Black Celebration
Encyclopedia
Black Celebration is the fifth studio album by Depeche Mode
. Released by Mute Records
on 17 March 1986, it further cemented the darkening sound that was initially hinted towards on their album Construction Time Again
and Some Great Reward
. Black Celebration was cited as one of the most influential albums of the 80's.
Black Celebration Tour
was the supporting tour for this album.
on lead vocals: "A Question of Lust", "Sometimes", "It Doesn't Matter Two", "World Full of Nothing" and "Black Day" as a bonus track. The remaining tracks are sung by David Gahan
.
The track "Fly on the Windscreen" had already been released as the B-side of the "It's Called a Heart" single. The band decided to rework the song (adding new effects and making it more stereophonic) and released it as the "Final" version on this album. It was later performed live, and given a slight hip hop
edge during the 1993 Devotional Tour. A recorded performance of this version is featured in the live video Devotional
and a special live single of "In Your Room".
). The first CD was remastered and (except in the USA) was released on a CD/SACD hybrid. The bonus DVD includes the B-sides in addition to the singles and B-sides for "Shake the Disease
" and "It's Called a Heart
", two songs that were recorded shortly before the album and were released too early to be put on the album. There are also several live versions of some of the songs from Black Celebration. The album is released the way it was originally intended and ends with "New Dress" (not "Black Day" or "But Not Tonight").
Like the other re-issues, the DVD includes a documentary on the album. The title (seen below) is Martin paraphrasing Daniel Miller about his demos for Black Celebration in the film. The double-documentary discusses both The Singles 81>85
and Black Celebration, its more challenging commercial success (especially the song "Stripped") and all five related singles. It also includes a plethora of behind-the-scenes footage of the making of Black Celebration and the ensuing tour. Highlights include the band meeting The Cure
, and behind the scenes footage of several of the music videos. The documentary is nearly an hour long.
It was released March 20, 2007 in the USA, March 26 in the UK and April 2 in the rest of Europe.
The remastered album was released on "deluxe" vinyl April 2, 2007 in Europe only.
, except "Black Day" written by Martin Gore/Alan Wilder/Daniel Miller and "Christmas Island" written by Martin Gore/Alan Wilder.
Bonus tracks on CD version:
The U.S. version of "A Question of Time" was mastered incorrectly; the screeching sound in the intro (the first four seconds of the song) is repeated.
Live in Birmingham, April 1986 (in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM Stereo):
Bonus Tracks (PCM Stereo):
Additional Material:
Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode are an English electronic music band formed in 1980 in Basildon, Essex. The group's original line-up consisted of Dave Gahan , Martin Gore , Andy Fletcher and Vince Clarke...
. Released by Mute Records
Mute Records
Mute is an independent record label based in the UK. It was founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller and featured several prominent musical acts on its roster such as Goldfrapp, Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Erasure and Fad Gadget.-Beginnings:...
on 17 March 1986, it further cemented the darkening sound that was initially hinted towards on their album Construction Time Again
Construction Time Again
Construction Time Again is the third studio album by the British electronic band Depeche Mode, released in 1983. This was the first Depeche Mode album with Alan Wilder, who composed the songs "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing"...
and Some Great Reward
Some Great Reward
Some Great Reward is the fourth album by the British electronic group Depeche Mode, released in 1984. The album peaked at #5 in the UK and at #51 in the US. The title comes from the last lines of the bridge in "Lie to Me" when it repeats near the end....
. Black Celebration was cited as one of the most influential albums of the 80's.
Black Celebration Tour
Black Celebration Tour
Black Celebration Tour was a 1986 concert tour by English electronic group Depeche Mode in support of the act's fifth studio album, Black Celebration, which was released in March 1986....
was the supporting tour for this album.
Overview
Black Celebration is the Depeche Mode album that has the most songs with Martin GoreMartin Gore
Martin Lee Gore is an English songwriter, lyricist, singer, guitarist, keyboardist, remixer and DJ. He is a founding member of Depeche Mode and has written the vast majority of their songs...
on lead vocals: "A Question of Lust", "Sometimes", "It Doesn't Matter Two", "World Full of Nothing" and "Black Day" as a bonus track. The remaining tracks are sung by David Gahan
David Gahan
Dave Gahan is an English singer-songwriter, best known as the baritone lead singer for the British electronic music band Depeche Mode since their debut in 1980. He is also an accomplished solo artist, releasing albums in 2003 and 2007...
