About this album
Sound:
"A darkly atmospheric blend of electro-pop and introspective lyrics that showcase Gahan's haunting vocal presence."
Where they were
Released on June 2, 2003, 'Paper Monsters' was Dave Gahan's debut solo album, coming after his tenure with Depeche Mode and a personal struggle with addiction. This album marked his first significant artistic exploration outside the band, highlighting his distinct voice and songwriting capabilities in a solo context.
Why it matters
'Paper Monsters' received critical acclaim for its introspective songwriting and Gahan's vocal performance, peaking at number 27 on the UK Albums Chart. It solidified Gahan's place as a solo artist and influenced the electro-pop scene of the early 2000s.
Essential tracks
- "Dirty Sticky Floors" — The opening track captures the album's gritty atmosphere, featuring pulsating rhythms and an infectious chorus that sets the tone for Gahan's solo venture.
- "Hold On" — 'Hold On' showcases Gahan's emotional depth, blending a catchy melody with lyrics about resilience and hope, making it a standout anthem.
- "Goodbye" — This track presents a poignant reflection on loss and acceptance, emphasizing Gahan's ability to convey vulnerability through his evocative vocals.
Release Date
June 2, 2003
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Dirty Sticky Floors 3:32
- 2 Hold On 4:17
- 3 A Little Piece 5:10
- 4 Bottle Living 3:31
- 5 Black and Blue Again 5:41
- 6 Stay 4:17
- 7 I Need You 4:45
- 8 Bitter Apple 5:59
- 9 Hidden Houses 5:02
- 10 Goodbye 5:54
Disc 2
- 1 A Short Film 9:16
- 2 Dirty Sticky Floors - Video 3:36
- 3 Exclusive B-roll footage from The Dirty Sticky Floors video shot 5:04
- 4 Hold On - Exclusive New York acoustic performance 5:14
- 5 A Little Piece - Exclusive New York acoustic performance 4:34
- 6 Exclusive B-roll footage from the New York acoustic performance 5:07
- 7 Photo gallery 0:01
