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Depeche Mode — Halo
Album: Violator
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2463









Released: 1990
Length: 4:21
Plays (last 30 days): 0
You wear guilt
Like shackles on your feet
Like a halo in reverse

I can feel
The discomfort in your seat
And in your head it's worse

There's a pain
A famine in your heart
An aching to be free

Can't you see
All love's luxuries
Are here for you and me

And when our worlds they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it

Bring your chains
Your lips of tragedy
And fall into my arms

And when our worlds they fall apart
When the walls come tumbling in
Though we may deserve it
It will be worth it
Comments (124)add comment
Ages poorly
I love Depeche Mode !!!
Thanks Bill and Rebecca.
 kcar wrote:



Didn't I tell you not to post any videos of me?...
This takes me back to when I first heard this song many, many years ago in a record  store in Chico. CA.  I asked the owner "who is that?".  Depeche Mode - I immediately purchased the album.  
This is why "godlike" was created.
 LPCity wrote:

I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.



That's fine, you're allowed not to like all types of music, and to have your own personal taste in music, or anything else for that matter.  For me, these guys are a musical bullseye.
I had this album back in 1990 but never gave the whole thing a good listen.  Sad to say that I'm just now discovering these songs 30 years later.
 
I am also kind of astounded that I never realized how great Halo was at the time... that song was wayyy ahead of its time, it sounds like classic 1990s or early 2000s British electronica, yet this album was recorded in 1989.
If you think Depeche Mode is depressing, you just don't get it. 
They are brilliantly truthful.
And sexy, btw.
 LPCity wrote:

I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.



I never got this band either.  It's not that I dislike them, they just don't do anything for me.
 LPCity wrote:

I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.



They are sort of a time-marker. If its Depressed Mode, it must be late 80s.
 LPCity wrote:

I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.



I wasn't a fan until I got to see them live somewhere around 1994, at which point I was very impressed with the show and became a fan. I remember Martin Gore was fully dressed in BDSM gear and Dave had a black t-shirt with boobies on the front. After one of their songs Dave languidly stated, "you'd liked that, didn't you?" His commentary seemed to fit the mood. Also, my gf at the time really liked DM when being, uh, intimate, so that did cause me to choose to listen to DM a lot more than I otherwise would have. The gf is long-gone, but I still have DM!
And here we are - another amazing electronic programmed band which does it outstandingly well.  DM is fucking fantastic as was Santigold.
 LPCity wrote:

I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.

I feel the exact opposite. Every time they come on RP my ears prick up and I am totally absorbed! 

 eyke wrote:

RIP Andy Fletcher 5-26-21 aged 60




According to wikipedia he died 26-FEB-2022. Get your time travel skills straight, bud. RIP Andy.
RIP Andy Fletcher 5-26-21 aged 60
 stickers11 wrote:

Funny, their new stuff sounds pretty much the same as this track....over 15 years later. Still has a place in my heart though....



Now it's been another 15 years! 
Nice! I haven't heard DM in a while and what a great skip from Another One Bites the Dust!
Excellent! Brings back memories!
Re: Boiler Room - Dallas. Dark crowded, sultry dance venue in the 80's. Best venue next to the Stark Club.
 maboleth wrote:
Alan needs Martin, Martin needs Alan. Get over yourselves for @#%!@% sake, DM guys!
 
Look after the king of R n R please 
Right up there with fragile!
 LPCity wrote:
I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.
 

Funny - those are the things I like about them! Plus the production is sooo good.

Bill played Enjoy the Silence yesterday and I realized I did not own this album. I do now and it's been getting much airtime in my car.

Edit: Even better on the home stereo!
One of my all-time favourites!
Love it, love it!!!
Happy 30th Anniversary, Violator 
 rating 7
 gregmu8370 wrote:
Brilliant (less is more.)

less synthesiser would be more betterer (sic)  ...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!
 

All of "Violator" is just awesome and stunning from start to finish, but this manages to stand out.
Alan needs Martin, Martin needs Alan. Get over yourselves for @#%!@% sake, DM guys!
Melancholic indeed, but with an attractive and energizing touch
I love this album! ❤️
One of my top 20!!!
YES!!!
 DaidyBoy wrote:
Superb 8 at least from Bristol today.  Might grow.
 
