Personal Jesus

Personal Jesus is the title of a song recorded and released by British band Depeche Mode. It was written by band member Martin L. Gore (ML Gore) and produced by Depeche Mode and Flood. The track was released as a single on Mute records under the catalogue number BONG 17 on 29 August 1989 and anticipated the release of the Violator album, on which it was later featured.

Single release
The single entered the UK charts at no.25, reaching its peak position of no.13 a week later. It fared better in other European countries, such as Germany where it reached no.5, staying in the charts for 23 weeks, affirming the band's increasing popularity abroad rather than in their home country.

As with previous singles, various versions and remixes were issued on the various formats, which included a 7" in standard and gatefold sleeves, standard and limited edition 12" and CD, cassette single etc.

Another new track Dangerous featured as 'B-side'.

Tracklistings

 * 7" BONG 17 and GBONG 17 (gatefold sleeve)
 * 1) A. Personal Jesus
 * 2) B1. Dangerous (Hazchemix Edit)
 * 3) B2. Personal Jesus (acoustic)
 * CD CD BONG 17 & 12" 12 BONG 17
 * 1) Personal Jesus (Holier Than Thou Approach)
 * 2) Dangerous (Sensual Mix)
 * 3) Personal Jesus (acoustic)
 * LCD BONG 17 & 12 12" L12 BONG 17
 * 1) Personal Jesus (Pump Mix)
 * 2) Personal Jesus (Telephone Stomp Mix)
 * 3) Dangerous (Hazchemix)


 * The CD single was re-issued in 2004 as CDBONG 17X and includes all the above remixes


 * In 2011, like other Depeche Mode tracks, Personal Jesus was given a complete overhaul with brand new remixes, and released as a single under the umbrella title Personal Jesus 2011.

Sleeve artwork
The single sleeve artwork featured a new 'DM' logo and 'Personal Jesus' printed in a 'hand-painted' style, superimposed on two rectangles presumably forming a 'cross'. The rear and where applicable inside design feature black and white photographs of individual band members posing with a naked woman with her back to the camera. These photos however do not feature on the 2004 CD re-release.

Promo video
The promo video for the single was directed by Anton Corbijn, who had directed other videos for the group although with Personal Jesus he used colour for the first time.

Legacy

 * Personal Jesus remains one of the group's best known songs and is still performed live on concert tours.
 * In September 2006 it was voted as one of the "100 Greatest Songs Ever" in Q magazine.
 * Among its most notable cover versions are those released by country singer Johnny Cash (2002) and Marilyn Manson (2004). The song was also sampled for the Hilary Duff song Reach Out (2008)

Connections

 * US Sire 9 21328-0 release in record collection.
 * Top 50 singles.