Ned Raggett's review: "The most immediate change was Gahan's singing; for the first time ever, he took singing lessons beforehand, and his new control and projection simply shines..." 3 stars.

Richard John's review: "an exceptionally well crafted dark and moody piece of pop."

CMJ review: " this is the most depressing fare we've heard from the band since the days of Black Celebration. And coincidentally, it's one of the best."

James Oldham's review: "Issues are skirted, poetry is attempted and we're left clutching another instalment of stadium-orientated angst, at a time when we were expecting reflective intimacy." Rating: 6/10.

Elysa Gardner's review: "moody, pulsating ballads such as "The Bottom Line" and "The Love Thieves" are ideal vehicles for Gahan's brooding baritone and for the band's ever-increasing sense of tender intuition." 3 stars.