Counting down my 10 least favourite Depeche Mode songs of all time.

I always liked "it's called a heart" :)

‘It’s called a heart’ is far better than almost all of the songs of last albums, sorry to say

Alan wasn't just a good musician, not just a very good sound designer, not just a hardworking studio "worker"... he was an "instrument" in and of itself, and that's missing. It's significant when songs from the late 80s, early 90s sound better than current stuff...

It's Called A Heart is one of my favorite DM singles. Sure, trite lyrics. But the moody, catchy synth riffs and drones encapsulate so much of what I love about that 84-86 period. The extended version is fantastic. As supremely talented as Martin and Dave are... they are kinda rudderless without Alan in the production department. They managed to squeak by with Ultra but after that the loss of Alan spelled the loss of DM for me.

To me the most infuriating thing about later Depeche Mode is the fact, that they kept some of the best songs off the albums. Better Days, Newborn, Light, Happens All The Time, All That's Mine, Always were all released as bonus tracks and b-sides, yet they are WAY better than some of the songs that ended up on the main albums, like those mentioned in this video.

Ultra 1997 was the last very good album to me thanks to Tim and his team and martins continued good songwriting. PTA was less but still good 75% The rest of the albums since have been only good in pieces . Still love them like most hardcore fans

“According to sound engineer Ben Hillier, Gore called Andy Fletcher to sing Lilian over the phone to him. At the time, the former was apparently drunk and throwing pasta at a tree while he sung it.” Lilian makes be smile ever since.

I like 116 Depeche Mode songs (yes, I counted). There is no surprise that Vaughn's list is virtually all from _Sounds of the Universe, Delta Machine, and Spirit._ I didn't care for most of _Exciter_ either. But I am quite pleased again with _Memento Mori_ though.

"So much love" is from Spirit not Delta Machine 🙂

We need a favorite and least favorite track from each album next👍🏼 I think Depeche Mode’s problem is that they are constantly overthinking ways to reinvent themselves and their sound, but they don’t realize that fans that prefer their heyday (majority) want to hear that magic. The melody, the unique brilliance and beautifully tortured vocals. It really goes to show where Alan contributed. Although much of Recoil’s stuff isn’t too terribly incredible, I’d like to think Alan has some songs in the chamber that he’s been sitting on for years, waiting on whether or not to rejoin.. It’s sad that Martin and Dave have just become Gene Simmons-like. I can’t stand people who say “Depeche Mode have been more successful without Alan” as if their success isn’t predicated and built on their 80s/early 90s material lol

"Don't focus on the gear, focus on the Song!" That sums up brilliantly, why so many newer DM songs suck. Sounding like demos for modular and analog Synths, without having any emotional impact.

Lilian is such a great song, every small little detail well crafted, it puts a million images in my head, I just wonder why people take music SO seriously 🙆🏻 I’m saying this as a music producer myself.

I quite like Hole To Feed. The sparse feel of the track and rhythm works for me. Hard for me to take it out of context of the time and it seemed like a solid idea back then but there's been a lot of the same sort of stuff since and DM have become a rather tired band. I hope things improve next time but I suspect not.

I always said that I prefer "A Broken Frame" instead of "post Ultra" albums. DM is not DM since Alan left. It´s time to admit it. In adition, Anton go home, come back Brian with your great sleeves!

Hey Vaughn. Absolutely spot on. Today Depeche Mode songs are mainly hookline orientated and one dimensional without depth. In the old days we enjoyed leadmelodies, countermelodies combined with brillant vocal melodies packed in a beautiful dynamic, layered arrangement thanks to Alan. Shake the Disease, Sun and the Rainfall, Walking in my Shoes and the list goes on and on and on.

I love "so much love". Has a lot of energy; I love how the distortion is on her voice. They are opinions, all valid. It is worth clarifying that So much love does not belong to Delta machine. That song is on the great Spirit album. I miss that confusion.

Team Vaughn! 😁 It's so weird to be a DM fan from the 80s and realise I have only liked few tracks since Exciter (which was already a bit of a disapointment!); But hey, I will never thanks them enough for the doors they have opened in my life and love them to death! 🤩

Am I the only one who loves It's Called a Heart 😂😂😂? Ok, lyrics are a little bit bluff but melody is kind of cool, and the synthetiser solo coming to the end is also great.

