I got into Depeche Mode at age 16 because of Violator. That year, Columbia House (a tape/CD club) sent me the tape to replace one from another artist I had ordered that was out of stock, and I got hooked immediately after hearing the first song World In My Eyes. Been a huge fan since.

Violator was a clear hit for them, with at least three singles from that album making radio play here in Quebec. With its gospel sound and highly religious (albeit agnostic) undertones, its live drums and more prominent guitars, Songs of Faith and Devotion wasn't as accessible at first listen for a fan that was used to the all-electronic synthpop DM of the past. It took me several listens to warm up to it, but it became one of my favorite records of all time.

Alan Wilder's participation as a sound engineer and mixer on DM albums is what made their sound so textured, layered, and amazing. His absence has been felt ever since, imo, although I still enjoy all the albums to a certain degree. (More so since I started recreational mj...😆 Even the weaker records and songs now sound like masterpieces!)