Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. In Chains
2. Hole To Feed
3. Wrong
4. Fragile Tension
5. Little Soul
6. In Sympathy
7. Peace
8. Come Back
9. Spacewalker
10. Perfect
11. Miles Away / The Truth Is
12. Jezebel
13. Corrupt

Disc 2:

1. Video: Sounds Of The Universe [A Short Film] (10.05)
2. Wrong (promo video - 3.16)
3. Audio: Sounds Of The Universe in 5.1 surround sound
4. In Chains - Minilogue's Earth Remix
5. Little Soul - Thomas Fehlman Ambient Mix
6. Jezebel - SixToes Remix

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4035 in Music
• Released on: 2009-04-20
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: CD+DVD
• Dimensions: .23 pounds

Amazon.co.uk Review
If 2005's Playing the Angel saw Dave Gahan and Co. make a point of proving they could keep up with their younger contemporaries, Sounds of the Universe, the band’s 12th studio album, sounds like they’ve accepted their three-decade long legacy and settled into a role that’s decidedly avuncular. Swapping the industrial clangor for dreamy, analogue atmospherics marred by the occasional buzzing jolt, producer Ben Hillier (Doves, Blur, Elbow) has achieved an impressive consistency with the band’s synth-drenched soundscape. Tracks like “In Chains” see the band descend into middle-aged, forlorn balladry, though the rough and rhythmic "Wrong" and the upbeat, rockist “Hole To Feed” show they still have a gnarly side.--Danny McKenna

CD Description
Twelfth album, following 2005's 'Playing The Angel', from the only credible new romantic survivors, whose constant updating of their dark and seductive sound has won them successive generations of loyal fans. This album, which has been hailed by some critics as their best work to date, has an abrasive, retro analogue synth sound consistent with their recentmaterial. Available in a variety of formats, it again features songwriting contributions from frontman Dave Gahan and includes the single 'Wrong'. This limited edition version features a bonus DVD.

Customer Reviews

Fantastic!
The first few times I listened to this, I was disappointed and even wrote a 1-star review elsewhere suggesting it was time for DM to give up. But then I went on a long car journey, put SOTU on rotation, and wound the volume up (you have to listen to it loud!). By the end of the journey I was flabbergasted - this is a great album and will be stuck in the stereo for some time!

The opening track "In Chains" takes a long time to get going and this might lose a few casual listeners. But be patient and you will eventually get it - and when you do the rest of the album falls into place. The pace picks up with "Hole to Feed", a decent, cynical Gahan track with a killer bassline, and then you're hit with "Wrong" - a thumping Mode rant that has you banging the steering wheel with a huge grin. "Fragile Tension" gives you a breather, with a softer melody but enough guitar noise to keep you awake.

"Little Soul" rears its little head with a very cutesy and deceptively simple refrain, and is weirdly sexy - an unusual but endearing song. This is followed by "In Sympathy", another slow burner but with a hook that eventually gets under your skin. It leads you into "Peace" - an uplifting duet musing on cleanliness and redemption. At this point you're 7 songs through and, where most other albums are about to wind down, SOTU has much more yet to give.

After dropping the tempo with "Come Back" (a noisy Gahan ballad) and the obligatory instrumental, "SpaceWalker", you have "Perfect" - another classic Mode song with a brilliant bass hook, uplifting chorus, and clever lyrics that ponder alternate existences. The third Gahan track "Miles Away" is lyrically dubious, but is rescued by a strong groove and Dave's unique vocal delivery - with what sounds like a brief Elvis impersonation! "Jezebel" is a Gore-sung dirge which initially threatens to embarrass but is saved by a pretty melody. Finally, the album finishes on a high with "Corrupt" - a charged and pervy song that leaves you uneasy about Gore's and your own sexuality, but singing nonetheless.

Throughout the album the pace is measured and confident, and the many layers of sonic and lyrical trickery pull you in deeper with each repeated listen.

Fabulous.

An intricate labour this SOTU is....but a worthy of your listen effort!!!
Ok. I declare myself what you might call a blood fan. Nevertheless, I was disappointed with my first (yes illegal) listen. by the way it saddens me to see all this "leak" problem with today music.
But, you know this album is so dense and with so many layers and layers both musically and sonically that you cannot enjoy it completely at first listen. You are left thirsty of some obvious hit (namely Precious, I Feel Loved, Suffer Well, etc.). But let's face it, Playing The Angel was a good record but too far commercial!!!. After a few listens you begin to see what the album is about. And it is a delicate and intricate work!!!
At this point, I think this SOTU is a great display of what we could call artistry or moreover virtuosity from our boys.
It seems like they are very comfortable and confident enough to put their audience to the test. So c'mon people! Open your ears, minds and hearts...this is a very good album, not a very commercial one, but a freak one. And we can learn to love freak!
The whole album perspire a tribute to perversity, in a way it reminds me of Black Celebration....
Finally, there is no point to compare SOTU with Yes!!! I love PSB too. And Yes is a great album too. BUT, it is an absolutely "beggin for chart hits" album!!! It is produced by Xenomania people! (the 2000's equivalent to Stock Aitken Waterman!)
Great work guys and great work from Ben Hillier too...Sounds Of The Universe

The Modes best for years!
I'm not quite sure why there are some 1 stars for this album as it's one of Depeche Modes best albums for a long time. After the disappointment of 'Playing the Angel' it's such a relief to find Depeche Mode back on form. Gahans voice has matured into a richer, mellower sound and there seems to be a more soulful feel to the songs overall. Stand out tracks for me at the moment are 'In Chains' 'Wrong' 'Miles away' and the brilliant,'Corrupt'.