.
The track "Fly on the Windscreen" had already been released as the B-side of the "It's Called a Heart" single. The band decided to rework the song (adding new effects and making it more stereophonic) and released it as the "Final" version on this album. It was later performed live, and given a slight hip hop
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
edge during the 1993 Devotional Tour. A recorded performance of this version is featured in the live video Devotional
Devotional (video)
Devotional - A Performance Filmed by Anton Corbijn is a video release by Depeche Mode, featuring almost an entire concert from their 1993-1994 Devotional Tour, filmed in Barcelona, Spain , Liévin, France and Frankfurt, Germany...
and a special live single of "In Your Room".
Re-release
In 2007, Black Celebration was re-released with a bonus DVD. It was released as a part of the third wave of re-issues (along with Construction Time AgainConstruction Time Again
Construction Time Again is the third studio album by the British electronic band Depeche Mode, released in 1983. This was the first Depeche Mode album with Alan Wilder, who composed the songs "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing"...
). The first CD was remastered and (except in the USA) was released on a CD/SACD hybrid. The bonus DVD includes the B-sides in addition to the singles and B-sides for "Shake the Disease
Shake the Disease
"Shake the Disease" is Depeche Mode's thirteenth UK single , and was not released on an actual studio album but was released on the compilation The Singles in the same year, along with "It's Called a Heart". It reached #18 in the UK singles chart...
" and "It's Called a Heart
It's Called a Heart
"It's Called a Heart" is Depeche Mode's fourteenth UK single . It was not released on an actual studio album, but was included on the compilation The Singles in the same year, along with "Shake the Disease". It reached #18 in the UK singles chart...
", two songs that were recorded shortly before the album and were released too early to be put on the album. There are also several live versions of some of the songs from Black Celebration. The album is released the way it was originally intended and ends with "New Dress" (not "Black Day" or "But Not Tonight").
Like the other re-issues, the DVD includes a documentary on the album. The title (seen below) is Martin paraphrasing Daniel Miller about his demos for Black Celebration in the film. The double-documentary discusses both The Singles 81>85
The Singles (81-85)
The Singles 81→85 is a singles compilation album released in October 1985 by Depeche Mode. The compilation was not originally released in North America, being replaced by its counterpart Catching Up with Depeche Mode. This was their first ever release with a picture of the band on the cover...
and Black Celebration, its more challenging commercial success (especially the song "Stripped") and all five related singles. It also includes a plethora of behind-the-scenes footage of the making of Black Celebration and the ensuing tour. Highlights include the band meeting The Cure
The Cure
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with frontman, vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member...
, and behind the scenes footage of several of the music videos. The documentary is nearly an hour long.
It was released March 20, 2007 in the USA, March 26 in the UK and April 2 in the rest of Europe.
The remastered album was released on "deluxe" vinyl April 2, 2007 in Europe only.
Track listing
All songs written by Martin GoreMartin Gore
Martin Lee Gore is an English songwriter, lyricist, singer, guitarist, keyboardist, remixer and DJ. He is a founding member of Depeche Mode and has written the vast majority of their songs...
, except "Black Day" written by Martin Gore/Alan Wilder/Daniel Miller and "Christmas Island" written by Martin Gore/Alan Wilder.
Side one
- "Black Celebration" – 4:55
- "Fly on the Windscreen - Final" – 5:18
- "A Question of LustA Question of Lust"A Question of Lust" is Depeche Mode's sixteenth UK single, released on 14 April 1986.It is the second Depeche Mode single with Martin Gore on lead vocals, after "Somebody" and the first to be released in its own right...
" – 4:20 - "Sometimes" – 1:53
- "It Doesn't Matter Two" – 2:50
Side two
- "A Question of TimeA Question of Time"A Question of Time" is Depeche Mode's seventeenth UK single, released on August 11, 1986, following the similarly titled "A Question of Lust" single....
