Barrel of a Gun

Last updated

"Barrel of a Gun"
DepecheModeBarrelOfAGun.jpg
Single by Depeche Mode
from the album Ultra
B-side "Painkiller"
Released3 February 1997 (1997-02-03)
Studio
Genre
Length
  • 5:35 (album version)
  • 5:29 (single version)
  • 4:00 (radio edit)
Label Mute
Songwriter(s) Martin L. Gore
Producer(s) Tim Simenon
Depeche Mode singles chronology
"In Your Room"
(1994)		"Barrel of a Gun"
(1997)		"It's No Good"
(1997)
Music video
"Barrel of a Gun" on YouTube

"Barrel of a Gun" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released as the first single from their ninth studio album, Ultra (1997), on 3 February 1997. The song reached number one in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Sweden while reaching the top 10 in several other countries, including Finland, Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom. In North America, the song reached number 47 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Canadian Singles Chart.

Contents

Song meaning

"It's about understanding what you're about and realising that you don't necessarily fit into somebody else's scheme of things," said keyboardist Martin Gore. [2] Singer Dave Gahan, who was weakened from his battle with substance abuse at the time, added, "The song sums up the way I was treating myself and everybody around me. That's what life had in store for me every day. It's a really powerful statement. When you're in that kind of row, the last thing on your mind is dying." [3]

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "One of the true pioneering acts of electro-pop ends a lengthy break from the airwaves with a thoroughly satisfying if often caustic blend of techno synths and metallic guitars. Singer Dave Gahan has a field day digging into Martin Gore's typically heavy lyrics, comfortably swerving back and forth between hypnotic lethargy to white-knuckled intensity. Producer Tim Simenon wisely underlines the track with the kind of hip-hop motion needed to crack the pop market, while carefully weaving the instrumentation so that rockers and clubheads alike can happily jam on this one—and they will." [4]

Dominic Pride from Music & Media noted that Depeche Mode "serve up the sombre, industrial sound for which they've become huge in Europe, but with Simenon adding some open space to the production." He added that Gahan's "distorted vocals bring a touch of Nine Inch Nails to the party." [5] A reviewer from Music Week rated the song four out of five, commenting, "After four years away, this atmospheric epic hints at an even darker approach from the 'Mode. As the first taster for their new album, this is a certain smash." [6]

Music video

The music video for the song, shot in Morocco by Anton Corbijn, features Gahan with long hair singing with his eyes closed, with eyeballs drawn on his eyelids to make it seem like they are open. [7]

Track listings

All songs were written by Martin Gore.

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the Ultra album booklet. [18]

Studios

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Barrel of a Gun"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Sweden (GLF) [49] Gold15,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Barrel of a Gun"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United Kingdom3 February 1997
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
 Mute [50]
17 February 1997Limited-edition 12-inch vinyl [51]
Japan18 June 1997CD [52]

Related Research Articles

<i>Ultra</i> (Depeche Mode album) 1997 studio album by Depeche Mode

Ultra is the ninth studio album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 14 April 1997 by Mute Records. It was the band's first album following the departure of Alan Wilder, who had become disillusioned with life in the band. Wilder's departure and lead singer Dave Gahan's drug problems, which culminated in a near-fatal overdose, had caused speculation that Depeche Mode was finished.

<i>The Singles 86–98</i> 1998 greatest hits album by Depeche Mode

The Singles 86>98 is a greatest hits album by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 28 September 1998 by Mute Records. It serves as a follow-up to the band's previous compilation, The Singles 81→85, which was also reissued in the same year. The compilation covers the band's seven-inch single releases spanning five studio albums, while including the new song "Only When I Lose Myself". It also includes "Little 15" and the live version of "Everything Counts", which was released as a single in 1989. All tracks on The Singles 86>98 were newly remastered, as was the case with the re-release of The Singles 81→85.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Precious (Depeche Mode song)</span> 2005 single by Depeche Mode

"Precious" is a song by English electronic band Depeche Mode from their studio album, Playing the Angel (2005). It was released on 3 October 2005 by Mute, Sire, and Reprise Records as the album's lead single. The song reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 71 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and No. 23 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. It also topped the charts in Denmark, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, and it peaked within the top 10 in Austria, Wallonia, Canada, Finland, Germany, and Norway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal Jesus</span> 1989 single by Depeche Mode

