Depeche Mode's eleventh studio album, Playing the Angel, marked a triumphant return for the English electronic music band, released on 17 October 2005. This album saw the band continuing to push the boundaries of their unique sound, blending heavy electro-pop with soaring choruses and introspective lyrics. The result is a collection of 12 tracks that showcase the band's mastery of their craft, with standout singles such as Precious, A Pain That I'm Used To, and Suffer Well.
Produced in collaboration with Ben Hillier, who had previously worked with notable bands like Blur, Doves, and Elbow, Playing the Angel boasts a fresh and exuberant sound that is both a progression and a refinement of Depeche Mode's signature style. The album's instrumentation is characterised by creative electronic effects, unusual synth sounds, and intriguing chord shifts, all of which are arranged and polished with restraint and taste.
With Playing the Angel, Depeche Mode demonstrated their ability to evolve and innovate, even 25 years into their career. The album's release was a significant event, marking a new chapter in the band's history and cementing their status as one of the most influential and beloved electronic music acts of all time. Released through Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records and Reprise Records in the US, Playing the Angel has become a fan favourite and a testament to Depeche Mode's enduring creativity and appeal.
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