" – 4:10 - "StrippedStripped (song)-12": Mute / 12Bong10 :# "Stripped " – 6:40# "But Not Tonight " – 5:11# "Breathing in Fumes" – 6:04# "Fly on the Windscreen " – 4:23# "Black Day" – 2:34-CD: Mute / CDBong10 :# "Stripped" – 3:53...
" – 4:16 - "Here Is the House" – 4:15
- "World Full of Nothing" – 2:50
- "Dressed in Black" – 2:32
- "New Dress" – 3:42
Bonus tracks on CD version:
- "Breathing in Fumes" – 6:07
- "But Not Tonight (Extended Remix)" – 5:13
- "Black Day" – 2:36
Side one
- "Black Celebration" – 4:55
- "Fly on the Windscreen (Final)" – 5:18
- "A Question of Lust" – 4:20
- "Sometimes" – 1:53
- "It Doesn't Matter Two" – 2:50
Side two
- "A Question of Time" – 4:10
- "Stripped" – 4:16
- "Here Is the House" – 4:15
- "World Full of Nothing" – 2:50
- "Dressed in Black" – 2:32
- "New Dress" – 3:42
- "But Not Tonight" – 4:15
The U.S. version of "A Question of Time" was mastered incorrectly; the screeching sound in the intro (the first four seconds of the song) is repeated.
2007 re-release
Mute: DM CD 5 (CD/SACD + DVD) / CDX STUMM 26 (CD/SACD)- Disc 1 is a hybrid SACD/CD with a multi-channel SACD layer.
- Disc 2 is a DVD which includes "Black Celebration" in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM Stereo plus bonus material
- "Black Celebration" – 4:55
- "Fly on the Windscreen (Final)" – 5:18
- "A Question of Lust" – 4:20
- "Sometimes" – 1:53
- "It Doesn't Matter Two" – 2:50
- "A Question of Time" – 4:10
- "Stripped" – 4:16
- "Here Is the House" – 4:15
- "World Full of Nothing" – 2:50
- "Dressed in Black" – 2:32
- "New Dress" – 3:42
Live in Birmingham, April 1986 (in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM Stereo):
- "Black Celebration"
- "A Question of Time"
- "Stripped"
Bonus Tracks (PCM Stereo):
- "Shake the DiseaseShake the Disease"Shake the Disease" is Depeche Mode's thirteenth UK single , and was not released on an actual studio album but was released on the compilation The Singles in the same year, along with "It's Called a Heart". It reached #18 in the UK singles chart...
" - "Flexible"
- "It's Called a HeartIt's Called a Heart"It's Called a Heart" is Depeche Mode's fourteenth UK single . It was not released on an actual studio album, but was included on the compilation The Singles in the same year, along with "Shake the Disease". It reached #18 in the UK singles chart...
" - "Fly on the Windscreen" [original]
- "But Not Tonight"
- "Breathing in Fumes"
- "Black Day"
- "Christmas Island"
Additional Material:
- Depeche Mode 85-86: The songs aren't good enough, there aren't any singles and it'll never get played on the radio [57 minute video]
Charts
| Chart (1986) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Austrian Albums Chart | 26 |
| French SNEP Albums Chart Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
11 |
| German Albums Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
|
| Swedish Albums Chart | 5 |
| Swiss Albums Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
1 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
3 |
| US Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
90 |
Certifications
Credits
- Dave Gahan - lead vocals, sampler
- Martin GoreMartin GoreMartin Lee Gore is an English songwriter, lyricist, singer, guitarist, keyboardist, remixer and DJ. He is a founding member of Depeche Mode and has written the vast majority of their songs...
- keyboards, guitar, sampler, backing vocals, lead vocals ("A Question Of Lust", "Sometimes", "It Doesn't Matter Two", "World Full Of Nothing"), songwriting - Andy Fletcher - sampler, backing vocals
- Alan WilderAlan WilderAlan Charles Wilder is a British musician, formerly of Depeche Mode. His current musical project is called Recoil, started as a side project to Depeche Mode. When he left the latter in 1995, it became Wilder's primary project...
- keyboards, sampler, piano ("Sometimes"), programming, backing vocals, songwriting
Production
- Daniel MillerDaniel MillerDaniel Miller may refer to:* Daniel Miller , anthropologist at University College London* Daniel Miller , cricketer for Surrey County Cricket Club...
