Martin Gore had stated that he had been listening to more abstract electronic music in the lead up to recording Exciter, which could have influenced some of the more experimental soundscapes on the album.
The group also often cited producer Mark Bell as a major inspiration in the making of Exciter as Dave Gahan states that Mark Bell helped make him a more confident vocalist.
On top of the electronic soundscapes Depeche Mode also added elements of traditional blues, retro funk, progressive rock, and orchestral pop to its arrangements.
It's rare to find bands capable of keeping their own best qualities to the fore while trying something new each time out, but Depeche Mode demonstrate that balance in full on the marvelous Exciter. Arguably the first album made by the group as a cohesive unit since Violator (and bearing some resemblance to that record in overall title and song names -- compare "The Sweetest Condition" with "The Sweetest Perfection"), Exciter finds the trio again balancing pop catchiness with experimental depths.
As with Ultra, an outside producer helps focus the end results in new, intriguing directions -- in this case, said producer is Mark Bell, known for his work with Björk but also as part of Warp Records' flagship act LFO, which always acknowledged their own debut to Depeche.
Bell's ear for minimal, crisp beats and quick, subtle arrangements and changes suit Martin Gore's songs beautifully.
If there are few storming arena-shaking numbers this time out, the exquisite delicacy throughout is addicting, with Gore's guitar providing slippery and stinging leads to the smoky, romantic flow of Exciter. "When the Body Speaks" is a particular winner, his gentle work and a backing string section combining just right.
David Gahan's voice, already audibly benefiting from lessons on Ultra, is even more supple and passionate than before, ranging from the fuller delivery on the snaky charm of "Shine" to the haunting album-closer, "Goodnight Lovers," a romantic lullaby with perfect counterpoint backing vocals.
Gore's own singing remains equally fine, as does his lyrical obsessions on, well, obsession -- "Breathe," which quotes more Bible names per verse than most preachers, makes for a good example on both fronts.
When the band fully crank it up, the results work there too -- "The Dead of Night" makes for a far superior nod to Gore's glam roots and Depeche's own industrial dance descendants than Songs of Faith and Devotion's "Rush" did.
Tracklist
1. "Dream On" - 4:19
2. "Shine" - 5:32
3. "The Sweetest Condition" - 3:42
4. "When the Body Speaks" - 6:01
5. "The Dead of Night" - 4:50
6. "Lovetheme" - 2:02
7. "Freelove" - 6:10
8. "Comatose" - 3:24
9. "I Feel Loved" - 4:20
10. "Breathe" - 5:17
11. "Easy Tiger" - 2:05
12. "I Am You" - 5:10
13. "Goodnight Lovers" - 3:48
All tracks are written by Martin L. Gore.
Depeche Mode
Additional musicians
- Knox Chandler – solo cello, string arrangement (track 4)
- Todd C. Reynolds – strings (track 4)
- Joyce Hammann – strings (track 4)
- Natalie Cenovia Cummins – strings (track 4)
- Ralph H. Farris – strings (track 4)
- Leo Grinhauz – strings (track 4)
- Airto Moreira – percussion (tracks 7, 9)
- Christian Eigner – drums (track 12)
Technical
- Mark Bell – production
- Gareth Jones – engineering, pre-production, additional production
- Paul Freegard – pre-production, additional production
- Steve Fitzmaurice – mixing
- Boris Aldridge – engineering assistance
- Andrew Davies – engineering assistance
- Andrew Griffiths – engineering assistance
- Nick Sevilla – engineering assistance
- Lisa Butterworth – engineering assistance
- Jonathan Adler – engineering assistance
- Alissa Myhowich – engineering assistance
- James Chang – engineering assistance
- Mike Marsh – mastering
Artwork
- Anton Corbijn – photography, cover art, art direction
- Form – design
Notes
Released: 14 May 2001
Recorded: June 2000 – February 2001 Studio RAK and Sarm West (London) Sound Design (Santa Barbara) Electric Lady and Sony (New York City)
Genre: Electronic
Length: 56:40
Label - Mute Records
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