Depeche Mode - Violator

ROSE-TINTED LIPS DRIPPING WITH BLOOD

I'll be honest. It's been a while since I've been wowed. The past few months I've searched, coming up empty-handed, save for a few stellar albums here and there (Flipper's Guitar's Doctor Head's World Tower comes to mind). This festering apathy is why I zeroed in on Depeche Mode's Violator, in spite of my typical routine of experiencing an artist's entire discography before landing upon their seminal work. Eyes were always fixated on Violator, as if it was this go-to beacon, a sure-fire hit in times of drought. And while certain, obvious songs lay claim to such a declaration, the inconsistency and bleeding, 80's New Romantic tone leaves me, once again, unsatisfied. Though it must be known: 'Personal Jesus' and 'Enjoy The Silence' make this endeavor a worthwhile one.

For articulative sake, I'll include 'Blue Dress' - my third favorite song - in the line-up as well, since that provides a succinct summation of Depeche Mode as three-headed dragon; tenacious, anthemic, and amorous. These three efforts thrive under starkly-different limitations. 'Personal Jesus' is an Alternative Dance assailant, powering through with an unforgettable gallop. It's got this ol' Western fortitude which, when mixed with Depeche Mode's moody, Darkwave habits, creates quite the devilish environment. Here, Dave Gahan booms, presenting himself as a shifty, conniving patron saint, which stands opposite Depeche Mode's dour brand of penitence. Elsewhere, on tracks like 'Halo' and, occasionally, 'Policy Of Truth,' his charm chatters with 80's lipstick sleaze. It's a dubious balance to ride, and one that culminates in 'Enjoy The Silence.' I mean really, who else could pull off using the word "very" in such distended length than a weeping New Romantic? It's cheesiness done right, similar to New Order's best singles. And much like their comparative U.K. counterparts, genius strikes about as often as ineptitude. 'Sweetest Perfection' and 'Halo' are indicative of that.

Though Violator is hardly consistent, leaping from euphoric to eye-rolling at a moment's notice, the highs are strong enough to offset any missteps. 'Personal Jesus' and 'Enjoy The Silence' are inarguable, excluding the two final minutes of the latter, which are irrelevant fodder best left out. 'Blue Dress' is a finespun deep cut, setting aside Depeche Mode's brooding production qualities for something more intimate and affectionate. Morrissey with an even more glum upbringing. Gahan's best vocal performance as well. And 'Waiting For The Night' is just straight solid, paced beautifully with patience and somnolence. An excellent bridge leading to 'Enjoy The Silence.' The rest, including the weirdly uncomfortable 'Clean,' which leaves Violator feeling, ironically, dirty, is shaky Synthpop expected of the era and how we've strayed from it.