Some Great Reward
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Depeche Mode's lyrical content, at times impossibly contrived, is a potential source of frustration. "I don't want to start any blasphemous rumours / But I think that God's got a sick sense of humour / And when I die / I expect to find him laughing," goes the chorus of "Blasphemous Rumours," an antireligion song using attempted teenage suicide and fatal car accidents as testimonial. Lyricist Martin Gore always scores points for creative rhyming, but one gets the feeling the choice of subject matter is nearly arbitrary, that the band could write equally depressing songs about a bad hair day--and mean it. But this is the fun, and maybe even the genius, of Depeche Mode. When it comes to patent controversy, they are as self-indulgent as they wanna be. Depeche's first U.S. single, "People Are People," also contained on Some Great Reward, is no less of an eye roller than "Blasphemous Rumours," but its tone is inversely inspiring to the nihilistic picture painted by "Rumours." Two other opposites that attract, the naughty little industrial-lite, S/M-colored "Master and Servant" perfectly juxtaposes the leaning-on-the-windowsill-staring-at-the-moon love song "Somebody." --Beth Bessmer --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Average customer rating:
- The most underrated DM song ever
- Some Great Reward is Good, Not Great
- Mode's first masterpiece.. it's a lot like life
- fantastic
- Some early recordings of a fantastic group.
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Some Great Reward
Depeche Mode
Manufacturer: Reprise / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000002L75
Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Something To Do
- Lie To Me
- People Are People
- It Doesn't Matter
- Stories Of Old
- Somebody
- Master And Servant
- If You Want
- Blasphemous Rumours
Amazon.com essential recording
Depeche Mode's lyrical content, at times impossibly contrived, is a potential source of frustration. "I don't want to start any blasphemous rumours / But I think that God's got a sick sense of humour / And when I die / I expect to find him laughing," goes the chorus of "Blasphemous Rumours," an antireligion song using attempted teenage suicide and fatal car accidents as testimonial. Lyricist Martin Gore always scores points for creative rhyming, but one gets the feeling the choice of subject matter is nearly arbitrary, that the band could write equally depressing songs about a bad hair day--and mean it. But this is the fun, and maybe even the genius, of Depeche Mode. When it comes to patent controversy, they are as self-indulgent as they wanna be. Depeche's first U.S. single, "People Are People," also contained on Some Great Reward, is no less of an eye roller than "Blasphemous Rumours," but its tone is inversely inspiring to the nihilistic picture painted by "Rumours." Two other opposites that attract, the naughty little industrial-lite, S/M-colored "Master and Servant" perfectly juxtaposes the leaning-on-the-windowsill-staring-at-the-moon love song "Somebody." --Beth Bessmer
Customer Reviews:
The most underrated DM song ever.......2007-06-24
Although this is my 2d fav album of DM, I love it and every once in a while pop into my CD player in the car and jam to it. It amazes me how I've never heard "Lie to Me" anywhere other than when I play it. For me, it's one of their best songs ever. The musical composition is almost perfect. The lyrics, as usual, are deep and mesmerizing.
"Lie to Me" is one of my fav DM songs ever and probably the most underrated song DM has ever made.
Some Great Reward is Good, Not Great.......2007-05-31
On this album, fans get to witness Depeche Mode in a strange transition between their older sound ("Something To Do", "If You Want"), their poppy stuff ("People Are People", "Master & Servant"), and a newer, somewhat darker theme ("It Doesn't Matter", "Lie To Me") - which two years later would reach its zenith on Black Celebration. This album also features "Somebody", one of 'schMode's more famous and beautiful songs in which Martin Gore bares his soul. While the songs seem all over the map, they somehow still come together to form one of Depeche Mode's better records. I think whether you're a Top-40, Just Can't Get Enough fan or a gothic, Dressed In Black fan, you'll still find something to enjoy on this CD.
Mode's first masterpiece.. it's a lot like life.......2007-03-05
The first three DM albums are okay, but most of the time from here on, works put in perspective the band's actual potential. The debut was fun and catchy even if silly, "Broken Frame" was kind of unfocused but had a couple of highlights, and "Construction Time"'s singles were classics but otherwise was mostly undistinguishable.
23 years later, people can probably still identify with "Some Great Reward." Why is this? Not only is this a classic example of a well-done industrial-pop Mode album, the lyrics are simple and are easy to relate to. In fact, the amazing middle of the record has its trilogy of relationship songs in "It Doesn't Matter," "Stories of Old," and "Somebody." 2 of the 3 selections are sung by Martin. "IDM" is an awesome dreamy song, in a way unlike anything I've even heard from this band since. It's about appreciating the time they have, even if they know it may not last forever. And there's a cynical view on commitment and compromise in relationships on "Stories of Old," possibly my favorite from the record. "Somebody" is one of the more famous tracks from the album, and is well-executed, along with some kind of interesting samples in the mix. It is a beautiful soul-searching track.
