Depeche Mode’s Hidden Gems: Unsung Album Tracks and Fan-Favorite B-Sides of the 1980s
While Depeche Mode’s 1980s discography is rightfully celebrated for its string of iconic singles and groundbreaking albums, a treasure trove of lesser-known tracks and fan-favorite B-sides often gets overlooked. These “hidden gems,” never released as A-side singles, offer a deeper dive into the band’s evolving soundscapes, lyrical prowess, and experimental spirit during their formative decade.
For many fans, the quintessential Depepe Mode experience is defined by hits like “Just Can’t Get Enough,” “Personal Jesus,” or “Enjoy the Silence.” However, delving into their album tracks and non-album B-sides from the 1980s reveals a wealth of material that showcases their innovative synth arrangements, introspective lyrics, and willingness to push sonic boundaries.
We’ll journey through their 80s output, highlighting these often-missed masterpieces in chronological order of their album release:
From Speak & Spell (1981):
While often characterized by its upbeat synth-pop, this debut also offered glimpses of future experimentation. “Tora! Tora! Tora!” stands out for its almost abstract lyrics and distinctive synth lines, setting them apart from pure synth-pop acts of the time and hinting at a deeper artistic ambition.
From A Broken Frame (1982):
This album marked a significant transition for the band. “My Secret Garden” is a prime example of its unique atmosphere, a dreamy and somewhat melancholic instrumental piece that beautifully showcases Martin Gore’s evolving songwriting and the band’s ability to create evocative soundscapes.
From Construction Time Again (1983):
This album signaled a significant shift towards more industrial and sample-based sounds. “Two Minute Warning” is a standout, with its pulsing rhythm, distinctive sampled elements, and a sense of growing tension. Written by Alan Wilder, it perfectly captures the album’s thematic leanings towards a more critical look at society and technology.
From Some Great Reward (1984):
This album saw the band fully embracing a darker, more mature sound. “Lie to Me” is a powerful and often overlooked ballad that embodies the introspective side of Depeche Mode that would become a hallmark of their later work, featuring a sparse arrangement, prominent bassline, and Dave Gahan’s emotive vocals. From the same album, “If You Want,” with its driving beat and slightly distorted synths, offers a more aggressive and raw energy than many of its album counterparts. Also, “Something To Do” provides an energetic and industrial edge with its driving, almost urgent rhythm, often a highlight in their live sets from that era.
From Black Celebration (1986):
Often lauded as a fan favorite for its gothic undertones and rich atmosphere. “Fly on the Windscreen (Final)” might be more recognized in its single B-side version, but the album cut possesses an undeniable power and intensity. Its relentless rhythm and dark, soaring synths create an almost cinematic feel. Another gem from this album is “New Dress,” a subtly subversive track with a deceptively simple melody that masks a critique of superficiality and media manipulation.
From Music for the Masses (1987):
Known for its massive hits, this album still has deep cuts that deserve recognition. “Nothing” is a track with a deceptively simple title that unfolds into a rich, atmospheric piece, hinting at the introspective and somewhat nihilistic themes they would explore further. Also, the instrumental track “Pimpf” demonstrates their mastery of creating mood and tension without relying on vocals.
From Violator (1990 – largely conceived and recorded in late 80s):
While technically from the new decade, Violator’s sound was largely forged in the experimental crucible of the late 80s. Within this landmark album lies “Sweetest Perfection,” a captivating track that stands out with its intricate layering and Martin Gore’s haunting vocals, showcasing a delicate yet powerful side to the band’s evolving sound.
Fan Favorite B-Sides Not on Albums
Beyond the album tracks, Depeche Mode has a rich history of releasing exceptional B-sides that never found a home on their studio albums. These often provided a space for experimentation, instrumentals, or tracks that didn’t quite fit the album’s thematic flow but were beloved by fans. Here are some notable examples:
- “Ice Machine” (B-side to “Dreaming of Me,” 1981): A classic early track that often gets overlooked, showcasing Vince Clarke’s songwriting and the band’s nascent synth-pop sound.
- “Shout!” (B-side to “New Life,” 1981): Another early, energetic track from the Vince Clarke era, demonstrating their ability to craft catchy, upbeat synth melodies.
- “Fools” (B-side to “Love, in Itself,” 1983): A moody, atmospheric piece that hints at the darker soundscapes they would fully embrace in the mid-80s, driven by a compelling bassline and ethereal synths.
- “In Your Memory” (B-side to “People Are People,” 1984): A captivating instrumental that showcases Alan Wilder’s increasing influence on the band’s sonic textures, featuring intricate arrangements and a melancholic beauty.
- “But Not Tonight“ (B-side to “Stripped,” 1986): A more melodic and almost pop-oriented track that often surprised listeners given the darker tone of its A-side. It became a fan favorite, especially in North America where it was promoted as a single and included on the American release of Black Celebration as the 12th and final track on the album, following “New Dress”
- “Pleasure, Little Treasure” (B-side to “Never Let Me Down Again,” 1988): An energetic and driving track, often cited for its raw power and anthemic qualities, which sometimes felt more vital than some of the album cuts. It was included as one of bonus tracks on 1987 CD and cassette releases of Music For The Masses.
These non-single album tracks and dedicated B-sides are more than just filler; they are integral parts of Depeche Mode’s artistic journey in the 1980s. They reveal the band’s willingness to experiment, their lyrical depth, and their remarkable ability to craft enduring music that transcends the confines of radio-friendly singles. For the devoted fan, or indeed any music enthusiast looking to explore beyond the hits, these hidden gems offer a rewarding and enriching listening experience, proving that Depeche Mode’s brilliance extends far beyond the surface.