Ultra  by Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode's ninth studio album was prepared under particularly difficult conditions. Alan Wilder left the group and they had to continue as a trio, the singer Dave Gahan was utterly dependent on heroin - primarily, while the production of the album was left entirely in the hands of Tim Simenon, who was recently a member of an electronic-dance music group, Bomb The Bass. Things did not seem to be going well at all and there was serious consideration to disband the group.

Finally, after difficulties, tensions, and setbacks, Ultra was ready in April 1997. The recordings had taken thirteen months. At one point, everything had stopped as they waited for Gahan to return from a rehabilitation center. Despite many problems, the album won over critics and the public, and its success kept the Depeche Mode group alive. Its musical style resembles Songs Of Faith And Devotion, but it goes a step further by incorporating several trip hop elements.

Worldwide, its sales reached 4,000,000 copies. The album was not supported by an extensive tour - how could it be after all - but by a short series of concerts called "Ultra Parties".