Recording information: Blackwing Studios, London, England.

Illustrator: Simon Rice.

Photographers: Mark Higenbottam; Simon Rice; Martyn Atkins; David A. Jones.

The first three box sets devoted to compiling all of Depeche Mode's A- and B-sides were originally issued in 1991. In 2004, when the fourth through sixth sets were issued for the first time, the initial three were reissued. The first box, covering 1981 and 1982, includes the "Dreaming of Me," "New Life," "Just Can't Get Enough," "See You," "The Meaning of Life," and "Leave in Silence" singles. In what would prove to be a regular Depeche Mode practice throughout the years, all of their first six singles involve non-album tracks, along with extended versions and alternate mixes. Each single is packaged individually in a slim jewel case, providing a convenience for hardcore fans. ~ Andy Kellman

The first installment of Depeche Mode's six-volume SINGLES box-set series finds both the boys from Basildon and synth-pop itself in a state of wide-eyed innocence. Though they would eventually journey into far darker waters, DM spent its first couple of years turning out sunny pop tunes, mostly penned by synthesizer whiz Vince Clarke. Clarke would shortly leave the band in the stewardship of Martin Gore, moving on to form Yaz, but his tunes on this box set are full of effervescent, youthful exuberance. To hear the breathless joy of Clarke's "New Life" and "Just Can't Get Enough," as well as the sparkling, achingly romantic melodies of Gore's "The Meaning of Love" and "See You," is to remember what it is to be young and full of promise. The original formation of Depeche Mode was akin to the Beach Boys as heard through Kraftwerk's transistor radio, colorful electronics conveying sugary pop verities. Amid the glory of thick analog synth tones and endearingly simple drum-machine grooves, one can revel in both the band's early 1980s hits and little-known but equally entrancing B-sides.