DEPECHE MODE PRECIOUS SINGLE MUTE, EMI RELEASE: OCTOBER 3, 2005 REVIEW: AUGUST 30, 2005

A new Depeche Mode album is as big as it gets in our circles and "Playing the Angel" is scheduled for October. It is an electronic album that has spawned rumours saying that it is their best since “Violator” and as dark as "Songs of Faith and Devotion". Considering that "Violator" is one of the best albums in existence, it smells like a bit of a stretch, but who knows?

"Playing the Angel" is said to offer a higher tempo than the previous two albums and for the first time it features three songs written by Dave Gahan.

“Precious”, a typical Martin Gore tune, is the first sample from “Playing the Angel”, and supposedly doesn't sound much like the rest of the album songs. It's an all-electronic, retro-flavoured pop tune that makes me think of old Depeche Mode songs.

There is an immediate quality to "Precious", making it easy to like instantly. Us Swedes might start to think about Kent, a band that has grown up to the sound of Depeche Mode. The verses are bouncy and the chorus is unusually catchy for a Depeche Mode song of today. "Precious" is solemn and sombre, yet upbeat. Mr Gore still has it, and he sticks to writing about love and God.

All seems to be right in the world of Depeche Mode, once again. Give me October now.

Please note that the one track radio promo single I received didn't include any bonus tracks, so the remixes and B-side “Free” remain a mystery.

JOHAN CARLSSON