Depeche Mode -Songs of Faith and Devotion [V0](Big Papi) 1993

Source: Original Release Sire/Reprise 9 45243-2 CD 1993

By Matt Crazed
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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Depeche Mode - Songs of Faith and Devotion
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Artist...............: Depeche Mode
Album................: Songs of Faith and Devotion
Genre................: Pop/Rock
Source...............: CD
Year.................: 1993

MP3 V0 (Highest Quality Available For MP3)

Ripper...............: EAC (Secure mode) / LAME 3.92 & Asus CD-S520
Codec................: LAME 3.99
Version..............: MPEG 1 Layer III
Quality..............: Extreme, (avg. bitrate: 260kbps)
Channels.............: Joint Stereo / 44100 hz

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Tracklisting
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1. Depeche Mode - I Feel You [04:35]
2. Depeche Mode - Walking in My Shoes [05:35]
3. Depeche Mode - Condemnation [03:20]
4. Depeche Mode - Mercy in You [04:17]
5. Depeche Mode - Judas [05:14]
6. Depeche Mode - In Your Room [06:26]
7. Depeche Mode - Get Right With Me [03:52]
8. Depeche Mode - Rush [04:37]
9. Depeche Mode - One Caress [03:32]
10. Depeche Mode - Higher Love [05:56]

Playing Time.........: 47:30
Total Size...........: 89.39 MB