| Useless | |
| Cover: | DepecheModeUseless.jpg |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Depeche Mode |
| Album: | Ultra |
| Studio: |
|
| Length: |
|
| Label: | Mute |
| Producer: |
|
| Prev Title: | Home |
| Prev Year: | 1997 |
| Next Title: | Only When I Lose Myself |
| Next Year: | 1998 |
"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.
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]
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]
UK limited-edition CD single[4]
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 | |
| Type: | single |
| Artist: | Depeche Mode |
| Album: | Ultra |
| Length: |
|
| Label: |
|
| Producer: | Tim Simenon |
| Prev Title: | It's No Good |
| Prev Year: | 1997 |
| Home | |
| Title2: | Useless |
| Next Title: | Only When I Lose Myself |
| Next Year: | 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.
All songs were written by Gore. Gore sings lead on "Home", and Dave Gahan sings lead on "Useless".
Maxi-CD single[8]
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
| Chart (1997) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (ARIA)[11] | 134 |
| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[12] | 42 |
| Region | Version | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | "Useless" | 4 August 1997 | Alternative radio | Reprise | [13] | |
| United Kingdom | 20 October 1997 | Mute | [14] | |||
| United States | "Home" / "Useless" | 18 November 1997 | [15] |
