I Feel You

This article is about the song by Depeche Mode. For other uses, see I Feel You (disambiguation).

"I Feel You"
Single by Depeche Mode
from the album Songs of Faith and Devotion
B-side"One Caress"
Released9 February 1993 (1993-02-09)
Recorded1992
Studio
Genre
Length
  • 4:35 (album version)
  • 4:27 (intro edit)
LabelMute
SongwriterMartin Gore
Producers
Depeche Mode singles chronology
"World in My Eyes"
(1990) 		"I Feel You"
(1993) 		"Walking in My Shoes"
(1993)
Music video
"I Feel You" on YouTube

"I Feel You" is a song by the English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 9 February 1993 in the Us and 15 February 1993 by Mute Records in the UK as the first single from their eighth studio album, Songs of Faith and Devotion (1993). The song was written by Martin Gore and produced by the band with Flood. It 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, directed by Anton Corbijn was nominated for both an MTV Music Awards as well as a Brit Award.

Background and recording

Depeche Mode had taken time off after their successful album Violator and supporting World Violation Tour in 1990.[5] In 1992, the band reconvened near Madrid, Spain, to record material for their new album.[6]

Songwriter Martin Gore brought a demo of "I Feel You" to the Madrid sessions, which delighted singer Dave Gahan, who was looking to do something "bluesier" and "rockier" than they had done before.[7]

Band member Alan Wilder played live drums for the track, which were then sampled and replayed for the song. Said Wilder of the drums,

I went in and played drums along with the track in one particular style, then did it again in a funkier style, and so on. ... We set up a studio in the basement. The two drum kits – the smaller and the larger one – were recorded in different spaces, which gave each a different kind of edge. Plus, they were played in very different ways. Most of them were sampled and then sequenced in the form of drum loops. ... There's a series of loops, which are sequenced together ... in a different structure from how they were originally performed. At the beginning of 'I Feel You' the drum kit is played, sampled, put through a synth, distorted, and then reduced to half-level."[8]

Lyrically, Wilder felt that the song uplifting, saying "I don't agree at all that Songs of Faith and Devotion is a dark album – it's the only Depeche Mode album that leaves you feeling uplifted. 'I Feel You', for example ... [has] an overriding sense of optimism."[9]

Release and promotion

The band all agreed to release the song as the lead-off single for the album, with Wilder saying "the track had attitude and was radically different to what we had done before. We hoped it would surprise people and make them curious about the rest of the album."[8]

The single was released first in the US on 9 February 1993, and then six days later in the UK, representing the first time a Depeche Mode single was released in the US before the UK.[10] Mute Records released the single in the UK on several formats: a 7" vinyl single with catalogue number 7BONG21, a 12" vinyl single (12BONG21), a limited edition 12" single (L12BONG21), and as a promotional 12" single, P12BONG21.[11] Remixes for the song were created by Brian Eno, Renegade Soundwave, Mark Stent, and John Crossley.

On the album, the track was sequenced as the first song, before "Walking in My Shoes", a position Wilder had to fight with the band to get them agree to.[12]

The single also included the album track "One Caress".[10]

Within two weeks of its release, the single went to number eight on the UK singles chart.[13]

Music video

The black-and-white music video for "I Feel You" was directed by Dutch photographer, film director and music video director Anton Corbijn and was the first time fans of Depeche Mode were shown Gahan's new look, with long hair, tattoos and a goatee.[10] The woman in the video is English actress Lysette Anthony.[10] In September 1993, "I Feel You" was nominated in the MTV Video Music Awards,[14] and in the UK it was nominated for the 1993 Brit Awards, although it failed to win either.[15]

There is also a music video for "One Caress", directed by Kevin Kerslake, that was filmed during one of the off-days of the Devotional Tour in the US.

The videos for "I Feel You" and "One Caress" appeared on subsequent Depeche Mode video compilations, including The Videos 86–98 (1998 for "I Feel You", 2002 re-release for "One Caress") and Video Singles Collection (2016).