I never laughed so much in a great while. THANK YOU Vaughn!! Very entertaining and I agree. HAPPY NEW YEAR Man

Remember the days when DM would produce a B-side and you would ask over and over again why it wasn't included on the main album, since it was simply a wonderful song? What Vaughn just did was voicing what all old DM fans have been thinking about the last 4 albums. They all have lacked someone in the recording room saying "NO. This will NOT go into the album or on any B-side for that matter. Give it to your daughter/son to experiment with it and let's find something that's actually worth putting in an album." My only complaint is about It's called a heart. I've always liked that song, a lot.

It’s quite simple : since Alan left…. You can see the difference. The other day I saw Dave say that some people lived in the past ; yes Dave because it’s just where you were the best.

Jeez, the ones that get me are "The Dead of Night", which destroyed Exciter. And "Just Can't Get Enough", because when it gets into my head it segues into "Baby Shark".

Hey you lovely man, i thankyou for your your honesty, thank goodness we are not all the same, god how boring that would be. There are always going to be good songs and bad songs, but thankfully we all love DM regardless. I for one am glad your here to bring up these things. Hugs n happiness xxx

I can tell you my #1 least favorite. Just Can't Get Enough. I've immediately had enough.

Great video. I love hearing your opinions. After listening to all of the songs you mentioned, what I realized is that even a "bad" Depeche song is still a good one. Thank you for all your hard work. 🙂

Congrats on the 30k subs Vaughn, impressive milestone 🙂👍 Let's celebrate it by listening to your all time favorite DM track: Hole To Feed. Jokes aside, well done my friend. Keep it up with the quality content! Here's to 50k! 🍻

i just realized that DM turned off comments on that tongue video lol AW, we miss you so badly 😢 please reconsider coming back...

Your review highlights why I've lost that magical feeling of anticipation when a new DM track is released. It's very telling that all in your list are from Exciter onwards. The rot had well and truly set in by then. Recently I saw Dave in an interview, visibly irritated by the question of whether Alan might come back. It's over then.

Awesome video Vaughn. Your Depeche tastes are very similar to mine. You're correct the sonic vibe has gone. Once Wilder left, they have been in decline. Still can't believe they managed to create the awesome Ultra without him, and all the shit they were going through personally. But the rot began with Exciter. Still had some sonic sugar on some tracks but something started to change within them from then on. The good news for the band is their current direction/style does appeal to new and old fans, so we'll just have to suck it up buttercup. We at least have a tonne of fabulous songs to enjoy until the end of our days.

Great video Vaughn. I appreciate your honesty and agree with most of your list. Side note, I thought So Much Love was on the Spirit album, not Delta Machine?

Lillian is actually the song that made little 14 year old me look up Depeche Mode and listen to Playing the angel. And then I liked it so much it made me listen to their whole discography billions of times!

The Dead of Night is one of my favourite on Exciter. And My Little Universe is one of my favourite on Delta Machine. I really like this straight-line synthesizer on this song. But yeah, I hate Hole to Feed! Especially combined with the Video! I still can’t believe DM approved this video! But at the same time, I think Wrong (from the same album) is one of the best ever DM songs and video!

Well Vaughn George, you've done it. It's 3AM, and I can't get those m-f'ing drums of "Hole to Feed" out of my head. If it wasn't my least favorite DM song, it's about to be.

Too much blues, metronomic, no characteristics .... Exactly what I've been saying for years. SGR, BC, MFTM, Violator .... great examples of each track popping out, and the albums flow beautifully.

Vaughn, what I respect about you is that unlike so many others out there, you take the time to explain why you dislike something, while still acknowledging what redeeming qualities it may have. I love "The Dead of Night", but I always saw it as the "quirky" song of Exciter with its somewhat silly lyrics. The first time I heard "Peace", I thought it was a throwback to early DM, like something off A Broken Frame. I think the track would have been a lot better if Martin had done the vocals. I wonder, would you ever consider doing a 10 Least Favorite from the Wilder era someday? Or a top 10 favorite from the modern era? Surely you must have them.

Secret to the End is one of the best things they have done post Alan IMHO.

The video shows you are a true fan, because I've not heard of any of the songs you named except a couple of the honorable mentions, due to tuning out of what the band has been releasing.

