Playing the Angel marked Depeche Mode's first album on their own label, Venusnote Ltd., and featured a grittier, more experimental sound with the band self-producing for the first time.
- Recorded at Sound Design, Mute Studios, and Nana Claire Studios in 2004 and 2005, the album was primarily self-produced by the band.
- The album's lead single, "Precious," became a top 10 hit in the UK and reached number 4 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the US.
- Guitarist Dave Gahan and keyboardist Martin Gore contributed lead vocals on different tracks, a first for the band.
Depeche Mode is a synth-pop and electronic band from Basildon, England, known for their dark, sample-heavy sound. In 2005, they were at a mature stage in their career, having recently released a live album and preparing for a new studio record.
Tracklist
