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| recorded =
| recorded =
| studio =
| studio =
* [[Abbey Road Studios|Abbey Road]], Eastcote, Westside, Strongroom, [[RAK Studios|RAK]] (London, England)
* [[Abbey Road Studios|Abbey Road]], Eastcote, Westside, Strongroom, [[RAK Studios|RAK]] (London)
* [[Electric Lady Studios|Electric Lady]] (New York City)
* [[Electric Lady Studios|Electric Lady]] (New York City)
* [[Larrabee Sound Studios|Larrabee West]] (Los Angeles)
* [[Larrabee Sound Studios|Larrabee West]] (Los Angeles)
| genre = Electronic rock
| length =
| length =
* 5:12 (album version)
* 5:12 (album version)
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* 4:44 (album edit)
* 4:44 (album edit)
| label = [[Mute Records|Mute]]
| label = [[Mute Records|Mute]]
| writer = [[Martin Gore]]
| writer = [[Martin Gore|Martin L. Gore]]
| producer =
| producer =
* [[Tim Simenon]]
* [[Tim Simenon]]
* [[Alan Moulder]] (single remix)
* [[Alan Moulder]] (single remix)
Line 30: Line 29:
| next_title = [[Only When I Lose Myself]]
| next_title = [[Only When I Lose Myself]]
| next_year = 1998
| next_year = 1998
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|U2Kyu4XURaE|"Useless"}}}}
}}
}}


"'''Useless'''" is a song by English [[electronic music]] group [[Depeche Mode]], released on 20 October 1997 as the fourth and final single from their ninth studio album, ''[[Ultra (Depeche Mode album)|Ultra]]'' (1997). It was released with "[[Home (Depeche Mode song)|Home]]" as a [[double A-side]] in the United States due to "Useless" getting airplay on US radio stations before "Home" was announced. "Useless" features a bass contribution<ref>[[Ultra (Depeche Mode album)#Personnel]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2021}} performed by bassist [[Doug Wimbish]], known for his session work and as a member of [[Living Color]].
"'''Useless'''" is a song by English [[electronic music]] group [[Depeche Mode]], released on 20 October 1997 as the fourth and final single from their ninth studio album, ''[[Ultra (Depeche Mode album)|Ultra]]'' (1997). It was released with "[[Home (Depeche Mode song)|Home]]" as a [[double A-side]] in the United States due to "Useless" getting airplay on US radio stations before "Home" was announced. "Useless" features a bass contribution performed by bassist [[Doug Wimbish]],<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Ultra|title-link=Ultra (Depeche Mode album)|others=[[Depeche Mode]]|year=1997|type=UK CD album booklet|publisher=[[Mute Records]]|id=CD STUMM 148}}</ref> known for his session work and as a member of [[Living Color]].


==Release==
==Release==
Line 42: Line 42:


==Track listings==
==Track listings==
All songs were written by [[Martin L. Gore]]. The live version of "Useless" was recorded on 10 April 1997 in London, England.
All songs were written by [[Martin Gore|Martin L. Gore]]. The live version of "Useless" was recorded on 10 April 1997 in London, England.


'''UK CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=UK CD single liner notes|publisher=Mute Records|id=CD BONG 28}}</ref>
'''12-inch: Mute / 12Bong28 (UK)'''
⚫
# "Useless" (remix)
⚫
# "Useless" (The [[Kruder & Dorfmeister|Kruder + Dorfmeister]] Session™) (9:10)
# "Useless" ([[C. J. Bolland|CJ Bolland]] Funky sub mix) (5:38)
# "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: Parts 1 & 2!)
# "Useless" (Air 20 mix)" (7:56) (remixed by [[Carl Craig]])
# "Useless" (Cosmic Blues mix)
# "Barrel of a Gun" (video)


'''UK limited-edition CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=UK limited CD single liner notes|publisher=Mute Records|id=LCD BONG 28}}</ref>
'''CD: Mute / CDBong28 (UK)'''
# "Useless" (remix) (4:53) (remixed by [[Alan Moulder]])
# "Useless" ([[C. J. Bolland|CJ Bolland]] Ultrasonar mix)
⚫
# "Useless" (The [[Kruder & Dorfmeister|Kruder + Dorfmeister]] Session™)
⚫
# "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: parts 1 & 2!) (7:17) (remixed by [[Barry Adamson]])
# "Useless" (Cosmic Blues mix) (6:57)
# "Useless" (live)
* Includes a bonus "Barrel of a Gun" video.
# "It's No Good" (video)


'''UK 12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=UK 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Mute Records|id=12 BONG 28}}</ref>
'''CD: Mute / LCDBong28 (UK)'''
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar mix) (6:03)
:A1. "Useless" (The Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™)
# "Useless" (The Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™) (9:10)
:AA1. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky sub mix)
# "Useless" (live) (5:21)
:AA2. "Useless" (Air 20 mix)
⚫
* Includes a bonus "It's No Good" video.