Thank you Vaughn for your honesty. It was pleasurable to see. Thank you🙏 Respect 🙏

Thank u cuz this taught me what not to do as a song writer. BTW, you got me rediscovering them I love your top 10 best. I love the new album too. Thank you 😊

Ha. This might be your best video yet. I had to look up all these songs. I used to know all the ins and outs of every DM song until I gave up on them on July 30, 2001 when the string of great songs ended. I remember the day vividly. I was a big Bomb The Bass fan, so Ultra got a pass, never mind that there are some great songs on there. I was even a big LFO fan from my rave days, so Exciter I looked forward to with anticipation, and "Dream On" was really good. But then on July 30, 2001 came "I Feel Loved". That was the end. In an instant. Never came back other than "Suffer Well". That's it. Done. "It's Called A Heart" was classic DM. The CD single was pure DM cannon goodness. Even "Meaning Of Love" is actually a really good song, quite complex, classic DM interlocking melodies, great verse, refrain at the end and close, just has those awful lyrics and cheesy synth-strings/bells/horns throughout; a good stripped-down re-mix would put a new spin on it and take it off people's list.

At risk of stating the obvious but with regard to 23:22: Alan Wilder surely was very much the quality control of DM. In addition to being the primary architect of their soundscapes, the arranger extraordinaire, co-producer, backing live vocalist, one-time tour drummer, occasional studio bassist, occasional song writer, etc. His influence on the quality was probably both direct and indirect. His direct impact is well documented, but the indirect influence on the quality was no doubt via his overall musicianship and work ethic. The others were clearly aware that he was the superior musician in the band, and therefore they had to raise their own games. Without Alan, all of this was gone, and each of these roles had to be replaced in some way. Most of the time, it was not done in a successful way, unfortunately.

My late night insomnia lead me to this channel and I am SO grateful to have come across it. Vaughn you are spot on and have gained a new subscriber based on this one video alone. I was almost scared to admit it to myself. Thanks for saying what we all are thinking ❤ still love DM but yeah, somethings off.

Agree about Dead of Night. Although it received something of a saving grace through it being promoted as the opening number on the Exciter tour. Dave's entry onto the stage was as magical as always.

15:34 you hit the nail right on the head. Old synthesizers don't always translate to better songs. SOTU is a perfect example.

Great video Vaughn, I laughed my ass off at the "Great cornholioooooo" bit :D. And I can see why "Alan is not impressed" either, LOL...🙄 I pretty much agree with your list, and I might add that there is another thing that DM songs have lost over the years, a thing that I call their "frenchiness", what I mean is that nostalgic, melodic aspect in songs resembling to those songs in old 70's french movies, for example "Little 15", "Dressed in Black", "Things You Said", "It doesn't Matter Two", "Here is the House", etc... It would be nice to have those kinds of songs back on the "Demento Memori" new album... Anyway, I loved your video, thanks Vaughn, cheers!

Love your characterizations. I felt like the songs on DMachine & Sounds were missing shape, like you said they seemed like demos. Love your videos thxs!

I couldn't even remember some of the tracks you've mentioned here, Vaughn. It's not that I HATE them, I just don't come back to them after a three or four attempts to actually love them, and it really touched me that you did just the same.

Hi Vaughn, greetings from Chile. Yeah, i agree with you. The last two albums (specially Spirit) they sound like demos. I know Alan said once that Martin will be happy releasing his songs just like they are, bared and without any production. Another thing about the drums. Are you note that all the snares sound like clap?. There's no more powerfull snares anymore like those of the golden days, like Never Let Me Down Again, Stripped, If You Want, and a lot of songs. I think you understand what I mean. It's really so sad.

I say this as a HUGE Depeche Mode fan, my favorite band of all time by far... The last 3 albums were horrible, I didn't even buy the new one because I knew it would be more of the same (and I was right) add to this the death of fletch, and Gahan's voice being completely shot for years now... I'm afraid it's time for them to hang it up.

Because of this, I was listening again the whole afternoon to Secret to the End, and generally to Delta Machine.

Thank you soooo much! I really enjoyed watching your Depeche Mode tops as well as flops two weeks ago. Memento Mori really made me return to mad fandom. 🩶 The fun thing about your flop list: While I never was a big listener of Spirit or Delta Machine (achieved their total playback count with Memento Mori in a single day), you made me return to these albums. And let's say, especially Delta Machine (incl. bonus tracks) is growing on me quite a bit. So thanks for bringing me closer to these albums!

I cant name songs from albums since about Ultra. The last 3 have been pretty abysmal. I used to go to DM concerts everytime they had a new album, sometimes to multiple shows the whole time they were in town, and now I havent gone since the last 3. I only went to one 4 albums ago to see if they'd play the oldies...cuz that's all I like from them. It pains me because my circle of friends know DM is my ultimate fave band because their 80's to mid 90's songs were during my formative years, musically-speaking.

Totally agree about "Hole to Feed." I went out to the toilet during that track at the O2 on the SOTU tour... and it was only the second track! My wife said when I came back: "Hmmm... Not my favourite track."