Live performances

"I Feel You" has been played on nearly every Depeche Mode tour since 1993, including the 1993–94 Devotional Tour, the 2001 Exciter Tour, the 2005–06 Touring the Angel tour, the 2009–10 Tour of the Universe, the 2013–14 Delta Machine Tour, the 2018–19 Global Spirit Tour and the 2023–24 Memento Mori World Tour. Performances from these tours were released on Devotional (1993), One Night in Paris (2002), Touring the Angel: Live in Milan (2006), Tour of the Universe: Barcelona 20/21.11.09 (2010), Live in Berlin (2014), and Depeche Mode: M (2025), with only the 1998 Singles Tour and the Global Spirit Tour not seeing an official live release of the song.

Other appearances

The song appeared in its album or remixed form on various Depeche Mode compilation albums, including The Singles 86–98 (1998), Remixes 81–04 (2004), The Best of Depeche Mode Volume 1 (2006), and Remixes 2: 81–11 (2011).

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[16]

In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton wrote, "In a similar vein to 'Personal Jesus' the track may not have quite the momentum to go Top 3 and is unlikely to win them any new fans."[17] David Quantick from NME viewed it as "a song which takes INXS's arena bluster and turns it into a dark and mean glitter stomp."[18] Sam Wood from Philadelphia Inquirer described it as "a screeching blast of hellish white noise. A claustrophobic electro-blues shackled to a two-note guitar figure, 'I Feel You' trumpets the onrush of a terrifying mystical experience."[19] Andrew Harrison from Select noted the "easy brutality" and "raging noise" that opens the track.[20]

Track listings

The "Life's Too Short" mix and the "Swamp" mix are by Brian Eno; the "Throb" mix and the "Helmet at the Helm" mix are by Mike Stent; the "Babylon" mix is by John Crossley and Supereal; and the "Afghan Surgery" mix is by Danny Briottet and Renegade Soundwave.

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[66] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom 15 February 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 Mute [67]
Japan 21 February 1993 CD [68]
Australia 28 February 1993
  • CD
  • cassette
  • Liberation
  • Mute
 [69]
21 March 1993 12-inch vinyl [70]
5 April 1993 CD [71]