'''CD: Mute / CDBong28X (Europe, 2004)'''
⚫
# "Useless" (remix) (4:55)
# "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: Parts 1 & 2!)(7:17)
⚫
# "Useless" (Cosmic Blues mix) (6:57)
⚫
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar mix) (6:03)
⚫
# "Useless" (The Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™) (9:10)
⚫
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky sub mix) (5:38)
⚫
# "Useless" (Air 20 mix) (7:56)
# "Useless" (Live) (5:21)
* Includes both "Barrel of a Gun" and "It's No Good" videos.


=="Home" / "Useless"==
=="Home" / "Useless"==
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| genre =
| genre =
| length =
| length =
* 5:46 ("[[Home (Depeche Mode song)|Home]]")
* 5:46 ("Home")
* 4:06 ("Useless")
* 4:06 ("Useless")
| label =
| label =
* [[Reprise Records|Reprise]]
* [[Reprise Records|Reprise]]
* [[Mute Records|Mute]]
* Mute
| writer = [[Martin Gore]]
| writer = Martin L. Gore
| producer = [[Tim Simenon]]
| producer = Tim Simenon
| prev_title = [[It's No Good]]
| prev_title = [[It's No Good]]
| prev_year = 1997
| prev_year = 1997
| title = Home
| title = [[Home (Depeche Mode song)#"Home" / "Useless"|Home]]
| title2 = Useless
| title2 = Useless
| next_title = [[Only When I Lose Myself]]
| next_title = [[Only When I Lose Myself]]
Line 104: Line 93:


===Track listings===
===Track listings===
All songs were written by Gore. Gore sings lead on "Home", and [[David Gahan]] sings lead on "Useless".
All songs were written by Gore. Gore sings lead on "Home", and [[Dave Gahan]] sings lead on "Useless".


'''CD and cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Home / Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=US CD single liner notes|publisher= [[Reprise Records]], Mute Records|id=9 17314-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Home / Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=US cassette single sleeve|publisher=Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=9 17314-4}}</ref>
'''7-inch: reprise / 7-17314 (US)'''
# "Home" (5:46)
# "Home" – 5:46
⚫
# "Home" ([[Air (French band)|Air]] "Around the Golf" remix) – 3:58
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar edit) (4:06)
⚫
# "Useless" (remix) – 4:06


'''Maxi-CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Home / Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=US maxi-single disc notes|publisher=Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=9 43906-2}}</ref>
'''CD: reprise / 9 17314-2 (US)'''
# "Home" (5:46)
# "Home" (album version) – 5:46
# "Home" ([[Air (French band)|Air]] "Around the Golf" remix) (3:58)
# "Home" (Grantby mix) – 4:38
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar Edit) (4:06)
# "Home" ([[LFO (British band)|LFO]] Meant to Be) – 4:26
⚫
# "Home" (The Noodles & The Damage Done) – 6:22
⚫
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar extended mix) – 6:00
⚫
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky Sub mix) – 5:38
⚫
# "Useless" (Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™) – 9:11
⚫
# "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: Parts 1 & 2) – 7:15
# "Barrel of a Gun" (video)
⚫
# "It's No Good" (video)
# "Home" (video)
⚫
# "Useless" (video)


'''7-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Home / Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=US 7-inch single sleeve|publisher=Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=7-17314}}</ref>
'''CD: reprise / 9 43906-2 (US)'''
# "Home" (5:46)
:A. "Home" – 5:46
# "Home" (Grantby mix) (4:38)
:B. "Useless" (remix) – 4:06

⚫
# "Home" ([[LFO (British band)|LFO]] Meant to Be) (4:26)
'''12-inch single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Home / Useless|people=Depeche Mode|year=1997|type=US 12-inch single sleeve|publisher=Reprise Records, Mute Records|id=9 43906-0}}</ref>
⚫
# "Home" (The Noodles and The Damage Done) (6:22)
:A1. "Home" (The Noodles & The Damage Done) – 6:22
#* Remix by [[Skylab (band)|Skylab]]
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar mix) (6:00)
:A2. "Home" (LFO Meant to Be) – 4:26
# "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky sub mix) (5:38)
:AA1. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar extended mix) – 6:00
# "Useless" (Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™) (9:10)
:AA2. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky Sub mix) – 5:38
# "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: parts 1 & 2) (7:15)
* Also includes the videos for "Barrel of a Gun", "It's No Good", "Home", and "Useless". Packaged in a clear plastic case with sliding pull-out disc tray.


