On this day, the 19th of March 1990 Depeche Mode released Violator, their seventh studio album.
Is it a PERFECT album? . . . . Yes!
For many this was their way into Depeche Mode as a band to follow. The success of the single Enjoy the Silence and this album cemented them for many in England’s music mainstream, forgetting the fact they had been there although somewhat niche, they had been there since 1980. I’d argue over 44 years, everyone knows at least one Depeche Mode track, even if they can’t name it.
Violator is, a perfect album. Fact! From the afore mentioned Enjoy the Silence to World in My Eyes, Policy of Truth, Halo and the immense Personal Jesus, the supporting four tracks nestling nicely between, calming the mind between tracks.
Personally I thought Music for the Masses was a perfect album as well but it did not receive anywhere near the commercial success as Violator. Depeche Mode was always more popular in the USA and worldwide than in their native UK and that reflected in record sales. I’d say if you haven’t ever heard this album then do so, you are missing out. It’s like the “I’ve never seen Star Wars” crowd, if someone says I’ve never heard this album I just stare in disbelief!
It’s perfect, it’s a classic! Quick album fact : “Violator,” spent over a year on the Billboard 200.
