Album Review: DEPECHE MODE - Spirit

01. Going Backwards

02. Where’s the Revolution

03. The Worst Crime

04. Scum

05. You Move

06. Cover Me

07. Eternal

08. Poison Heart

09. So Much Love

10. Poorman

11. No More (This is the Last Time)

12. Fail

Deluxe Version Bonus Tracks:

01. Cover Me (Alt Out)

02. Scum (Frenetic Mix)

03. Poison Heart (Tripped Mix)

04. Fail (Cinematic Cut)

05. So Much Love (Machine Mix)

Spirit is not what I would describe as a barrel of laughs. I'd go as far as to say it's possibly the most depressing album I've ever heard. That's not to say it's bad, but it is however, a challenging listen and a dark piece of electronic art that reflects the despair felt by so many people around the world. If you're feeling depressed about the rise of fascism across the world, Brexit, Donald Trump and his creationist, climate change denying, pro-life, multi-billionaire cronies, and the direction the world is generally going in, then avoid this album. The lyrics over these twelve songs will probably have you throwing yourself off the nearest building. Just listen to Going Backwards, Where's The Revolution and Poorman, and you'll hear what I mean.

Sonically, Spirit is closer to a slower and more miserable Violator than the more energised Pop sound of their earlier material. Saying that, it's definitely its own beast. It certainly sounds like a record that the band needed to write, perhaps to vent or reflect on matters that should be important to all of us. Don't come to Spirit looking for hit singles, as you may be disappointed. This album is a piece of political art, and if you listen to it with that in mind you are more likely to appreciate it. However, I did find it heavy going when listening to it in its entirety, and for my personal tastes Spirit is certainly something I'll have to be in the mood for to listen to again.