See also

References

  1. ^ Shaw, William (April 1993). "In The Mode". Details. pp. 90–95, 168. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  2. ^ Cosores, Philip (4 July 2017). "Ranking: Every Alternative Rock No. 1 Hit from Worst to Best". Consequence of Sound. p. 11. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  3. ^ Maroto, Carlos. "Depeche Mode, la leyenda de Basildon, treinta años de reinado entre el rock y la electrónica (II)". Paniko Nuclear (in Spanish). Archived from the original on 11 January 2014. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  4. ^ Rolland, David (4 October 2023). "10 Songs That Show Depeche Mode Are Synth-Pop Masters". Miami New Times. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  5. ^ Miller 2003, p. 471.
  6. ^ Hallard & Lane (2006)
  7. ^ Gittins 2018, p. 156.
  8. ^ a b Miller 2003, p. 512.
  9. ^ Miller 2003, p. 488.
  10. ^ a b c d Burmeister & Lange 2017, p. 208.
  11. ^ Burmeister & Lange 2017, pp. 208–209.
  12. ^ "Playingtheangel.com – Articles – In The Mode". 2 April 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
  13. ^ Miller 2003, p. 513.
  14. ^ "MTV Video Music Awards Pre Show (MTV/USA – 1993)". Depechemode.com. 2 September 1993. Archived from the original on 23 October 2009.
  15. ^ "Everything Counts". Bong. No. 20. 1994. p. 10–12.
  16. ^ Raggett, Ned. "I Feel You – Depeche Mode". AllMusic. Retrieved 15 March 2026.
  17. ^ Masterton, James (21 February 1993). "Week Ending February 27th 1993". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  18. ^ Quantick, David (20 March 1993). "Long Play". NME. p. 32. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
  19. ^ Wood, Sam (30 March 1993). "Depeche Mode Meditates on Religion with 'Songs of Faith and Devotion'". Philadelphia Inquirer.
  20. ^ Harrison, Andrew (April 1993). "Reviews: New Albums". Select. p. 75. Retrieved 1 January 2025.
  21. ^ I Feel You (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Mute Records. 1993. Bong 21.
  22. ^ I Feel You (UK cassette single sleeve). Mute Records. 1993. C Bong 21.
  23. ^ I Feel You (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Mute Records. 1993. 12 Bong 21.
  24. ^ I Feel You (UK limited 12-inch single sleeve). Mute Records. 1993. L12 Bong 21.
  25. ^ I Feel You (UK CD2 liner notes). Mute Records. 1993. LCD Bong 21.
  26. ^ I Feel You (UK CD1 liner notes). Mute Records. 1993. CD Bong 21.
  27. ^ I Feel You (Japanese CD single liner notes). Mute Records. 1993. ALCB-721.
  28. ^ I Feel You (US 12-inch single vinyl disc). Sire Records, Reprise Records. 1993. 0-40767.
  29. ^ I Feel You (US maxi-cassette single sleeve). Sire Records, Reprise Records. 1993. 4-40767.
  30. ^ I Feel You (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Sire Records, Reprise Records. 1993. 9 40767-2.
  31. ^ I Feel You (US maxi-CD single liner notes). Sire Records, Reprise Records. 1993. 9 40784-2.
  32. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  33. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  34. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  35. ^ "Hits of the World: Canada" (PDF). Billboard. 10 April 1993. p. 43. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  36. ^ "Top RPM Singles: Image 1780". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  37. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 14. 3 April 1993. p. 20. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
  38. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 13. 27 March 1993. p. 27. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  39. ^ "EHR Top 40" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 12. 20 March 1993. p. 26. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
  40. ^ Nyman, Jake (2005). Suomi soi 4: Suuri suomalainen listakirja (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. ISBN 951-31-2503-3.
  41. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You" (in French). Le classement de singles. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  42. ^ "Offizielle Deutsche Charts" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. To see the peak chart position, click 'TITEL VON', followed by the artist's name. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  43. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 11. 13 March 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  44. ^ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40: Vikan 29. apríl – 5. maí". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). 29 April 1993. p. 29. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  45. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – I Feel You". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  46. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 17. 24 April 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
  47. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Depeche Mode" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  48. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  49. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  50. ^ "Top 10 Sales in Europe" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 12. 20 March 1993. p. 24. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  51. ^ Salaverri, Fernando (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (in Spanish) (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN 84-8048-639-2.
  52. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  53. ^ "Depeche Mode – I Feel You". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 11 January 2014.
  54. ^ "Official Singles Chart on 27/2/1993 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 3 July 2013.
  55. ^ "Top 50 Airplay Chart" (PDF). Music Week. 27 February 1993. p. 14. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
  56. ^ "Independent Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 20 March 1993. p. 23. ISSN 0265-1548 – via World Radio History.
  57. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  58. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 September 2020.
  59. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  60. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 11 July 2023.
  61. ^ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending March 27, 1993". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 10 October 2012.
  62. ^ "1993 Year-End Sales Charts > Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 10, no. 51/52. 18 December 1993. p. 15. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
  63. ^ "Jahrescharts – 1993". Offiziellecharts.de (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  64. ^ "Årstopplistan 1993, Singlar" (in Swedish). Grammotex. Archived from the original on 16 February 2001. Retrieved 7 April 2025.
  65. ^ "The Year in Music: Top Modern Rock Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 105, no. 52. 25 December 1993. p. YE-39.
  66. ^ "American single certifications – Depeche Mode – I Feel You". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 13 November 2019.
  67. ^ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 13 February 1993. p. 17.
  68. ^ "デペッシュ・モード | アイ・フィール・ユー" [Depeche Mode | I Feel You] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 5 February 2025.
  69. ^ "New Release Summary – Product Available from : 28/02/93: Singles". The ARIA Report. No. 160. 28 February 1993. p. 20.
  70. ^ "New Release Summary – Product Available from : 21/03/93: Singles". The ARIA Report. No. 163. 21 March 1993. p. 18.
  71. ^ "New Release Summary – Product Available from : 05/04/93: Singles". The ARIA Report. No. 165. 4 April 1993. p. 19.

Works cited

  • Burmeister, Dennis; Lange, Sascha (2017). Depeche Mode: Monument. New York: Akashic Books. ISBN 978-1-61775-593-4.
  • Gittins, Ian (2018). Depeche Mode: Faith and Devotion. London: Palazzo Editions. ISBN 978-1-78675-064-8.
  • Hallard, Ross (director); Lane, Phil Michael (director) (2006). Depeche Mode: 1991–94 (We Were Going to Live Together, Record Together and It Was Going to Be Wonderful) (DVD). Mute Records.
  • Miller, Jonathan (2003). Stripped: The True Story of Depeche Mode. Omnibus Press. ISBN 1-84449-415-2.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.