The Singles 81-85 by Depeche Mode.

Official BPI GOLD sales award for over 100,000 copies sold.

UK record award for 100,000 sales of Depeche Mode's The Singles 81-85. The award is presented to Peter Grey Printers, an entertainment print shop that worked on albums, labels, etc. They did work for Depeche Mode.

One of a kind

Excellent Condition.  

Highly Collectable!

We will NEVER have another one of these to sell.

Measures 16" W x 20 H".

Heavy duty aluminum frame.

Depeche Mode is a legendary English electronic band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. Known for their innovative fusion of synth-pop, new wave, and darker, industrial sounds, Depeche Mode became one of the most influential and enduring bands of the 1980s and beyond.

Key Points about Depeche Mode:

• Formation and Early Years:

  • Depeche Mode was formed by Dave Gahan (vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards and songwriting), Andy Fletcher (keyboards), and Vince Clarke (keyboards and primary songwriter) in 1980. The band's name is derived from the French fashion magazine "Dépeche Mode", which means "hasty fashion."
  • Initially, Vince Clarke was the main songwriter and a key member. However, he left the band after their debut album, Speak & Spell (1981), which included the hit single "Just Can't Get Enough." Clarke was replaced by Alan Wilder, who joined in 1982, bringing a darker, more experimental sound to the band.

• Musical Evolution:

  • Synth-Pop Origins: Depeche Mode started as a synth-pop band, utilizing the early electronic sounds of the 1980s. Their first album, Speak & Spell, is characterized by catchy, upbeat tracks like "New Life" and "Just Can't Get Enough."
  • Dark, Experimental Sound: After Clarke's departure, Martin Gore became the primary songwriter, leading the band's shift toward more complex and darker themes. The albums A Broken Frame (1982) and Construction Time Again (1983) marked the beginning of this evolution, with deeper, more introspective lyrics and a more experimental use of synthesizers and drum machines.
  • International Success: Their 1984 album Some Great Reward featured the hit "People Are People," a song that became a global anthem for its anti-racism message. The album's darker, more industrial sound helped cement Depeche Mode’s place as pioneers of electronic music.

• Iconic Albums:

  • Black Celebration (1986): This album represents Depeche Mode’s full embrace of a darker, more brooding sound, featuring tracks like "Strangelove" and "A Question of Time."
  • Music for the Masses (1987): A breakthrough album, it included the hit singles "Never Let Me Down Again" and "Strangelove." It helped them achieve massive international success, especially in the U.S.
  • Violator (1990): Often regarded as their masterpiece, Violator includes some of Depeche Mode’s most iconic tracks, such as "Enjoy the Silence," "Personal Jesus," and "Policy of Truth." This album combined their electronic roots with more rock-oriented elements and helped them reach new levels of mainstream popularity.
  • Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993): This album continued their success, with hits like "I Feel You" and "Walking in My Shoes." The album incorporated more live instrumentation and a deeper, more personal feel, reflecting the band's evolving sound.

• Post-1990s and Continued Success:

  • While Depeche Mode went through lineup changes and personal struggles, especially with Dave Gahan's battles with addiction, they remained an influential force in the music world.
  • Albums like Ultra (1997), Exciter (2001), Playing the Angel (2005), and Delta Machine (2013) continued to showcase the band’s ability to evolve while maintaining their signature sound, which blends electronic beats with melancholic lyrics.
  • Their 2017 album Spirit is one of their most recent works, reflecting their ongoing relevance in both the electronic music scene and the world of rock.

• Musical Legacy and Impact:

  • Depeche Mode is known for their pioneering role in popularizing electronic music and synthesizer-driven pop. Their ability to blend catchy melodies with dark, introspective lyrics influenced countless bands and artists in the 1980s and beyond.
  • Their live performances are legendary, with Depeche Mode continuing to sell out stadiums worldwide. They have a dedicated fanbase, and their influence can be seen in the work of artists in genres like industrial, electronic, alternative rock, and even pop.
  • They have sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

• Key Themes:

  • Depeche Mode's music often explores themes of love, faith, lust, sin, and personal conflict. Their dark, introspective lyrics, coupled with their innovative use of synthesizers and electronic beats, gave rise to a sound that has become synonymous with 80s and 90s electronic music.

• Members:

  • Dave Gahan (lead vocals): Known for his deep, charismatic voice and dark stage presence.
  • Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, and primary songwriter): His personal, sometimes controversial, lyrics have been a defining feature of the band's music.
  • Andy Fletcher (keyboards): While not as prominent in the songwriting process, Fletcher was an integral member of the band's sound and overall vibe.
  • Alan Wilder (keyboards, drums, and production): He joined in 1982 and became a major creative force in Depeche Mode, contributing significantly to their sonic development until his departure in 1995.

• Legacy and Influence:

  • Depeche Mode’s influence is far-reaching, impacting bands and artists in a variety of genres, from electronic and industrial to alternative rock and pop. Artists like Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, and even pop acts like Madonna and Lady Gaga have cited them as inspirations.
  • They have received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

Depeche Mode's combination of innovative electronic music, catchy melodies, and deep emotional content has made them one of the most beloved and enduring bands in modern music history. Their ability to continuously reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots has ensured their place as pioneers in both the electronic and rock music worlds.

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