"Never Let Me Down Again" by Depeche Mode

Song#:  3371
Date:  12/26/1987
Debut:  96
Peak:  63
Weeks:  10
Genre:  Synthpop, Alternative Rock



Pop Bits:  This UK band's sixth album, Music for the Masses, became their best effort to-date in the US reaching #35. This was due in part to their growing popularity along with the LP's first single, "Strangelove," which got to #1 on the Dance chart (#76 Pop). To keep up the momentum, this next single was released. While the tune (coupled with another track "Pleasure, Little Treasure") would just miss the Dance Top 10 at #12, it did slightly better on the Pop chart than their previous single peaking at #63. Although the track wasn't a major hit, it continued to promote the album and in March of '88 it became the band's second gold seller in the US. It would eventually go platinum.

ReduxReview:  This album opening track with its monotone verse had a distinct new wave feel and did a good job in establishing the band's sound. While it didn't really have a hooky chorus, the dark jam was certainly interesting. It was unlike anything else on the radio at the time. Whether you dug it or not, the track demanded your attention. The alt-rock track wasn't destined to be a big hit, but it helped to continue sales of the album and expand the band's fan base.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  The video for this song was done by Dutch photographer/director Anton Corbijn. Corbijn had already made a name for himself as a photographer since the late 70s supplying images to magazines such as the UK-based New Musical Express. He became known for his black and white photography, but later did works in color. Along the way, Corbijn started to work in the new visual media of music videos. In the early 80s, he directed videos for several artists including U2 and Echo & the Bunnymen. In 1986, he directed a video for the Depeche Mode song "A Question of Time." It would begin a long association between the band and Corbijn. Over the years, Corbijn would direct 23 videos for Depeche Mode including ones for their most recent release (as of this posting date), 2017's Spirit. Corbijn also designed many of the band's album covers. Corbijn's video work with Depeche Mode would earn him one Grammy nomination and two MTV Music Video Award nominations.

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