Depeche Mode vs New Order
Welcome back to another round of bands facing off. This time for Round 3 I am pitting two new wave juggernauts against each other- Depeche Mode vs New Order. Both have incredibly ambient songs that connect to the soul in different ways. I’m already going to say at the outset that unlike the Tears for Fears vs Duran Duran and Pink Flloyd vs Led Zeppelin battle where I really wanted to know for certain who I preferred, for this match, I already prefer Depeche Mode in general but we shall how the two bands face off song to song. Don’t ask me why I put specific songs together okay, in my mind, it made sense. So with that, here go.
Precious vs Your Silent Face
We’ll begin with Precious and Your Silent Face. I don’t really want to go into the specifics of the instruments too much since it is tedious but sometimes one must to describe why a song makes one feel a certain way. I already know that Precious is about Martin Gore’s divorce but I didn’t at one point. After I found out that fact, it made the song sad and you can feel the song’s sad undertones. I also actually just found out that the song is a message to his children- see I thought it was to his ex-wife. Either way, still sad. Not so sad to the point it makes me feel very emotional and extremely sad like a sad love ballad or slow track but melancholic nevertheless. It has an incredibly simple composition with 6 simple notes (I think) and the guitar strums by Martin Gore while Dave Gahan complements with his passive voice. It’s one of my favourite Depeche Mode songs. A great song on a night drive or just for sitting and thinking about life. Your Silent Face however is on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum. More upbeat and positive sounding. I do like Bernard Sumner’s and Peter Hook’s bass and guitar playing among each other. It’s not New Order’s strongest song for me and I don’t know what the message of the song is. I just like the way it sounds and how it makes me feel. I’s very uplifting. Nice use of the harmonica in it. As I can connect to Precious a lot more, this round goes to DM (not David Mejia).
It’s No Good vs Bizarre Love Triangle
Here we have two absolute fucking bangers of songs. And when I say bangers I mean, put the shit loud bangers. One of these songs is 11 years older than the other. One is 80s and the other is 90s. Indicative that music from both decades was great. It’s No Good is intense and cool. Forgive my pathetic lack of words, I don’t know how else to put it. It’s, just, cool. And intense. The lyrics are incredibly easy to remember and it’s catchy and memorable. This is a song that you can walk down a street wearing jean clothes and shades and carrying a boom box to and if you really wanted, have a cigarette in your mouth. Cuz those are cool right. It’s got style. I think that’s the best way to put it. BLT (not Bacon Lettuce Tomato) is another happy sounding song. I’ll say this- it’s intro is pretty damn catchy with the drumming and synth. But so is It’s No Good. The 12’’ track is where it’s at. Both songs have great lyrics that anyone in their right mind would sing to. I ALMOST want to call it a tie……but because of DM’s style…….it’s them for me again, although BLT comes pretty close with the way it’s composed- the bridge, chorus etc. One thing though is that it may be a tad too long but on a day when you’re cleaning or chilling or driving, it’s a good song. 2-0 DM
Enjoy the Silence vs Blue Monday
The constant beat throughout Enjoy the Silence makes it a club-must. It’s a got a great beat whilst also being melancholic. It’s so simple. It keeps the same tune throughout its duration and is complimented well by the bass guitar. A song that is very catchy yet not an earworm is musical ingenuity. The synth is obviously what makes the song and the lyrics are ever so simple too. Depeche Mode must’ve kept well under cover to not have the same impact as The Beatles and their wave of British invasion because Depeche Mode has quality music that can rival the Beatles but on whole different plane, mood, and tones. Right off the bat Blue Monday has a sick-ass beat from the synth and then it adds on more layers slowly and slowly. The progression of the intro may be a tad long but hell is it one that one can enjoy. Then Peter Hook’s bass comes in to pleasure the ear drums followed by more drum beats from the synth. Blue Monday is a wonderful example of a new wave juggernaut and very evident collaboration among bandmates to be much more than the sum of their parts. Lyrics be damned, there is so much going on here. Musical godliness is what it is. After careful consideration, this one has to go to New Order. 2-1 DM.
