Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best albums ever, getting better every listen, 6 Sep 2007
I was surprised to see the sheer amount of mixed reviews from buyers on other versions of this album (such as the DVD, and original one) and therfore felt inclined to write a non-biased review, seeming as some people feel need to slate an album if the '5.1 Dolby sound' blah blah isn't totally perfect for them.
The fact is, no matter what the quality of the mastering, its the music that counts, and Violator was perhaps a peak for Mode. It shows their transition from poppy, synthy, young lads, to more mature and quality focused musicians. Indeed, during their early years, they were pumping out songs like 'Meaning of Love' all over the place, but by this time, 1990, they had realised they had to move with the times.
Maybe it was the success of Black Celebration that moved them to make an album like this with such character. Violator is, however, a move to 'dancefloor' side things. Such songs as 'Enjoy the Silence' perhaps made this album, and was in no time the most requested song on Radio 1 for weeks running, not to mention being a club hit. It's simplicity perhaps reflects why it's so good - they haven't tried too hard, the lyrics make sense, and the rhythm is incredibly powerful. Whats more, this is an album exclusive release, making it 6:13 minutes long.
'World in my eyes' kick starts the album however, and is quite a nice track, though I would have thought more of an ending track. 'Policy of Truth' is yet another memorable song, which funnily enough, was released just after Enjoy the Silence. Again, Gore works up some brilliant lyrics to accompany a simple, yet effective rhythm. Mode's objective (as stated in an interview) was to experiment with sound, to create new outcomes. I'll still be damned if I can figure out how they produced that famous rhyth in the chorus!
'Personal Jesus' has also had a makeover, extending it that little bit more to make it more interesting. For me, the lustful part of this album comes in the songs 'Sweetest Perfection', 'Waiting for the night' and the beautiful 'Blue Dress'. We know just how composed Black Celebration sounds, but this is without a doubt a more mature album, that sounds just that little bit more perfect. I think it might be Gore's solo efforts, especially on Blue Dress, but their is definitely something there..
And of course, that main issue these days when mastering old albums, what's the output like? Well firstly, yes, it has been remastered (though I had to research this before buying!) and can confirm after a listen that it is. This is not to say that all the tracks, however, sound totally different. For example, 'Policy of Truth' sounded absolutely stunning, with new sounds I've never heard, and the sound effects look as crisp as a Pringle. But then, listen to 'World in my eyes', and you wouldn't really know it had been given treatment. On a pair of headphones, or on good quality speakers, it is 100% worth forking out a few extra pounds for this 2006 release.
It's easy to over-rate a band based on a short lived reputation, or for a few hit songs, but Depeche Mode prove here once again that they moved with the times. Violator is perhaps a reflection of how they made the most of electronic music, combined with other instruments, whether it be the combination of guitar and synths in 'Policy of Truth', or their successful attempt in creating up-beat tunes like 'Enjoy The Silence', this is not an album to be missed by Mode fans. And amazingly, like Black Celebration, it just gets better the more you listen to it. I can't think of many other albums which match the lustful lyrics and romantic sounds present here, as it was simply made for the might. And with its remastering, even buyers of the original 1990 release can make a few clicks and get this crisp, clean copy!
Ignore the nay-sayers - read the reviews from actual 'Mode' fans.....
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
World Violation!, 24 Jan 2006
Sixteen years on and this is still the landmark Depeche Mode Album. Since receiving Speak & Spell for Christmas back in 1981, Violator at last gave me the album my peers could not argue with. I count myself fortunate to have observed the Modes stately rise in stature as it happened. I often wonder what anyone would make of them now if they just received all their albums for the first time. To some who think all their output sounds the same it must all be woefully depressing. But that is often how you might preconceive the work of any band as prolific as Depeche Mode. However, DM have never had any great plan for world domination. The fact that they were front page NME and Q material by the time this album was released served to demonstrate the enormous fan base they had created through doing simple songs in an innovative way. This uniqueness is the only way to define a Depeche Mode song – there is simply no other contrived formula. To me, their strong lyrics coupled with a huge strata of sound images drove the emotions of my youth and nailed them to my soul. World in my eyes is a track that provides a thumping soundtrack to every aspect of your life. Full of swagger and menace it manages to relax and antagonize in equal measure – by the end of the track you are on that headlong rush of euphoria that characterizes Alan Wilder at his finest. Sweetest Perfection? I’m not into Martin’s more exaggerated emotional chants but this one does manage to pound itself into your affections and paves the way for SOFAD 3 years later - and what a great song to give two fingers to your average Radio 1 listener? Personal Jesus? Oh how I would have loved to have been in America when this hit the Campus – It isn’t just the classy lyrics – it’s the style and composition that drives this song to it’s thumping conclusion. Halo? Some say the best DM track ever, I don’t agree but there is plenty to enjoy here. A good lyrical content that sweeps through the full range of Gahn Vocals, definitely his finest performance since he Stripped us to the bone on Black Celebration. Waiting for the night? My personal favorite - a modern paean from Romeo for his Juliet. Throw the windows open on a summer night and crank it up loud! Enjoy The Silence? I remember Steve Wright playing this for the first time on Radio 1. I did not recognize it as a DM song but when he said ‘I really hate that band’ I knew it was Depeche Mode! And what did Wright know? It even got nominated for a Brit Award for Best Single of 1990 - despite the fact they were still not getting their enormous back catalogue played! Policy Of Truth? A musical sledgehammer but it’s the lyrics that work here - I have probably muttered them at some time every day ever since. It’s a stunning song, but the remixes could have been so much better! Blue Dress? Do the Mode do atmosphere? I think so, REM aren't even close. And what about that pervy edge? It’s a real risk for a band in their prime but as ever they carry it off in style. And so to Clean. This is probably one of the greatest songs ever performed by Depeche Mode. Alan’s composition really coming to the fore here. It's a great way to finish the album. Looking back, what a great period it was for fans between this album and Songs Of Faith & Devotion. While I would want to say Violator was just another stepping stone for the Mode, their greatest unsung hero was Alan Wilder. Without him they have struggled to reach this level of greatness again. Alas, to those who are touching on this album for the first time please enjoy. For those who have loved it as I have lets hope Mute dust off it's Archive recording of the World Violation Tour and give the fans the treat they deserve.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Modern Classic, 22 Aug 2006
I remember when this album came out 16 years ago and we all went crazy for it then. The amazing thing is that it has not aged at all. Far from it, the last two years has seen quite a few bands doing covers of many of the tracks on the album and those will age well before Depeche Mode's beautiful originals.
The Mode were always best when they were dark, always most seductive when they were honest, hurt and open and here Martin Gore's pure but black laced heart is exposed for all to see. That is not to underestimate the rest of the band, because this type of genius is the result of a strict group ethic and superb production but Gore's innocence and fragility emenate throughout.
I dismissed this album as too commercial back in 1990 but it is now that I realise just what a great album it was and still is. Even the singles are as poignant today as they were then and other tracks like Clean and Halo add more depth and colour. It is the effortless ease which allows Depeche Mode to flow from dark, almost Goth rock to indie synth pop without compromising their credibility that makes them such a great act and makes Violator such a fantastic record.
Although this is probably their finest moment, their other masterpieces like Some Great Reward, Music for the Masses and Ultra should not be overlooked or unappreciated.
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