Is Playing the Angel a good place to start with Depeche Mode?

Yes, Playing the Angel is recommended as a starting point for new Depeche Mode listeners. Gritty electronic textures meld with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting soundscape of longing and resilience. Released on October 17, 2005, 'Playing the Angel' marked Depeche Mode's eleventh studio album and their first since the departure of keyboardist Alan Wilder in 1995. This album came after a period of renewed vitality for the band, following their previous album 'Exciter' in 2001, featuring a more polished production approach under producer Ben Hillier.

Who is Playing the Angel for?

Playing the Angel works well if you're into steady mid-tempo introspective journey, haunting soundscapes of longing and gritty textures with emotional depth.

How many songs are on Playing the Angel?

Playing the Angel has 12 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Playing the Angel

Depeche Mode · 2005

52 min · 12 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · synth-pop

Gritty electronic textures meld with introspective lyrics, creating a haunting soundscape of longing and resilience.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo introspective journey
haunting soundscapes of longing
gritty textures with emotional depth
resilient themes for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you want

seeking immediate upbeat gratification
prefer standalone tracks over cohesion

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Depeche Mode's continued relevance and evolution in sound after lineup changes.
Themes: emotional vulnerability· personal struggle· haunting resilience
Career context: Released on October 17, 2005, 'Playing the Angel' marked Depeche Mode's eleventh studio album and their first since the departure of keyboardist Alan Wilder in 1995. This album came after a period of renewed vitality for the band, following their previous album 'Exciter' in 2001, featuring a more polished production approach under producer Ben Hillier.
Stylistic neighbors: New Order· The Cure· Pet Shop Boys
If this clicks, go next to: Sounds of the Universe — Continues the introspective themes with a fresh sonic landscape.
Sounds like this from elsewhere: With Teeth by Nine Inch Nails — Shares gritty electronic textures and themes of personal struggle and emotional vulnerability.

Hail to the Thief by Radiohead — Explores introspective lyrics with a haunting soundscape, blending electronic elements and emotional depth.

Antics by Interpol — Combines dark wave atmospheres with introspective lyrics, creating a sense of longing and resilience.

New to Depeche Mode? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "A Pain That I’m Used To".

1 A Pain That I’m Used To Start here 4:11
2 John the Revelator 3:42
3 Suffer Well 3:49
4 The Sinner in Me 4:56
5 Precious 4:10
6 Macro 4:03
7 I Want It All 6:09
8 Nothing’s Impossible 4:21
9 Introspectre 1:42
10 Damaged People 3:29
11 Lilian 4:49
12 The Darkest Star 6:55

What to play next

This album is considered a Late Career Highlight in Depeche Mode's catalog. Shows Depeche Mode's continued relevance and evolution in sound after lineup changes.

Listen next

Sounds of the Universe

2009

Continues the introspective themes with a fresh sonic landscape.

Go back to

Exciter

2001

Sets the stage with similar electronic textures and emotional depth.

Full Depeche Mode discography Where to start with Depeche Mode Artists like Depeche Mode

alternative rock new wave synth-pop

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