What does Some Great Reward sound like?

A blend of dark electronic textures and socially conscious lyrics wrapped in catchy synth-pop melodies. Rooted in alternative rock and new wave. Start with "Something to Do".

Is Some Great Reward a good place to start with Depeche Mode?

Yes, Some Great Reward is recommended as a starting point for new Depeche Mode listeners. A blend of dark electronic textures and socially conscious lyrics wrapped in catchy synth-pop melodies. Some Great Reward was Depeche Mode's fourth studio album, following the breakthrough success of 1983's Construction Time Again. By this point, the band was solidifying its identity, embracing a more polished sound while tackling provocative themes. This album marked a pivotal moment as they transitioned from underground favorites to mainstream icons.

Who is Some Great Reward for?

Some Great Reward works well if you're into thought-provoking lyrical explorations, dark, atmospheric listening experience and steady, immersive sonic journey.

How many songs are on Some Great Reward?

Some Great Reward has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Some Great Reward

Depeche Mode · 1984

40 min · 9 tracks · alternative rock

A blend of dark electronic textures and socially conscious lyrics wrapped in catchy synth-pop melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Something to Do Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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People Are People — This track not only became a commercial success but also showcased Depeche Mode's thematic focus on human rights and societal issues through its infectious chorus.
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Master and Servant — With its controversial themes around power dynamics in relationships, this track exemplifies the band's willingness to tackle provocative topics while delivering catchy hooks.
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Blasphemous Rumours — This song stands out for its haunting narrative that questions faith and fate, contrasting with its upbeat melody—a hallmark of Depeche Mode's innovative songwriting approach.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with socially conscious themes, showcasing Depeche Mode's evolving sound.

What we noticed

The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth track introduces a more somber tone with its slower pace.
Several tracks feature contrasting vocal styles, with lead vocals alternating between melodic singing and spoken word elements.
The album's lyrics address social issues directly, with 'People Are People' serving as a prominent example of this thematic focus.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

thought-provoking lyrical explorations
dark, atmospheric listening experience
steady, immersive sonic journey
reflective late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Depeche Mode's reputation with hit 'People Are People' and solidified their identity.
Themes: power dynamics· dark faith narratives· human diversity acceptance
Career context: Some Great Reward was Depeche Mode's fourth studio album, following the breakthrough success of 1983's Construction Time Again. By this point, the band was solidifying its identity, embracing a more polished sound while tackling provocative themes. This album marked a pivotal moment as they transitioned from underground favorites to mainstream icons.
Stylistic neighbors: New Order· The Cure· Pet Shop Boys