Songs of Faith and Devotion
Encyclopedia
Songs of Faith and Devotion is the eighth album by the British electronic music
group Depeche Mode
, released in 1993 on Mute Records
. The album incorporated more guitar textures than previous releases. Upon its release, Songs of Faith and Devotion reached number one in both the UK and US album charts. To support the album, Depeche Mode embarked on the fourteen-month Devotional Tour
. As of 2006, Songs of Faith and Devotion has sold more than 920,000 units in the United States
.
during 1992 as well as later sessions in Hamburg and London. Recording the album was slowed by Gahan's growing drug and alcohol addiction.
A studio was set up in the basement with two drum kits using different spaces to achieve different sounds. The drum kits could then be processed through synthesisers such as the large Roland
System 700 the band installed in the studio.
The band wanted to record something quite different from previous albums. They wanted to change as many things about their approach to making music as they possibly could. The band members had become aware of getting caught in easy routines leading to boredom.
One new approach to recording was performance. On previous recordings the band had relied more on sequencing than playing. The performance would then later be sequenced and processed in the studio. The band members did not feel capable of going into a room and playing together, they felt that applying technology made their sound more spontaneous and human. They wanted the sound of Songs of Faith and Devotion looser and less programmed.
Tracks like "I Feel You," which was not originally the lead-off track on the album until Alan Wilder fought for it to be that way, included real performed drums which were then sampled and sequenced to form drum loops, using Cubase
, in a different structure from how they were originally performed; keeping all the dynamics of a human performance.
Some of the embellishments like reversed cymbals were added later in the recording process by Alan Wilder
who was nearly always the one to suggest such experimentation.
Further reversing techniques were used throughout the recordings such as the backwards piano
recorded as part of the outro to the track "Mercy In You".
The introduction to the track "Judas" has uillean pipes recorded normally with reversed reverberation mixed into the sound.
"Walking In My Shoes" included a processed piano part during the introduction. The piano was processed through a guitar
processor to add distortion, making it sound more edgy. A harpsichord
sample
was the played and recorded over the top making a different layered sound.
The recording of the track "Condemnation" used some interesting techniques including all four band members recording one thing each in the same space - Andrew Fletcher
bashing a flight case with a pole, producer Flood and Dave Gahan clapping, Alan Wilder
playing a drum and Martin Gore
playing an organ. The sound produced was very embryonic but gave the band a direction as to how the track should sound.
The album has a lot of recorded guitar with the intension of creating the power of a rock guitar, without the playing technique. Guitar parts were processed through devices such as Leslie tone cabinets
, originally designed for use with an organ.
and Some Great Reward
) The first CD was remastered and (except in the USA) was released on a CD/SACD hybrid. The bonus DVD includes the B-Side "My Joy" along with the Jazz Mix of "Death's Door" (similar to the original version) and several other remixes.
Also included was a 36 minute documentary on Songs of Faith and Devotion called Depeche Mode 91-94 (We Were Going To Live Together, Record Together And It Was Going To Be Wonderful) named after a quote from Alan Wilder
on the potential of living in their Madrid
-area recording studio. It features interviews with Depeche Mode (including Wilder, who would leave the band in 1995) and other important DM figures like Daniel Miller, Anton Corbijn
and Daryl Bamonte
. There is also footage from the movie Devotional
and the music videos. The documentary mainly focuses on the extreme difficulty of recording the album, and the even more frustrating 14-month tour that followed.
It was released on 2 October 2006 in the UK and 3 October 2006 in the US.
The remastered album was released on "deluxe" vinyl 2 March 2007 in Germany and 5 March 2007 internationally.
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
group Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
, released in 1993 on Mute Records
Mute Records
Mute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
. The album incorporated more guitar textures than previous releases. Upon its release, Songs of Faith and Devotion reached number one in both the UK and US album charts. To support the album, Depeche Mode embarked on the fourteen-month Devotional Tour
Devotional Tour
Devotional Tour was a 1993 concert tour by English electronic band Depeche Mode in support of the group's eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion, which was released in March 1993....