- keyboards, programming, backing vocals ("Black Celebration", "Fly On The Windscreen (Final)"), songwriting - Gareth JonesGareth JonesGareth Jones may refer to:* Gareth Stedman Jones , British historian* Gareth Jones * Gareth Jones * Gareth Jones * Gareth Jones...
- keyboards, programming
Miscellaneous
- In 1989, the album was ranked number 15 on SpinSpin (magazine)Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
magazine's list of the 25 greatest albums of all time. - The voice at the beginning of "Black Celebration" is Daniel Miller (impersonating Winston ChurchillWinston ChurchillSir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
) saying, "A brief period of rejoicing." - Black Celebration is the only Depeche Mode album that has a title track. However, there are three other Depeche Mode albums that get their names from lyrics in songs on the albums: Construction Time AgainConstruction Time AgainConstruction Time Again is the third studio album by the British electronic band Depeche Mode, released in 1983. This was the first Depeche Mode album with Alan Wilder, who composed the songs "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing"...
, Some Great RewardSome Great RewardSome Great Reward is the fourth album by the British electronic group Depeche Mode, released in 1984. The album peaked at #5 in the UK and at #51 in the US. The title comes from the last lines of the bridge in "Lie to Me" when it repeats near the end....
and Playing the AngelPlaying the AngelPlaying the Angel is the eleventh studio album by English electronic band Depeche Mode, released in the United Kingdom on 17 October 2005 by Mute Records and in the United States and Canada on 18 October by Sire Records and Reprise Records. It was supported by the Touring the Angel...
. - Black Celebration is the only Depeche Mode album which do not have a track featured on The Best Of: Volume 1, although the DVD edition carries both "Stripped" and "A Question Of Time".
- Black Celebration was the last Depeche Mode album to feature Brian Griffin as cover photographer.
- The B-side "Black Day" is a new composition that reprises lyrics from "Black Celebration", sung by Martin Gore.
- On the back of the cover, a quote reciting Life in the so-called space age can be read. This quote gave inspiration to God Lives UnderwaterGod Lives UnderwaterGod Lives Underwater was an industrial rock band from rural Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania , formed in 1993 by band members David Reilly and Jeff Turzo. God Lives Underwater was originally signed to American Recordings after being discovered by Rick Rubin, who subsequently produced the band's first...
, who released an albumLife in the So-Called Space AgeLife in the So-Called Space Age is the 1998 album released by God Lives Underwater and is their second full length album. The title comes from the cover of the Depeche Mode album Black Celebration, where it appears in quotes on the back, while the front cover features a distorted view of a skyscraper...
with such a title, in 1998. - The 1986 film Modern GirlsModern GirlsModern Girls is a 1986 comedy film. The film is directed by Jerry Kramer and stars Virginia Madsen, Daphne Zuniga and Cynthia Gibb.- Plot Summary :Three girls, Margo, Kelly, and Cece are roommates living in Los Angeles and enjoying the night life....
used the song "But Not Tonight". The track was released as a single in North America only, and was not included on most other versions of Black Celebration. - The single "Stripped" is used in the film Say Anything....
- The songs "Stripped" and "A Question of Lust" are both in the film Dangerously CloseDangerously Close-Plot:At an elite school, a group of student who call themselves "The Sentinels" begin terrorizing their socially undesirable classmates. Soon, one of their targets ends up brutally murdered....
. - The song "Black Celebration" is used as the music for the Welder (John DeFoe) chase sequence in 7 Days a Skeptic by Ben CroshawBen CroshawBenjamin Richard "Yahtzee" Croshaw is an English comedic writer, video game journalist and author of adventure games created using Adventure Game Studio software. He writes articles for Australia's Hyper magazine, a major games publication...
. - "Breathing in Fumes" can be seen as a remix of "Stripped", utilizing the lyrics and vocal lines of the song with a more industrial beat.
- The song "Fly on the Windscreen" was used in Miami ViceMiami ViceMiami Vice is an American television series produced by Michael Mann for NBC. The series starred Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas as two Metro-Dade Police Department detectives working undercover in Miami. It ran for five seasons on NBC from 1984–1989...
episode "El Viejo".