Stripped vs Fine Time
Right off the bat, Stripped has got the sound of a bike engine chugging and then a Porsche 911 starting up for its intro. If you’ve got the bass on wherever you’re listening to this, it makes it that much more enjoyable and more intense as you anticipate the rest of the song. If it’s your first time hearing the song, obviously it won’t have as much effect as when you’re more familiar but if you appreciate a good beat, the synth in conjunction with the starting engine, and the consistent beat throughout the song, plus simplicity, then you’ll enjoy this song. The ambient sound of the synth during the bridge and the beat of the drums that adds onto the industrial sound of the song mixes well with Gahan’s vocals who knows how to use his voice in a raw manner with gravitas yet not aggression or anger but with a dramatic passion. Tis a simple yet such a good song. Fine Time on the other hand gives me party song vibes. It’s got the synth. A fun tune. As catchy as or as creative as Stripped? Mmm I say thee nay folks. Just a fun song. Depeche Mode 3-1.
Shake the Disease vs Love Vigilantes
I will immediately come out and say that I already prefer Shake the Disease. Why? Because it’s melancholic, emotional, expressive, and you know I’m sucker for the sad side. There’s no need to talk about the instruments for this one, it’s the tune that already gets me and the lyrics of the song. It tells a story the whole way through and it’s simple. Martin Gore’s background/supporting vocals with this tenor and Dave Gahan’s deep baritone go great like salt and vinegar (first comparison that came to mind, give me a break). This is not to say that Love Vigilantes isn’t a great song. It’s a happy sounding song but the lyrics tell a different story. Regardless, it’s a happy sounding song you can listen to on a summer drive. To be completely honest, I don’t care about the lyrics except for the part where Bernard sings about wanting to see his family waiting for him. Even though the melody of the song remains same throughout its duration it doesn’t get boring. Peter Hook’s bass is nice. It’s peaceful and familial. Now that I have actually paid attention, I think the song has stepped up and I do appreciate it more. Sadly, because the lyrics of Shake the Disease are clearer and actually compliment the tone of the song, it has the edge over Love Vigilantes. DM 4-1.
Suffer Well vs Confusion
Suffer Well- another song on the dark side of things. And it tells a story. So there’s a plus. From my interpretation it sounds like it’s about a man who lost his faith but found it again. The bass that starts at the song and plays throughout is strong. It’s got simplicity and creativity going for it, something that I never found Depeche Mode lacking in. The music video to Suffer Well helps its case as well as it shows Dave Gahan losing himself and everything and eventually succumbing to the elements as he freezes but it doesn’t end on that note as it was more of a what if and Dave leaves with a woman and drives past the frozen, homeless version of himself. Apparently, the song was about what may have happened had Dave remained lost in real life. The angel spoken of in the song is supposed to be his wife. After one learns this, the song makes more sense. Confusion has a funky and enjoyable groovy beat and tune. Because the tune remains the same for 8 minutes, it’s not as unique as Suffer Well nor is it in my top 5 of New Order. 5-1 DM.
But Not Tonight vs Thieves Like Us
But Not Tonight is a sad and happy song at the same time. Its a feel good song that also has a tinge of melancholy to it. It makes me think of looking up at the stars at night from a barn porch on a big open field. I never realized or really took in its theme of loneliness, its a perfect song for people who like to be alone with their thoughts. Daves message is that he is happy being alone so I guess its more of a happy song than sad. Points again for simplicity and an endearing tune. Thieves Like Us has a long intro but it changes so many times but not in a bad way. It builds up so creatively and the instruments used together blend so well and smoothly together that its a pleasure to listen to. New Order has very soothing music and this is one of those songs. It starts with the drums with a beat that could be used for a hip-hop song. At 9 seconds the synth comes in with the first tune. At about 25/26 seconds, Peter Hook adds on with his signature bass. At 42 seconds, the synth tune changes, then again at 1 min. 50 seconds later Hooky is back with the bass. At 2:08, yet another change with the synth and then the singing begins at 2:26. It’s a good song, peaceful. I think I would have to honestly say that I like both songs just as equally which brings the score to 6-2.
Clean vs Age of Consent
I hate to use this term but when it comes to “aura” Clean is one of Depeche Mode’s best. The use of the bass guitar, the beat, and the use of the synthesizers to make an atmospheric tone make it intense and serious. It’s song you definitely want to move your head to and makes you feel intense and cool because of the intensity of the song itself. Age of Consent is on the softer side. The bass tune is great as is the drum beat to compliment it and the guitar all by Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Bernard Sumner respectively. Then comes in Gillian Gilbert on the synth. It’s amazing how they all work together let alone how the song was composed to write it all in together. Age of Consent is one of New Order’s best along with BLT (not Bacon Lettuce Tomato), Love Vigilantes, and Your Silent Face, Thieves Like Us, and let’s not forget Blue Monday. I am more of a DM guy but I feel Age of Consent should get half a point. 7-2.5 DM.
