I don't think any album has ever grown on me quite like Exciter has. And I don't believe that time has simply made it more palatable - I'm pretty sure now in retrospect that the main reason I was initially disappointed was because it followed my favorite DM album, Ultra, so the bar was impossibly high. Also, it's undeniably more subdued than the previous albums. I love mellow stuff, but I wasn't expecting it, so it took me a little by surprise.

Fast forward a half dozen years and now this is one of the DM albums I find myself going back to the most. I absolutely love it, and can't believe there was ever a time I didn't. I love that this album is different from the others in that it's the most low-key and romantic. It's such a beautiful album, and showcases elements of this great band that are not necessarily highlighted in other albums. The only song I still don't love is "Breathe," but even that one I like a lot more than I used to. On the other hand, I think "Comatose" is one of the best Gore-sung tracks in their entire catalog (bizarre as it is). "Dream On," "Shine," "When the Body Speaks," "Dead of Night," "Freelove," "I Feel Loved," "I Am You," and "Goodnight Lovers" are every bit as good as all the classics. The production on this album is superb, and often reminiscent of Bjork's Vespertine.

If you gave up on this album early on and tossed it aside, calling it crap, I suggest popping it in sometime (preferably on a beautiful summer night) and giving it another chance. You may find that with the passage of time, you have changed your mind.

Maybe it was because I expected a more danceable, synthpoppy album. I said, what the hell is this and I didn't care to listen to it any more as I had also the CD singles of Dream On, I Feel Loved and the magnificent Freelove. It was not long ago that I took the time to listen again to this album and really have to say now that this is one of DM's best albums. I just can't stop hearing songs like Breathe or Goodnight Lovers. This is DM's at a very special phase that we may not hear again. Those two songs (Breathe or Goodnight Lovers) actually doesnt't sound very DM as one could say but has such emotion, such soul that now I feel like I have found a treasure and plan to enjoy it forever. Martin Gore is such a genius.

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.

After a four year layoff, Depeche Mode have returned with what is easily their most intimate album. Martin Gore seems much more confident in his songwriting and arranging after the mid-90s departure of bandmate and pop-sensibility guru Alan Wilder. Where there last release 'Ultra' bled with insecurity and torment, this album is like a warm embrace of reassurance that, yes, Depeche Mode still comes out with some of the best songs around.

Dave Gahan has never sounded better. He sounds, well, healthy. His newfound interest in vocal training is obviously apparent here, as his voice has taken new ranges and dynamics heretofore unheard on a Depeche Mode record, while still maintaining all the intensity and passion he's always had.

Mark Bell's production adds a clarity and focus to the brilliant yet eclectic instrumentation and arrangements of Gore's songs. Each song, even the harder-edged ones like "The Dead of Night" and "I Feel Loved" are warm and inviting, and the soulful ballads are some of the most stirring DM have committed to record.

'Exciter' is a lush and beautiful whisper of an album. It will be very interesting to see, when presented on tour this summer, how it will play to the masses.

THis album is different from the previous depeche mode albums, but i agree with some of the previous reviewers, if you listen to it and get used to it and realize all the beautiful arrangements of instruments, i thought it was great. I think the lyrics are very good.

All the people who gave this album 1 star are trying to sabotage the real depeche mode fans reviews and ratings. You can't honestly tell me this cd isn't better than 98% of everything other artists put out. These guys have been around for a long time, give them some credit. The concerts are excellent!!

Personal faves are Shine, Comatose, Freelove. Give this CD a listen, you won't be disapointed if you love Depeche Mode or similiar groups like THe Cure, The Smiths, etc...