Useless (song)

1997 single by Depeche Mode From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"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.

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

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

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"

Quick facts "Home" / "Useless", Single by Depeche Mode ...
"Home" / "Useless"
Single by Depeche Mode
from the album Ultra
Released18 November 1997 (1997-11-18)
Length
  • 5:46 ("Home")
  • 4:06 ("Useless")
Label
SongwriterMartin L. Gore
ProducerTim Simenon
Depeche Mode singles chronology
"It's No Good"
(1997)		 "Home" / "Useless"
(1997)		 "Only When I Lose Myself"
(1998)
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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

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

More information Chart (1997), Peak position ...
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 Singles (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
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Release history

More information Region, Version ...
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]
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References

External links

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