Some covers don’t just reinterpret a song—they transform it: One such cover is Susan Boyle’s 2011 rendition of ‘Enjoy the Silence’ by Depeche Mode. The cold electronic beat fades into something softer and more thoughtful, ending with a gentle rush of emotions carried by Boyle’s soothing, lullaby-like voice.
Boyle begins light: A piano arrangement, and light drums, with a feather-soft voice. Although on the other side of the spectrum, Boyle mirrors Michael Jackson’s advice of making listeners ‘wait for it.’ She takes Depeche Mode’s cool, modern style and turns it into something sad and emotional.
Susan Boyle – Enjoy The Silence (Audio)
The performance is restrained the whole way through, maintaining the same trance until you find your head orbiting some imaginary center. Then the bridge comes, which doesn’t change much. This is where Boyle reveals the true performance, making it powerful! Electric guitars, large vocals, a choral arrangement, galore! There’s fragility still, yes, but now– power.
This track is from 2011’s ‘Someone to Watch Over Me,’ Boyle’s third studio album. She had already proven herself by this point with Britain’s Got Talent and her two prior albums. Reflecting on her confidence, she doesn’t feel the necessity to overshow even slightly: Her choices are assured. This album marries classic ballads like ‘Unchained Melody’ with surprising anthems like ‘Enjoy the Silence,’ but this versatility never becomes confusing. Listen to ‘Unchained Melody,’ and you can hear echoes of ‘Enjoy the Silence’ in there!
Susan Boyle – Unchained Melody (Live)
And so of course, the album was a commercial success! Debuting to No.1 in the UK, No. 4 on the US Billboard 200, and securing Platinum and Gold certifications. While the critics were mixed, even that was only because they wanted Boyle to take even bigger risks– an expectation she would fulfill with 2019’s ‘Ten.’
In 2023, Susan shared the sad news that she had suffered a stroke. You can send her well wishes on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, where you can also stay updated on her latest releases.