. As of 2006, Songs of Faith and Devotion has sold more than 920,000 units in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
Recording
Songs of Faith and Devotion was recorded over eight months in a rented villa in MadridMadrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
during 1992 as well as later sessions in Hamburg and London. Recording the album was slowed by Gahan's growing drug and alcohol addiction.
A studio was set up in the basement with two drum kits using different spaces to achieve different sounds. The drum kits could then be processed through synthesisers such as the large Roland
Roland Corporation
is a Japanese manufacturer of electronic musical instruments, electronic equipment and software. It was founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972, with ¥33 million in capital. In 2005 Roland's headquarters relocated to Hamamatsu in Shizuoka Prefecture. Today it has factories in Japan,...
System 700 the band installed in the studio.
The band wanted to record something quite different from previous albums. They wanted to change as many things about their approach to making music as they possibly could. The band members had become aware of getting caught in easy routines leading to boredom.
One new approach to recording was performance. On previous recordings the band had relied more on sequencing than playing. The performance would then later be sequenced and processed in the studio. The band members did not feel capable of going into a room and playing together, they felt that applying technology made their sound more spontaneous and human. They wanted the sound of Songs of Faith and Devotion looser and less programmed.
Tracks like "I Feel You," which was not originally the lead-off track on the album until Alan Wilder fought for it to be that way, included real performed drums which were then sampled and sequenced to form drum loops, using Cubase
Steinberg Cubase
Cubase is a music software product developed by Steinberg for music recording, arranging and editing as part of a Digital Audio Workstation. It is one of the oldest DAWs to still enjoy widespread use...
, in a different structure from how they were originally performed; keeping all the dynamics of a human performance.
Some of the embellishments like reversed cymbals were added later in the recording process by Alan Wilder
Alan Wilder
Alan Charles Wilder is a British musician, formerly of Depeche Mode. His current musical project is called Recoil, started as a side project to Depeche Mode. When he left the latter in 1995, it became Wilder's primary project...
who was nearly always the one to suggest such experimentation.
Further reversing techniques were used throughout the recordings such as the backwards piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
recorded as part of the outro to the track "Mercy In You".
The introduction to the track "Judas" has uillean pipes recorded normally with reversed reverberation mixed into the sound.
"Walking In My Shoes" included a processed piano part during the introduction. The piano was processed through a guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
processor to add distortion, making it sound more edgy. A harpsichord
Harpsichord
A harpsichord is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It produces sound by plucking a string when a key is pressed.In the narrow sense, "harpsichord" designates only the large wing-shaped instruments in which the strings are perpendicular to the keyboard...
sample
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
was the played and recorded over the top making a different layered sound.
The recording of the track "Condemnation" used some interesting techniques including all four band members recording one thing each in the same space - Andrew Fletcher
Andrew Fletcher (musician)
Andy Fletcher , known as "Fletch", is a co-founder and member of the English synth band Depeche Mode.-Depeche Mode:...
bashing a flight case with a pole, producer Flood and Dave Gahan clapping, Alan Wilder
Alan Wilder
Alan Charles Wilder is a British musician, formerly of Depeche Mode. His current musical project is called Recoil, started as a side project to Depeche Mode. When he left the latter in 1995, it became Wilder's primary project...
playing a drum and Martin Gore
Martin Gore
Martin Lee Gore is an English songwriter, lyricist, singer, guitarist, keyboardist, remixer and DJ. He is a founding member of Depeche Mode and has written the vast majority of their songs...
playing an organ. The sound produced was very embryonic but gave the band a direction as to how the track should sound.
The album has a lot of recorded guitar with the intension of creating the power of a rock guitar, without the playing technique. Guitar parts were processed through devices such as Leslie tone cabinets
Leslie speaker
The Leslie speaker is a specially constructed amplifier/loudspeaker used to create special audio effects using the Doppler effect. Named after its inventor, Donald Leslie, it is particularly associated with the Hammond organ but is used with a variety of instruments as well as vocals. The...
, originally designed for use with an organ.
