Who Arranged the Songs in Depeche Mode's Album Violator?
When discussing Depeche Mode's album Violator, it's important to understand the roles each member played in its creation. While the term 'arranged' may seem somewhat redundant for an album by Depeche Mode, it refers to the intricate and mature melodic structures brought to the table by Martin Gore and his collaborator, Alan Wilder.
Martin Gore’s Role in the Arrangement
Up to the point of Violator, Martin Gore's method of working involved creating fairly complete demos in his home studio. These demos, which were often less produced and more organic, showcased a sophisticated understanding of song structure and melodic arrangement. Tracks such as “Shake the Disease,” “Little 15,” and “Waiting for the Night” demonstrate this, offering glimpses into the richly arranged songs that were further refined in the studio.
Alan Wilder's Influence
When people think about Depeche Mode’s arrangements, they often think of the intricate programming, chord progressions, melodies, and mixing. This is where Alan Wilder had the most significant impact. Since the early days, Wilder’s involvement in production extended beyond playing the instruments. His skills in sound creation, sampling, programming, and mixing allowed for extensive experimentation and depth. Wilder’s contributions were crucial in elevating the bands’ sound, particularly evident on the Violator album.
The Role of Alan Wilder
Alan Wilder joined Depeche Mode in 1983, and his arrival revolutionized the band's sound. The previous album, Speak Spell (1981), was mostly written and arranged by Vince Clarke, who left shortly after. A Broken Frame (1982) showed some interesting ideas but lacked coherent arrangements. With Construction Time Again (1983), Wilder helped to refine the band’s sound. His full integration came with Some Great Reward (1984), where he truly established his role as the primary arranger of Depeche Mode's music.
Violator and Wilder's Significance
The album Violator (1990) stands as a testament to Wilder's arrangements. The band's songs during this period, particularly Enjoy the Silence, were often voice-only with minimal production, allowing for a more flexible and experimental approach in the studio. Wilder’s work on Violator combined a clean, polished sound with the intricate and mature arrangements that became characteristic of the album. The contributions of both Martin Gore and the producers, Flood, along with Wilder, undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping the overall sound of the album.
Legacy and Influence
The success of Violator was not just a result of the songwriting and Gahan's passionate vocals. Wilder’s arrangements were the essential element that made Violator stand out. The documentary that comes with the album even offers a revealing segment where Wilder explains his process, highlighting the meticulous nature of his work.
However, the success of Violator marked a turning point in the band's trajectory. By the time of Black Celebration (1986), Depeche Mode were poised to conquer the world. Their tour, immortalized in 101 (1989), was a testament to their now-iconic sound. But with the subsequent album Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993), the band faced challenges. The loss of Alan Wilder’s distinctive arrangements marked a shift in the band’s dynamics, leading them towards a more restrained and less experimental sound.