342 - Depeche Mode - Violator

[csberry]

Other than the memory of one embarrassing, drunken evening of making out with a stranger in college while this album blared from the stereo, I really love this album. I had always thought that Depeche Mode was okay. Each album of theirs had a song I liked, but even my favorite, Music for the Masses, had some sappy Martin songs and a few other throwaways. Not Violator.

I think Flood (the producer) deserves a lot of credit for giving the album a consistent atmosphere without being overbearing. The songs are also consistently good. Even the token Martin-sung song isn't an embarrassing experience.

Violator may not be a concept album, but I've always been intrigued by the theme I've heard in the album - a search for happiness that never seems to be found by the singer, no matter how many things he tries. "World in My Eyes" is a great opener that seems to help my case of a theme in the songs, as the singer introduces the listener to his world and asks for us to try to sympathize with his perspective. David and Martin sing songs that alter between strength and passiveness. The protagonist in "Personal Jesus" indicates complete confidence in his assertion to controlling his and others happiness. There is a struggle with guilt ("Halo"), drugs ("Sweetest Perfection"), reality ("Waiting for the Night"), and the curse of honesty ("Policy of Truth"). "Blue Dress" sounds so soft and docile, but the lyrics are demanding and commanding - "Put it on/ And don't say a word/ Put it on/ The one that I prefer/ Put it on/ And stand before my eyes/ Put it on/ Please don't question why." The only song where it sounds like the singer actually is content is "Enjoy the Silence." But it is indicated in the song that the silence is only temporary. The satisfaction found in the song is going to disappear fast. Just one sound will shatter the moment.

When the album wraps, David tries to convince us that everything is fine now, that's he's now clean. He no longer struggles with pain, guilt, or sadness. Or so he claims that he's clean..."sometimes." The listener isn't exactly left with an optimistic view that the songwriter's struggles are over.

Songs I knew I liked: The whole album

Songs I didn't know but now like: See previous

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: I wouldn't mind if the little interlude between "Blue Dress" and "Clean" was removed, but I also kinda like it being there even though I will skip it when I'm listening to the tracks in shuffle.

Comments

[cosmosmariner.livejournal.com]

"Enjoy the Silence" is one of the most perfect songs ever.

[michael maggio (from livejournal.com)]

I agree that the album is very thematically consistent, and I personally do think it's a concept album. Your analysis essentially mirrors my own, but I think the whole thing is about trying to kick a heroin habit. The sweetest perfection is the "sweetest injection," I think Personal Jesus may be a song about relapsing (flesh and bone by the telephone / pick up the receiver I'll make you a believer) he's trying not to give in but eventually caves. Halo: "never again is what you swore the time before." Enjoy the silence: "everything I ever needed is here in my arms" and of course, Clean, I think is meant to be literal on a surface sense, although I very much like your reading of it as well.