Totally agree. Respect & love 4 VG

I totally agree with Vaughn...One of the reason we love this band is that there were absolutely no bad songs in their albums (and even the b-sides were fantastic) Now I struggle to find songs I like in the last fourth albums...And I worry a lot about the forthcoming one 😐 Nothing compares their chef d'oeuvres...

Great video, really enjoyed the format/production! Totally agree in terms of the sound of the recent albums (with a few songs as the exceptions).. ...but am I the only one who likes "the Meaning of Love"? I enjoy it as a 80's novelty :)

Absolutely true about the generic production on the recent albums. Back in the day, even though Dan Miller produced three albums in a row, they all sounded completely different to each other.

Vaughn, you are bang on with number one.

I love blues, "Corrupt" is in my top ten DM songs.

😅 Mr. Wilder sits in silent judgement .

Are you just going to play Delta Machine? 😂

I watched this video, Sir. Thank you for all the positive things you also mention here. I always liked "Corrupt" and I think it is a cool triplet. They use the melody technique from the bridge of "Corrupt" also on the bridge of "Where's The Revolution". I have been with you from the start and I still am. Stay positive. -Andy Ry Denmark.

I fully expect DM to release this playlist as a "Worst of" compilation. You've done the hard work and written the liner notes, too.

This whole video was completely hilarious. Oh my god this was great. The sound quality isn’t as good as it was. I miss the old Depeche Mode. I love the side cut to Alan Wilder. Thank you Vaughn 😊.

Excellent video thank you for doing it 100% agree with you 🙂👍

i think the magical word you said sir about "layering" is whats lost of them after Alan left, no need for apologies - its you own clear and honest opinion and that you mentioned is what there 3 succeeding album to stagnant to my taste...thanks for sharing your in depth ideas and analysis brutally deconstructed, but sincerely delivered.

This is one of the greatest videos you’ve ever released. And I agree with you on all of it. You could wish the last three albums into oblivion and I wouldn’t miss a damn thing. Maybe Wrong and Heaven I’d keep and that’s it. I do think The Sweetest Condition is worse than The Dead of Night. But they’re like two sides of the same coin. LOL Thank you for putting this out. It was fun. LOL

Thank you for this list and your comments. I am a fan since the late 80s, I am not living in the past, but many songs on the last albums are sooooo bad. You described it very well. In my opinion DM was an outstanding band with outstanding sound because of the genious ALAN WILDER. He made DM! The albums in the 90s took a year to make, nowadays only some month. I think this says everything! Yes, often it's Demo-Mode... I think Memento Mori will be another low point...

Watched the video 2 times now, for the most part I agree with your list Vaughn. You've made some good points, and I can understand your opinions on these tunes. Do you own these DM records on vinyl Vaughn? (Sounds of The Universe, Delta Machine, Spirit?). I have all 3 records on cd/vinyl but they're pretty much collecting dust...😅

I applaud your honesty. This was interesting to watch.

No hate for me, everyone has different opinions. As is should be. Looking forward to your top ten.

"Soft touch/ Raw nerve" is crap

10:52 an american band called cause and effect comes to mind lol "let's not wait another minute" "you think you know her", etc.

17:07 lol. spot on. subbed. itt havent listened to a DM album since SoFaD.

Could you make a video of 10 best DM songs post Alan Wilder?

I've found myself nodding and smirking in agreement for half an hour, but at 23:00 I literally clapped and cheered loudly 😁

I like the newer albums too for the most part, but my favorite era of DM will always be MftM through Ultra and parts of Exciter. That was when they had the grittiness and darkness but also the crooning Melodie’s, catchy hooks, and interesting synth sounds at their best.

I first discovered your channel when I came across your review of spirits. It was painful for me, yet most of it resonated (and made me laugh). I've been hooked on your videos ever since. Anyway I'm impressed you can even name most of these songs. The last three albums have been a struggle. I can name maybe 3-4 from those albums that I genuinely like. So I agree with you though personally, I like every track on PtA PS I like just can't get enough but they need to take it off the setlist ...

I agree with you Vaughn 110% I think they have lost that sparkle from their later days when Alan was at the helm .A Dave’s vocals on the last few albums and also live .He is worse than a social club singer .What the hell has happened to them .I can totally understand why Vince and Alan wouldn’t want to come back.Excellent review my friend.Top marks .

This is hilerious! Because I agree with you on every level. Really enjoyed this video.

