Ultra

As a long-time Depeche Mode fan, it's perhaps no surprise that I would be rating this album with 5 stars. However, this is not blind loyalty.Ultra was the band's third and final album of the 90's - a decade that saw them go mainstream and global with the release of Violator and then superstar with Songs of Faith and Devotion.The personal problems that followed that rise are well documented, and by 1995, they'd lost Alan Wilder, the band member who worked hardest on their production to shape the band's sound, and they'd almost lost Dave Gahan, after a heroin overdose meant he died for a few minutes. At the same time, songwriter Martin Gore was an alcoholic and with his own drug problems and Andy Fletcher had to leave the last tour with anxiety issues. To cap it all off, the three remaining band members weren't particular good at speaking to each other.Not many expected a new album. And when it did arrive, it came with stories of needing to record songs seven times to stitch together a single usable take (Sister of Night), and a further breakdown - this time of the producer Tim Simenon. But what they produced, against the odds, and perhaps unsurprisingly is one of their darkest and most heartfelt albums.Lead single and album starter Barrel of a Gun is a snarling, sneering riposte full of bitterness that fires backs at critics (personal as well as public). Home is perhaps the greatest ballad Martin has written, when he was coming to terms with the fact that he might actually not make it. Sister of Night is haunting and balletic, Useless bombastic and heavy. The final track, Insight, returns listeners back to a more hopeful future.This is an album that rewards repeated listens. But its also one that speaks to the fear and desolation you can feel when you're at your lowest ebb. It is a piece of art that describes that moment, and that feeling, where everything is hopeless. This, for me, was Depeche Mode's lowest point, but they've since come back out the other side and continue to make music.If you're interested in understanding Depeche Mode, this is an important chapter - and one that should not be missed.

Well I must admit having been so impressed with Violator; then having my expectations blown sky high with Songs Of Faith & Devotion, I was a little cautious when I approached this album. It is rare that any band can keep up their form for three successive albums without losing a few folk on the way. Depeche Mode are no different in this respect. However, I firmly believe that there are a zillion ways that a band can do this whilst still maintaining their creativity and grace. I am happy to say, Depeche Mode have managed it here. True, it is not as immediately strong as the previous two (that would have been monumentally impressive!). Nevertheless, at first listen it is not a bad effort at all. Give it a couple of more plays & you'll find it is waayyy better than originally credited. A definite grower that can stand in the presence of its predecessors without shame. Buy it & see.

In my top 3 DM albums.....phenomenal singles

Never too late for grab this 2007 remaster sound ..forget the dvd (extra disc) the master cd was Marvelous..taste with high end Stereo system…the sony one far mo better than the rhino… AAA

This was new to me. The 5.1 is amazing quality. The songs are great and the history behind the album makes it even better.

Well made overall on this reissue

Fabulous album by one of my favourite bands. Spawned some excellent singles that really stand the test of time.

All the songs are worth a listen, time and again...