Sounds of the Universe

The days of Zeitgeist-shifting Depeche Mode awesomeness may likely be behind them, but that doesn't make their new LP less worthy of the band's legacy.

It’s tough for a band to exist for nearly 30 years and not at some point become a self-caricature. Without a massively restructured sound, new records usually feel like half-assed aggregations of nostalgia. But even in 2009, Depeche Mode’s members are masters of electronic pop, crafting an inimitable sonic atmosphere…

Depeche Mode are here with album number 12, and despite being full of the usual clichés its really rather good.

Check out our album review of Artist's Sounds of the Universe on Rolling Stone.com.

2005's Playing the Angel proved to be one of Depeche Mode's strongest albums -- the combination of Ben Hillier's production, the emergence of David Gahan as a songwriter following his initial solo effort and a clutch of striking songs that openly embraced arena-level bombast following the much more subtle Exciter resulted in wide praise and a well-received tour.

an attempt to show the young pretenders they still have it...Twenty-eight years on from their first foray into the music charts, the seminal Depeche Mode follow fellow 80’s warblers U2 and The Cure in letting the world know they are not quite ready for the home.

<p>They've sorted out their messy private lives, but at what cost, asks <strong>Gareth Grundy</strong></p>

Depeche Mode's 'Sounds of the Universe' dispenses with more user-friendly, pop-oriented songs in favor of denser, consternating material.

It's probably safe to say that most of us aren't expecting Depeche Mode to blow our minds anymore.

<p>They've sorted out their messy private lives, but at what cost, asks <strong>Gareth Grundy</strong></p>

Depeche Mode's Sounds Of The Universe combines bleeping synths, distorted guitars and crunchy percussion for a punchy, electrorock blaster.