Depeche Mode-Songs Of Faith And Devotion (1993)

Throughout much of their career, the British group Depeche Mode evolved from their initial synth-pop style toward more eclectic genres, such as pop-rock. Masters at crafting instant hits unpretentious songs aimed at a mass audience, they always distinguished themselves by having accomplished songwriters in their ranks (Vince Clarke and Martin Gore), experts at devising tracks with addictive sounds and choruses that easily hooked the average listener. Twelve years after releasing their debut, the brilliant "Speak & Spell", an album featuring synth-pop anthems like "I Just Can't Get Enough" and "New Life", they launched their eighth record, "Songs of Faith and Devotion". On this album, the quartet comprising Martin Gore, David Gahan, Alan Wilder, and Andrew Fletcher gave greater prominence to energetic guitars and elements such as gospel vocals and bluesy influences, without abandoning the synthesizers and danceable rhythms that underpinned lead singer David Gahan's baritone voice. Despite this subtle shift in direction, the band won the approval of their most devoted fans and achieved a dozen platinum and gold records worldwide.