"Before we started this album, I really felt that there was unfinished business", says singer Dave Gahan. Recording began in January 2005 in California, with producer Ben Hillier. "You have to work hard at reinventing yourself," admits Dave, "so you have to choose new people who push you".
Playing The Angel is faster-paced than the last two albums, heightening the sense of urgency and vibrancy. Producer Ben Hillier's fondness for analogue synths over digital ones helped shape the sound. Playing The Angel is the first album where singer Dave Gahan has written songs, "I Want It All", "Suffer Well" and "Nothing's Impossible" are all his creations.
Martin Gore is responsible for the remaining nine tracks. Martin jokes and says "the back cover of the LP may well feature the subtitle: 'Pain And Suffering In Various Tempos'. Dave said I've made a 25-year career out of one subject.
I disagree - it's two!" It would be wrong, however, to dismiss Depeche Mode as harvesters of sorrow. "I never see our music as over-dark.
There's always an element of hope, which I hope comes across in our music", says Martin. The Stooges predated punk and helped make rock and roll dangerous.
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