DEPECHE MODE - THE SINGLES 86>98

Unlike its companion piece, this singles collection is the first time many of these songs have appeared together before. "The Singles 81>85" can more or less all be found on the American collection "Catching Up With Depeche Mode". Having them together on one release is a wonderful idea and the surprises don't stop there. On top of all the great hits, you get different arrangements on at least one song. 'Useless' features a different drum track and slightly altered music. The disc follows the singles releases according to the order they were released in North America starting with "Black Celebration" in 1986 and ending with "Ultra" in 1997. The final three tracks on the second disc are included for very specific reasons. 'Only When I Lose Myself' is the new single recorded specifically for this release. 'Little 15' wasn't released as a single in the US but it was a single in the UK, so as a bonus, it shows up here. 'Everything Counts (Live)' comes from the double disc live album "101". This was the only single from that record, hence its inclusion here. So you have lots of juicy extras to whet your Mode appetite.

The real treasure of this release is the bonus disc. For oh so many reasons... Back during "Violator", Depeche Mode were experimenting with multiple format releases. Just as they were investing heavily in producing cd singles, they were also exploring the potential of cassette singles. 'Enjoy The Silence (The Quad: Final Mix)' was only released on the cassette maxi-single. This was most unfortunate because it was one of the best mixes of this track. Despite complaints, the song never saw a digital release until this CD. The other mixes are also wonderful and it's interesting to see the 'Dangerous (Hazchemix Edit)' here as that song was a b-side not a single from an album.

It's the perfect collection from a strong band who made incredible music for many years. It's worth the time and effort whether you're just a casual listener looking to stock up on the greatest hits or a die-hard fan looking for more material to add to your collection. You won't go wrong with this release. My final words: AMAZING COLLECTION OF HIT SINGLES FROM A BRILLIANT BAND!

DEPECHE MODE - THE SINGLES 86>98
CD 1
01. Stripped
02. A Question Of Lust
03. A Question Of Time
04. Strangelove
05. Never Let Me Down Again
06. Behind The Wheel
07. Personal Jesus
08. Enjoy The Silence
09. Policy Of Truth
10. World In My Eyes
CD 2
01. I Feel You
02. Walking In My Shoes
03. Condemnation
04. In Your Room
05. Barrel Of A Gun
06. It's No Good
07. Home
08. Useless
09. Only When I Lose Myself
10. Little 15
11. Everything Counts (Live)
BONUS DISC
01. Rush (Wild Planet Mix)
02. Enjoy The Silence (The Quad: Final Mix)
03. World In My Eyes (Safar Mix)
04. Dangerous (Hazchemix Edit)