It's really a lot of fun to read the written here recessions. Before reading any further: I indeed possess almost all regular CDs, but am not a die-hard fan of DM, so I will try to evaluate this album as far as possible an objective (that is with music at all possible ?!).. 1. The Songs: Here the boys have clearly improved a lot compared to Exciter. The melodies are back. While not as to BC or VIOLATOR times, but still! No sign of reduction or similar .. Here again reveled, doubted and suffered. However, the album released after a complete auditory canal by no means a moderate depression of. Also I do not think the album is very grim. Ehr typical DM - or expect anyone seriously cheerful or weltumarmende songs from this band? Probably not, or. If I had to compare it to other albums, I would classify between VIOLATOR and SOFAD. There is absolutely no downtime. Many tracks are more likely to be described as classic "Depeche Mode". Particularly striking are currently (after 3 Duch courses): "John The Revelator (soulful, very moving and guarantee a future live classic)," a pain That I'm used to "(pretty hard, brilliant Beat," garnished "with a Vangelis-like Keyboard Line) and "Precious (very relaxed, catchy but not representative for the album). Almost all the songs are quite complex designed so that no imminent signs of wear are to be feared. On the contrary, every time you hear one discovers new subtleties and details. 2. The sound: So, here they really .. well, quite split (to put it diplomatically express) opinions. Yes, I found Mister Wilders experimentation great too, and yes, I think one of the most brilliant Flood Producer on this globe, but that does not mean that everything else would be bad. Admittedly, the sound of EXCITER was very smooth, digital and somehow powerless. But really you can not say this now. The Beat are good to awesome and programmed with neat "Schmackes" and there are quite a lot of samples used (in "The Sinner In Me" even sounds of The Prodigy's "Breathe" out listening). The keyboards provide again for real atmosphere and the increased use of guitars and real instruments produce "more organic" a sound as with the predecessors. Only the many sound effects and distortions could one or two listeners at first be a bit confusing. But me personally this sound like absolutely, because it makes the songs more angular, more interesting and zeitgemässiger. Above all, it sounds just no longer Exciter times. And one thing you really have to emphasize: No matter how you find this CD, one must also clearly confirm that Dave Gahan delivers a vocally feat. Rarely has so variable and his voice sounded powerfully as on this album. Hats off! Everything is together "Playing the Angel" has become a really good, fresh and exciting album in my opinion. 4 stars for the songs as a whole + 1 Star for the DM-own style and the really ingenious production = 5 stars. Thus, for DM ratios but again everything's alright. AND: Music is still a subjective matter. So remain peaceful, the tastes are just different times!
