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Originating from Manchester, England, New Order pioneered a fusion of electronic dance music becoming one of the most influential bands of the 1980s. The band has released a total of ten studio albums, several live albums, and numerous compilations. Their innovative music and unique sound have garnered them critical acclaim and commercial success around the world.
New Order’s chart success includes albums like Power, Corruption & Lies and Low-Life, which were pivotal in the development of dance-rock. They have received numerous accolades throughout their career, including the UK Music Video Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2013. The band’s members have included Bernard Sumner (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Peter Hook (bass, vocals, keyboards) until his departure in 2007, Stephen Morris (drums, keyboards), and Gillian Gilbert (keyboards, guitars). New Order’s ability to blend synthesizers with a post-punk aesthetic created a blueprint for dance music that influenced generations of musicians and producers.
NEW ORDER STUDIO ALBUMS
Movement
Released 1981
Movement marks the debut studio album of New Order, released in November 1981. This album signified a critical transitional period for the band members following the dissolution of their former band, Joy Division, after the death of lead singer Ian Curtis. Recorded at Strawberry Studios in Stockport, England, from May to September 1981, Movement combines post-punk with electronic and dance music elements, setting the stage for New Order’s future sound. The album was produced by Martin Hannett and featured the band’s early lineup: Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert. While it did not chart highly, reaching only number 30 in the UK, it laid the foundational sound for which New Order would become renowned.
CD Track Listings:
“Dreams Never End” – 3:13
“Truth” – 4:37
“Senses” – 4:45
“Chosen Time” – 4:07
“ICB” – 4:33
“The Him” – 5:29
“Doubts Even Here” – 4:16
“Denial” – 4:20
Power, Corruption & Lies
Released 1983
Power, Corruption & Lies, released in May 1983, is a significant album in New Order’s discography that saw the band fully embracing and refining the synthesis of post-punk and electronic music. Recorded at Britannia Row Studios in London between November 1982 and March 1983, this album includes one of their most famous tracks, “Blue Monday,” though it was not on the original pressing of the album. The production was handled by New Order. The album’s cover artwork by Peter Saville became iconic in its own right. It reached number four in the UK charts and solidified New Order’s place in the alternative dance movement.
CD Track Listings:
“Age of Consent” – 5:16
“We All Stand” – 5:14
“The Village” – 4:36
“5 8 6” – 7:30
“Your Silent Face” – 5:59
“Ultraviolence” – 4:51
“Ecstasy” – 4:25
“Leave Me Alone” – 4:40
Low-Life
Released 1985
Low-Life, released in May 1985, is considered one of New Order’s defining works, showcasing the band’s matured songwriting and production style. Recorded at Jam and Britannia Row Studios in London, from November 1984 to February 1985, this album features a rich blend of synthesizers, sequencers, and guitar that exemplifies the band’s influence on the electronic music scene. Produced by New Order, Low-Life included popular tracks like “Love Vigilantes” and “The Perfect Kiss.” The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number seven in the UK.
CD Track Listings:
“Love Vigilantes” – 4:16
“The Perfect Kiss” – 4:49
“This Time of Night” – 4:45
“Sunrise” – 6:00
“Elegia” – 4:56
“Sooner Than You Think” – 5:12
“Sub-culture” – 4:58
“Face Up” – 5:02
Brotherhood
Released 1986
Brotherhood, released in September 1986, encapsulates the dual nature of New Order’s music, balancing between post-punk rock and electronic dance music. Recorded at Jam and Windmill Lane Studios in London and Dublin respectively, from March to July 1986, the album features one of their most beloved tracks, “Bizarre Love Triangle.” Produced by New Order, the album reached number nine in the UK and continued to build on their success in the US. Brotherhood solidified New Order’s reputation as a band capable of seamlessly merging rock with synthesizer-based music.
CD Track Listings:
“Paradise” – 3:50
“Weirdo” – 3:52
“As It Is When It Was” – 3:46
“Broken Promise” – 3:47
“Way of Life” – 4:05
“Bizarre Love Triangle” – 4:22
“All Day Long” – 5:12
“Angel Dust” – 3:43
“Every Little Counts” – 4:28
Technique
Released 1989
Technique, New Order’s fifth studio album, was released in January 1989. Notably, it was recorded at Mediterranean Sound Studios in Ibiza and mixed in London, blending the Balearic beat, acid house, and synth-pop. This joyful, upbeat album reflects the hedonistic vibe of Ibiza’s dance scene. Technique was the first New Order album to reach number one in the UK, showcasing hits like “Fine Time” and “Round & Round.” Produced by New Order, this album captures the essence of the late 1980s dance culture and is often considered among their finest works.