Photographic vs Crystal
Let me say first off that I prefer the bizarre version of Photographic. With this song, I love the fast-paced beat of it and the tune being completely done using synthesizer. It’s such a jam that you can dance to it and yet it’s not a true dance song. It’s poppy and new wave at the same time. Depeche Mode is great for simple creativity, New Order for complex creativity. Both great. I don’t care for the lyrics of the song so much for the melody of the song. Speaking about complex creativity, let’s move onto Crystal by NO. Gotta love how New Order incorporates rock with new wave. This I will say they do better than DM. For an 80/90s band, they show they still had it in the early aughts. My favourite part of Crystal is how the guitar and bass guitar are incorporated into the song. Hook’s bass solo is simple but yet so good. DM and NO are both geniuses at their craft. This is such a city song, it makes me want to listen to it while driving down the highway and a summer song too. If you want more melancholy winter music, go for DM but if you’re aiming for summer NO is your band. Both get points. 8-3.5.
World in My Eyes vs True Faith
Two bangers head to head. One funky and hip-hop-like, another synth-pop-like. I always remember World in My Eyes from the Ready Player One trailer. It’s groovy. Danceable? That’s questionable, but you can definitely beat your head and foot to it. This is another win for New Order. True Faith is just the superior song here. I’m more immersed with the tune and lyrics of the song which are both introspective and it wins this time for its complexity vs DM’s simplicity. The song is about drugs but would I have known that if I hadn’t researched it? Nope. This may be controversial to the utmost religious of music fans but lyrics don’t make the song. 8-4.5 DM.
Policy of Truth* vs Vanishing Point
Creativity wins over simplicity again here. Policy of truth is a good song- catcy and simple but that’s all it basically has going for it. Vanishing Point on the other hand is more engaging. The intro is definitely the hook of the song. Lyrical understandings be damned, I still like the words which have a deeper meaning than POT. 8-5.5 DM. New Order is catching up.
Black Celebration/Walking in my Shoes/Useless vs Ceremony/Temptation/The Perfect Kiss
Don’t ask me why I’ve matched the songs as such. I just did because that’s how it makes most sense to me in my mind. That’s how it’s been for every match-up here and with other band matchups. No idea what Black Celebration is about but it sounds cool and dark. Need I say more? With Walking in my Shoes and Useless we can get more in depth. Walking in My Shoes is a darn good song from the album Songs of Faith and Devotion. It’s in my top 5 for sure if not my top 3 but def in my top 10. It’s one of my most listened-to songs. It’s a song about judgment and understanding and empathy. It’s quite existential. You know me that kind of guy. Dave has clearly committed some kind of sin but explains that he’s come to terms with the choice he’s made and from what I interpret he’s not sorry because it’s who he is. Or maybe he is but he’s not self-pitying. He knows the struggle it is to be himself. Great song. Useless has got the mellow beat, a beat and tune that could be used for hip-hop/rap and a blues sound. It’s a depressing song but so good with that beat and then Martin Gore’s gutiar solo. Let’s flip the coin now. The light side vs DM’s dark side. It’s quite neat how both bands contrast like that. With Ceremony, Hook’s bass sounds pleasant and Sumner’s guitar complements it well. It’s a nice song, lyrics not accounted for. Temptation for me is almost just as pleasant to listening to Your Silent Face. I will say I like it more than Black Celebration but not Useless and Walking in your Shoes. The Perfect Kiss is a damn banger. It’s got a build-up like Thieves Like Us but shorter. I love the synth in it. The best part is the frogs. Ok this is an interesting one. With Ceremony and Black Celebration being the weakest of each trio, I’d say DM and New Order tie up in this round with points to each song so they each get 2 points bringing the score up to 10-7.5 DM.
Flexible vs Touched by the Hand of God
Neither of these songs I consider to be in the upper echelon of either band. Just two catchy dance tunes that I like. Both these songs are more like a bonus here. Point to each. 11-8.5.
Alright amigos. Time to read in the results. Not bad for New Order. 2.5 points away from Depeche Mode. Not bad at all. But a point means alot. Overall, Depeche Mode is still the favored group. Thanks for reading friends.