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Construction Time Again

by Depeche Mode

Released: August 22, 1983

Synth-pop, industrial, new wave

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Construction Time Again" is the third studio album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on August 22, 1983, by Mute Records. It marked a significant point in the band's evolution, introducing Alan Wilder as a new member. The title Construction Time Again is derived from the second line of the first verse of the song "Pipeline." The album is notable for its use of sampling and found sounds, marking a shift from the band's earlier, more straightforward synth-pop approach.

Inside the Recording

Wilder contributed to the album with two tracks, "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing." The album was recorded at The Garden studios in London, a space previously used by John Foxx.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

It features a mix of electronic music and…

It features a mix of electronic music and industrial influences.

The lyrics reflect themes of industrialization and change…

The lyrics reflect themes of industrialization and change, aligning with the album’s construction and architectural imagery.

Its commentary on corporate greed was accompanied by…

Its commentary on corporate greed was accompanied by a memorable video.

It continued the band's exploration of social and…

It continued the band's exploration of social and emotional themes.

It helped cement Depeche Mode's reputation as pioneers…

It helped cement Depeche Mode's reputation as pioneers in the electronic and synth-pop genres.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

Pipeline

The title Construction Time Again is derived from the second line of the first verse of the song "Pipeline." The album is notable for its use of sampling and found sounds, marking a shift from the band's earlier, more straightforward synth-pop approach.

Two Minute Warning

Wilder contributed to the album with two tracks, "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing." The album was recorded at The Garden studios in London, a space previously used by John Foxx.

The Landscape Is Changing

Wilder contributed to the album with two tracks, "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing." The album was recorded at The Garden studios in London, a space previously used by John Foxx.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Depeche Mode - Construction Time Again

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Then

Reception

Released on July 11, 1983, this single was a commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the UK Charts. The album received positive reviews for its innovative sound and the addition of Alan Wilder’s contributions. Released on September 19, 1983, this single reached No. 21 on the UK Charts.

Now

Legacy

Construction Time Again is often regarded as a pivotal album in Depeche Mode’s discography, showcasing their growth and experimentation in electronic music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Construction Time Again" is the third studio album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on August 22, 1983, by Mute Records. It marked a significant point in the band's evolution, introducing Alan Wilder as a new member. Wilder contributed to the album with two tracks, "Two Minute Warning" and "The Landscape Is Changing."

The album was recorded at The Garden studios in London, a space previously used by John Foxx.

The title Construction Time Again is derived from the second line of the first verse of the song "Pipeline."

The album is notable for its use of sampling and found sounds, marking a shift from the band's earlier, more straightforward synth-pop approach. It features a mix of electronic music and industrial influences.

The lyrics reflect themes of industrialization and change, aligning with the album’s construction and architectural imagery.

Released on July 11, 1983, this single was a commercial success, reaching No. 6 on the UK Charts. Its commentary on corporate greed was accompanied by a memorable video.

Released on September 19, 1983, this single reached No. 21 on the UK Charts. It continued the band's exploration of social and emotional themes.

The album received positive reviews for its innovative sound and the addition of Alan Wilder’s contributions. It helped cement Depeche Mode's reputation as pioneers in the electronic and synth-pop genres.

Supported by the Construction Time Again Tour, the album helped further establish the band's live performance presence and international reach.

Construction Time Again is often regarded as a pivotal album in Depeche Mode’s discography, showcasing their growth and experimentation in electronic music.