DEPECHE MODE - NEW LIFE

Released: June 13, 1981

Charted:  UK: #11 

"New Life" is the second British single by Depeche Mode from their debut “Speak and Spell” recorded at Blackwing Studios in south London. It was not released commercially in the United States.

The song is about the idea of starting anew, entering a new life and open to opportunity, growth and transformation. It speaks of the transition from one place or mindset to another, while simultaneously being aware of the dangers and risks associated with this. The song is a plea to take a chance and take the chances life presents, to break out of habits and open oneself to the unknown. Through its alternating imagery of shadows and light, the song conveys both the necessity of moving forward and the fears of the unknown. Ultimately, it conveys a sense of hope that newness and possibility are possible, and that there is always an opportunity to start anew.

Vince Clarke wrote the song.There were two versions of the song available. The 7" version would later become the "album version", as it would eventually appear on the UK version of “Speak & Spell”, released in October 1981, and a 12" remix which differs from the version from the album in that it has a different, intensely percussive and harder intro, and a synth part added in the "solo" vocal section in the middle of the song, which is not present in the 7" mix. The remix would later appear in the American version of “Talk and Spell”.

The single became Depeche Mode's biggest hit at the moment in the UK. On 25 June 1981, the band performed "New Life" during their debut on the BBC's Top of the Pops programme. The band would perform the song two more times on the show, on July 16 and July 30, 1981.

The B-side, "Shout!", is the first Depeche Mode song to get an extended 12" remix, called "Rio Mix". This mix would later appear on the remix compilation Remixes 81–04, released in 2004. It is the first recorded song available on the compilation.