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awfullydxpeched · 1 minute

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these pictures make me fall to my knees, the prettiest boys ever

#depechemode #alanwilder #dave gahan #martingore #andyfletcher #80smusic #80s fashion #synth #synthpop #synthwave #electronicband #electronicmusic #80sfashion #80saesthetic #depechemodefans #depechemodedevotees #depechemodeforever

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awfullydxpeched · 5 days

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i'd love to spend a day at the beach with them

#depechemode #alanwilder #dave gahan #martingore #andyfletcher #synth #synthpop #synthwave #electronicmusic #80s #80smusic #80s fashion #80saesthetic #music #fans #musicfans #devotees #depechemodefans #depechemodedevotees

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awfullydxpeched · 6 days

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ugh they are just so 🧎‍♀️

#depechemode #alanwilder #dave gahan #martingore #andyfletcher #synth #synthpop #synthwave #electronicmusic #80s #80smusic #80s fashion #80saesthetic #music #fans #musicfans #devotees #depechemodefans #depechemodedevotees

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awfullydxpeched · 9 days

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depeche in munich, 04.01.1983 | 📷 by fryderyk gabowicz

#depeche mode #alanwilder #dave gahan #martingore #andyfletcher #synth #synthpop #synthwave #electronicmusic #80s #80smusic #80sfashion #80saesthetic #music #fans #musicfans #devotees #depechemodefans #depechemodedevotees

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awfullydxpeched · 10 days

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the sexiest men to exist

#depechemode #alanwilder #dave gahan #martingore #andyfletcher #synth #synthpop #synthwave #electronicmusic #80s #80smusic #80sfashion #80saesthetic #music #fans #musicfans #devotees #depechemodefans #depechemodedevotees

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awfullydxpeched · 1 month

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dave in the sparkly leather jacket <33 | photos by massimo rana, milan 1990

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awfullydxpeched · 2 months

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i need alan in the leather jacket to save me 😔

#depechemode #alanwilder #davegahan #martingore #andyfletcher #synth #synthpop #synthwave #electronicmusic #electronicband #80s #80smusic #80sfashion #80saesthetic #devotees #depechemodedevotees

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awfullydxpeched · 2 months

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love it!!

"Some Great Reward": Depeche Mode's Synth-Pop Evolution

British band Depeche Mode’s fourth studio album Some Great Reward released in 1984 was a turning point in the band’s sound that resulted in their first US chart success, with their single “People are People” reaching no. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Some Great Reward was a transitional phase for Depeche Mode, where the aspects that would come to define Depeche Mode’s signature sound in the years to come were starting to develop. Songwriter Martin Gore was coming into his own, with his lyrics reflecting relationships and the human condition, grappling with skepticism of religion, sex, politics, and love, from the perspective of an intelligent and cynical soul. Gore’s lyrics exhibit a depth often overlooked in music; notably, as they avoid common love tropes and present a more honest and realistic portrayal of relationships

Often the band’s earlier lyrics were backed by a more pop-style arrangement, Some Great Reward still contains those pop hooks and arrangements, but they are created to be in a more foreboding style. The album’s instrumentation sounds like they clash at first listen, but with further listening, this combination of thought-provoking lyrics and the industrial, loud dynamic music, sometimes coupled with soft and sweet sounding instrumentation, are done masterfully, where these seemingly contrasting ideas come together seamlessly. Depeche Mode became more playful and musically innovative with Some Great Reward, testing the boundaries of sound and the machinery of electronic instrumentation, redefining the genre of synth-pop in the process, into something more industrialized and tinged with subtle elements of darkness in the album's atmosphere.

Some Great Reward, saw Depeche Mode stepping out of the youthful, more energetic, and brighter synth-pop sound of their first couple of albums, signaling the member's maturation into being young adults and grappling with different complexities. One of the most prominent examples of this is the song “Master and Servant,” taking the theme of capitalism in society and subtly revealing this from within the song's lyrical themes of sex and BDSM, bringing the first musical taste of the new turn Depeche Mode was taking, a turn to something more earnest, more sexual, and more darkly cynical.

The lyrics explore the interplay between control and submission, drawing parallels between intimate desires and the broader societal structures influenced by power imbalances. The provocative nature of "Master and Servant" extends beyond its lyrics, with the music itself contributing to the song's edginess. The juxtaposition of alluring melodies with darker, more industrial elements exemplifies Depeche Mode's willingness to challenge musical conventions, foreshadowing the innovative approach they would further develop in subsequent albums.

The synth-pop-filled, often naive lyricism that defined their earlier albums is still subtly present but now takes on a more nuanced and complex role, with it being a backdrop to the band's lyrical exploration of power dynamics and societal structures.

Gore’s lyrics explore complex and provocative themes, such as on some of the album's standout tracks, "Blasphemous Rumours," "Stories of Old," and "Lie to Me," that delve into poignant narratives that contribute significantly to the album's emotional impact. In "Blasphemous Rumours," the lyrics address the weighty subject of suicide, offering a stark commentary on the struggles of individuals and the moral implications surrounding life and death. The combination of dark lyrical content against the backdrop of an upbeat musical arrangement creates a haunting contrast, enhancing the emotional impact of the song, and aligns with the album's broader examination of societal and personal challenges.

"Stories of Old" introduces a different facet of Depeche Mode's lyrical prowess, with its delving into themes of desire, intimacy, and vulnerability. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of romantic entanglements, showcasing Martin Gore's ability to convey complex emotions through evocative storytelling. As the track unfolds, the listener is immersed in a narrative of passion and longing, adding a layer of intimacy to the album's overarching exploration of human relationships. Similarly, "Lie to Me" explores the dynamics of deceit and self-deception within relationships, the lyrics are filled with longing and vulnerability, and contribute to the emotional depth of the album, as the music skillfully weaves a narrative that complements the broader themes of love, power, and societal critiques found throughout Some Great Reward.

Instrumentation on the album also marks a notable departure from the band's earlier sound, with the incorporation of newer band member Alan Wilder into Depeche Mode’s lineup bringing a fresh perspective, that is evident in the meticulous layering of synthesizers, drum machines, and the albums innovative use of samplers. The sonic landscape becomes more textured and sophisticated, with Wilder's influence pushing the boundaries of the electronic sounds in the album. This departure is particularly noticeable in tracks like "Somebody," where the subtle interplay between instrumentation and emotive vocals reflects a newfound depth and complexity.

The album heavily relies on synthesizers and drum machines, complemented by inventive samplers that capture sounds from everyday life, such as pans falling down stairs and working it into the album's soundscape. Some Great Reward’s unconventional use of sampling provides an intriguing layer of complexity with the album’s attention to detail in the sampling process, adding depth with the transformation of seemingly mundane sounds into integral components of the album's sonic identity.

Each track on the album has a disjunct yet harmonious sonic landscape, where the separation of vocal and instrumental layers is remarkably clear, allowing listeners to distinguish each element while still experiencing the cohesive flow of the music, resulting in an exhilarating listening experience that showcases Wilder's mastery in blending technical precision with artistic creativity.

The album's contrast of dark lyrical content against upbeat musical arrangements, along with the evocative storytelling, enriches the album's overarching story of societal challenges, human relationships, and personal struggles. Some Great Reward not only solidified Depeche Mode's position as pioneers of synth-pop but also laid the groundwork for their continued exploration of mature, provocative, and innovative musical expressions in the years to come.

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awfullydxpeched · 2 months

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