"Personal Jesus" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released as the lead single from their seventh studio album, Violator (1990), in 1989. It reached No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The single was their first to enter the US top 40 since 1984's "People Are People" and was their first gold-certified single in the US. In Germany, "Personal Jesus" is one of the band's longest-charting songs, staying on the West German Singles Chart for 23 weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enjoy the Silence</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"Enjoy the Silence" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. Recorded in 1989, it was released as the second single from their seventh studio album, Violator (1990), on 5 February 1990. The single is certified Gold in the US and Germany. The song won Best British Single at the Brit Awards 1991.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Policy of Truth</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"Policy of Truth" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 7 May 1990 as the third single from their seventh studio album Violator (1990). It is the only Depeche Mode single to chart higher on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart than on the UK Singles Chart, and it became the band's second chart-topper on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">World in My Eyes</span> 1990 single by Depeche Mode

"World in My Eyes" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released on 17 September 1990 as the fourth and final single from their seventh studio album, Violator (1990). The song peaked at number two in Denmark and Spain, number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 52 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Feel You</span> 1993 single by Depeche Mode

"I Feel You" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 15 February 1993 as their 27th UK single and the first single from their eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart and also made number one and number three on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart and the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It is one of the band's highest-charting singles worldwide. The accompanying music video was directed by Anton Corbijn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walking in My Shoes</span> 1993 single by Depeche Mode

"Walking in My Shoes" is a song by British electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was released on 26 April 1993 as the second single from their eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and matched the success of the previous single "I Feel You" on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, where it reached one. The B-side is "My Joy", the only exclusive B-side from the Songs of Faith and Devotion album, and is a rock track in the vein of "I Feel You".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Condemnation (song)</span> 1993 single by Depeche Mode

"Condemnation" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 13 September 1993 by Mute as the third single from the band eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song reached No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart, No. 3 in Sweden, and No. 1 in Portugal. Its music video was directed by Anton Corbijn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">In Your Room (Depeche Mode song)</span> 1993 Depeche Mode song

"In Your Room" is the fourth and final single released from English electronic music band Depeche Mode's eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). Released on 10 January 1994, the song reached number eight on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number two in Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. It is the last single to feature Alan Wilder as a member before his departure in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's No Good</span> 1997 single by Depeche Mode

"It's No Good" a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 31 March 1997 as the second single from their ninth studio album, Ultra (1997). It was commercially successful, reaching number one in Denmark, Spain, Sweden and on the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It entered the top 10 in Finland, Germany, Iceland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number five.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Home (Depeche Mode song)</span> 1997 single by Depeche Mode

"Home" is a song by English electronic music group Depeche Mode, released on 16 June 1997 as the third single from their ninth album, Ultra (1997). The song is sung by guitarist Martin Gore, rather than the band's main singer, Dave Gahan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Useless (song)</span> 1997 single by Depeche Mode

"Useless" is a song by English electronic music group Depeche Mode, released on 20 October 1997 as the fourth and final single from their ninth studio album, Ultra (1997). It was released with "Home" as a double A-side in the United States due to "Useless" getting airplay on US radio stations before "Home" was announced. "Useless" features a bass contribution performed by bassist Doug Wimbish, known for his session work and as a member of Living Color.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Only When I Lose Myself</span> 1998 single by Depeche Mode

"Only When I Lose Myself" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode. It was made exclusively for their 1998 compilation The Singles 86>98 and released as a single on 7 September 1998. It is the first non-album studio single since "It's Called a Heart" in 1985 and is also one of the rare singles to have two limited editions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dream On (Depeche Mode song)</span> 2001 single by Depeche Mode

"Dream On" is a song by the British musical group Depeche Mode. It was released in the United States on 17 April 2001 and in the United Kingdom on 23 April 2001 as the first single from the band's 10th studio album, Exciter (2001). The song topped the charts of Denmark, Germany, Italy and Spain and reached the top 10 in Austria, Canada, Finland, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Wallonia. The song's music video was directed by Stéphane Sednaoui.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Suffer Well</span> 2006 single by Depeche Mode

"Suffer Well" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode from their eleventh studio album, Playing the Angel (2005). It was released in the United Kingdom on 27 March 2006 as the album's third single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John the Revelator / Lilian</span> 2006 double A-side single by Depeche Mode

"John the Revelator" / "Lilian" is the second double A-side single released by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, issued on 5 June 2006. Both songs are included on Depeche Mode's 11th studio album, Playing the Angel (2005), and served as the fourth single from the album. The single became another UK top-20 hit for the band, reaching number 18. "John the Revelator" was edited down several seconds for the single, while "Lilian" was slightly remixed and the introduction was shortened.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martyr (song)</span> 2006 single by Depeche Mode

