Before Madonna’s groundbreaking "Ray of Light", there was Depeche Modes, "Violator", which really brought Electronica to the mainstream and making them household names. Violator graced us with haunting hit after hit. Enjoy the silence, Policy of Truth and Personal Jesus, the first track from the Violator album that dominated the American charts.

These boys have been around the block of music, they first came to us in the early 80’s with pioneering albums like Speak and Spell and A Broken Frame. Not until the punk electronic hit People are People, did the pop culture take notice and embrace Depeche Mode. Despite Depeche Mode’s huge success in the last two decades, they have remained pioneering – laying the tracks for others to follow. Depeche Mode which means "Latest Style" has managed to always stay one step ahead of the latest style – pushing the envelope of their creative abilities, all the while keeping us yearning for more.

Their dark lyrics and haunting melodies have become their trademark and a landscape for many of our musical styles today.

On their 12^th studio album, Depeche Mode adds yet another layer to the depth of their music dreamscape.

Unlike Ultra, their last studio album which has become their biggest selling album to date. Exciter is not thematic- it has a broader spectrum. The songs are understated, letting the vocals carry the song and the acoustic guitar drive the melodies. The songs are almost beautiful in a dark, Goth sort of way. Dave Gahan’s voice is heavenly with a devils tone. On the song, "Breathe" he glides over those folky chords and takes the song to another dimension.

The first single, "Dream On" is Phon-tinie trip hop mix with electronic stirred in with a little folk. Dream On, is as poppy as Depeche Mode gets and as enticing as they always manage to be. It is masterfully done, like only Depeche Mode can. Drink Up.

As he raps over this agile groove you feel the serenity of his message and pain of his soul. Dream On, is destine to become one of those Depeche Mode underground classics like Master and Servant and Strange Love.

I was sold on this disc, by the second track, "Shine." It is one of the best Depeche Mode songs that I have ever heard in a decade. "Shine" is a breath of cool musical air. Refreshing and icy, like most of the album, it tampers with "Drum and Bass." Topped of with some good old punk rock. I have had this song on repeat for days. There is even something for the dance floor fanatic. "I Feel Loved" is a danceable track that is dieing to be remixed – check it out.

Though Exciter is not the masterpiece that Ultra is, it is a good Depeche Mode CD. Depeche Mode is taking the right direction for their artistic growth and will remain as the kings of "Dark Modern Rock."

I think music fans will find something appealing about Exciter – and those old school Depeche Mode fans will love it for its return to the fundamental sound – none the less – Depeche Mode is still around and putting out good music – so much thanks for that!