That doesn't mean the other 6 songs aren't any good; they are. And perhaps more than that. The weakest cut, by default, is "Lie to Me," and I enjoy that one, as that even has lyrics someone can relate to. Experiences have a lasting impression, and I'm sure we've been around those. The album has an awesome opener with "Something to Do," one of the most stadium-ready songs of DM's early career. The record also has the band's breakthrough hit "People Are People." The band may not like it and the lyrics may be trite, but what's amazing is that several bands today are still covering the song. The clinging pipes on the song totally grab the listener's attention. It was a hit that was meant to happen.
Then there's the awesome Wilder composition "If You Want." The track is electronic and somewhat space-y. The lyrics are simple yet catchy and it makes a nice addition to the album, in between the somewhat shocking (at the time, at least) "Master and Servant" and "Blasphemous Rumors." "Master" starts with a trade-off a cappella with Martin and Dave saying "it's a lot," ending it with "like life." It's a dark song for sure, the first time masochism would be themed in DM songs, and Martin would go to write several more tracks of the theme. Then there's teenage angst and irony in "Blasphemous Rumors," which has kind of interesting samples and electronics. I don't really think it's intended as an anti-religious song so much as it is a track of tragedy, like how everything that can go wrong with someone ends up going wrong. Still, an enjoyable track.
There are no negative reviews for this record and the people who do in the future are probably just trying anyway. This began DM's cult success of the mid-'80's, and rightfully so. Totatlly worth the cheap price, or if you want the re-mastered sound, you could go for the CD/DVD version.
fantastic.......2006-06-30
great album, early music sounds are great to listen too, over and over again.
Some early recordings of a fantastic group........2006-02-28
This is the first Depeche Mode album I listened to and that was 20 years ago and I still love it. This is early Depeche Mode and when you listen to them from now versus then, you will hear they only got better. "Somebody" and "Lie to Me" are my favorite songs. The lyrics are fantastic. If you enjoy Depeche Mode now and love their sound you will like this album.
Average customer rating:
- Some Great Remastered Version of 'Reward on CD & DVD
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Some Great Reward
Depeche Mode
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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- Music for the Masses (Deluxe Edition CD+DVD)
ASIN: B000HIVQ94
Release Date: 2006-10-03 |
Tracks:
- Something To Do
- Lie To Me
- People Are People
- It Doesn't Matter
- Stories Of Old
- Somebody
- Master And Servant
- If You Want
- Blasphemous Rumors
Tracks:
- Something To Do
- Lie To Me
- People Are People
- It Doesn't Matter
- Stories Of Old
- Somebody
- Master And Servant
- If You Want
- Blasphemous Rumors
- In Your Memory - Bonus Track
- Somebody (Remix)- Bonus Tracks
- Live In Basel And Liverpool - Bonus Track
- Autumn 1984: If You Want - Bonus Track
- People Are People - Bonus Track
- Somebody - Bonus Track
- Blasphemous Rumours - Bonus Track
- Master And Servant - Bonus Track
Album Description
SOME GREAT REWARD, the band's 1984 industrial/mainstream masterpiece, spawned the #13 Billboard® smash "People Are People." Also features the signature Depeche songs "Somebody," "Blasphemous Rumors," and "Master And Servant." DVD boasts three additional tracks including "In Your Memory" and a remix of "Somebody," plus five songs captured live in concert in Basel and Liverpool in '84 including "People Are People" and "Master And Servant." 27-minute DVD film Depeche Mode 1984: You Can Get Away With Anything If You Give It A Good Tune explores the band circa '84 and also features recent interview segments.
Customer Reviews:
Some Great Remastered Version of 'Reward on CD & DVD .......2006-10-07
While many fans consider 1986s Black Celebration to be the pinnacle moment when the band crossed over into truly dark territory, it was 1984s Some Great Reward that garnered Depeche Mode worldwide appeal, including for the first time, in the US. The breakthru hit single: People Are People, would cause a massive outcry of interest in the band and lead to another attempt at appeal in the States, that would come true. What's of course ironic today is the fact that the band, including song writer, Martin Gore, no longer particularly care for People Are People anymore, even though it is still one of their all time biggest hits. (To the best of my knowledge, it hasn't been performed live since the famed 101 concert in Pasadena, California.)
