Playing the Angel

Nearly a quarter century after making their full-length debut, Depeche Mode achieve new levels of synth-pop nuance on 2005’s Playing the Angel. “Damaged People” explores gloomy themes of faith and mortality, with slow-building chords and chiming synths shining a new light compared to their ’80s hits. Singer Dave Gahan pushes for the stars on “Macro,” his voice riding high above smoldering, distorted textures, and “John the Revelator” transforms a traditional gospel song into bruising industrial pop.