Depeche Mode Songs Ranked
Depeche Mode (/dəˌpɛʃ-, diː-, dɪ-/) are an English electronic music band formed in Basildon, Essex in 1980. The group as of now consists of a trio of Dave Gahan (lead vocals and co-songwriting), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, co-lead vocals, and main songwriting), and Andy Fletcher (keyboards).
Depeche Mode released their debut album Speak & Spell in 1981, bringing the band onto the British new wave scene. Founding member Vince Clarke left after the release of the album; they recorded A Broken Frame as a trio. Gore took over as the main songwriter and, later in 1982, Alan Wilder replaced Clarke, establishing a lineup that continued for 13 years.
Depeche Mode has had 54 songs in the UK Singles Chart and 17 top 10 albums in the UK chart; they have sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Q included the band in the list of the “50 Bands That Changed the World!”. Depeche Mode also ranks number 98 on VH1’s “100 Greatest Artists of All Time”. In December 2016, Billboard named Depeche Mode the 10th most successful dance club artist of all time. They were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017 and 2018 and will be inducted as part of the Class of 2020. Here are all of Depeche Mode songs ranked.
Don’t miss out on the Depeche Mode! Click below and enjoy the songs of these iconic group.
20. John the Revelator (Playing The Angel, 2005)
“Awesome song… never heard that kind of sound before… not even close from any other band’s sound… Very Depeche Mode’esque sound. Very powerful and groovy, the wonderful bass line. Very melodic and beautiful song ever!”
19. A Question of Time (Black Celebration, 1986)
“It is the best song by Depeche Mode ever. The ambiance is awesome and the vocals are superb. It is very a soulful track. I never get enough of listening this song. This is a great song.”
18. Sweetest Perfection (Violator, 1990)
“Really translates well an addict’s feelings. Great song. “Sweetest Perfection” is another amazing song and another favorite of mine that features some somewhat light marching military drums, as well as intense keyboards and electronic guitar wailings throughout with Martin Gore’s vocals leading the way, and I also mentioned that Gore handles lead vocals on this song earlier.”
17. I Feel You (Songs of Faith and Devotion, 1993)
“Great song! Sets the tone for the entire “Songs of Faith and Devotion” album : passionate, lustful and irreverent. Beautiful, incredibly touching, very soulful, favorite Depeche Mode song. So much emotion. So much texture. Chillingly sexual.”
See more: Depeche Mode Albums Ranked
16. In Your Room (Songs of Faith and Devotion, 1993)
“In Your Room is an incredibly dark song and has a great emotional impact on listeners. What I enjoy the most about it is the depth the instrumental on the album version holds. Best song from SOFAD full stop! So atmospheric and very powerful lyrics. The best song that DM have ever created.”
15. Stripped (Black Celebration, 1986)
“The dark atmosphere of this song combined with Dave’s low vocals really makes this song an epic Unreachable song! And linked to a lot of memories. Epic and very early and close to the synthpop times”
14. Walking in My Shoes (Songs of Faith and Devotion, 1993)
“Best song ever written by Martin Gore… just awesome… the «emo» part at the end of the song is something that we hardly heard before… yes electronic but so emotion in that song… especially when we know what Depeche Mode members went through.”
13. A Pain that I’m Used To (Playing the Angel, 2005)
“Great, sublime song. “You’ll stumble in my footsteps…”. This song develops into something almost unbearably beautiful and captivating as it progresses.”
12. Just Can’t Get Enough (Speak & Spell, 1981)
“I think that this one is the most listenable of their songs. Masterpiece! Can’t get that out of my head that notes! This is in my top 5 songs of all time. Great sound, great mixing, great lyrics.”
11. Everything Counts (Construction Time Again, 1983)
“Everything Counts”, is among the band’s greatest songs of all time (… at least in my opinion). A fluid track from start to finish it features great percussion and catchy hooks all around.”
10. It’s No Good (Ultra, 1997)
“A relaxing song with a little dark side on the chorus.. With a twist.. Love it.. Masterpiece, the way syncs pulsate independently from vocals yet intertwine perfectly. Easy lyrics anyone can sing to.”
9. Strangelove (Music for the Masses, 1987)
“The lyrics are especially fun. Quietly singing along to “I give in to sin/ because you have to make this life livable” at work is one of life’s little pleasures. Man, what a great song.”
8. Halo (Violator, 1990)
“This single from “Violator” is less hooky than others from it but what it lacks in instant appeal, it more than makes up for as it builds and builds from a simple three-note keyboard riff and accompanying drum-beat, as synths, strings and backing vocals contribute to the stifling claustrophobic theme of the lyric.”
See more: The Psychedelic Furs Albums Ranked
7. World In My Eyes (Violator, 1990)
“This is during the time when Depeche Mode was really firing on all cylinders, it is my belief that there was immaculate production in 1989/1990 that was not around 1983. In fact some of the best beats of all time were in the 90’s because they were so atmospheric.”
6. Never Let Me Down Again (Music for the Masses, 1987)
“Right in the middle of the heydays and right the best song of ’em all! Music For The Masses made a timeless statement that will only vanish with the demise of the World. I love this song. I think it’s number one in my opinion. Good times when I sing this song.”
5. Precious (Playing the Angel, 2005)
“What a beautiful song! I Love Martin’s amazing songwriting as well as Dave’s vocals! Just so dynamic. If you understand the backstory behind this song, then you’ll understand why it’s in the top 10 Depeche Mode songs of all time.”
4. People are People (People are People, 1984)
“Probably my favorite Depeche Mode song. It’s such a busy song and those synthesizers must being doing 15 different things at once. That part before the chorus sounds so cool and I just want to get up and dance to this whenever I hear it. The vocal harmonization and the layers come together perfectly. Those are some deep lyrics too.”
3. Policy of Truth (Violator, 1990)
“Very good music and lyrics… You just get a strange feeling when you hear that beautiful music… So consuming… Amazing sounding song but the message is clear, ‘truth’ will always be subjective = proceed at your own risk…”
2. Personal Jesus (Batman Präsentiert: Powerhits, 1989)
“This song features the catchiest guitar riff ever. Depeche Mode is one of the most visionary bands in the history of music, side by side with the Beatles or David Bowie.”
1. Enjoy the Silence (Violator, 1990)
“This song is the perfect Depeche Mode song… I love them ALL, but this one has it all… That perfect blend of light and dark, transporting you to another world and rendering you speechless (except when you are singing along)… ENJOY THE SILENNCE…”