David Gahan - Paper Monsters (CD & DVD)
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Free Music Notes for Paper Monsters (CD & DVD)
Free Music Review: Just that good...
Hit: 4 Stars
As the singer/frontman for Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan has that same mystique that many lead singers have. Like Ian Curtis from Joy Division, or Michael Hutchence from INXS, he was a man too beautiful for words, too good a singer for the trappings of the genre he was in, and too troubled for his fans to see. The difference is...Dave Gahan survived, and now he presents us with his debut solo album to tell us about it."Paper Monsters" is a very personal album, with Dave giving us his account of the dangers of his past addictions and failed relationships, and how he lived through them to make it to the good place he's obviously in at this point in his life. It's an introspective album, but it's not depressing or boring. The music (which was co-written with fellow '80's survivor, Psychadelic Furs guitarist Knox Chandler) is very well thought out, a combination of ambient electronics with punchy blues guitar. Songs like "Dirty Sticky Floors," "Bottle Living," and "Black and Blue Again" sound like some edgy new style of electro-blues, with Dave giving his voice the same edge he did on Depeche Mode's "Songs of Faith and Devotion." Then there are the softer moments, like "Stay," "Hold On," "A Little Piece," and "Bitter Apple," which show just what kind of range the man has (not just vocally, but emotionally). These are the kinds of songs that stick with you. They speak volumes not just about Gahan's life, but about everybody's lives. The themes are familiar, making this music one can relate to. There's something for everybody here.
It's not Depeche Mode...there are moments that are akin to Depeche's sound, but Dave Gahan has shown himself to be a versatile singer and performer, and this album shows us his human side apart from the image he conveys in the band. It's a great album to just "chill" to. It's not too abrasive, but it's not really easy-on-the-ears either. These songs will get to you, but in such a way that you'll be glad you heard it. The accompanying DVD is an excellent insight into how the album was made, and how Dave is approaching his life and his performance. I love Depeche Mode's music, and while I love "Ultra" and "Exciter," I don't think it was until this album that I really appreciated and felt grateful for the fact that Dave Gahan didn't become another casualty of the sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll lifestyle. This album makes me happy he survived, and his words and music show that he's happy too. It's not happy music per se, but it comes from that good place that you just know the man has churned out his best work. I look forward to more from him, either solo or in Depeche Mode.
Check out "Paper Monsters." You won't be disappointed.
Free Music Review: Great job Dave!!
Hit: 5 Stars
I don't have so much words to say, but all I have to say is that this album is a MASTER-PIECE....Give it a try, even if you're not a DM fan.......Since the hit DIRTY STICKY FLOORS to GOODBYE, you won't get disappointed about any track.
Go buy it now!!!!
Free Music Review: Unfortunately, very weak.
Hit: 2 Stars
I understand Dave's effort to make a solo record, and I admire it in some small way. However, this simply does not cut it. This album is truly disappointing and fails to spark the same feeling that Martin Gore's solo album does. The music is simply un-interesting. I'm getting tired of reading reviews from all these Depeche fanatics that will praise ANYTHING released by the members of Depeche Mode. Do not listen to them - this album sounds NOTHING like DM. Why did I give it two stars and not one? Because a couple of tracks on this record are decent - 'Bottle Living' and 'Black And Blue Again'. Obviously, two songs are simply not enough to make a strong record. If you are looking for some really mellow tunes to listen to (and that is the only thing this album provides), purchase Martin Gore's album 'Couterfeit 2'.
Dice
Free Music Review: Paper Monsters - Rough Draft??
Hit: 2 Stars
I'm writing this b/c I disagree with what i've read of the reviews. I'm a very big Depeche Mode fan, and I think Dave Gahan has more potential than what this album displays. Not only does it drag on and on with the same bland style of music, but the lyrics are poor. There's no poetry and/or insight to any of the verses.......they're more like bad nursery rhymes. And I dont think its Gahan's fault entirely. It sounds like someone didnt look into this project, collaborate and direct it properly. My expectations were that he was going to pursue some new directions....maybe do some non-synth oriented. Instead, you get a can of Diet Depeche Mode. Half the calories with half the taste.Free Music Review: EXCELLENT!
Hit: 5 Stars
As a long time DM fan, I bought this album before I heard it. All of DMs fans have waited a LONG time for a solo effort from Dave, and this is it. It will definitely please any fan, but if you're new, you won't be disappointed. There are edgy songs (Bottle Living - which has a "Personal Jesus" feel,and Dirty, Stick Floors) and M. Gore inspired ballads (Hold On, Stay) that will please long time fans and bring in more. If your new to Depeche Mode, start with Music For the Masses, but then buy Paper Monsters!