Ultra

Depeche spent the mid-90s in a hazy state of existence — almost literally, in the form of Dave Gahan’s well-known drug-induced medical disasters — while with Alan Wilder’s departure their key internal arranger was also gone. Somehow the remaining trio got it back to together and with producer Tim Simenon’s help created Ultra, a remarkable comeback that showcased not only Gahan’s audible vocal lessons, his singing now more delicate and smooth than ever, but remarkable new songs like “It’s No Good, “Barrel of a Gun” and the Martin Gore-sung “Home.”