Heaven [Single]

Personnel: Christoffer Berg, Kurt Uenala (programming).
Audio Mixers: Flood ; Rob Kirwan.
Recording information: Jungle City, New York, NY; Sound Design, Santa Barbara, CA.
Photographer: Anton Corbijn.
With a rickety old drum machine, a slow tempo, plus that rich and dark landscape fans would expect from the partnership of Ben Hillier (producer) and Flood (mixing), Depeche Mode's first new single in nearly four years is highly satisfying, once it sinks in. "Heaven" is a simmering ballad, combining the sexy and lusty attitude of "Personal Jesus" with the reserve of their 2005 hit "Precious." Both those numbers had stronger hooks, but this one grips the listener with its passion as David Gahan and Martin Gore harmonize during the gospel-like bridge, delivering the synth-pop blues Depeche debuted on their 1990 album Violator. This is a slow burn, and it's a milestone too, being the first release from the band since leaving its longtime home of Mute Records. ~ David Jeffries