Customer Ratings & Reviews

With a beautiful opening, SOTU straps us in for a brief cruise around the universe. From the get-go, David Gahan's vocals impeccably surround you, taking you into this whole new universe the band has decided to venture. As the album progresses we get some catchy songs. "Wrong" is a nice departure from normal Depeche Mode, as we get an almost rap-like vocal performance from Gahan, with beautifully haunting backing vocals by Gore. "Fragile Tension" sounds a bit like Indie rock, which might lead some to like this album for this sole song. The following songs flow great, but eventually, we come to a halt. "Peace," slated to be the album's next single, is difficult to comprehend. It's in a difficult place in the album, as it seems it just doesn't fit in, at least in its current position. To me, it sounds like something you'd find on a band's Christmas album. "Come Back" and "Spacewalker" bring the album's tempo to a slower one, but nonetheless, this isn't a bad thing. "Miles Away" is a song that would fit great on your Dance CD mix. "Jezebel" is Gore's only lead-vocal attempt on this album, and it doesn't disappoint. And finally we get to "Corrupt," a harsh-sounding rock song that makes me just want to bob my head; it's possibly the best song on the album (save the best for last, huh?). It seems the band tried a new formula, and although most of these songs will eventually grow on you, it doesn't live up to other rock-like albums of theirs, such as "Songs of Faith and Devotion" and "Ultra." It is still worth the price and a must-have for all Depeche Mode fans.

As like with fine wine, DM has gotten better with age. The music and lyrics in their latest CD "Sounds of the Universe" are mesmerising. And with age, the sounds and lyrics are maturing as we are, their liife long fans. I disagree with one Review saying DM music and lyrics being on a decline or not to par with their earlier work, so to speak and that the younger generation don't know who they are. My son and several younger persons that I know are aware of who they are. With all genre of music and style it is a preference and this new DM is mine. DM is timeless!! And will forever be the best.

As I've stated many times, this album takes some time to grow on you. You have to give it a chance. There is something there for old and new fans alike. I compare it to Black Celebration and earlier meets Ultra. In Sympathy and Perfect are my stand-out tracks at the moment. I love all of the songs though! Can't wait to see DM live this summer! Get this!

These guys need to write at least 2-5 top 40 hits per album (but keep the Depeche sound) to put themselves back on the map. The young generation (teens/ 20's) doesn't even know who these guys are -or never have even heard of the band. They need to get Cool Again! They seem so-outdated, out-of-touch, and irrellevent. They don't keep up with their craft, new sounds, new technologies -remember they lead the pack way back at the beginning -now they just sit around for 5 years, and when they get bored of just 'sitting around' for 5 years decide they will re-visit the music business, and then just slap something together in 3 months (after not being or working with the industry) -and this is what you get -Nothing Good (It'sNoGood). To start: These guys need to re-hire Alan Wilder for the right 'cool sounding' music. Dave needs to lose the 'wispy' feminine little voice and go back to the deep-brooding-masculine *Depeche-Tough* sound! Lose the stupid little voice coach girl!!! Martin needs to focus on writing popular -happy dance party style music to get noticed and to make HITS like Personal Jesus, Enjoy the Silence etc. And please, lose the stupid 'Art work' album covers!! So irrelevent and completely meaningless!! I say all of this as a critique to get you guys to wake up and get it going right! I want great Depeche sound and music!! Try and impress me with your next album?! I Loved DM, make me love it again

Always have liked Depeche Mode's music and this album does not disappoint. Check it out ASAP!!!!