On January 14, 2008, Depeche Mode’s iconic frontman Dave Gahan released a double A-side single that marked another pivotal moment in his musical journey as a solo artist. The single, featuring two tracks from Gahan’s second solo album Hourglass, was co-written and co-produced by Gahan himself alongside longtime collaborators Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner. This single, symbolizing the evolution of his sound and artistic identity outside of Depeche Mode, allowed listeners to experience a new layer of his creative expression.
The Genesis of Dave Gahan’s Solo Career
Before delving into the specifics of the January 14, 2008, double A-side single, it’s important to understand the context of Dave Gahan’s solo career. While he has been the iconic voice of Depeche Mode since the band’s formation in 1980, Gahan’s solo projects gave him the freedom to experiment with different musical elements and explore themes that diverged from Depeche Mode’s dark, brooding style.
In 2003, Gahan released his first solo album, Paper Monsters, which was met with positive critical reception and showcased a raw, more personal side of Gahan’s artistry. His second solo album, Hourglass (released in 2007), represented further growth as a songwriter and vocalist. This album was a deeply personal one for Gahan, as it was conceived in the wake of his struggles with addiction, recovery, and an introspective examination of his life. The album’s sound was more expansive and polished than Paper Monsters, incorporating elements of electronic, rock, and new wave music while retaining the emotive core that defined Gahan’s vocal style.
The Double A-Side Release: A Bold Statement
The double A-side single released on January 14, 2008, included the tracks “Kingdom” and “Saw Something” from Hourglass. Both tracks were indicative of Gahan’s musical maturation, revealing not only the personal stories he sought to tell but also his evolving creative approach. This particular release was an important milestone in Gahan’s career for a number of reasons, including his growing autonomy as a solo artist and the innovative approach to its promotion.
- “Kingdom” – A Reflective Anthem
“Kingdom” stands out as one of the defining tracks of Hourglass and was also chosen as the lead A-side of this double single. It’s a striking blend of electronic and rock influences, with an anthemic quality that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. The song is a reflection on personal battles, self-discovery, and the search for peace in an often chaotic world. The lyricism speaks to Gahan’s desire to overcome obstacles and reclaim control over his life, resonating with the themes of redemption that were central to Hourglass.
The production of “Kingdom” was lush and atmospheric, incorporating driving rhythms and expansive, cinematic soundscapes. The track blends intricate keyboard arrangements with Gahan’s signature baritone vocals, adding an extra layer of depth to the overall sound. The chorus, with its evocative refrain “I’ve been waiting in the kingdom,” conjures a sense of yearning, encapsulating Gahan’s ongoing journey toward emotional and spiritual clarity.
As the lead single of the double A-side, “Kingdom” marked a culmination of Gahan’s artistic transformation. It positioned him as not only a compelling frontman for Depeche Mode but also as an independent force with his own distinct voice.
- “Saw Something” – A Glimpse into the Depths
The second track, “Saw Something,” carries a more introspective and slightly darker tone, offering a counterpoint to the expansive optimism of “Kingdom.” This track is characterized by its minimalist electronic beats and reflective mood. It’s a song about longing, searching for meaning, and the ambiguous nature of human relationships. The sparse instrumentation allows the song’s lyrical content to take center stage, providing a stark emotional intensity. It feels like a window into Gahan’s soul, a candid exploration of his vulnerability.
In terms of production, “Saw Something” was deliberately stripped-back, with a haunting, ambient quality that allowed Gahan’s voice to be the focal point. The song’s gradual build-up and brooding atmosphere made it a perfect companion to “Kingdom,” as it offered listeners a more intimate look into Gahan’s psyche.
The Collaborative Process: Dave Gahan, Andrew Phillpott, and Christian Eigner
What makes this single – and indeed, much of Hourglass – stand out is the close-knit collaboration between Gahan and his longtime partners, Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner. Both of these musicians played crucial roles in helping Gahan realize his solo vision.
- Andrew Phillpott – A skilled musician and songwriter, Phillpott’s contributions to Gahan’s solo work were invaluable. His understanding of Gahan’s musical sensibilities allowed him to co-write and co-produce tracks that balanced experimentation with emotional depth. In the case of the double A-side single, Phillpott’s keen sense of arrangement and musical structure helped craft songs that felt both polished and emotionally resonant.
- Christian Eigner – A multi-instrumentalist and longtime collaborator with Gahan, Eigner’s input was integral to the album’s overall sound. As a drummer, he brought a propulsive energy to the tracks, helping ground Gahan’s expansive ideas with solid, organic rhythms. Eigner’s contributions to the production also helped bring out the more experimental and electronic elements of the music, blending seamlessly with Gahan’s vocal performances.
Together, the trio formed a creative partnership that allowed Gahan to explore new sonic territory while maintaining the emotional authenticity that has always defined his work. Their ability to push each other artistically resulted in a sound that was both innovative and deeply personal, evident in the tracks “Kingdom” and “Saw Something.”
The Reception of the Single and Hourglass
Upon its release, the double A-side single received favorable reviews from both fans and critics. The songs were lauded for their emotional depth and intricate production, reflecting Gahan’s growth as an artist. “Kingdom,” in particular, was praised for its anthemic qualities and evocative lyricism, with many comparing it to some of Depeche Mode’s more expansive tracks.
Hourglass itself, as an album, also garnered positive attention, with critics highlighting Gahan’s personal storytelling and the album’s overall mood of redemption and introspection. It solidified Gahan’s position as a solo artist capable of standing on his own apart from his work with Depeche Mode.
While “Kingdom” was the more commercially successful of the two tracks, “Saw Something” found favor among fans of Gahan’s more ambient, atmospheric work. Both songs became staples of his solo performances and are frequently cited as highlights of his post-Depeche Mode discography.
Legacy of the Double A-Side Single
The January 14, 2008, release of the double A-side single featuring “Kingdom” and “Saw Something” became an important part of Dave Gahan’s legacy as a solo artist. These tracks not only expanded his artistic range but also marked a key moment in his transition from the iconic frontman of Depeche Mode to a fully realized solo musician with his own voice and direction.
Collaborating with Andrew Phillpott and Christian Eigner, Gahan was able to create an album that was both introspective and cinematic, blending his personal journey with a wider musical vision. The double A-side single acted as a reflection of this transformation, providing fans with an intimate yet expansive glimpse into Gahan’s creative process and emotional depth.
As Gahan continues to evolve as an artist, Hourglass remains a testament to his ability to craft deeply personal and universally resonant music. The January 2008 double A-side release serves as a pivotal reminder of the power of collaboration, artistic independence, and the ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners across the globe.
Ikainl Precious 
Amos Kefas