On May 16th, 1988, DEPECHE MODE released the single LITTLE 15.
The fourth single from sixth studio album Music For The Masses, LITTLE 15 “was based around a simplistic opening (sampled) string arrangement that tipped its hat towards the minimalist classical compositions of Michael Nyman,” wrote Jonathan Miller in his book ‘Stripped’.
The song was “never intended to be a single; in fact, it barely made it onto the album, but a French record label wanted to release the song as a single, which became a popular import and a minor hit in the UK, reaching #60 on the UK Singles Chart.”
‘Never Let Me Down Again', second single from the album was, in many ways, the most DM song on the LP with its instant melodic flow, lyrical simplicity and ambiguity.
Anton Corbijn's recruitment as the band's video director and official photographer delivered a stark black and white treatment of the song.
Despite Corbijn's input, 'Never Let Me Down Again' only managed to reach #22 in the singles chart a fate which was reserved, too, for the new year's 'Behind The Wheel' single (#21).
It was, then, something of a relief when the band scored a totally unexpected hit overseas with 'Little 15': #16 in West Germany, #25 in Austria and #18 in Switzerland.
The single was imported into Britain in such quantities that it actually charted at #60.
Anton Corbijn's creative run was temporarily suspended as 'Little 15' saw Martyn Atkins resume directorial duties.
"It seemed like a good opportunity to try a different director as it was only released in France," said Alan Wilder.
Music For The Masses itself had struggled to reach the U.K. Top 10, despite a slew of collectible variations: a cassette release which paired the new album with Black Celebration, and a vinyl version which arrived with a free 12-inch of 'Strangelove' remixes.
So while 'Little 15' scraped no higher than #60, only the Jam, whose 'That's Entertainment' single charted in 1981, had previously scored so high with a foreign release.
Even though, in the eyes of Britain's hyper-critical music press, Depeche Mode could do little right, in the marketplace they remained untouchable.
Little 15
You help her forget
The world outside
You're not part of it yet
And if you could drive
You could drive her away
To a happier place
To a happier day
That exists in your mind
And in your smile
She could escape there
Just for a while
Little 15
Little 15
Why take the smooth with the rough
When things run smooth
It's already more than enough
She knows your mind
Is not yet in league
With the rest of the world
And it's little intrigues
Do you understand
Do you know what she means
As time goes by
And when you've seen what she's seen
You will
Little 15
Little 15
Why does she have to defend
Her feelings inside
Why pretend
She's not had a life
A life of near misses
Now all that she wants
Is 3 little wishes
She wants to see with your eyes
She wants to smile with your smile
She wants a nice surprise
Every once in a while
Little 15
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發表於 2020-5-17 13:26:39
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