Album of the Day

That Depeche Mode was able to come up with an album as strong as PLAYING THE ANGEL a quarter-century into its life is proof that the U.K. synth-poppers are a band for the ages. Recorded with producer Ben Hillier, the 2005 collection delivers the group's trademark beats, riffs and dark moods with an authority not heard since VIOLATOR. The set went Top 10 on both sides of the Atlantic thanks to such singles as “Precious,” “A Pain That I'm Used To,” “John the Revelator” and “Suffer Well.” The last of these was penned by Dave Gahan, one of three tracks here marking the frontman's songwriting debut with Depeche Mode. To celebrate the singer's birthday, we'll give another spin to the outstanding PLAYING THE ANGEL.