous drag, while the ballads "Shine" and "Freelove" are as beautiful as the classic "Somebody" (but entirely unburdened by saccharine sentimentality). Gore's keen ear for shimmering sonics and bellowing rhythm reinvigorates the Depeche Mode-branded synth-pop that's remained unique for the last 20 years. In all, Exciter is a stunning return to form, and a triumph by every definition. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Depeche Mode's Millenial Breakthrough, May 15, 2001

By	David M. Cebell - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Finally, Exciter is here in my hands and how lucky I feel to listen. A long time Mode-Fan, I have heard each and every one of their albums. Exciter will stick out among the others partly for it's coming-of-age worth as well as the successfully executed experimentation that differentiates itself from the other albums.

One of the most outstanding differences is that DM have brought in more guitar work incorporated into their songs than ever before. Synth-pop fans may be worried by this point but I would like to assure them that, the guitars have just been added in more so than before and have not taken away from the fresh, clean, dark synth sounds that DM is all too famous for. Another significant difference is that Gahan's voice has never sounded so excellent. Each song feels like Gahan's heart is expressing to us a story.

"Dream On," their first single, is not the best song on the album or even the most catchy, radio-friendly song. It is a great intro with skittering electronic beats, fast acoustic guitar, and light Gahan lyrics. No other Depeche song has screamed NIN as does "Dead of Night" which perhaps may win over some fans. "I Feel Loved" is a very danceable track that will remind fans of the beloved Violator album. Finally, my personal favorite, "Freelove" is a masterpiece of emotion that is truly a fulfilling listen.

Exciter, among other DM albums, does not contain the most catchy radio singles. What makes Exciter a great album is it's beauty that perhaps no other Mode album was able to achieve. This material is an introduction to the true greatness of Depeche Mode that we have yet to see.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fresh new sound from DM!, May 15, 2001

By	Alvin Tan (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What is typical of DM music? Old fans will probably say: heavy synth arrangement, catchy rhythm, lyrics that doesn't really make sense but rhymes perfectly. However, this conventional understanding of DM music does not apply to this album...not at all. In 'Exciter', DM abandons its trademark style that has made it so popular during the 80s and 90s to experiment with a more ambient and moodier synth arrangement that has a touch of industrial, rock and even jazz. On the first listening, old fans will probably feel betrayed and disappointed. Gone are the dancy synth rhythms. The whole album is dominated by slower tracks with the exception of the industrial-sounding 'The Dead of Night' (an 'I Feel You' sounding track which almost has a touch of N.I.N) and the only upbeat tune ('I Feel Loved') which actually sounds nothing like their traditional fast tunes. Nonetheless, this album builds slowly upon the listener. The moody arrangement on 'Dream On', 'When the Body Speaks', 'Freelove' and 'Goodnight Lovers' actually works perfectly with Dave's voice. 'Breathe' is also an interesting track featuring Martin on vocals with a jazzy background. On the whole, this album presents a fresh new sound for DM, except it's a 'moodier' Mode rather than an 'exciter'.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Strength From Weakness, May 23, 2001

By	Thomas S. Ferrugia Esq "subzero288" (Bellerose, New York United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

First thing first, Depeche Mode exists to me as one of the most influential, powerful and underappreciated bands of all time. Only the faithful seem to understand the subtle expression and sinister meanings to Martin Gore's writings and Dave Gahan's voice. The majority of music fans, those who think N'Sync can even spell the word "TALENT," believe the band should more aptly carry the moniker "Depressed Mode." Good. Those of us who let the music's richness of expression and mood cause us to reflect upon our lost loves, happiest moments and past sexual experiences, are members of an exclusive, more enlightened, club. But back to "Exciter." As DM's 10th effort, it's very difficult to separate it from the history it carries, and to hear it on its own merrits. As the next chapter of a band that has evolved from a campy, synth-pop act (especially when Vince Clark was at the helm) to creating the most powerfully dark songs ever written (just listen to "Stripped"), this album makes perfect sense. As DM moves from its signature multi layered sound approach, to simpler, subtler beats, fans can feel as if they are gleaming into songwriter Martin Gore's ever maturing writing abilities. Here, Dave Gahan's voice is given the duty of carrying much of the music's weight. And he is more than capable. Returning from "ULTRA," where he whispered his way through most of the album, his voice is back as booming, sexual and competent. But even alone, it is a gripping album. Like "Black Celebration" and "Music For The Masses," the songs seemingly flow into on another, providing a beautiful continuity, as if the listener was follwoing a story. The songs are deceptivley simple. You sometimnes wonder where the rest of the music is, but then this simplicity allows you to hear and appreciate the way each individual sound combines with one another to create a full melody. And though many of the songs lack anything resembling a "hook," Dave Gahan's powerful voice easily leads you through this finely woven tapestry. The best on the album include Shine, Dream On, I feel Loved, Sweetest Condition and Goodnight Lovers. Though definitely not DM's best album, like "ULTRA," it will definitely age well over time, and get better with each listening.