"Martyr" is a song by English electronic band Depeche Mode. It was released as a non-album single to promote the band's eighth greatest hits compilation album, The Best of, Volume 1. The single was released on 30 October 2006 in three formats: CD single, CD maxi and DVD single. There was also a limited-edition double 12-inch single featuring four remixes of previous Depeche Mode tracks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wrong (Depeche Mode song)</span> 2009 single by Depeche Mode

"Wrong" is the first single released from English electronic music group Depeche Mode's twelfth studio album, Sounds of the Universe, and their 46th UK single overall. It was released to radio in February 2009 and became available for purchase online on 24 February 2009. The single was physically released on 6 April 2009. The 12-inch version of the single was released on 11 May 2009. B-side "Oh Well" is the first writing collaboration between Martin Gore (music) and Dave Gahan (lyrics).

References

  1. ↑ DiGravina, Tim. "Depeche Mode - Barrel of a Gun". AllMusic . Retrieved 26 August 2015.
  2. ↑ Trakin, Janet (28 April 1997). "It's a Mode Mode Mode World". Hits . Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  3. ↑ Harding, Sven. "Interview with Depeche Mode, The Videos 86>98, Mute MF033 and Videos 86>98+". Mute MF042. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  4. ↑ Flick, Larry (25 January 1997). "Reviews & Previews: Singles" (PDF). Billboard . p. 60. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  5. ↑ Pride, Dominic (25 January 1997). "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . p. 21. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  6. ↑ "Reviews: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 25 January 1997. p. 28. Retrieved 8 May 2022.
  7. ↑ "Depeche Mode Biography 1997" . Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  8. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (UK CD single liner notes). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. CDBONG25.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (European CD single liner notes). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. 74321464902.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. 12BONG25.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Depeche Mode. Reprise Records. 1997. 0-43828.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (UK limited 12-inch single sleeve). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. L12BONG25.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (US CD single disc notes). Depeche Mode. Reprise Records. 1997. 2-17409.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (US 7-inch single vinyl disc). Depeche Mode. Reprise Records. 1997. 7-17409.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (Canadian CD single disc notes). Depeche Mode. Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. CD 43828.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  16. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (Australian CD single disc notes). Depeche Mode. Liberation Records, Mute Records. 1997. D1560, LCDBONG 25.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ↑ Barrel of a Gun (Japanese CD single liner notes). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. TOCP-50225.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  18. ↑ Ultra (UK CD album booklet). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. CD STUMM 148.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  20. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  21. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  22. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in French). Ultratop 50.
  23. ↑ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)". Billboard . Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  24. ↑ "Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Issue 7856." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 3 October 2018.
  25. 1 2 "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 14, no. 9. 1 March 1997. p. 15. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  26. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 8. 22 February 1997. p. 11. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  27. ↑ "Depeche Mode: Barrel of a Gun" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  28. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in French). Les classement single.
  29. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  30. ↑ "Top National Sellers" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 8. 22 February 1997. p. 15. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  31. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Barrel of a Gun". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
  32. ↑ "History" (in Italian). FIMI . Retrieved 2 June 2022. Set "Ricerca per" on "Titolo", then search "Barrel of a Gun" and click "Classifiche".
  33. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  34. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  35. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun". VG-lista.
  36. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  37. ↑ Salaverrie, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Madrid: Fundación Autor/SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  38. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun". Singles Top 100.
  39. ↑ "Depeche Mode – Barrel of a Gun". Swiss Singles Chart.
  40. ↑ "Depeche Mode: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  41. ↑ "Independent Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 22 February 1997. p. 26. ISSN   0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
  42. ↑ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  43. ↑ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  44. ↑ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  45. ↑ "Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 1997" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 52. 27 December 1997. p. 7. OCLC   29800226 – via World Radio History.
  46. ↑ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts – 1997" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  47. ↑ "Årslista Singlar, 1997" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan . Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  48. ↑ "Best of '97: Modern Rock Track". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 5, no. 52. 26 December 1997. p. 30.
  49. ↑ "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 1987−1998" (PDF) (in Swedish). IFPI Sweden. 7 March 1997. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2011. Retrieved 14 March 2019.
  50. ↑ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . 1 February 1997. p. 31. Retrieved 4 July 2021.
  51. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 15 February 1997. p. 31.
  52. ↑ "リミックス・コレクションVol.1～バレル・オブ・ア・ガン～ | デペッシュ・モード" [Remix Collection Vol.1 ~Barrel of a Gun~ | Depeche Mode] (in Japanese). Oricon . Retrieved 16 November 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.