Depeche Mode were considered a teen pop group during their early period in the UK, and interviewed in teen pop magazines such as Smash Hits. Following the departure of Clarke, their music began to take on a darker tone, establishing a darker sound in the band's music, as Gore assumed lead songwriting duties. Gore's lyrics include themes such as sex, religion, and politics. Gore has stated he feels lyrical themes which tackle issues related to solitude and loneliness are a better representation of reality, whereas he finds "happy songs" fake and unrealistic. At the same time, he asserts that the group's music contains "an element of hope".
Depeche Mode were considered a teen pop group during their early period in the UK and interviewed in teen pop magazines such as Smash Hits Following the departure of Clarke their music began to take on a darker tone establishing a darker sound in the band's music as Gore assumed lead songwriting duties Gore's lyrics include themes such as sex religion and politics Gore has stated he feels lyrical themes which tackle issues related to solitude and loneliness are a better representation of reality whereas he finds "happy songs" fake and unrealistic At the same time he asserts that the group's music contains "an element of hope"