2006 re-release
In 2006, Songs of Faith and Devotion was re-released with a bonus DVD. It was released as a part of the second wave of re-issues. (Along with A Broken FrameA Broken Frame
* All compositions by Martin Gore.* David Gahan sings lead vocals on all songs except "Shouldn't Have Done That" which is a duet with Gore. "Nothing to Fear" and "Further Excerpts From: My Secret Garden" are instrumental.-2006 re-release:...
and Some Great Reward
Some Great Reward
Some Great Reward is the fourth album by the British electronic group Depeche Mode, released in 1984. The album peaked at #5 in the UK and at #51 in the US. The title comes from the last lines of the bridge in "Lie to Me" when it repeats near the end....
) The first CD was remastered and (except in the USA) was released on a CD/SACD hybrid. The bonus DVD includes the B-Side "My Joy" along with the Jazz Mix of "Death's Door" (similar to the original version) and several other remixes.
Also included was a 36 minute documentary on Songs of Faith and Devotion called Depeche Mode 91-94 (We Were Going To Live Together, Record Together And It Was Going To Be Wonderful) named after a quote from Alan Wilder
Alan Wilder
Alan Charles Wilder is a British musician, formerly of Depeche Mode. His current musical project is called Recoil, started as a side project to Depeche Mode. When he left the latter in 1995, it became Wilder's primary project...
on the potential of living in their Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
-area recording studio. It features interviews with Depeche Mode (including Wilder, who would leave the band in 1995) and other important DM figures like Daniel Miller, Anton Corbijn
Anton Corbijn
Anton Corbijn is a Dutch photographer, music video and film director. He is the creative director behind the visual output of Depeche Mode and U2, having handled the principal promotion and sleeve photography for both for more than a decade...
and Daryl Bamonte
Daryl Bamonte
Daryl Bamonte is known for working for Depeche Mode and The Cure. His company Bamonte Artist Management represents the bands Das Shadow and Compact Space, as well as artists Producer/Mixer/Engineer/Programmer Paul "P-Dub" Walton, Songwriter/Musician/Producer Andrew Phillpott, and...
. There is also footage from the movie Devotional
Devotional (video)
Devotional - A Performance Filmed by Anton Corbijn is a video release by Depeche Mode, featuring almost an entire concert from their 1993-1994 Devotional Tour, filmed in Barcelona, Spain , Liévin, France and Frankfurt, Germany...
and the music videos. The documentary mainly focuses on the extreme difficulty of recording the album, and the even more frustrating 14-month tour that followed.
It was released on 2 October 2006 in the UK and 3 October 2006 in the US.
The remastered album was released on "deluxe" vinyl 2 March 2007 in Germany and 5 March 2007 internationally.
Track listing
Personnel
- Dave Gahan - lead vocals, sampler
- Martin GoreMartin GoreMartin Lee Gore is an English songwriter, lyricist, singer, guitarist, keyboardist, remixer and DJ. He is a founding member of Depeche Mode and has written the vast majority of their songs...
- keyboards, guitar, organ ("Condemnation"), sampler, backing vocals, lead vocals ("Judas", "One Caress"), songwriting - Alan WilderAlan WilderAlan Charles Wilder is a British musician, formerly of Depeche Mode. His current musical project is called Recoil, started as a side project to Depeche Mode. When he left the latter in 1995, it became Wilder's primary project...
- keyboards, drums, piano, bass guitar ("Walking In My Shoes"), sampler, programming, backing vocals - Andrew FletcherAndrew Fletcher (musician)Andy Fletcher , known as "Fletch", is a co-founder and member of the English synth band Depeche Mode.-Depeche Mode:...
- samples, backing vocals ("Condemnation")
Guest musicians
- Bazil Meade, Hildia Campbell and Samantha Smith - backing vocals ("Get Right With Me")
- Stefan Hanningan - uilleann pipes ("Judas")
- Will MaloneWill MaloneWill Malone is a British music producer, who has worked with artists including Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Todd Rundgren, The Verve, Massive Attack and Italian rocker Gianna Nannini. In 1976, Malone & Lou Reizner covered a Beatles song, "You Never Give Me Your Money", for the evanescent musical...
- strings conducting ("One Caress")
Charts
| Chart (1993) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
14 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 1 |
| French Albums Chart | 1 |
| German Albums Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
1 |
| Netherlands Albums Chart | 18 |
| Norwegian Albums Chart | 16 |
| Swedish Albums Chart | 2 |
| Swiss Album Chart | 1 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
1 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
1 |