Depeche Mode's debut is at once both a conservative, functional pop record and a groundbreaking release. Depeche Mode became the undisputed founder of straight-up synth pop with the album's 11 songs, light, hooky, and danceable numbers about love, life, and clubs.

Credit for the album's success has to go to main songwriter Vince Clarke; the classic early singles "New Life", "Dreaming Of Me", and "Just Can't Get Enough", along with "Pretty Boy" to "Photographic" keep everything moving throughout.