I'll join you at 8 from my below-average 7 rating....maybe this prompts you to go to 9?  
And like The Call song earlier, DM is a band that I didn't listen to much as an adolescent; my older ears find the production to be great even if the style isn't my favorite; so 8 is probably my ceiling on this one.  Long Live RP!!
Godlike! This is what it is..
Je les ai vu en 1987 à Lausanne et en 2018 à Nice, toujours parfait, toujours top !
Superb 8 at least from Bristol today.  Might grow.
Brilliant (less is more.)
 Rockit9 wrote:
Great album, Great Songs & even better production.....10
 
{#Yes}
just lovely but the Goldfrapp remix even better! thank you for playing regardless!
Great album, Great Songs & even better production.....10
I love Depeche Mode. Melancholy music is my favorite (The Cure, Morrissey,etc.). Life is not always a big, happy shiny ball of joy. I would appreciate if you would play more Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree. My absolute favorite artist.
 {#Stupid}{#Naughty}markus333 wrote:
Todays playlist was brilliant until it comes to Depeche Mode - still too much depressive and melancholic songs here in RP. {#Frown}

 
 {#Stupid}{#Naughty}

 {#Stupid}{#Naughty}
 {#Stupid}{#Naughty}

 {#Stupid}{#Naughty}
Todays playlist was brilliant until it comes to Depeche Mode - still too much depressive and melancholic songs here in RP. {#Frown}
Pretty amazing, still!  Love hearing it with a buzz on, late at night, winding down from a long and busy night of work; takes the mind far!
Yep, still a 10.
 Lemonhead wrote:
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT {#Bananajam}BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT 

 
yup

{#Cheers} 
BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT {#Bananajam}BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT BRILLIANT 
Yup!! great track from what is a brilliant album...{#Bananajam}{#Drummer}{#Dancingbanana}
 helgigermany wrote:
very nice, also live! One of the best voices pop music!

 

{#High-five}
very nice, also live! One of the best voices pop music!
 Zep wrote:
So probably the 5th or 6th best song on Violator. 

And it still rates an 8.
 

 
+1
Me Likey like!
 {#Bananasplit}
Violator is the seventh studio album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 19 March 1990 by Mute Records according to two sources I found - Not a great fan of 80's/90's but always liked DM {#Yes}
i never heard this before, I also have mixed feelings about DM but I like this. 
I so needed this. Thank you, RP
 RedGuitar wrote:
LPCity wrote:
I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.
 
I could never get them either, and I'm pretty open to just about anything.  I like the synth bass though.


 
And me.

Until a friend (who unabashedly proclaimed them his all-time favouritest band ever) took me to a concert of theirs in the mid-90s. They sounded pretty damn good, until they pulled out a guitar and a real drum kit.... Then they sounded aaaawesome!!!
love love this album {#Dance}
OMG I love this song so much.  Gets right into the soul of my body.
 scrubbrush wrote:

this is THE band that made me turn off pop radio in the 80's and start looking though my dad's 60s and 70s 'classic rock' collection. Thanks Depeche Mode!




 
First of all - DM was Pop in the '80s?  HAHAHAHAHA  Not even "Personal Jesus" was a Top 40 radio song.

You forget the music that was actually on Billboard... https://top40-charts.com/features/YearEnd/yearend1990.php

Wilson Phillips had the top song of the YEAR!




So you will all be pleased that their new album 'Delta Machine' is out this week.    {#Lol}
that's it, in a nutshell. perfect...

Proclivities wrote:

Yeah, as if there was no bad music in the sixties and seventies.  It's just what one chooses to remember.
 


craptacular  {#Skull}
Has anyone heard the Goldfrapp remix to this tune? It's very good, too.

A Cuban In London.
 Buzzardcheater wrote:
Man, I totally don't understand the raves for this kind of 80's overblown, proto-Emo, crap.  These guys, The Cure, etc.  Bleh.  Good to keep it in the rotation for those who dig it I guess - and to remind me of how bad a lot of the mid-80s stuff was. 

Harrumph.  (damn, I'm sounding old...)
 
Yeah, as if there was no bad music in the sixties and seventies.  It's just what one chooses to remember.
 HarrO wrote:
I smell clove cigarettes.
 
