Several of you may not be as familiar with Depeche Mode as you should be, even though they have been around for quite some time and have not changed their name once- a phenomenon that is all too rare in today's world of dance music. Sure, it is good to re-invent one's self on a fairly regular basis - but consistency is a good thing (as is "brand" recognition and quality). Unfortunately, this is more easily said than done. Trust me, there are lots of fans out there, me included, waiting for another Depeche Mode album that is of the same high caliber as "Violator." And if you are too young to have listened to this album, it is a must have for your collection, as there is not a bad song on it... Another rarity in the music industry. The first song on the B Side of this highly regarded album is "Enjoy the Silence." Most of you have no doubt heard this song played on the radio or at a prom. But you may not have heard the remixes released at the end of last year. While it is hard for one to imagine how you can improve on the quality of this great song, the remixers have been able to re-envision it - keeping its high quality and recognizability intact.
The best remix is the first on this single. It is just hard to call it dance music. Nevertheless, it will certainly get your attention and hold it. Personally, I have been waiting for it to show up on a soundtrack for a show like "CSI." It is just that edgy. It simply starts off soft and slow and then bam! Its got you. Sure it is more hard rock than dance, but it really works in getting you moving. While it is not quite as hard as Marilyn Mason's interpretation of "Personal Jesus" off of "Violator," it is just as good. And just as moving. The other three remixes of "Enjoy the Silence" are definitely more chilled than anything. They are also on a level playing field with one another where quality is concerned. But then that is sort of the point as they are all extended remixes of the original.
If all of this were not enough, you are treated to an excellent remix of "World In My Eyes" - the first track off of the A Side of "Violator." It is so good that it could stand alone as its own single. It will also get you moving after the three chilled out remixes of "Enjoy the Silence." Last, you get the Black Strobe Remix of "Something To Do" which is from the album "Some Great Reward." This is the weakest song on the single. But it is still a good remix and works. It is, however, not good enough to be a stand alone single.
I highly recommend that you go out and buy this single if you have not already - especially if you like the album version of "Enjoy the Silence." Just be sure to get the American single because it has all six tracks on it. And be prepared to play track one over and over again. Great job Mike Shinoda.