This breakthrough proved that Depeche Mode weren't just alternative pioneers—they were full-on rock stars. Expanding from their synth-pop roots, these songs bring hard-edged guitars into the mix, along with a swaggering new attitude from lead singer Dave Gahan. The sexual/spiritual opus "In Your Room" piles on layers of darkly textured electronics, whilst odes to passion like the sweaty, impassioned "I Feel You" push the synthesisers to the back, relying on Gahan's wailing vocal and Martin Gore's brooding, Morricone-style twang-guitar riff.
- Talk Talk
- Joy Division