Sounds Of The Universe (CD & DVD)

I did not expect too much from this album. Bearing in mind how good Playing the Angel was, I figured they might not be able to maintain such a high standard. There is a lot of quality synthpop around at the moment with the likes of Royksopp, Client, the Pet Shop Boys are back on form and even Lily Allen is getting in on the act. However, the old masters Depeche Mode have left them all for dead again.
The single "Wrong" was promising but Sounds of the Universe has turned out to be 13 tracks of sheer joy. Shameless use of nasty analogue synth sounds (even for more so than previous albums) throughout, in some cases reminiscent of Switched On Bach and even the good old Commodore 64. Equally shameless vintage beatbox rhythms keep the album chugging along; more upbeat than Playing the Angel but no less soulful.
Some reviews stated that the second half is weak - don't believe it. "Perfect" is one of the best songs I've heard in years and the eery, haunting "Jezebel" is stuck in my head and I can't get it out (incredible vocal from Martin Gore there).
Despite being almost 30 years into their career Depeche Mode have developed an new sound for themselves, even more electronic than before (if that were possible). For me, this is an instant classic. Depeche Mode are gods.

To tell the truth at first I couldn't rate the album as I was quite confused with what i heard but after listening to it for quite a lot of times now ....PEACE HAS COME TO ME!!!!! it's seems that again it's gonna be another great album by DM. Great retro sounds mixed with new ones. Dave's voice still strong as ever and so is Martin' melodic voice especially in Jezebel which I might say I've been repeating ever since I got the album. I say not to be discouraged by the first listening as the more it goes the more I'm getting addicted to SOTU a must have for DM fans and even for those who are still exploring new music. I'm counting the days to come for the 30 May London O2 Arena gig where everything is gonna be PERFECT.....

I've heard it and all i can say is BUY it!! I'm a DM fan through and through and this album is very different and yet the same. Outstanding tracks are Chains, Perfect, In Sympathy , Corrupt, Fragile Tension and Jezebel...Well most of them then. Can't wait for 02 concert and two trips to Germany to see the most brilliant, clever, fab band ever to walk this earth. THEY ARE GODS

I have heard this album :) its brilliant! very synth driven!! but I love that!! Its like a mix of retro and modern sounds! Depeche Mode are clearly on creative form!! some very cool experimental stuff going on :) Dave is top notch on the vocals! the guitar playing is great, some very cool heavy sounds here and there. its hard to explain! put it this way! if you love Depeche mode or Synth music! you must buy this album! its great, its one of those albums that stands out! and doesn't follow the trends of the current music scene which I think is lame!

the reason i've chosen quality 4 my title is because i am a massive D/MODE FAN seen them on tour and they really blew me away,especially the violator tour that really was something else,25 years or more together and still going strong.i have'nt heard it yet but already giving it a 5 star rating.