"A Question of Time" is
Depeche Mode's seventeenth UK single, released on 11 August 1986, following the similarly titled "
A Question of Lust" single.
The 7" remix of "A Question of Time" runs at a slightly faster tempo and pitch than the original Black Celebration album version. A version of the remix with an even faster tempo appeared on The Singles 86–98.
There is no new track for a B-side (the first Depeche Mode single, other than the Double A-Side "
Blasphemous Rumours / Somebody" without one), but instead includes a remix of "Black Celebration" and various live tracks.
The "New Town Remix" directly segues into the "Live Remix" on the limited 12" single.
The post-'90s live renditions of the track have a heavy
guitar sound.[2]
Critical reception
When reviewing the single, Lesley O'Toole of Record Mirror said: "Not quite as alluring as "A Question of Lust", but the rabid, sequenced throb is better programmed for radioland".[3]
Track listings
7": Mute / 7Bong12 (UK)
"A Question of Time (Remix)" – 4:04 (remixed by
Phil Harding)
"Black Celebration (Live)" – 6:05
12": Mute / 12Bong12 (UK)
"A Question of Time (Extended Remix)" – 6:38 (remixed by
Phil Harding)
"Black Celebration (Live)" – 6:05
"Something to Do (Live)" – 3:50
"Stripped (Live)" – 6:21
12": Mute / L12Bong12 (UK)
"A Question of Time (New Town Mix)" – 6:59 (remixed by
Rico Conning)
"A Question of Time (New Town Mix/Live Remix)" – 11:08
The CD single was released in 1991 as part of the singles box set compilations.
CD: Intercord / Mute INT 826.850 (W.GERMANY)
"A Question of Time (Extended Remix)" – 6:38
"Stripped (Live)" – 6:22
"Black Celebration (Live)" – 6:05
"Something to Do (Live)" – 3:50
"A Question of Time (Remix)" – 4:04
Live tracks recorded on 10 April 1986 at the Birmingham N.E.C.
12": Sire / 0-20530 (US, 1989)
"A Question of Time (Extended Remix)" – 6:38
"Something to Do (Live)" – 3:50
"A Question of Lust (Minimal)" – 6:49
"Black Celebration (Live)" – 6:05
"A Question of Lust (Minimal)" is falsely titled "A Question of Lust (Extended Version)"
Double A-Side with "A Question of Lust"
All songs written by
Martin L. Gore
All live tracks were recorded at the
Birmingham N.E.C., on 10 April 1986.
Music video
The music video directed by Anton Corbijn features all of the band members holding babies. In the beginning of the music video, Alan Wilder is shown on a porch waiting for something. A man dressed almost like a daredevil rides a motorcycle with a baby. He drives to Alan on the porch and hands him the baby. The video shows the other members of the band holding a baby. One baby grabs onto Martin's hair and yanks it profusely while he smiles.