With People Are People such a huge success, the task was at hand to come out with a followup single that would be as impressive. Master And Servant would be the song chosen for that task. A song, that would take forever to record, mix and finally finish (one of the longest in recorded DM history), it would not outdo the success of People Are People, but it did do well just the same. But for Depeche Mode and Martin Gore, their third single from Some Great Reward would ultimately become one of their most controversial. That song of course is Blasphemous Rumours. Its premise is basically that universal question: "Why does God allow bad things to happen?" Christian and other religious groups were in an uproar over it, and it was banned from being played in the UK and certain other countries (none of which were the US). The song was released as a double A-side single, with the other song being, Somebody.
Somebody is, without a doubt, the best love song Martin Gore has ever written, and it continues to be performed live in concert as a fan favorite. As many already know, Martin performed the song naked in the recording studio, to give it that very vulnerable feeling that it has. It's honest and straight forward nature, without any pretension, conveys the wants, needs, and desires of a man for a woman, with heartfelt sincerity and true emotion. A wonderful highlight from Some Great Reward.
These Remastered albums of Depeche Mode's back catalog are truly remarkable and a wonderful upgrade from the previous CD editions. The sound quality is so much more clearer and crisp, especially on the DVD's DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround versions. The UK version of this Remastered album also includes an additional Super Audio Compact Disc layer (SACD) on the CD that is also a great listen (unfortunately all US Remastered editions do not include the SACD layer).
Bonuses on the DVD include the remarkable B-sides: In Your Memory (written by Alan Wilder), the catchy (Set Me Free) Remotivate Me, and the single remix of Somebody. Also included are 5 live tracks from the 1984 concerts in Basil and Liverpool, taken from the specific singles of Blasphemous Rumours, Shake The Disease, and A Question Of Lust. They give you a nice feel for what the tour was like during this era, but for a better experience, I'd recommend just picking up "The World We Live In & Live In Hamburg" instead.
And finally we have the Short Film, Depeche Mode: 1984 "You Can Get Away With Anything If You Give It A Good Tune," - A.Wilder. Included is some really wonderful archive film footage of the band working in and around the studio, with Martin explaining how the band samples certain sounds and noises to incorporate into their music (this was still fairly new even in 1984). Also of interest is the realization from the band at how much they still love Lie To Me, and how it almost became part of the setlist for Touring The Angel. One of my favorite moments is seeing Martin scream right into the camera, as he, Dave and Andy leave the studio for a while, to go on holiday. Lots of fun and interesting stories are told, though this time the interviews come less from the band members and more from other contributors, such as Mute's Daniel Miller, and exec. producer, Gareth Jones. That being said, it's still a lot of fun to watch, with additional clips from the music videos for People Are People, Master And Servant, Somebody, and live footage from the Hamburg concert included. Overall, a great 2 disc package.
Some Great Reward (Remastered) - the new romantics who would later become dark gothic techno Gods!
Stay Devoted!
"It Doesn't Matter If This All Shatters. Nothing Lasts Forever. But I'm Praying, That We're Staying...Together." - M.L.Gore
Average customer rating:
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Some Great Reward
Depeche Mode
Manufacturer: Mute
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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- Best of Depeche Mode, Vol. 1 (CD/DVD)
- Music for the Masses
ASIN: B000GFLI3C
Release Date: 2006-10-05 |
Tracks:
- Something To Do
- Lie To Me
- People Are People
- It Doesn't Matter
- Stories Of Old
- Somebody
- Master And Servant
- If You Want
- Blasphemous Rumours
Album Description
SACD+DVD (PAL/Region 0) pressing. Mute. 2006.
Album Details
Dvd Includes a New Documentary and Bonus Tracks, Dts
5. 1, Dolby Digital
5. 1 And Pcm Stereo.
Customer Reviews:
My Favorite DM Album.......2006-12-16
I own every DM, Gore and Gahan album. This is my favorite. It edges out Music For The Masses and yes, Violator.
This is the perfect album to get someone into DM and a must for even the casual fan.
Hell, one of the songs on the album was almost my wedding song (inside joke for those who know this is also known as 'The Wedding Album'!
Average customer rating:
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Some Great Reward
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000OV0WHQ
Release Date: 2007-07-10 |
Album Description
Includes DVD interview w/the band. Collectors Edition.
Average customer rating:
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Some Great Reward
Depeche Mode
Manufacturer: Sire
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
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ASIN: B000M0BR3M |
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- Some Songs: From the Kill Rock Stars Singles
- Songs from the Big Chair
- Sounds of the Ozarks - Birds & Creek
- Spend the Night With the Trashwomen
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Crying at Teatime [Import]
Lebendige Vergangenheit: Maartje Offers
Improvisations, Impromptus
Kin to the Wind: Memories of Marty Robbins
Chuck [Enhanced] [Import]
Integer Valor [Soundtrack] [Import]
Kismet: A Musical Arabian Night (Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]
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Live Bird Dog [Import]
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Flying Home
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The Winning Side
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