Depeche Mode's debut single, following an initial appearance on a compilation with an early version of "Photograph," was perhaps the most unassuming release the band ever did.
The title track, which later reappeared on Speak and Spell, is mostly carried by the sharp, sparkling synth pop, featuring Vince Clarke's knack for instant sonic appeal and a neat mid-song instrumental break.
David Gahan's vocals in contrast are somewhat forced and diffident, though not without charm, especially at the end.
The flip side, the first of many nonalbum Depeche highlights, is "Ice Machine." With a brooding, mysterious feeling throughout, heightened by the slower pace and gently creepy introduction, it's just poppy enough to be a recognizable Clarke effort while still forecasting, just enough, where the band would start going later.
Gahan's delivery of choruses about "the darkroom scene" and "efficiency" works better than might be thought, while the varying rhythm pulses add further intrigue.
| Title/Composers | Performer | Listen | Time | Size | Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dreaming of MeVince Clarke | Depeche Mode | Play | 03:46 | 8 MB | 0 MB |
| 2 | Ice MachineVince Clarke | Depeche Mode | Play | 03:54 | 8 MB | 0 MB |
| 7 mins | 17 MB | |||||
| 0 mins | 0 MB | |||||
| Artist | Job | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vince Clarke | Composer |
| 2 | Depeche Mode | Primary Artist, Producer |
| 3 | Daniel Miller | Producer |
| Quality | Format | Encoding | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | MP3 | 320kps 44.1kHz | MP3 is an audio coding format which uses a form of lossy data compression. The highest bitrate of this format is 320kbps (kbit/s). MP3 Digital audio takes less amount of space (up to 90% reduction in size) and the quality is not as good as the original one. |