So true {#Lol} .  I intellectually understand the sophisto response to these guys; love'm just the same.
 shutter wrote:
I'm an unapologetic Depeche Mode fan.  These guys have staying power and creativity, IMO. And I just like their music. That's all I have to say about that.
 

good.
Baskin & Robbins didn't stop after vanilla for a reason...
I'm an unapologetic Depeche Mode fan.  These guys have staying power and creativity, IMO. And I just like their music. That's all I have to say about that.

I'm sort of shocked by the recent negative feedback on this song/band. As a full on eighties participant, DJ & club regular I kind of found them easy to listen to and fun, like mouse and a trillion other great bands. Even when I was being my most petulant, dressed entirely in latex black and so self absorbed I still allowed for them to play in my convertible on a sunny day ... mostly for monetary reasons I admit.


this is THE band that made me turn off pop radio in the 80's and start looking though my dad's 60s and 70s 'classic rock' collection. Thanks Depeche Mode!



 Buzzardcheater wrote:
Man, I totally don't understand the raves for this kind of 80's overblown, proto-Emo, crap.  These guys, The Cure, etc.  Bleh.  Good to keep it in the rotation for those who dig it I guess - and to remind me of how bad a lot of the mid-80s stuff was. 

Harrumph.  (damn, I'm sounding old...)
 
I hear you. This song is rather mediocre.

So probably the 5th or 6th best song on Violator. 

And it still rates an 8.
 
 Buzzardcheater wrote:
Man, I totally don't understand the raves for this kind of 80's overblown, proto-Emo, crap.  These guys, The Cure, etc.  Bleh.  Good to keep it in the rotation for those who dig it I guess - and to remind me of how bad a lot of the mid-80s stuff was. 

Harrumph.  (damn, I'm sounding old...)
 

So, what "overblown crap" did you listen to?  The 1980s was an amazing time for music and creativity.  Too bad you missed out.  You must have fallen asleep.  You missed some good stuff!
We should start calling you Buzzard Kill, get it?
I gave this a ten, just to keep it in the rotation, and hopefully wake you up every time it comes on.  {#Lol}

Wake up BuzzKill ! 
Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey!
Time for some more overblown crap !


 Buzzardcheater wrote:
Man, I totally don't understand the raves for this kind of 80's overblown, proto-Emo, crap.  These guys, The Cure, etc.  Bleh.  Good to keep it in the rotation for those who dig it I guess - and to remind me of how bad a lot of the mid-80s stuff was. 

Harrumph.  (damn, I'm sounding old...)
 
Well, your birthday is shown as Jan 01, 1901, so yeah, that does make you old! No wonder you don't get the 80's - you were 80!

I've just recently started listening to DM, having thought they were too gay in the 80's - 90's. I've really started to like a lot of their stuff, and have both "the singles" in my ipod. It's good listening on a bicycle.

 gardenercath wrote:
Yes it's depressing, dour and downbeat but at the same time strangely beautiful
{#Daisy}
 

Yes, not for your average Joe 6 Pack.
Yes it's depressing, dour and downbeat but at the same time strangely beautiful
{#Daisy}
I smell clove cigarettes.
Man, I totally don't understand the raves for this kind of 80's overblown, proto-Emo, crap.  These guys, The Cure, etc.  Bleh.  Good to keep it in the rotation for those who dig it I guess - and to remind me of how bad a lot of the mid-80s stuff was. 

Harrumph.  (damn, I'm sounding old...)
Depressing lyrics but the song is somehow uplifting. {#Ask}
 LPCity wrote:
I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.
 
I could never get them either, and I'm pretty open to just about anything.  I like the synth bass though.

