Light The Dead See, The

I am pretty sure there are two camps of people who purchased this album, folks who are fans of Dave Gahan/Depeche Mode and fans of Soulsavers. I must confess I fall into the former group. This is not to proclaim any malice towards Soulsavers; I wasn't familiar with them before this release. Despite that they opened many shows for Depeche during their Tour of the Universe. I actually saw DM twice on that tour and Soulsavers didn't open on either show that I saw. Nevertheless, Soulsavers opening for DM is what spawned the collaboration from Gahan and Soulsavers.To put it simply, this album is amazing. The music is performed by Soulsavers and the vocals and lyrics are done by Gahan. The combination is pure bliss and really a cathartic journey. As for the genre this music falls under is a little difficult to describe. I can say that this sounds nothing like Depeche Mode, no dance beats here. I would say maybe alternative, post-rock or even neo-gospel. If I had to make a comparison, some of the songs wouldn't be out of place on "Paper Monsters". There is a great deal of strings on this album and Dave Gahan lends his harmonica skills on two tracks. The cacophonies are very mellow, haunting, hopeful, aloof, beautiful and introspective.I found Gahan's lyrics to be simple but powerful. Songs like "Take" for instance doesn't have a verbose epic quality but is still able to promote an eerie beauty that is very philosophical in a spiritual manner. As for Gahan's voice, well it is still astounding. His baritone presences are stronger than ever. I always feel a sense of ease when I hear this man sing. He is truly an underrated singer. I was able to listen to this entire album several times while on vacation via headphones as I did a great deal of walking. I must say taking in this music in a solitary fashion was remarkable.I am extremely interested to look up some of Soulsavers' earlier albums, because these guys have talent. I have heard that Gahan and Soulsavers would be open to working together again in the future. I would welcome it. The only complaint I have about this release is the packaging. I decided to buy the physical CD mainly because I wanted a copy of the lyrics and some photos. Sadly this release provides neither and I found that a little disappointing. I love the album cover and the title "The Light the Dead See" is such a perfect name for this record. Nevertheless, this is a great collection of tunes to play on a cold night...with or without a loved one.

So far, this is best of Gahan... together with other Soulsavers. I never expected this album to be this good, quite honestly. But it is. Dave improved tremendously in his writing skills and the music and production is just perfect.It's bitter, introspective, atmospheric, melancholic. Gets better and makes more sense with each listen. You can sense that Dave is bitter and even disappointed in things and values that he held on so tight for many years and after everything he has been through... That's not a teenage-angst thing in any way, but words of wisdom and experience. He is experienced, he has been through many things and survived! Those kind of people can always tell a tale and have so much to offer, even when the tales don't always have a happy end. And the tales of real life are just like that.Thumbs are up for Dave, his GREAT Soulsavers effort and the next DM album.Update 14/07/2012:This album is a gem. It has grown on me SO much that I literally cannot stop listening to it! It's SO powerful and emotional. Even though this is quite different music than Depeche Mode, because of Dave, I consider it up to their best.

It is very difficult to write an album that is inspirational, spiritual and religious. Bob "Dylan" Zimmerman has said it is ten times harder than creating an album about life as we see it. I can understand his point and it's clear when you listen to this marvelous recording by the Soulsavers. It's difficult because some times it comes off as preaching.....not on this album, however. Soulsavers pull it off,but it's not easy. I have many of their albums and this one is the first that really could be labeled "religious" or totally spiritual. This is also the first album with Dave Gahan as lead singer and songwriter. The other albums used the great Mark Lanegan as lead singer. Gahan has a clear, powerful and at times soaring vocal style. The background vocals are superb.This is a well produced, well sung and played, inspirational album that strives to connect with the life force beyond mankind to a higher plateau of awareness and appreciation of just exactly what we are. It strives to create a mood of humbleness and thankfulness for our very lives. We're on this planet spinning and traveling through space among the stars and we know only one thing for certain....we will die, everyone of us. What is the meaning of that? What is the meaning of this existence. The realization of these questions and facts should make us better people.....that's what Soulsavers are trying to convey, I believe.That's the light that Hank was singing about and the "light the dead can see....."

To be plain an simple, EVERYONE should stumble upon this album. The guys in Soulsavers and David Gahan have created an album that will sadly not be heard by many people. I have read quite a few complaints from Depeche Mode fans that the band has lost its touch and that we will never hear another Violator or Ultra. If these same people, just like me could find this album they could die happy. This is not a Depeche Mode album but it is so good it will have you believing that you just listened to one. This is coming from someone who's main musical staple is Black Metal. I don't care who you are or what you listen to, this album is good or better yet, great, music. Go to Youtube and check out any song on the album. I bet the kitchen sink you will be back here buying it. To the guys in Soulsavers and to David Gahan, THANK YOU!!!

This is really a great record, nearly each song is amazing. Dave Gahan's voice is enchanting. Music is fantastic. Lyrics are seriously addictive. It seriously competes and wins with some of the recent DM albums.

Admittedly, I was drawn to this album by Dave Gahan's vocal and lyrical contributions (being a big Depeche Mode fan), although I first encountered Soulsavers when they opened for Depeche Mode on their last tour. Soulsavers and Dave Gahan do come together very well on this album, each putting their own layers into each of the non-instrumental tracks. Dave gives a masterful performance here, particularly on numbers such as "Presence of God", as he seems to pour out all the thoughts in his head. Dave's voice complements the established Soulsavers sound very well, giving the impression they've been working together for many years, prime examples being the gospel-esque "Take Me Back Home", and the leading single "Longest Day". The sound of the album is loud and clear coming through stereo speakers and car speakers alike, so well-produced, too!To sum up, a very strong and accomplished album indeed - one of the best you will hear in 2012.

I was brought to this by being a fan of Depeche Mode, and therefore take an interest in anything the individual members create. The music is beautiful, and can only be enhanced by the wonderful voice of Dave Gahan (who wrote the lyrics). It's definitely worth many a listen - and not a synthesizer in sight( well, there may be but it doesn't sound like it)! Mr Gahan has so much more to offer than 80's/90's/20's electro beats (even though I love that too)!(PS the new Mode album is Great!) Very soulful -we've grown up together. Give it a go - whatever age, your soul possibly needs saving too, and this album will at least soothe it.

I must say the music and lyrics on this album are beautiful but this was sadly let down by a shocking pressing on vinyl, probably the worst new album I've bought.

Dave Gahan and The Soulsavers - a mix of orchestral filmic scores and camp fire acoustic numbers. The album is not dissimilar to modern Depeche Mode and one longs for the sound of Martin on backing vocals at times. And yet musically this is a far more organic stripped back sound than you'd get from an overly produced Mode album. It is worthy of a place on your CD shelf next to Violator or Songs of Faith and Devotion. Though do not expect easy listening - it is the perfect accompaniment to a stiff drink.