Completely agree. Massive DM fan from ‘81, used to so look forward to their albums but last 3 have been forgettable . Should have stuck to their roots and not gone bluesy.😢

To be a great Depeche Mode fan is to love the great stuff and call out the underperforming songs let it be known and let it be said and discussed. Love the video keep being true to you channel!

I fully agree and I was laughing through tears during your video. Unfortunately, I can't create my 10 worst DM songs because since Exciter it is long list, and I can't even list them because I do not remember the names of songs. Simply, I do not listen albums from Exciter because quality is poor, too much far away from what they did before. As said several times, DM without Alan is just DEMO mode.

Great video and a great list. 'Demo Mode' is so accurate.

Ohhhh yes am-here-for-this !! I am sure I have way more than 20 !! Laughing cuz being CDN we say "I'm sorry" way too much haha Luv the cutaways and two sided convo....tx for bringing Al into the mix.

“So much love” (song) , is not from Delta Machine , it’s on Spirit album (2017) But of course I understand, this worst songs is forgettable .

There is a distinct difference between A Broken Frame and Construction Time Again, and then from Songs of Faith and Devotion to Ultra, and it’s the same key piece. In my opinion, they’ve only been able to keep going for last 30 years because of what they built with Alan Wilder. If he hadn’t joined them, they probably would have fizzled out in late 80’s.

Top tip - Don’t type “hole to feed” into Google… you may regret it! 😮

Also a huge fan and I love you for this vid!

I don't recall so much love ever being on Delta Machine 🤣🤣 love your stuff man!!! Thanks for this, hard not to agree with you!

I got into the band a couple years ago, the last three albums are the only ones where I listened from start to finish twice. Going back to re-listen to these songs definitely made me relate to groggy Alan and reminded me why I haven’t really revisited those albums. These have some combos of unnecessary distortion, brick-walled, very monotonous drums, some first draft vibes to name a few.

Vaughn, at last somebody has had the balls to say this!! I'm glad it is someone who is highly respected too. Respect for you for doing it. To be fair you could have picked any 10 tracks from the last 3 albums so have bo problems with the ones you have chosen. It's just a shame you won't get a chance to interview DM now as if they see this they will take great offence. In reality they can't see it themselves and face facts. Peace is still at No-1 for me though purely based on the fact that they had the cheek to release it as a single!!! How can you go from Enjoy The Silence to Peace in under 20 years. Anyway, Well done. Great video.

I laughed a lot seeing your video, but your analysis is brutally correct. But you know, common people don't focus on details, but only on the fact if you can sing the song all together at the concerts. My question is: what do you think about "Exciter" ? To me it's their best non-Wilder album (including the first two). To me it hasn't the "demo vibe" as "Ultra" or the following albums.

I never understood why so many people dislikes Spirit. Going Backwards and Cover Me are top songs for me. Poorman is a great electronic song that reminds me of Kraftwerk, and Fail is one of my favourite Martin's sung tracks since Home. So Much Love is a clear improvement compared with Soft Touch, that is a real mess of production. Also I really enjoy with Scum and You Move which both have very interesting sounds. And then Eternal, which is simply a piece of art. On the other hand, Where's the Revolution is disappointing as a lead single, and Poison Heart is a boring song, but the rest is good for me. The album is pessimistic, that's true, but that isn't a bad thing. I liked it much more that Delta Machine and of course more that Sounds of the Universe that is my least favourite album.

Agree with you on Fail, to me it sounded like Martin Gore was singing a completely different song from the music and the "F" word Martin you're so much better than that.

Watching this video was good but you made me laugh so much with the video edits at the end to introduce #1... LMFAOF!!! i had to see the intro to it like three times because i was laughing so hard at it... Thanks For Making me laugh.... I'm Dead LMAO

Quitting while your ahead is not exactly the same as quitting. Rem realized this. I love these videos so much Vaughn!

Totally agree. There are more bad songs but you picked some of them. The masterpieces up to Violator are always something one hopes for and expects when a new album is coming but it has been long since they made a song that you want to listen to every day for years. So I again hope for the new album to be another Black Celebration or Violator but I’m afraid we’re going to be disappointed again. They should use Flood again. The albums he was part of were good.

I was honestly surprised by Hole To Feed being the bottom one. I 100% agree, that the video is awful, but it has a catchy rhythm, that makes me dance on the chair. It is actually one of my favorite songs from SOTU. Having said that, i like the fact that the majority of the songs were from the last 3 albums. Let's hope that Memento Mori is more than a excuse for a tour, that they have found their way once again.