Amazon.co.jp
ディペッシュ・モードの初期のキャリアを俯瞰するベスト・アルバム。初期のリーダーであるヴィンス・クラーク在籍時のデビュー作（1981年発表）から、84年の4作目『サム・グレート・リウォード』までのアルバムからの代表的な曲と、85年に発表されたシングル<14><15>、最初期の貴重な<16>、<3>のリミックス<17>などを収録。ファーストシングルの<1>、初のトップ10ヒットとなった<3>、強烈なビートの<8>など、代表作がめじろ押しだが、特に4作目からのシングル<10><11>と、人気の高い<14><15>は出色の出来。（麻路 稔）
From Amazon.com
The question we have to ask is "Why?" Depeche Mode released
The Singles, 86-98 because there was no comprehensive singles collection representing 1986 through 1998. But why release a singles compilation covering 1981 through 1985 when
Catching Up with Depeche Mode already covers this turf? For one thing, the singles "Leave in Silence," "Everything Counts," and "People Are People," which were absent from
Catching Up, are included here. All the songs are digitally remastered, but how much does digital enhancement really do to improve the sound of early-'80s synth-pop, which is so dated? Not much. However, it's natural to release a comprehensive singles collection that nicely coincides with
86-98. Both compilations are great for first-timers. And the two remixes on
81-85 ("Photographic [Some Bizarre Version]" and "Just Can't Get Enough [Schizo Mix]") will snag collectors. But maybe the answer has nothing to do with marketable packaging. DM have always fancied themselves as notorious. The liner notes for
81-85 include one negative review and one positive for each song. Perhaps as an attempt to fend off the specter of "where are they now?" Depeche Mode feel the need to remind us how controversial they are by reminding us how controversial they were.
--Beth Bessmer
