My 10 LEAST Favourite Depeche Mode Songs !! 

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 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.

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

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

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...

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.

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

“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.

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

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 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.

"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.

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

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.

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 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!

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".

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. 🙂

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

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! 🍻

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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?

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.

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 :)

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.

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

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 😊

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.

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

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.

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 😊.

Are you just going to play Delta Machine? 😂

Vaughn, you are bang on with number one.

8:37 - that's a surprisingly good ML Gore impression!

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."

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.

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.

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 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...

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.

Brilliant and honest. As always!!!

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

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

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

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!

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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

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

😅 Mr. Wilder sits in silent judgement .

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.

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 guess some of my favorites will be on this list 😅

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...😅

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

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!

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!

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

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.

I have to say, my least favourite tracks are all from the post-Wilder era (No surprise there, I know), and they vary so a top/bottom 10 is not something that comes to mind quickly. Oh no! I'm working on mixes of some new tracks of my own and I'm using saturation. However, I never go into the red - it's just to add harmonics, not distort the crap out of stuff. If I do ever distort a vocal it's for a very specific reason and usually as an effect, not the main vocal. My music is dark in tone so like a clean vocal as a contrast. I'm with you though, Vaughn. BTW, stop apologising mate - devotion should never be blind 😉

Can't wait for your SOFAD review!!

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 ...

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.

It's very difficult to choose the one I prefer 🤗🙀🙀 They are all beautiful 🙏🙏😍🤩❤️♥️🎧🎤🎹🎸

😂 ...wonderful video. I agree with you on the "crunchy, dry & oversaturated", which is the sound of the last three albums. But this is exactly the sound of a lot of (too much!) contemporary electronic music in general. It is a fashion, like the excessive reverbs of the 80s.

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.

I applaud your honesty. This was interesting to watch.

Thank you for being lenient on "What's Your Name?" I love that song.

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.

I’ve been a huge fan of DM for years. I’m so glad you’ve voiced what we’ve always thought. It’s been so long since I’ve been excited for a DM cd. I really started to lose internet in buying anything of theirs right after Playing the Angel. When I bought Exciter it was pretty ehh, PTA was better. But,it was missing that spark. The last spark was with Ultra which I loved. They were holding onto the Alan sound. That was the last best cd. They lost their heart when Alan left. I wish they would’ve kept with his sound. Even though it wasn’t him. I miss the band. It’s just too bad I haven’t cared to hear anything else from them

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!

Totally agree. Respect & love 4 VG

This was pretty funny. Alot of it was also true. I think every band reaches their peak at some point and then just continue on making albums with 1-2-3 good songs. It's not just DM it's also U2, Coldplay, The Cure... so many. I think our expectations for Depeche are too high. I thought playing the angel had some solid songs. I actually really like going backwards. I'm just grateful they are still around and I hope that on the new one there is are at least 1-2 good songs. Yes it's frustrating because as a big fan I would love to give them advice on how a new album should sound and how in recent years the live set is so predictable.. why not start really big! Open with Never let me down??, Enjoy the silence? Play People are people / Dangerous... something obscure? Fingers crossed for Momento Mori! Peace and love to all here from Australia.

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.

Good initiative Vaughn! Because it was about time, after so many mediocre albums, to address it. I remember I had some songs that I used to skip when I would listen to an Album, cuz I never liked to listen to Depeche compilations. My list of skipable songs would be: speak and spell- sometimes I wish I was dead, tora tora. A broken frame- Nothing to fear(I had a time when I liked it tho), Shouldn't have done that. Music for the Masses- I want you now(excepting the Exotic Tour version which is a masterpiece). Exciter: sweetest condition, dead of night, when the body speaks, goodnight lovers. And from Playing the angel to Spirit it just getts worse, at least half of each album has skipable songs...

Lovely ending. I even laughed and that doesn't happen often. I think B snd B appearence did it. Thanks! I agree with your thoughts pretty much btw. Delta is too saturated in general. I hate that sound, it gets annoying quickly. Maybe I have too oldschool ears myself. I love the production on the fav 4: BC, MFTM, Violator and SOFAD. Especially last two.

As a fan from the Speak and Spell days, you’ve said exactly what I’ve thought from Playing The Angel to Spirit. I hold the Berlin trilogy in high esteem, a lot of what DM are putting out now is like a really bad DM tribute band. Forced To Mode are better at DM than DM are….that’s the irony. Massive respect for putting this out there, at least you have the balls to do such a video.

@Vaugh George what’s your view on The Sunshine and the Rainfall

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

Hey Vaughty! I really like it when you get the balls out and have the courage to be honest. I've been struggling for years (since Exciter) with the so-called 'devotees' who accept whatever rubbish comes from Depeche Mode. I can't accept songs like the ones you mentioned (and you could have easily reached 30-40 tracks) just because the same band has made masterpieces in the past. From CTA to SOFAD it is almost impossible to find a song below 7/10, besides the fact that most of the songs are absolute masterpieces or come close. We can certainly criticize Set Me Free or Flexible but compared to 90% of the compositions from Exciter onwards they look like real gems. Also, these are b-sides. I really can't give you my top 10 worst songs list. Rather, I could rather rank the top 10 from Exciter forward, selecting, with difficulty, 1 to 3 songs maximum per album. I've never laughed so much at one of your reviews, but your expressions, combined with Alan's, made me go to the floor laughing. However, I think you forgot one real horror, namely Miles Away - The Truth Is. However, my worst, from Exciter onwards (songs included in albums only): Exciter: Shine, The Dead of Night, Lovetheme, Comatose, I Feel Loved, Goodnight Lovers Playing The Angel: John The Revelator, Introspectre, Lilian Sounds of the Universe: Hole to Feed, Fragile Tension, Peace, Spacewalker, Miles Away - The Truth Is Delta Machine: My Little Universe, Slow, Soft Touch Raw Nerve, Soothe My Soul, Goodbye Spirit: The Worst Crime, Scum, You Move, Cover Me, Poison Heart, So Much Love, Poorman, No More (This is the Last Time) Yeah, Spirit is the worst DM album, with Sotu as closed second worst To be honest, we should say that a few songs in the latest albums were really good: The Darkest Star, Come Back (bare version, the album one sounds like a demo), Angel, Broken, The Child Inside, Should be Higher (yes, Delta Machine with 7-8 songs only would have been a good record), Where's The Revolution

Great and honest opinions! I just tell myself they split after Ultra and it's a better end to the tale than their last handful of albums.

Hola Vaughn the only song that I defend in the list would be "fail", it was the song that gave me hope about the future sound of DM, especially the last 3 minutes, I think there is something good there, especially in the relationship of electronic sounds with drums. Very kraftwerk and I liked that a lot, but as I said, those are the last 3 minutes... a big hug and thanks for making this 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.