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The Singles 81→85

by Depeche Mode

Released: October 14, 1985

Synth-pop

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Lineup Change.

The Album

This compilation did not initially see a release in North America, where it was replaced by Catching Up with Depeche Mode. "The Singles 81→85" is a greatest hits album by English electronic band Depeche Mode, released on October 14, 1985, by Mute Records. Notably, it was the first album cover to feature an image of the band, aside from the North American-only compilation People Are People from 1984.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

In 1998, the album was reissued and remastered…

In 1998, the album was reissued and remastered under the title The Singles 81>85, coinciding with the release of The Singles 86>98.

This version included new cover art and two…

This version included new cover art and two bonus tracks.

The cover photo by Eric Watson is notable…

The cover photo by Eric Watson is notable enough to have been displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Depeche Mode - The Singles 81→85

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Then

Reception

By April 2006, the 1998 reissue had sold 283,000 copies in the U.S. The inner sleeve of both the original and reissue features the artwork of each single along with reviews, showcasing a mix of critical responses.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"The Singles 81→85" is a greatest hits album by English electronic band Depeche Mode, released on October 14, 1985, by Mute Records. This compilation did not initially see a release in North America, where it was replaced by Catching Up with Depeche Mode. Notably, it was the first album cover to feature an image of the band, aside from the North American-only compilation People Are People from 1984.

In 1998, the album was reissued and remastered under the title The Singles 81>85, coinciding with the release of The Singles 86>98. This version included new cover art and two bonus tracks. By April 2006, the 1998 reissue had sold 283,000 copies in the U.S.

The inner sleeve of both the original and reissue features the artwork of each single along with reviews, showcasing a mix of critical responses. The cover photo by Eric Watson is notable enough to have been displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London.