Chris Isaak to Depeche Mode? Not something you hear anywhere but RP. I am in heaven.
BillG, you are the man.

otto63 wrote:
Are you serious? Too young? I don't think so... A classic 20 years old
this wasn't a single in North America that I know of, so if one wasn't a fan, one wouldn't have heard this track (in North America).
michaelgmitchell wrote:
Hmm . . . I think this is why I listen to RP. Surprises abound. Music I've never heard before. Something about this one . . . I likey.
Are you serious? Too young? I don't think so... A classic 20 years old
Hmm . . . I think this is why I listen to RP. Surprises abound. Music I've never heard before. Something about this one . . . I likey.
goodd to the point where I can happily lisen to it casually 6.5/10
exciter76 wrote:
violator was certainly one of their best album (maybe the best?) and Halo one of the best songs in it... nice out-of-range for the usual DM sound at the time
Second best. Nothing can top Music for the Masses! That's pure brilliance. This one's nearly pure brilliance.
oh there is something wrong with this...
I'd argue that with their latest release they've become a bit more "faith" based, instead of anti-faith. I view "Playing the Angel" as a journey of faith, the ups and downs. Like a realistic view of Christianity, but not necessarily one that bashes it or disproves/is against it. fredriley wrote:
I've come late to Depeche Mode, having liked their 80s poppiness then forgetting about them until a year ago. I'd not until then realised how dark and angst-ridden they are, such that I've heard that many now consider them to be a Goth band, not least because of their use of christian imagery in the lyrics (though they're pretty anti-religious). As a closet Goth myself the combination of dark lyrics, catchy poppy beats, deep bass lines, and religious imagery is irresistible. A 9, and I don't give them out very often.
LPCity, you either like DM or hate them :) I didn't really think much of them until a few years ago, and I just got hooked. So many albums, remixes, b-sides, music videos, etc. to check out.
I NEVER got this band. I'm not saying that to entice a flame war, I just could never stand all the synths and that guys voice.
they were playing in the Grand Place in Arras last summer when I was there observing 90th anniversary of first day of the Somme. Whilst I loathe their music, it was good that they were able to play live there were loads of people there and they were all dressed up in black and were having a great time.
Depeche Mode always reminds me of walking alone at night in the rain with no particular destination in mind. Just walking. Alone. At night. In the rain. Love these guys. Always brings light to the dark side. 10!
I've come late to Depeche Mode, having liked their 80s poppiness then forgetting about them until a year ago. I'd not until then realised how dark and angst-ridden they are, such that I've heard that many now consider them to be a Goth band, not least because of their use of christian imagery in the lyrics (though they're pretty anti-religious). As a closet Goth myself the combination of dark lyrics, catchy poppy beats, deep bass lines, and religious imagery is irresistible. A 9, and I don't give them out very often.
Ditto! Darkmatter wrote:
"You wear guilt Like shackles on your feet Like a halo in reverse." I always liked the opening lines of this song, ever since the first time I heard it.
pairofdice wrote:
just gettin old
aren't we all
violator was certainly one of their best album (maybe the best?) and Halo one of the best songs in it... nice out-of-range for the usual DM sound at the time
Love the Depeche Mode. Nice work guys
fcatalao wrote:
i'm tired of depeche mode
Jack_Jefferson wrote:
This band always reminds me of the Beavis and Butthead episode where they are watching a video by this band and one of them pipes in "Depeche Mode is French for we're wussies!".
i rated this song a 10 but that is still funny. hahahahaha!
just gettin old
For some reason I seem to like 80's music more now than I did at the time. Hmmmmm.
ook
This band always reminds me of the Beavis and Butthead episode where they are watching a video by this band and one of them pipes in "Depeche Mode is French for we're wussies!".
ChardRemains wrote:
Feh, even already.
Enh.
Wow. I had no idea this had found its way into the RP library. A wonderful surprise first thing this morning.
rluking wrote:
Meh, I say. Meh!
Feh, even already.
Meh, I say. Meh!
i'm tired of depeche mode
One of my favorite DM tracks. I tend to pick and choose with them, but the writing is always quite good.
Still love this CD. Their most excellent work, IMO.
I still got this cassette
me too! i wore it out, actually. got the greatest hits on CD a year or two ago, but this album is still the best to me.
Eeemmm it looks like new music day on RP, YIPPIE!!
"You wear guilt Like shackles on your feet Like a halo in reverse." I always liked the opening lines of this song, ever since the first time I heard it.
Hey baby, I want to be all wrapped up... in your arms... break out in uncontrollable laughter, nip at you... while you do that thing at the nape of my neck... Do that soul thing... commune with you. You know what I'm talkin' 'bout. tire us out.... & then ouuuu halo inspiration
I just hate this band. Plastic, soul-less, formulaic bad dance muzak.