Artist: Depeche Mode Album: Exciter

Year: 2001
Duration: 57:00

A Deep Dive into the Album: Exciter by Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode has long been considered one of the most influential bands in the electronic music genre. With several decades worth of albums under their belt, each release is highly anticipated by the band's loyal fan base. Today, we are going to take a closer look at Exciter, the album released by the band in 2001. We will examine the album's sound, its standout tracks, and what makes it a standout entry in the band's discography.

Brief History of Depeche Mode:

Depeche Mode was formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex, England. The band's original lineup consisted of Vince Clarke, Martin Gore, Andy Fletcher, and David Gahan. Over the course of the next several years, the band would release a number of seminal electronic albums, including 1984's Some Great Reward and 1990's Violator. The band's sound is characterized by intricate synthpop instrumentation paired with Gahan's distinctive vocals. Exciter marked a departure from some of the band's early synthpop roots, with the album leaning more towards ambient tones and soundscapes.

Genre of the Album:

As previously mentioned, Exciter sees Depeche Mode moving away from their traditional synthpop roots and venturing more firmly into ambient territory. The album's sound is marked by heavy use of atmospheric sounds and subtle electronic textures. This is definitely more of an atmospheric album than a dance album, but there is still plenty here for fans who prefer to cut loose on the dance floor. The album's sound definitely qualifies as experimental but it never veers so far into bizarre instrumentation that it becomes off-putting.

Standout Tracks:

Exciter is an album that rewards repeated listenings, but there are definitely some standout tracks that immediately grab your attention. One of the album's best tracks is Dream On, which served as the lead single. The song is a great marriage of catchy pop songwriting and Depeche Mode's trademark ambiance. Fans of the band's earlier work will definitely appreciate I Feel Loved, which has an undeniable groove. Breathe, with its haunting vocals and subdued percussion, is another highlight of the album.

Innovative Parts of the Album:

One of the things that makes Exciter so innovative is the album's use of samples and loops. This was a new direction for Depeche Mode, and one that they pulled off with aplomb. The samples are used sparingly but effectively throughout the album, adding a new layer of texture to the band's already fascinating soundscapes.

Critical Review of the Album:

There's no denying that Exciter is a great album and a standout entry in Depeche Mode's discography. However, there are some points where the album falls short. While the band's experimentation with ambient sounds and textures is welcome, at times it feels as though the band is trying too hard to be experimental. There are moments on the album where the atmosphere becomes too overpowering and the songs lose their sense of direction. However, these moments are few and far between, and overall the album is a rewarding listen.

There's no denying that Exciter is a great album and a standout entry in Depeche Mode's discography. However, there are some points where the album falls short. While the band's experimentation with ambient sounds and textures is welcome, at times it feels as though the band is trying too hard to be experimental. There are moments on the album where the atmosphere becomes too overpowering and the songs lose their sense of direction. However, these moments are few and far between, and overall the album is a rewarding listen.

Overall, Exciter is an album that deserves to be in the collection of any Depeche Mode fan. Its experimentation and use of ambient textures marks a new direction for the band, and it is an album that rewards repeated listenings. While it may not be a perfect album, the standout tracks and innovative use of samples and loops make it a standout entry in the band's already impressive discography.