called "an intriguing masterpiece, combining homo-eroticism with drug euphoria." In a less enthusiastic review, Paul Mathur from Melody Maker was ambivalent towards the group's more mature, minimalist aesthetic and said although they had departed from their simpler pop sound, the record was "seamless, fluid, and, once the lights are out, particularly dull." In a retrospective review, Q magazine found the narratives on Music for the Masses to be among Depeche Mode's most uncertain and contemplative, and that most of its songs were "real diamonds in the darkness ... this was the point at which Depeche Mode were first taken seriously." Slant Magazines Sal Cinquemani said that Music for the Masses showed the gloomier side of the "post-punk synthpop" scene during the 1980s and was a success with both critics and consumers. Alternative Press called the record "articulate, intricate electronic music that lacked the tinny feel of DM's early synth pop". Music for the Masses was listed by Slant Magazine at number 75 on their list of "Best Albums of the 1980s". The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Track listing On the CD, there is a 20-second pause in between "Pimpf" and "Interlude #1", followed by a 30-second pause in between "Interlude #1" and "Agent Orange". On some copies of the cassette the album is presented on side 1 with the four bonus tracks comprising the entirety of side 2. 2006 re-release Disc one is a hybrid SACD/CD with a multi-channel SACD layer. Disc two is a DVD containing Music for the Masses in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM Stereo plus bonus material Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of Music for the Masses. Depeche Mode Andrew Fletcher Martin Gore Alan Wilder David Gahan Technical Depeche Mode – production David Bascombe – production, engineering Daniel Miller – additional production, help Artwork Martyn Atkins – design, photography David Jones – design, photography Mark Higenbottam – design, photography Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications References External links Album information from the official Depeche Mode website Official remaster info 1987 albums Albums produced by Daniel Miller (music producer) Depeche Mode albums Mute Records albums Sire Records albums