With the release of its newest album, “Playing the Angel,” Depeche Mode returns to the music scene for the first time in four years.

Since 2001, Depeche Mode has taken much criticism for its previous release, “Exciter,” which left many fans begging for more of the group’s typical dance music that was, for the most part, completely avoided in a poor attempt to try something new.

Known for its innovative lyrical subjects and flare for the dramatic, Depeche Mode has managed to label itself as one of the groups that can always be counted on to deliver something new and original. With its dark and depressing lyrics, Depeche Mode has attempted to return to its older methods of creating cryptic, ‘80s-like tunes, which includes the first single “Precious.”

Besides “Precious,” which is easily the most noteworthy song on the album, the majority of the songs can be considered emotionally charged. Regardless of the amount of emotion each song’s lyrics may or may not contain, this album, aside from “Precious,” lacks the amount of standout songs Depeche Mode has typically produced in the past.

Songs such as “John The Revelator” and “Lilian” contain the intellectual lyrical presence, but lack the ability to maintain a smooth obtrusive quality Depeche Mode made great on past albums. This problem, along with muffled sounds and distracting sound bites, becomes a trend on track after track, which inevitably makes the album just another average album. Like so many other albums this year, “Playing the Angel” is a disappointment and after a four-year hiatus, it is inexcusable.