Released in 1987,this is possibly the best Depeche Mode record,since it reflects all aspects of the band:there are 80s synth anthems,following the tradition of their ealry years,and darker tracks,in the vein of "Black Celebration",all tied together by an excellent production that does its best to enhance the rich sound created by sequencers,keyboards,and various guitar melodies,backed by drum machins and other effects.

David Gahan sings more convincigly than ever,either it is a loud,sing-along hit or a sorrowful ballad.Martin Gore reached great heights as both composer and arranger,under the valuable assistance of the rest of the band.

The opener "Never let me down again" is up to present a club favorite and a smash hit.A huge sound,loud hammond organs and drums that fill the sound,leaving space for Gahan's description of a journey "with my best friend" and the singalong repetition of his request:"never let me down" as Depeche Mode re-invent electro-pop and become its absolute masters (next to New Order,that is!).

"The things you said" comes right afterwards,and it is DAMN GREAT. Slow,somber,the narration of a lover who cannot explain why he was so mistaken,so disappointed "never felt so disappointed" says it all-- and the eerie keyboards on the background strongly remind of equal songs in the band's previous record.

Once again we go up for "Strangelove" another smash hit (and personal favorite) with terrific synth lines and danceable rhythms.This one has a great groove- you just cant stay untouched by such melodies."Strange highs and lows" reflecting the singer's emotions and ours perfectly.

The first side concludes with two more atmospheric tracks,which both became favorites and essential in concerts:"Sacred" and the epic "Little 15",where the band slows down in order to create the desired feeling-and they do it in perfect fashion.

A loud effect,a sudden burst of synth bass and drum machines (how perfectly 80s it sounds!!) and the main guitar riff is the main drive force "behind the wheel".Anthemic,upbeat, danceable,amazing,and Gahan in great shape singing low achieving the mood that this song demands.

"I want you now" and "To have and to hold" are more somber,slow tracks,reminding of "The things you said" but less superior;still,they work, and the listener never feels disappointed,never gets a taste of mediocre work.It is all too carefully arranged,minimal melodies supporting Gahan's chorus vocals,sung exactly as needed.Throughout the album, the singer is always in the right mood,and creates the ideal impressions.And so he does once more in the uplifting synthpop track "Nothing" where the bleak lyrics and the synth lines tie in appropriate way, and again we find ourselves dancing.

The closer, "Pimpf" is weird and eerie like its title,but it is the best way to close such a great record,with its "music for the masses" living up to its name,since it paved the way for Depeche Mode's huge commercial success that would come shortly afterwards with the smash hit VIOLATOR.