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29. Depeche Mode

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Some of the artists on this list seemingly exploded out of the gate with an album that told you that they had the potential to be something special. In looking back at Depeche Mode, none of us in the NIHOF committee really thought that the band that gave us “Just Can’t Get Enough” would be a band that would have a potential Hall of Fame career.


In the early 80’s, Depeche Mode emerged as key players in the New Wave movement. Their synthesizer driven music was poppish and catchy and they quickly developed a loyal fan base. Each album after saw them explore a darker edge both lyrically and in style. By 1990, they released Violator which would go on to be both their best received album and one of their best selling. Depeche Mode has one of the rare distinctions of being a successful Alternative band in multiple decades all while selling millions of records to devoted fans. Their biggest obstacle to induction is likely the fact that synthesizer based music has yet to make a real dent in the Hall.

 

 

 

Previous Rank:

2010: #34

 

Eligible Since:

2006


Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (Basildon, England) 


Why They Will Get In:

Unlike other British Groups they were able to crack the American market.


Why They Won’t Get In:

Electronic based bands are not yet in the hall.


Nominated In:

Never


Essential Albums:

Black Celebration (1986)

Music for the Masses (1987)

Violator (1990)

Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993)


Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Everything Counts (From Construction Time Again, 1983)

Behind The Wheel (From Music for the Masses, 1987)

Personal Jesus (From Violator, 1990)

Enjoy the Silence (From Violator, 1990)

I Feel You (From Songs of Faith and Devotion, 1993)



www.depechemode.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

Should Depeche Mode be in the Hall of Fame?

(You must be registered and logged in to vote!)
Definitely put them in! - 45%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 35%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 20%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Saturday, 16 March 2013 16:57

Comments   

 
0 #1 Musicologist999 -0001-11-29 19:00
If Kraftwerk can't get into the Hall Of Fame, how about Depeche Mode? Big fanbase and album sales, a few hit singles, and major influence. They definitely have their own distinct sound, and unlike Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode are an actual BAND. Electronic music could use a good representative in the Hall Of Fame, and if Kraftwerk can't smash the glass ceiling, perhaps Depeche Mode can.
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+1 #2 mrpauljoconnor82 -0001-11-29 19:00
Depeche Mode deserves to be in the hall of fame, they have sold over 70 million albums and influenced many artists. Hopefully in the next 2 or 3 years.
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0 #3 Sean -0001-11-29 19:00
I suspect they'll be the first synthpop act inducted. Kraftwerk should be, but Depeche Mode was more popular. A few more synthpop acts were more popular than even these guys (Duran Duran) but this band might have just the right mix of commercial impact, critical success, and influence to break the glass ceiling on electronica before any of the aforementioned do.
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0 #4 mrpauljoconnor82 -0001-11-29 19:00
Well the Cure didnt get in after being nominated so i think the Mode are in for an even longer wait than first predicted.
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0 #5 plee22 -0001-11-29 19:00
Love 'em ! Their music seems immortal .......never gets old......feels upbeat and new all the time !:o
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-2 #6 musiclover -0001-11-29 19:00
Thought this was rock'n' roll??????????? ?????????
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-2 #7 musiclover -0001-11-29 19:00
Thought this was suppose to be rock'n' roll??????????? ?????????
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0 #8 Paul 2012-10-16 14:55
I cant believe NWA are ahead of Depeche Mode!! Craziness!!
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+1 #9 Paul 2012-10-19 08:39
Sean
A few more synthpop acts were more popular than even these guys (Duran Duran)..

I have to refute that Sean, eventhough Duran Duran (more a rock band than synth pop anyway) were massive in the US between 82 and 85, they slipped quite dramatically until a brief return to the top ten in 1993. Depeche Mode on the other hand built their popularity through playing live constantly throughout the 80s and came into the 90s with a bang, Violator has actually outsold Rio in the States and to this day, every one of their albums goes straight into the Billboard Top 10, their last, 2009's Sounds Of The Universe peaked at #3. Duran's last Top 10 album in the US was 1993's Wedding Album. Up until 1988, Depeche Mode had never had a Top 10 record in the States, but still managed to draw 60,000 people to the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.
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