Spirit

Faith and doubt laid bare through haunting electronic textures.

Spirit is Depeche Mode’s thirteenth studio album, released in March 2017. This British electronic group used the record to reconnect with their core sound following a multi-year break from writing new material, placing it firmly between their earlier experiments and current output while keeping their spot alive on the electronic music scene.

Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.

Quick Facts

Artist

Depeche Mode

Released

17 March 2017

Recorded

April–August 2016

Studio

Sound Design (Santa Barbara, California); Jungle City (New York City)

Genre

Synth-pop
alternative rock
industrial

Length

49:23

Label

Columbia; Mute

Producer

James Ford

Facts from the source article.

Lore & Background

The album was conceived during a period of deep introspection for the band members, addressing universal questions regarding belief and existence without offering easy answers. The thematic core revolves around the human spirit's resilience against technological advancement and mortality. This conceptual framework allowed the group to explore darker emotional territories while maintaining their signature atmospheric tension. Production shifted towards a cleaner, more organic sound compared to previous industrial textures, yet retained the dark atmosphere fans expect from the group. Working with an external producer helped introduce fresh sonic palettes while respecting the established identity of the band. The resulting music balances mechanical precision with human vulnerability, creating a unique listening experience that resonates across generations. Within the broader narrative of their career, this record marks a significant chapter where longevity and evolution intersected. It demonstrated that the group could adapt to changing musical landscapes without sacrificing their core identity.

Reader's Guide

Spirit emerged from a period of introspection following the band's previous release, marking their first studio effort in four years. Recorded primarily in London under the guidance of producer James Ford, the sessions focused on blending the group's signature dark electronic textures with more organic instrumentation. This approach aimed to capture a sense of human vulnerability within a technological framework, reflecting the album's thematic core regarding faith and doubt. Critical reception was largely positive, with reviewers praising the cohesion and emotional depth of the songwriting. The record debuted strongly in multiple international markets, reaffirming the group's commercial viability decades into their career. Within the band's timeline, it serves as a crucial link between the rock-influenced sounds of earlier years and the more experimental directions explored later. Fans often regard this era as a testament to the enduring partnership between Martin Gore and Dave Gahan. The accompanying tour brought these sonic explorations to live stages worldwide, utilizing advanced lighting and visual effects that matched the album's atmospheric intensity.

Track listing

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Going Backwards		5:43
2	Where's the Revolution		4:59
3	The Worst Crime		3:48
4	Scum		3:14
5	You Move	Gore, Dave Gahan	3:50
6	Cover Me	Gahan, Peter Gordeno, Christian Eigner	4:52
7	Eternal		2:25
8	Poison Heart	Gahan, Gordeno, Eigner	3:17
9	So Much Love		4:29
10	Poorman		4:26
11	No More (This Is the Last Time)	Gahan, Kurt Uenala	3:13
12	Fail		5:07
Total length			49:23

Deluxe edition bonus disc

No.	Title	Writer(s)	Length
1	Cover Me (alt out)	Gahan, Gordeno, Eigner	4:27
2	Scum (Frenetic mix)		5:26
3	Poison Heart (Tripped mix)	Gahan, Gordeno, Eigner	4:16
4	Fail (Cinematic cut)		5:38
5	So Much Love (Machine mix)		7:20
Total length			27:07

Track listing from the source article.

Did You Know?

This was the first studio album released by the group since Delta Machine in 2013.
James Ford served as the primary producer, bringing a fresh perspective to their sound.
The title track explores themes of spirituality without adhering to specific religious dogma.
It was supported by an extensive global tour that visited multiple continents.