==Charts==
==Charts==
{|class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!Chart (1997)
!Chart (1997)
!Peak<br/>position
!Peak<br />position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name=aus>{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/DkGCr8v.jpg|title=Australian (ARIA) chart positions outside the top 100 provided by ARIA, through response to chart inquiry received 5 June 2015|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|via=[[Imgur]]|access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Australia ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref name=aus>{{cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/DkGCr8v.jpg|title=Australian (ARIA) chart positions outside the top 100 provided by ARIA, through response to chart inquiry received 5 June 2015|publisher=[[Australian Recording Industry Association]]|via=[[Imgur]]|access-date=29 July 2015}}</ref>
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|-
|-
{{single chart|UKindie|4|date=19971101|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Useless|rowheader=true|access-date=5 November 2018}}
{{single chart|UKindie|4|date=19971101|artist=Depeche Mode|song=Useless|rowheader=true|access-date=5 November 2018}}
|-
{{single chart|Billboarddancesales|15|artist=Depeche Mode|rowheader=true|access-date=16 November 2023|note=with "Home"}}
|}
|}


Line 158: Line 157:
!scope="col"|Format(s)
!scope="col"|Format(s)
!scope="col"|Label(s)
!scope="col"|Label(s)
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
!scope="col"|{{abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
|-
!scope="row"|United States
!scope="row"|United States
Line 178: Line 177:
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}}
|{{hlist|7-inch vinyl|12-inch vinyl|CD|cassette}}
|{{hlist|Reprise|Mute}}
|{{hlist|Reprise|Mute}}
|<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hot 100 Singles Spotlight|last=Sandiford-Waller|first=Theda|magazine=Billboard|volume=109|issue=46|page=87|date=15 November 1997|quote=Both Depeche Mode's "Home" and [...] arrive at retail Nov. 18.}}</ref>
|<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hot 100 Singles Spotlight|last=Sandiford-Waller|first=Theda|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|volume=109|issue=46|page=87|date=15 November 1997|quote=Both Depeche Mode's "Home" and [...] arrive at retail Nov. 18.}}</ref>
|}
|}


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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://archives.depechemode.com/discography/singles/35_useless.html Single information from the official Depeche Mode web site]
* [http://archives.depechemode.com/discography/singles/35_useless.html Single information from the official Depeche Mode website]
* [http://www.allmusic.com/album/useless-mw0000739599 Allmusic review]


{{Depeche Mode}}
{{Depeche Mode}}

Latest revision as of 16:54, 10 February 2024

This article is about the Depeche Mode song. For other songs with the same title, see Useless (disambiguation).

"Useless"
Single by Depeche Mode
from the album Ultra
Released20 October 1997 (1997-10-20)
Studio
Length
  • 5:12 (album version)
  • 4:53 (single remix)
  • 4:44 (album edit)
LabelMute
Songwriter(s)Martin L. Gore
Producer(s)
Depeche Mode singles chronology
"Home"
(1997) 		"Useless"
(1997) 		"Only When I Lose Myself"
(1998)
Music video
"Useless" on YouTube

"Useless" is a song by English electronic music group Depeche Mode, released on 20 October 1997 as the fourth and final single from their ninth studio album, Ultra (1997). It was released with "Home" as a double A-side in the United States due to "Useless" getting airplay on US radio stations before "Home" was announced. "Useless" features a bass contribution performed by bassist Doug Wimbish,[1] known for his session work and as a member of Living Color.

Release

[edit]

The single version of "Useless" was remixed by Alan Moulder, and is not only shortened but also features several alterations (similar to the changes done to the 7-inch versions of "Behind the Wheel" and "Condemnation"), such as having a different beat and is slightly sped up. Several elements have also been mixed to sound harsher, such as the synth on the second chorus. On the US double A-side single, the single remix is replaced by the CJ Bolland Ultrasonar Edit.

There are no actual B-sides for "Useless", except for remixes and live versions of the song. Some versions of the CD single feature the videos for "Barrel of a Gun" and "It's No Good". The 1997 music video for "Useless" was the last Depeche Mode video to be directed by Anton Corbijn for more than eight years. Though he remained working for Depeche Mode on all their album/single covers, press images and tour projections/designs, the record label decided to experiment with new directors for music videos. Corbijn's next video project with Depeche Mode was for "Suffer Well".

Depeche Mode licensed the Kruder & Dorfmeister remix of "Useless" to Victoria's Secret, for use in their "Natural Miracle Bra" ad campaign. It aired on US television for a few weeks.[2]

Track listings

[edit]

All songs were written by Martin L. Gore. The live version of "Useless" was recorded on 10 April 1997 in London, England.