CD Track Listings:
“Fine Time” – 4:42
“All the Way” – 3:24
“Love Less” – 3:04
“Round & Round” – 4:31
“Guilty Partner” – 4:45
“Run” – 4:31
“Mr. Disco” – 4:21
“Vanishing Point” – 5:15
“Dream Attack” – 5:13
Republic
Released 1993
Republic, released in May 1993, was recorded amidst the band’s internal strife and the financial troubles of their label Factory Records. Produced by Stephen Hague, the album was recorded at Real World Studios in Box, England and mixed at The Hit Factory in New York. It features a more radio-friendly, pop-oriented sound, with tracks like “Regret,” which became one of their most successful singles, reaching number four in the UK and number 28 in the US. Republic was New Order’s last studio album before their temporary split in 1993 and reached number one in the UK.
CD Track Listings:
“Regret” – 4:08
“World” – 4:42
“Ruined in a Day” – 4:22
“Spooky” – 3:44
“Everyone Everywhere” – 4:23
“Young Offender” – 4:47
“Liar” – 4:20
“Chemical” – 4:09
“Times Change” – 3:51
“Special” – 4:50
“Avalanche” – 3:14
Get Ready
Released 2001
Get Ready, released in August 2001, marked New Order’s return after an eight-year hiatus. This album saw the band revisiting their rock roots, recorded at Real World Studios and mixed at Olympic Studios in London. Produced by Steve Osborne, Get Ready integrates more guitars and live drums, featuring contributions from guest artists like Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins and Primal Scream’s Bobby Gillespie. The album reached number six in the UK and included singles such as “Crystal,” which reestablished them in the music scene.
CD Track Listings:
“Crystal” – 6:51
“60 Miles an Hour” – 4:34
“Turn My Way” – 5:05
“Vicious Streak” – 5:40
“Primitive Notion” – 5:43
“Slow Jam” – 4:53
“Rock the Shack” – 4:12
“Someone Like You” – 5:42
“Close Range” – 4:13
“Run Wild” – 3:57
Waiting for the Sirens’ Call
Released 2005
Waiting for the Sirens’ Call, released in March 2005, features a blend of electronic tracks and guitar-driven songs. Recorded at Real World Studios and mixed at Sarm Studios in London, the album was produced by New Order, John Leckie, and Stuart Price. It explores themes of love, betrayal, and reflection. Peaking at number two in the UK, the album includes “Krafty” and the title track, both of which exemplify New Order’s enduring appeal and their ability to adapt to contemporary musical trends.
CD Track Listings:
“Who’s Joe?” – 5:43
“Hey Now What You Doing” – 5:13
“Waiting for the Sirens’ Call” – 5:40
“Krafty” – 4:33
“I Told You So” – 5:58
“Morning Night and Day” – 5:11
“Dracula’s Castle” – 5:38
“Jetstream” – 5:21
“Guilt Is a Useless Emotion” – 5:37
“Turn” – 4:33
“Working Overtime” – 3:27
Lost Sirens
Released 2013
Lost Sirens, released in January 2013, features tracks recorded during the sessions for their 2005 album but not included on the main release. Recorded at Real World Studios, the album offers a mix of the electronic and guitar-driven sound characteristic of the band. Though it includes some tracks that show the band’s creative process, Lost Sirens did not achieve significant commercial success but is valued by fans for its insight into the band’s working dynamics.
Music Complete, released in September 2015, marks a return to the band’s electronic roots, embracing their signature mix of synth-pop and dance elements. Recorded at 641A Studios in Manchester and mixed by Craig Silvey, the album features collaborations with La Roux, Iggy Pop, and Brandon Flowers. Produced by New Order, Music Complete was well-received critically and commercially, reaching number two in the UK. The album includes standout tracks like “Restless” and “Tutti Frutti,” showcasing the band’s ability to blend classic and modern sounds effectively.