Before We Drown
| "Before We Drown" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Depeche Mode | ||||
| from the album Memento Mori | ||||
| Released | 9 February 2024 | |||
| Recorded | 2022 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:08 | |||
| Label | Columbia | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | James Ford | |||
| Depeche Mode singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Before We Drown" on YouTube | ||||
"Before We Drown" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 9 February 2024 as the sixth single from their fifteenth studio album, Memento Mori.
Backgrond[edit]
On 27 January 2024, two days before its official video's release, "Before We Drown" made its live debut at the O2 Arena in London.[1] The song is one of the few on the album that does not feature Martin Gore as a composer.
Music video[edit]
On 29 January 2024, an official music video was released for the song directed by Anton Corbijn.[2][3] Focusing on themes of mortality and salvation, and filmed in black and white, the video shows a gloomy figure in an overcoat who slowly walks into a dangerous sea, and, in the end, the elements consume him.[4][5] Corbijn also directed videos for "Wagging Tongue" and "Ghosts Again".[6]
Reception[edit]
Kory Grow of Rolling Stone stated, "'Before We Drown', cowritten by Gahan, drummer Christian Eigner and multi-instrumentalist Peter Gordeno (members of Depeche Mode's touring lineup), builds tension minute after minute, as Gahan sings, 'First we stand up, then we fall down/We have to move forward, before we drown'. Synths effervesce eerily like fireworks around his voice as he sings the final words."[7] A reviewer by WECB commented, "The lyrics of the song, deep and evocative, immerse us in a reflection on distance and the need to move forward, the aesthetics of the video go hand in hand and they make a brilliant combo. The chorus, powerful and resonant, tells us about getting up and moving forward before succumbing to the waves of destiny."[6] Ian Wade of The Quietus wrote, "'Before We Drown', Gahan's co-write with touring Moders Peter Gordeno and Christian Eigner, feels so imbued with Depeche Mode-ness that it's almost an AI interpretation of Depeche Mode."[8]
Charts[edit]
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Sales (OCC)[9] | 58 |
References[edit]
- ^ "Depeche Mode Setlist at The O2 Arena, London, England". Setlist.fm. 27 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ Monroe, Jazz (29 January 2024). "Watch Depeche Mode's New "Before We Drown" Video". Pitchfork. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Stock, Olivia (31 January 2024). "Depeche Mode share new video for 'Before We Drown': Watch". DJ Mag. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Dunworth, Liberty (30 January 2024). "Depeche Mode share new 'Before We Drown' video and give track its live debut". NME. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Depeche Mode показали черно-белый клип «Before We Drown», снятый Антоном Корбейном" (in Russian). Soyuz Records. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ a b Johnson, Christopher (30 January 2024). "Depeche Mode releases video for "Before We Drown"". WECB. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Grow, Kory (21 March 2023). "Depeche Mode's 'Memento Mori' Is a Bleak Celebration". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ Wade, Ian (24 March 2023). "The Quietus | Reviews | Depeche Mode". The Quietus. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
- ^ "Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