UK CD single[3]

  1. "Useless" (remix)
  2. "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: Parts 1 & 2!)
  3. "Useless" (Cosmic Blues mix)
  4. "Barrel of a Gun" (video)

UK limited-edition CD single[4]

  1. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar mix)
  2. "Useless" (The Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™)
  3. "Useless" (live)
  4. "It's No Good" (video)

UK 12-inch single[5]

A1. "Useless" (The Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™)
AA1. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky sub mix)
AA2. "Useless" (Air 20 mix)

"Home" / "Useless"

[edit]
"Home" / "Useless"
Single by Depeche Mode
from the album Ultra
Released18 November 1997 (1997-11-18)
Length
  • 5:46 ("Home")
  • 4:06 ("Useless")
Label
Songwriter(s)Martin L. Gore
Producer(s)Tim Simenon
Depeche Mode singles chronology
"It's No Good"
(1997) 		"Home" / "Useless"
(1997) 		"Only When I Lose Myself"
(1998)

In November 1997, "Home" and "Useless" were released as a double A-side single in the US and Canada. The front cover art has the "Home" cover on the front, with the "Home" track list, and the back cover art has the "Useless" cover art, with the "Useless" track list.

Track listings

[edit]

All songs were written by Gore. Gore sings lead on "Home", and Dave Gahan sings lead on "Useless".

CD and cassette single[6][7]

  1. "Home" – 5:46
  2. "Home" (Air "Around the Golf" remix) – 3:58
  3. "Useless" (remix) – 4:06

Maxi-CD single[8]

  1. "Home" (album version) – 5:46
  2. "Home" (Grantby mix) – 4:38
  3. "Home" (LFO Meant to Be) – 4:26
  4. "Home" (The Noodles & The Damage Done) – 6:22
  5. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar extended mix) – 6:00
  6. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky Sub mix) – 5:38
  7. "Useless" (Kruder + Dorfmeister Session™) – 9:11
  8. "Useless" (Escape from Wherever: Parts 1 & 2) – 7:15
  9. "Barrel of a Gun" (video)
  10. "It's No Good" (video)
  11. "Home" (video)
  12. "Useless" (video)

7-inch single[9]

A. "Home" – 5:46
B. "Useless" (remix) – 4:06

12-inch single[10]

A1. "Home" (The Noodles & The Damage Done) – 6:22
A2. "Home" (LFO Meant to Be) – 4:26
AA1. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Ultrasonar extended mix) – 6:00
AA2. "Useless" (CJ Bolland Funky Sub mix) – 5:38

Charts

[edit]
Chart (1997) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[11] 134
Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[12] 42
Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[13] 17
Germany (GfK)[14] 16
Scotland (OCC)[15] 28
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[16] 16
UK Singles (OCC)[17] 28
UK Indie (OCC)[18] 4
US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[19]
with "Home" 		15

Release history

[edit]
Region Version Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States "Useless" 4 August 1997 Alternative radio Reprise [20]
United Kingdom 20 October 1997
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
 Mute [21]
United States "Home" / "Useless" 18 November 1997
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
  • Reprise
  • Mute
 [22]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Ultra (UK CD album booklet). Depeche Mode. Mute Records. 1997. CD STUMM 148.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  2. ^ "Depeche Mode".
  3. ^ Useless (UK CD single liner notes). Mute Records. 1997. CD BONG 28. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  4. ^ Useless (UK limited CD single liner notes). Mute Records. 1997. LCD BONG 28. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Useless (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Mute Records. 1997. 12 BONG 28. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Home / Useless (US CD single liner notes). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 17314-2. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  7. ^ Home / Useless (US cassette single sleeve). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 17314-4. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  8. ^ Home / Useless (US maxi-single disc notes). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 43906-2. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  9. ^ Home / Useless (US 7-inch single sleeve). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 7-17314. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  10. ^ Home / Useless (US 12-inch single sleeve). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 43906-0. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
  11. ^ "Australian (ARIA) chart positions outside the top 100 provided by ARIA, through response to chart inquiry received 5 June 2015". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 29 July 2015 – via Imgur.
  12. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 14, no. 45. 8 November 1997. p. 24. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  13. ^ "Depeche Mode: Useless" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  14. ^ "Depeche Mode – Useless" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  15. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  16. ^ "Depeche Mode – Useless". Singles Top 100. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  17. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 September 2013.
  18. ^ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 November 2018.
  19. ^ "Depeche Mode Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
  20. ^ "Be on the Lookout". Gavin Report. No. 2166. 1 August 1997. p. 47.
  21. ^ "Useless". depmode.com. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
  22. ^ Sandiford-Waller, Theda (15 November 1997). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 46. p. 87. Both Depeche Mode's "Home" and [...] arrive at retail Nov. 18.
[edit]
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