Missed this back in January this year, but British musical weekly NME decided to give Violator a rather gloomy title.
The album came in 18th spot in a list of the darkest ever long-players.
Said the list’s compilers:
“Throughout the ’80s, they had been gradually deathening their disco. And 1990’s Violator was the culmination of their enigmatic tech-disco, laying the blueprint for industrial pop for the decade to come.
“It was hardly the dourest tome of the goth-pop era, but the sinister squeals and graveyard grooves felt so evil they sounded like the devil gone dancing.”
The top ten darkest albums on the list, in reverse order, were thus named:
- Kayne West – 808s & Heartbreak
- Johnny Cash – The Man Comes Around
- Anthony And The Johnsons – I Am Bird Now
- Nick Drake – Pink Moon
- The Cure – Pornography
- Nico – Desertshore
- The Smiths – Meat Is Murder
- Nirvana – In Utero
- Spiritualized – Let It Come Down
- Manic Street Preachers – The Holy Bible
Perhaps to some Depeche fans it’s a strange addition to such a downbeat collection of albums.
Yes, certainly some of the tracks you probably wouldn’t play at a kid’s birthday party, but overall it is for many a rather uplifting body of work.
Not least compared to its successor, Songs Of Faith And Devotion.
But that’s why journalists create lists – to spark debate 🙂
Over to you……..