Counterfeit²

A sequel to 1989’s Counterfeit EP, Martin Gore’s first full solo album continued the general approach, interpreting a variety of songs by other artists filtered through his musical lens. Restrained, almost skeletal synth arrangements predominate with touches of guitar here and there, with striking elements emerging like the dramatic small percussion bursts driving “I Cast a Lonesome Shadow.” Gore’s vulnerable quaver suits much of the chosen material, including work by Julee Cruise, Brian Eno and, winningly sung in the original German, Hildegarde Knef.