"A Question of Time" is a song by the English electronic music band Depeche Mode, released on 11 August 1986 in the UK as the third and final single from their fifth studio album, Black Celebration, following the similarly titled "A Question of Lust". The 7-inch 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 appears 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" mix directly segues into the live version on the limited 12-inch single.

Music video

The music video for "A Question of Time" is the first Depeche Mode video to be directed by Anton Corbijn, and was the start of a relationship with him and the band which still lasts to this day. It was included on the Strange video, The Videos 86>98, the DVD of The Best of Depeche Mode Volume 1 and on Video Singles Collection.

Critical reception

When reviewing the single, Lesley O'Toole of Record Mirror said the song is "not quite as alluring as 'A Question of Lust', but the rabid, sequenced throb is better programmed for radioland".

Other releases

Remixes ofof "A Question of Time" have appeared on various best-of compilations, such as The Singles 86–98 (1998), The Best of Depeche Mode Volume 1 (2006) and Remixes 2: 81–11 (2011). Live versions appear on 101 (1989), and releases of Recording the Angel (2006) and Recording the Universe (2010).

Track listings

All tracks written by Martin L. Gore.

7″: Mute / 7Bong12 (UK)

12″: Mute / 12Bong12 (UK)

12″: Mute / L12Bong12 (UK)

CD: Mute / CDBong12 (UK)

The CD single was released in 1991 as part of the singles box set compilations.

CD: Intercord / Mute INT 826.850 (West Germany)

12″: Sire / 0-20530 (US, 1989)

Note:

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Notable cover versions