Depeche

The fourth, fifth, and sixth box sets dedicated to compiling all of Depeche Mode's single releases were put out in 2004, 13 years after the first three originally appeared. All of these sets provide a convenience for hardcore fans since they provide each single in its own slim jewel case. Needless to say, those who bought the original singles as they were released will be flustered once again. The sixth set, covering 1997 through 2001, includes the "Barrell of Gun," "It's No Good," "Home," "Useless," "Only When I Lose Myself," and "Dream On" singles. Remixes come from Dan the Automator, DJ Shadow, GusGus, Plastikman, Dave Clarke, Kid 606, Bushwacka!, and Kruder & Dorfmeister.

The first three box sets devoted to compiling all of Depeche Mode's A- and B-sides were originally issued in 1991. In 2004, when the fourth through sixth sets were issued for the first time, the initial three were reissued. The first box, covering 1981 and 1982, includes the "Dreaming of Me," "New Life," "Just Can't Get Enough," "See You," "The Meaning of Life," and "Leave in Silence" singles. In what would prove to be a regular Depeche Mode practice throughout the years, all of their first six singles involve non-album tracks, along with extended versions and alternate mixes. Each single is packaged individually in a slim jewel case, providing a convenience for hardcore fans.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth box sets dedicated to compiling all of Depeche Mode's single releases were put out in 2004, 13 years after the first three originally appeared. All of these sets provide a convenience for hardcore fans since they provide each single in its own slim jewel case. Needless to say, those who bought the original singles as they were released will be flustered once again. The fourth set, covering 1987 through 1990, includes the "Strangelove," "Never Let Me Down Again," "Behind the Wheel," "Everything Counts (Live)," "Personal Jesus," and "Enjoy the Silence" singles. At this point in Depeche Mode's career, each A-side was being remixed several times over; when not filled out with live material or the occasional nonalbum track, the discs contain anywhere between a few and several alternate looks.

The full addition of Alan Wilder to Depeche Mode's lineup created a perfect troika that would last another 11 years, as the combination of Martin Gore's songwriting, Wilder's arranging, and David Gahan's singing and live star power resulted in an ever more compelling series of albums and singles. Construction Time Again, the new lineup's first full effort, is a bit hit and miss nonetheless, but when it does hit, it does so perfectly…

Though probably nobody fully appreciated it at the time – perhaps least of all the band! – Depeche Mode's debut is at once both a conservative, functional pop record and a groundbreaking release. While various synth pioneers had come before – Gary Numan, early Human League, late-'70s Euro-disco, and above all Kraftwerk all had clear influence on Speak & Spell – Depeche became the undisputed founder of straight-up synth pop with the album's 11 songs, light, hooky, and danceable numbers about love, life, and clubs…

The fourth, fifth, and sixth box sets dedicated to compiling all of Depeche Mode's single releases were put out in 2004, 13 years after the first three originally appeared. All of these sets provide a convenience for hardcore fans since they provide each single in its own slim jewel case. Needless to say, those who bought the original singles as they were released will be flustered once again. The fifth set, covering 1990 through 1994, includes the "Policy of Truth," "World in My Eyes," "I Feel You," "Walking in My Shoes," "Condemnation," and "In Your Room" singles. As usual, numerous live excerpts are provided, and remix duties are performed by the likes of Butch Vig, Brian Eno, François Kevorkian, Portishead, Jon Marsh, and William Orbit.