Yesterday I found this single in my room, and started to think how long had it been since the last time I had listened to it. And remembered how excinting it seemed to me when it was released. I also thought about the song's excellent video, arguably DM's best.
So I listened to it again. And came to undestand that this song, Barrel Of A Gun is even better with time. In 1997 it sounded edgy and strange, a rare mix of strange and disturbing sounds with heavily distorted guitars and vocal noises. Now it seems a rarity, and sadly, the kind of song that right now gets replaced by mediocre tunes like "Dream On".
Also, the Underworld Soft Mix, which is really incredible. It sounds as a cross between DM and Underworld right on, a very interesting take on the song, right there with the Zephyr Mix of In Your Room (or the Jeep Rock Mix of the same song, for that matter).
And you get Painkiller, DM's ultimate instrumental. This seven minute tune is a craft that really knocks you out.

If you only buy the best singles, this should be on the top of your list.

In the vein of "Songs of Faith and Devotion," "Barrel of a Gun" is one of the hardest, darkest, and downright good tunes that Depeche Mode has ever put out. This song rocks with great guitars, pulsing beats, eerie sounds, and great vocals. It's a great opener for the "Ultra" album, starting from where the band left off with singer Dave Gahan's drug problems. It's almost prophetic to that situation, but everything from that record was somewhat coincidentally related to Gahan's addictions. No matter, the remixes are great (except for the Underworld Hard Mix, which is your standard techno mix), and the "Painkiller" B-side kicks ass with that noir-ish bassline. This single rocks!!!

The original mix of Painkiller is jawdropping. You won't believe that Martin Gore constructed this song himself without any of Alan Wilder's help! One of the best electronica tracks of the 90's and the definitive Depeche instrumental.

I'm so sorry that my review of ULTRA is soooo late-deal with it! Anyway, I love Depeche Mode! I love Ultra! What a great body of work! Gore is a great songwriter of dark music!-but don't be fooled children! This is more than gothic music! Gahan's edgy vocals helped bring the lyrics to life! I just can't get enough! Iam thankful that Gahan got his sh*t together! That would have been a GREAT LOSS, otherwise! I have albums Violator, Songs of Faith, Love, and Devotion, 101(double cd), and Ultra! Now, I want the Singles!!!! My only regret is that I have never seen Depeche Mode live! Maybe someday I'll get lucky! I heard that the band is sticking to small venues.-even better! Iam a Depeche Mode believer!!!!!!!!

If you're a true Depeche Mode fan, you probably have at least two or three remixes of Painkiller in your collection. Get the original. It is outstanding!