ReviewThis is an average album by the band's standards, but certainly better than the previous Spirit. There aren't really any very memorable songs on it, and after listening to it a few times I am able to name 'Ghosts Again', 'Wagging Tongue' and the best one in my opinion 'Before We Drown'.
In terms of sound, I don't deny that at times the simple/minimalist arrangements are elegant and the focus on Gahan's voice creates an intimate and close atmosphere, but the album lacks impact and one expects more from such successful songwriters as they have been.
One can also have reservations about the mastering of the digital and CD releases. In my opinion, the sound is too loud and the dynamics have been drastically reduced. As you can see, we are still living in the age of the loudness war.