said that it "demonstrates a vocal range rarely seen in the Mode back catalogue". Slant Magazine echoed Lawrence's review for BBC Music, calling the album a "competent solo debut" with "murky rock grooves and throaty vocals". However, Pitchfork reviewer Michael Idov was less impressed with the album and wrote that its personal subject matter made for a "faintly embarrassing listen". Idov criticised Gahan's lyrics stating that his "vocal can still elevate the dumbest lyric to the level of a cathartic mantra, a skill that comes handy in the absence of Martin Gore". AllMusic reviewer Don Kline called Paper Monsters "a mix of swampy blues-injected rock, slick urban electronica, and atmospheric balladry" and gave it three out of five stars. He also stated that "although it doesn't stray too far from the Depeche mould, Gahan does manage to put his own stamp on the songs". Track listing All tracks are written by Dave Gahan and Knox Chandler. "Dirty Sticky Floors" – 3:32 "Hold On" – 4:17 "A Little Piece" – 5:10 "Bottle Living" – 3:31 "Black and Blue Again" – 5:41 "Stay" – 4:17 "I Need You" – 4:45 "Bitter Apple" – 5:59 "Hidden Houses" – 5:01 "Goodbye" – 5:54 Limited edition bonus DVD A Short Film "Dirty Sticky Floors" music video Exclusive B-roll footage from the "Dirty Sticky Floors" video shoot "Hold On" (exclusive New York acoustic performance) "A Little Piece" (exclusive New York acoustic performance) Exclusive B-roll footage from the New York acoustic performance Photo gallery Personnel Credits adapted from the liner notes of Paper Monsters. Musicians Dave Gahan – vocals, keyboards, Fender Rhodes, harmonica, glockenspiel Knox Chandler – guitars, dulcimer, cellos, basses, keyboards, sampler, vibraphone, programming, all string arrangements Victor Indrizzo – drums Paul Garisto – drums Doug Petty – piano Dee Lewis – backing vocals Jane Scarpantoni – cello Antoine Silverman, Maxim Moston, Joan Wasser – violins David Gold – viola Jolyon Thomas – tambourine, tom John Collyer – programming Technical Ken Thomas – production, mixing Jonathan Adler – recording engineering Jack Clark – mix engineering Mike Marsh – mastering Artwork Anton Corbijn – photography, art direction Four5One Creative – design Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications and sales Release history References External links Album information from the official Dave Gahan website 2003 debut albums Albums produced by Ken Thomas (record producer) Albums recorded at Electric Lady Studios Dave Gahan albums Mute Records albums Reprise Records albums