Depeche Mode's "Everything Counts" is a biting critique of corporate greed wrapped in an iconic synth-pop anthem that still resonates today.
The Song
Released on July 11, 1983, "Everything Counts" served as the lead single from Depeche Mode's third studio album, Construction Time Again, which followed a month later in August 1983. Written by Martin Gore, the song marked a significant shift in the band's sound, embracing a darker, more industrial-influenced aesthetic that incorporated "found sounds" and a prominent use of the Synclavier synthesizer. The lyrics offer a cynical commentary on corporate greed, exploitation, and the competitive nature of the world, with lines like "The grabbing hands grab all they can / All for themselves, after all" becoming particularly memorable.
The track was produced by Depeche Mode, Daniel Miller, and Gareth Jones, and was recorded at The Garden studios in East London, with final mixing done at Hansa Mischraum in Berlin. Its B-side, "Work Hard," is notable as the first Depeche Mode song (excluding instrumentals) to be credited to both Martin Gore and Alan Wilder.
The Artist
Depeche Mode, an English electronic band formed in Basildon in 1980, is comprised of Dave Gahan (lead vocals), Martin Gore (keyboards, guitar, vocals, chief songwriter), and Andy Fletcher (keyboards). Following the departure of founding member Vince Clarke, Martin Gore stepped into the primary songwriting role, guiding the band towards increasingly darker and more experimental territories. "Everything Counts" was a pivotal track in this evolution, showcasing a newfound maturity and a willingness to tackle sociopolitical themes that moved beyond their earlier, more straightforward synth-pop sound.
The band’s embrace of industrial sounds, influenced by groups like Einstürzende Neubauten, distinguished them within the synth-pop landscape of the early 1980s. This artistic progression would lay the groundwork for their enduring success and critical acclaim in subsequent decades.
Chart Performance
Upon its release, "Everything Counts" was a significant commercial success for Depeche Mode. It peaked at number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, making it their highest-charting single in the UK at that time. The song also performed well internationally, reaching number 8 in the Irish Singles Chart, number 6 in the West German Media Control Charts, and impressively, claiming the top spot at number 1 in the Swedish Singles Chart.
In the United States, the track gained traction on dance floors, reaching number 17 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. A live version of the song, released as a single in 1989 to support their live album 101, also re-entered the UK Singles Chart at number 22, demonstrating its lasting popularity.
Cultural Impact
"Everything Counts" solidified Depeche Mode's reputation as more than just a pop band, establishing them as artists capable of delivering incisive social commentary through innovative electronic music. The song's critique of unchecked capitalism and greed became a powerful, timeless message, resonating with listeners then and now. Its blend of accessible synth-pop melodies with industrial textures proved highly influential, contributing to the development of the "industrial pop" subgenre.
The track has remained a live staple for Depeche Mode throughout their career, often concluding their shows, with audiences famously singing along to the "The grabbing hands grab all they can" refrain. Its inclusion in the 2006 video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories further cemented its place in popular culture.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Everything Counts" was directed by Clive Richardson, who had previously directed the band's video for "Just Can't Get Enough" and would go on to direct several more for Depeche Mode. It was filmed in and around West Berlin.
- The band decided to work with Richardson again after being dissatisfied with the work of Julien Temple on previous videos, aiming to "harden up" their image along with their sound.
- The distinctive "scraping" sound heard at the beginning of the song was reportedly created by accident while the band was experimenting with the Synclavier sequencer during recording.
- The original 1983 single for "Everything Counts" included a minute-long reprise of the song's melodica-laced chorus as a coda on the Construction Time Again album, signifying a shift in the band's musical direction.
- The song's enduring relevance is highlighted by its consistent presence in Depeche Mode's live sets, with audiences frequently joining in on the chorus, a testament to its powerful message and memorable melody.