Various Artists-For The Masses (A&M)

This album plays tribute to Depeche Mode. An all-star cast takes on their favorite tune from the synth-rock giant and try to put their own stamp on them.

The experiment is for the most part successful. Some of the band choices seem a little bit obvious, and thus the songs a little predictable, for example Smashing Pumpkins' version of "Never Let Me Down" and the Cure's "World In My Eyes" don't really stretch the envelope, sounding both too much like the original song and like the bands that are playing.

More enjoyable are Failure's guitar-drenched "Enjoy The Silence," God Lives Underwater's techno "Fly On The Windscreen," Veruca Salt's confessional take on "Somebody" and Dishwalla's electronica take on "Policy Of Truth" when the songs feel like they've been rethought and have something new brought to the table.

After all, what's the point in remaking something if you're going to do it the same way?  (9/98)