With
Clarke's departure, the worry was whether
Depeche could continue without him.
Gore stepped up to the main songwriting position, the band created "See You" -- and proceeded to have an even bigger hit in the U.K. than even with "Just Can't Get Enough," though the latter song is the more well-remembered one. With the same general approach as
Depeche's earlier hits sonically -- perform the keyboards straight through, create a catchy arrangement, and let the melody do the rest -- the secret hook of the single is its sudden shift at the end of the chorus to a Beach Boys-styled joint harmony break. It's at once outrageous and just right. The extended version on the single isn't much change from the straight single version outside of length. The B-side, "Now This Is Fun," is actually more satisfying all around, with a murky, echoed start, a cutting, descending synth bassline, and quick, nervous percussion underscoring the lyrical search for good times.
Gahan sounds much more like himself as well -- a good sign.