"Policy of Truth" is a hit single by English electronic band Depeche Mode, released on May 7, 1990, as the third single from their acclaimed album Violator. The track is renowned for its sleek synth-driven sound and introspective lyrics, and it stands as one of the band’s most enduring songs from their late 1980s and early 1990s era12.
Song Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 7, 1990 |
| Album | Violator |
| Writer | Martin L. Gore |
| Producers | Depeche Mode, Flood |
| Genre | Synth-pop, dark wave |
| Length | 4:55 (album version) |
| B-side | "Kaleid" |
Chart Performance
- Peaked at No. 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100—Depeche Mode’s highest US chart position for a single at the time.
- Reached No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart.
- Topped the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, becoming the band’s second No. 1 on that chart.
Composition and Production
- The song was initially developed during the Puk sessions and underwent significant changes before being almost completely re-recorded at The Church studio.
- The band experimented with over 100 variations of the lead riff, eventually settling on a distinctive slide guitar sound.
- The intro melody features a looped single note to create a vibrato effect, contributing to the song’s unique, hypnotic atmosphere.
Lyrics and Themes
"Policy of Truth" explores the consequences of honesty and the complications that arise from always telling the truth. The lyrics suggest that sometimes, revealing the truth can lead to regret and unforeseen problems:
"It's just time to pay the price
For not listening to advice
And deciding in your youth
On the policy of truth"
The chorus, "Never again is what you swore the time before," highlights the cyclical nature of mistakes and the difficulty of learning from them.
Legacy and Impact
- The song is celebrated for its sophisticated production and remains a staple of Depeche Mode’s live shows.
- Its success in the US marked a significant milestone for the band, helping to cement their international reputation.
- "Policy of Truth" is frequently included in Depeche Mode compilations and retrospectives, and its music video, directed by Anton Corbijn, is considered iconic within the band’s videography.
Notable Facts
- The B-side, "Kaleid," is an instrumental track.
- "Policy of Truth" is the only Depeche Mode single to chart higher in the US than in the UK.
- The track’s blend of synth-pop and dark wave elements exemplifies the sonic evolution Depeche Mode achieved on Violator.
"Policy of Truth" remains a quintessential Depeche Mode song, blending introspective lyrics with cutting-edge electronic production and a memorable, moody groove12.
