After riding high on the wave of the 80's and the success of 1990's Violator, Depeche Mode released Songs of Faith, Love and Devotion in 1993. The LP features songs covering more religious and spiritual subject matter largely omitted from their prior albums. Songs such as "One Caress" and "Walking in My Shoes" help add further depth to their already prolific repertoire.

Opening with the previously released "I Feel You", the lyrics immediately imply that they are addressing a higher power. I feel you/Your sun it shines/I feel you/Within my mind. The song is strong both musically and vocally and provides a solid introduction for the entire album. The second track, "Walking in my Shoes", is straightforward and the lyrics well-written. It makes a biting statement about quickly passing judgment on others, and it does it well.

"Condemnation" and "Get Right with Me" resonate heavily with gospel influence with "Get Right with Me" more openly embracing it. Only rarely has Depeche Mode introduced backup vocalists other than themselves, and "Get Right with Me" is not only catchy, but it implements elements of hip-hop along with Hildia Campbell and Samantha Smith's soulful voices to create this refreshing song.

"One Caress" breaks away from DM's "all synth, all the time" stigma. Beautifully orchestrated with a 28-piece string ensemble, Martin Gore gives a stunning and moving vocal performance that was reportedly captured in one take. "Judas" is a soft, haunting song to which Gore also lends his lead vocals.

Other dominant, driving tracks include "In Your Room", "Rush", and "Mercy in You", and "Higher Love". Each song is distinct and well-performed in its own right and contributes to the overall solidity of the entire album. They remind me of the Depeche Mode songs of years past but with a modern, harder edge.

Overall, "Songs of Faith, Love and Devotion" is skillfully arranged with the slower, more experimental songs peppering the groundwork laid by the more robust tracks. Its "outside of the box" approach is what makes it so enjoyable but to this day may be met with opposition from the purists who appreciated the character of their 80's work the most. Almost 20 years into their careers, they have withstood the test of time and show no signs of stopping.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Driving