Playing the Angel

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Well-crafted -- lots for teen fans to enjoy.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album is filled with Christian imagery and symbolism with an alternative slant; comfort levels may vary.


What's the story?

Depeche Mode's first new album in four years, PLAYING THE ANGELS, is exquisite, and sure to delight hard-core fans.


Is it any good?

 

Filled with provocative Christian imagery and spiritual symbolism, the lyrics might challenge the comfort levels of some conservative families, but will excite and inspire most songwriters and music lovers. The tracks are all interesting, well-crafted, wonderfully performed, and flawlessly produced. Musical high points include the stunning gospel-tinged rocker "John the Revelator" -- "By claiming God as his holy right/he's stealing a God from the Israelites/stealing a God from the Muslim too/There is only one God, through and through" -- which offers a perspective not often heard in rock & roll. Nearly every song has a religious dimension.

Soaring, uplifting instrumental tracks balance the dark brooding tone of many of the lyrics. With not even a whisper of world-weary "we've been at this way too long" fatigue, the band delivers its quintessential hi-tech electronic pop with musical hooks to spare and a beat you can dance to.


What families can talk about

Families can talk about what it takes for a band to stay together for 25 years.


This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
It's a dance record.....
My favorite album.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
TURN IT UP!
This is one of the groups best CDs. I LOVE the songs. I don't get it why some of the adults said it was bad. :-( Maybe for young grade-schoolers (they wouldn't understand some things and get the wrong idea of what they really mean). The songs have good meaning and the music is awesome! I'm just a teenager and some people think I'm downright weird to like this kind of music. But isn't it better than all the crap on the radio nowadays? It's all about money, sex, breaking up and getting high/drunk. This actually has meaning and passion in the lyrics and music. Also, check out their CD "Violator". That one is the best ever! Download these CDs or buy them today!

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
nice production values, but beware..
This cd is not for kids. Playing the Angel is an adult album about adult relationships...dont be fooled. Almost all Depeche Mode cds (minus their first one) are this way. This cd talks about how "all the sad ones, devil's companions" should "stay as you are, the darkest star." I dont think I need an explanation. Most of the songs are about a man who is in a relationship with a woman (such as "Lillian" where his heart is "ripped apart in the name of fun.") Other songs are clearly about sex "Macro," The album does have some positive songs such as "precious," but dont let it trick you into thinking its all "good" for kids.

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Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Sucks to be your kids
Anyway, this album is ABSOLUTELY CLEAN. There is NOTHING WRONG WITH IT! It is great music. Yes, they talk about men and women-but not SEX. There is a HUGE difference. Great album!

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This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Artist:Depeche Mode
Release date:October 1, 2005
Label:Reprise
Genre:Rock
Parental advisory:No

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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