CD: CDXSTUMM19
RELEASED: 2006
LABEL: Mute

01. Something To Do
02. Lie To Me
03. People Are People
04. It Doesn't Matter
05. Stories Of Old
06. Somebody
07. Master And Servant
08. If You Want
09. Blasphemous Rumours

Some Great Reward marked a huge turning point in Depeche Mode's music. After the trivialities of 'Speak and Spell', the low-key 'A Broken Frame' and the more experimental 'Construction Time Again', Depeche Mode finally proved they could work their mastery over a whole album as opposed to just a single track. This was to be the first of three albums (prior to the equally well-crafted 'Black Celebration' and 'Music For The Masses') where Depeche Mode hit upon the sound that they would continue to develop from this point forward. That's not to say this album is like all the others - it definitely has a feel all to itself. The strongest musical influence here seems once more to be the early industrial scene, from which the group have drawn their harsh electronic sounds, pulsating drum beats and varying degrees of metallic sampling, although they're still synth-rockers first and studio engineers second. This style is most blatantly exploited in what is probably the best known track from this album, the ubiquitous metal-basher 'People are People'. The equally attractive 'Master & Servant' is the other immediate highlight. No-one, however, can ignore the closing track. 'Blasphemous Rumours' is perhaps the most profound song Depeche Mode have recorded to date, it's slow pace and minor key giving some indication of what was to come on 'Black Celebration'. It's an interesting track with lots of sampling and a basic synth line. Some Great Reward would certainly set the stage, and tone, for Depeche Mode's future efforts.

Influences / Similar Artists:
Simple Minds, New Order, Tubeway Army, Cabaret Voltaire