"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.
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.
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".
^Useless (UK CD single liner notes). Mute Records. 1997. CD BONG 28. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Useless (UK limited CD single liner notes). Mute Records. 1997. LCD BONG 28. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Useless (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Mute Records. 1997. 12 BONG 28. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Home / Useless (US CD single liner notes). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 17314-2. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Home / Useless (US cassette single sleeve). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 17314-4. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Home / Useless (US maxi-single disc notes). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 43906-2. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Home / Useless (US 7-inch single sleeve). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 7-17314. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^Home / Useless (US 12-inch single sleeve). Reprise Records, Mute Records. 1997. 9 43906-0. {{cite AV media notes}}: Unknown parameter |people= ignored (help)
^"Be on the Lookout". Gavin Report. No. 2166. 1 August 1997. p. 47.
^"Useless". depmode.com. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
^Sandiford-Waller, Theda (15 November 1997). "Hot 100 Singles Spotlight". Billboard. Vol. 109, no. 46. p. 87. Both Depeche Mode's "Home" and [...] arrive at retail Nov. 18.