Displaying some of Depeche Mode's most stimulating and emotive music, the album blossomed into a sleazy romp through the world of a supposedly invincible Mode but in reality one that was already reeling from the weight of internal personal problems - a not unsurprising paradox and certainly one worthy of a band of such extremes. Counteracting the suggestion by some that the difficulties of certain band members made the LP one of the Mode's darkest, Alan contradicts: "I don't agree at all that SOFAD is a dark album - it's the only DM album that leaves you feeling really uplifted. 'I Feel You' for example, or 'Higher Love', 'Rush' etc. all have an overriding sense of optimism." "Naturally the complex atmosphere of an album reflects the state of the individuals involved at the time, and in this case, Dave's drug use was a factor during the making of the record. It was obviously disappointing - not for any moral reasons but because it adversely affected his personality and more specifically his greatest asset, his sense of humour..." "There was an increase in general apathy and a distance which was sad considering what an enthusiastic and vital person he really is. It's also true that he was 'out of it' for much of the time so his active role was somewhat limited - he'd stay in his room but surface every now and then to enthuse about the music and offer words of encouragement."