Today’s video of the day is the Depeche Mode – “Blue Dress” released in 1990.
Depeche Mode‘s “Blue Dress” is a haunting track from their 1990 album, Violator. Known for its dark and atmospheric sound, this song showcases the band’s unique ability to blend electronic music with deep, emotional lyrics. Violator stands as one of Depeche Mode’s most successful albums, featuring hits like “Personal Jesus” and “Enjoy the Silence.””Blue Dress” sits as the penultimate track on Violator, a placement often reserved for songs that add depth to an album’s narrative. Martin Gore, the band’s primary songwriter, described the song in a 1990 interview with NME as the “pervy song” on the album. He noted that the song’s theme revolves around the idea of watching a girl dress and realizing this simple act “is what makes the world turn.”
Alan Wilder, a key member of Depeche Mode at the time, revealed in a Q&A on his Shunt website that “Blue Dress” wasn’t one of his favorites. He mentioned that the band struggled with the direction of the song, comparing it to “Get Right With Me” from Songs of Faith and Devotion. The track’s final version features washy, drone-like guitars inspired by the band Suicide, creating a wet, atmospheric sound. The production of “Blue Dress” includes several unique elements. A falsetto vocal sample from an Emulator II floppy disk was used throughout the song, adding a haunting, legato vocal line. Additionally, a guitar-like pluck sample forms the dramatic chorus melody, a sound also heard in other Depeche Mode tracks like “Never Let Me Down Again” and “Strangelove.” A warm synth pad and a steel drum-like arpeggio, borrowed from “Stripped,” further enrich the track’s texture.
“Blue Dress” contributes to Violator‘s reputation as a groundbreaking album. It highlights the band’s ability to explore themes of desire, guilt, and morality, a common thread throughout their discography. While not as commercially successful as other tracks on the album, “Blue Dress” remains a fan favorite for its mood and depth. Depeche Mode’s influence on electronic music is undeniable, and Violator is a testament to their lasting impact. “Blue Dress” may not have been a chart-topping single, but it adds to the album’s rich tapestry, cementing the band’s legacy.
Why stop with the Depeche Mode’s underground music video? Watch over 3k+ Underground Music videos on YouTube at Stigmata Video Dance Party and have your underground dance party anytime.