Depeche Mode have unleashed a new album entitled “Memento Mori” on humanity. The title means something like “Remember that you are mortal” and of course immediately brings to mind the death of Andrew Fletcher. According to the band, however, the title had already been chosen beforehand.
As always, when Depeche Mode announces an album, I look forward to social media. It is a true spectacle how there at the latest after the first sounds, the emotions go high. Always there are those who adore everything, next to those who don’t like it at all (because their favorite albums are all from the 80’s) and the hint that you just notice that Alan isn’t there anymore can’t be missing at all. Simply great entertainment!
But back to the essentials, because “Memento Mori” is the 15th studio album of this exceptional band that has accompanied me all my life and yes I’m probably not completely objective, but reviews never are.
“My Cosmos Is Mine” rumbles off darkly, clattering and is carried by Dave`s voice. Until Martin Gore cuts the song with “No War, No War …”. The first time I heard it I thought it was a joke and actually checked again if this is really an “Official Audio” of the band. Once you have the CD in your hand, it quickly becomes clear that No War is followed by a No More, which I had not heard before, and in the meantime I have made my peace with this part of the song. Actually, it is a brilliant move, because Martin Gore’s words can also be understood as a verbal pillory.
The following “Wagging Tongue” is then a co-production of the two remaining band members. A mid-tempo song with an infectious groove and structural Kraftwerk influences. Follows then the pre-release single “Ghosts Again” a heavenly pop song, no more and no less. Reminds of “Precious” from its exceptional position in the album, although I’m not sure if “Ghosts Again” has what it takes to still please in 3, 4 years.
“Soul With Me” is the only track sung by Martin Gore that made it onto the album. That hasn’t happened since “Construction Time Again” either. Often it’s exactly these songs that give the album a special touch, but unfortunately that doesn’t apply here at all. In my mind’s eye, I see Mr. Gore dressed as Frank Sinatra in a smoky bar on stage, with a glass in his hand, “singing down” the song. Only the chorus meets open ears, but otherwise it’s rather weak.
“Caroline’s Monkey” reminds a bit of “Dream On” at least as far as Dave’s vocals are concerned. Otherwise, however, clear associations to Kraftwerk can be heard here again and Dave builds a nice bridge to the 90s song “Clean” with his singing of the word “Sometimes”.
Speaking of bridges to older songs, “People Are Good” is a true grandmaster at that. Here I hear sounds from the time of “Construction Time Again” and “Some Great Reward” as well as “Songs of Faith and Devotion.” No idea if they are the same, but the association was immediately awakened in me. From the groove a true banger! A bit like “You Move” from the last album, but here a lot more energetic. Speaking of energy, “Never Let Me Go” radiates it without end. I wouldn’t necessarily have expected this song from Depeche Mode. The closing “Speak To Me” is more like it, unfortunately the closing ballad doesn’t bring me any joy. A little trivial.
Overall, the 15th album has become a very strong musical work, in which Depeche Mode on the one hand do not deny their roots, but also do not shy away from new influences.
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