Finally, Exciter is here in my hands and how lucky I feel to listen. A long time Mode-Fan, I have heard each and every one of their albums. Exciter will stick out among the others partly for it's coming-of-age worth as well as the successfully executed experimentation that differentiates itself from the other albums.

One of the most outstanding differences is that DM have brought in more guitar work incorporated into their songs than ever before. Synth-pop fans may be worried by this point but I would like to assure them that, the guitars have just been added in more so than before and have not taken away from the fresh, clean, dark synth sounds that DM is all too famous for. Another significant difference is that Gahan's voice has never sounded so excellent. Each song feels like Gahan's heart is expressing to us a story.

"Dream On," their first single, is not the best song on the album or even the most catchy, radio-friendly song. It is a great intro with skittering electronic beats, fast acoustic guitar, and light Gahan lyrics. No other Depeche song has screamed NIN as does "Dead of Night" which perhaps may win over some fans. "I Feel Loved" is a very danceable track that will remind fans of the beloved Violator album. Finally, my personal favorite, "Freelove" is a masterpiece of emotion that is truly a fulfilling listen.

Exciter, among other DM albums, does not contain the most catchy radio singles. What makes Exciter a great album is it's beauty that perhaps no other Mode album was able to achieve. This material is an introduction to the true greatness of Depeche Mode that we have yet to see.

What is typical of DM music? Old fans will probably say: heavy synth arrangement, catchy rhythm, lyrics that doesn't really make sense but rhymes perfectly. However, this conventional understanding of DM music does not apply to this album...not at all. In 'Exciter', DM abandons its trademark style that has made it so popular during the 80s and 90s to experiment with a more ambient and moodier synth arrangement that has a touch of industrial, rock and even jazz. On the first listening, old fans will probably feel betrayed and disappointed. Gone are the dancy synth rhythms. The whole album is dominated by slower tracks with the exception of the industrial-sounding 'The Dead of Night' (an 'I Feel You' sounding track which almost has a touch of N.I.N) and the only upbeat tune ('I Feel Loved') which actually sounds nothing like their traditional fast tunes. Nonetheless, this album builds slowly upon the listener. The moody arrangement on 'Dream On', 'When the Body Speaks', 'Freelove' and 'Goodnight Lovers' actually works perfectly with Dave's voice. 'Breathe' is also an interesting track featuring Martin on vocals with a jazzy background. On the whole, this album presents a fresh new sound for DM, except it's a 'moodier' Mode rather than an 'exciter'.

First thing first, Depeche Mode exists to me as one of the most influential, powerful and underappreciated bands of all time. Only the faithful seem to understand the subtle expression and sinister meanings to Martin Gore's writings and Dave Gahan's voice. The majority of music fans, those who think N'Sync can even spell the word "TALENT," believe the band should more aptly carry the moniker "Depressed Mode." Good. Those of us who let the music's richness of expression and mood cause us to reflect upon our lost loves, happiest moments and past sexual experiences, are members of an exclusive, more enlightened, club. But back to "Exciter." As DM's 10th effort, it's very difficult to separate it from the history it carries, and to hear it on its own merrits. As the next chapter of a band that has evolved from a campy, synth-pop act (especially when Vince Clark was at the helm) to creating the most powerfully dark songs ever written (just listen to "Stripped"), this album makes perfect sense. As DM moves from its signature multi layered sound approach, to simpler, subtler beats, fans can feel as if they are gleaming into songwriter Martin Gore's ever maturing writing abilities. Here, Dave Gahan's voice is given the duty of carrying much of the music's weight. And he is more than capable. Returning from "ULTRA," where he whispered his way through most of the album, his voice is back as booming, sexual and competent. But even alone, it is a gripping album. Like "Black Celebration" and "Music For The Masses," the songs seemingly flow into on another, providing a beautiful continuity, as if the listener was follwoing a story. The songs are deceptivley simple. You sometimnes wonder where the rest of the music is, but then this simplicity allows you to hear and appreciate the way each individual sound combines with one another to create a full melody. And though many of the songs lack anything resembling a "hook," Dave Gahan's powerful voice easily leads you through this finely woven tapestry. The best on the album include Shine, Dream On, I feel Loved, Sweetest Condition and Goodnight Lovers. Though definitely not DM's best album, like "ULTRA," it will definitely age well over time, and get better with each listening.

I'm not sure what most of the reviewers here are thinking. Every Depeche Mode album has been different, and this is no exception. It is definately more low-key than some of their previous efforts, but that doesn't make it worse. While I don't think of Depeche Mode as a singles band (their albums need to be listened to in their entirety), "Dream On" ranks with their best. How a previous reviewer could say there is not one worthy song on this album is absurd. I'm not sure if some of these people have even listened to the album, or if they did, probably just once. I love "Black Celebration," "Music For the Masses," "SOFAD," and their other classic albums and return to them often, but I don't want to hear "Black Celebration Volume 2," I want progression and new ideas, and that's what "Exciter" was.

I never thought they would top "Some Great Reward","Black Celebration" or "Violator". It is probably too soon to say, but I think this could end up as my favorite Depeche c.d. Three weeks after "Exciter" was released I am even more into it. "Dream On", the first song, is still getting better with each listen. It's kind of a cross between "World In My Eyes" and "Personal Jesus". Also, I've yet to hear a bad remix of this song. "Shine", "The Sweetest Condition" and "When The Body Speaks" are all above average mid-tempo songs. "The Dead Of Night" took me a few listens to decide on. It stops just short of being kind of silly. Also, by this point on the c.d. you'll be wondering why this c.d. was reported as being largely acoustic. This c.d. contains more electronic blips and bleeps than I've ever heard on a Depeche album. "Freelove"-Good song. "Comatose" is the other song I had to listen to several times. Now I look forward to this song. Martin sings this one and the music otherworldly. "I Feel Loved" will make it hard to argue that Depeche is not a dance band if it is the next single. It may be the danciest song they've ever recorded. "Breathe", another Martin vocal, is an excellent song. It does have the feel of a torch song. "I Am You" has a surging bass line going underneath a mellow song. My favorite moments on the whole album are at the end of this song. After the final words are sung majestic strings swell up out of nowhere and then give way to a sound that still makes my dogs run from the room. The final song, "Goodnight Lovers" has a classic D.M. feel. The base of the song is hummed vocals kind of like the intro to "Leave In Silence". After three weeks, I have yet to start skipping any of the songs on this c.d. It is consistently excellent from beginning to end. Dave sings and sounds better than he ever has and the songs are powerful. The power in these songs doesn't come from beats-per-minute, it comes from emotion and excellent performance and production. Please work with Mark Bell again-soon, not four years from now! Thank you for making an album that makes me feel like I did almost seventeen years ago when I listened to "Some Great Reward" for the first of many times. I've always had something to do from that moment on.