Barrel of a Gun

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"Barrel of a Gun" is a song by English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 3 February 1997 as the first single from their ninth studio album, Ultra. The song reached No. 1 in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain and Sweden and reached the top 10 in the Denmark, Finland, Germany and the United Kingdom. In North America, the song reached No. 47 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Canadian Singles Chart.

Song meaning

Guitarist Martin Gore said, "it's about understanding what you're about and realising that you don't necessarily fit into somebody else's scheme of things."[1] Singer Dave Gahan, who was weakened from his battle with substance abuse at the time, added, "The song sums up the way I was treating myself and everybody around me. That's what life had in store for me every day. It's a really powerful statement. When you're in that kind of row, the last thing on your mind is dying."[2]

Critical reception

Larry Flick from Billboard wrote, "One of the true pioneering acts of electro-pop ends a lengthy break from the airwaves with a thoroughly satisfying if often caustic blend of techno synths and metallic guitars. Singer Dave Gahan has a field day digging into Martin Gore's typically heavy lyrics, comfortably swerving back and forth between hypnotic lethargy to white-knuckled intensity. Producer Tim Simenon wisely underlines the track with the kind of hip-hop motion needed to crack the pop market, while carefully weaving the instrumentation so that rockers and clubheads alike can happily jam on this one—and they will."[3]

Dominic Pride from Music & Media noted that Depeche Mode "serve up the sombre, industrial sound for which they've become huge in Europe, but with Simenon adding some open space to the production." He added that Gahan's "distorted vocals bring a touch of Nine Inch Nails to the party."[4] A reviewer from Music Week rated the song four out of five, commenting, "After four years away, this atmospheric epic hints at an even darker approach from the 'Mode. As the first taster for their new album, this is a certain smash."[5]

Music video

The music video for the song, shot in Morocco by Anton Corbijn, features Gahan with long hair singing with his eyes closed, with eyeballs drawn on his eyelids to make it seem like they are open.[6]

Track listings

All songs were written by Martin Gore.

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Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the Ultra album booklet.[17]

Studios

  • Recorded at Abbey Road, Eastcote, Westside, Strongroom, RAK (London, England), Electric Lady (New York City), and Larrabee West (Los Angeles)
  • Mastered at The Exchange (London, England)

Personnel

  • Martin Gore – writing (as Martin L. Gore)
  • Dave Clayton – keyboards, keyboard programming
  • Victor Indrizzo – percussion
  • Tim Simenon – production, mixing
  • Q. – mixing, engineering
  • Kerry Hopwood – programming
  • Mike Marsh – mastering

Charts

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Certifications

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Release history

Release dates and formats for "Barrel of a Gun"
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United Kingdom 3 February 1997 Template:Hlist Mute [30]
17 February 1997 Limited-edition 12-inch vinyl [31]
Japan 18 June 1997 CD [32]

References

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External links

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