By By Samantha Nwaoshai

Few would have expected way back in the ’80s that a band called Depeche Mode would have a career spanning more than two decades. They were supposed to fade away and be a relic of their time, but in the 1990s they released the best work of their career, Violator. Again, in the new millenium it was believed that the band was finally in the past. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Depeche Mode is back with Playing The Angel, their best release since that classic album.

The opening track, “A Pain That I’m Used To,” should be enough to say: “Depeche Mode is back and we are not going anywhere!” The opening of the song can be likened to the blowing of a conch shell, signalling their return.

The following track, “John The Revelator,” could easily make listeners involuntarily tap their toes. Gahan’s voice is better than ever on this energetic track.

Playing The Angel showcases Gahan’s developing song-writing skills-he wrote three tracks. “I Want It All” becomes poignant when Gahan sings, “Sometimes I try / sometimes I lie, with you / sometimes I cry /sometimes I die, it’s true.”

Instead of collaborating with Gahan, Martin Gore takes a competitive approach and shows why he is chief songwriter and arranger for the group on the track “Damaged People.” It’s simply unparalleled by Gahan’s attempts. If only these two could get along and do something together then we would see some real songwriting prowess.

The CD almost seems like a return to form. It could be easily interpreted as Violator: 2005, since it obviously alludes to it. However, Playing The Angel samples from Songs Of Faith And Devotion, Ultra and even the not-so-stellar Exciter, which make the album so much better.

Playing The Angel is a sign that Depeche Mode is not past their prime. Welcome back.