It wasn’t too long ago I reviewed Joy Division so it would make sense to do New Order. Let’s take a look…
Movement- if you ever wanted a continuation of the last Joy Division album Closer, then this is it. This was put out after the death of Joy Division’s front man Ian, Curtis, and still very much a rock record however it’s very synthesizer driven. I would say this is a transitional album with reference to Ian Curtis such as the song “ICB (Ian Curtis Buried).” Again if you just wanted a continuation of the last Joy Division album then this is it and I will give this 10/10
Standouts: Chosen Time, Doubt’s Even Here, Dreams Never End
Power, Corruption & Lies- this is definitely one of those albums that you start to hear them move away from what they were doing with New Order. This one also combines more electronic with their post punk sound. But aside from that you also have things like synth, dance, as well as new wave. Honestly, I can see why this one would be considered a fan favorite and I have no choice but to give it to 10/10.
Standouts: We All Stand, Leave Me Alone, 586
Low-Life- this one goes completely for a dance rock sound and I feel like this is the album where they really came into their own. The songs on the last two albums had that Joy Division sound but here is where the New Order sound starts. This is absolutely one of those albums where you can hear the influence they would have on other bands and I’ll give this one 10/10
Standouts: This Time Of Night, Sub-culture, Love Vigilantes
Brotherhood- wow this album does go further into the sound from their previous record I noticed that half of the record is disco, and the other half is more on the rock side of things. Looking into it more it seems that that was done on purpose and that actually makes for a really cool record. A very enjoyable record and I’m going to give it 9.5/10.
Standouts: Paradise, Way Of Life, Ally Day Long
Substance- this is a compilation album consisting of songs that were mostly found on their 12 inch LPs as well as B sides, remixes, and a few other rarities. There are actually some pretty good songs on here and it’s definitely a great in between album before the next one. Definitely do not skip this one because you would definitely be missing out on some really good songs and I’m going to give it 9.5/10.
Standouts: Temptation, Ceremony, Confusion
Technique- I don’t know how fans of this band feel about this particular album, but this is a really fun record. It’s still in that same electronic synth sound but there’s an acid house sound mixed in and I think it’s really cool. Fun fact this album was partially recorded on the island of Ibiza and the band drew inspiration from Balearic club music. Again this one’s new and different to MY ears so I’m going to give it 9.5/10
Standouts: Fine Time, All The Way, Vanishing Point
Republic- 90s New Order…… it doesn’t continue where the last album left off and in fact I’d say it’s a bit softer but it’s still a great record. According to bassist Peter Hook, the band made the album in order to save a club that they partially owned in Manchester England called The Haçienda. Their record label was also on the brink of bankruptcy and the band would lose lots of money if they did not make this album. According to Peter Hook, the band was at each other’s throats and this would actually be it until they reunited eight years later. Still though it’s a good album and I definitely recommend giving it a listen and I will give it 8/10.
Standouts: Regret, Spooky, Liar
Get Ready- it’s the first album in eight years and I don’t think I would exactly call it a return to form, but rather here’s what’s next kind of album. When asked about the albums name Peter Hook said “could mean anything or nothing. I thought it was just nice; New Order, Get Ready; ’cause we are, we’re getting ready for the next phase of our musical lives both physically and mentally, so it’s quite a simple thing but it’s very pertinent.” Definitely a very welcome back album and I’m going to give it 8/10.
Standouts: Crystal, Slow Jam, Vicious Streak
Waiting For The Sirens’ Call- this sort of feels like leftover songs from the Get Ready. This would be the last album with the original lineup and it’s sort of feels like they phoned in most of it. I remember listening to it and thinking that this one sort of dragged, but there are some good moments. That said I’m giving it 7/10.
Standouts: I Told You So, Hey Now What You Doing, Draculas Castle
Lost Sirens- so this one actually does have leftover songs from the previous record. And much like that one, I just felt that this one sort of dragged and I couldn’t get into it as much as I have other albums. One thing to know is that this would be the final album with Peter Hook on it and maybe that’s why I couldn’t get into it. At the end of the day this album is just OK but I’m sure fans of this band enjoy it. I’ll give it 7/10
Standouts: Sugarcane, Recoil, I Told You So
Music Complete- this one is definitely a step up from the last couple of records and actually feels like more of a return to form. It has that sort of dance rock and electronic elements back in and it’s sort of feels like the band is refreshed. It sort of seems like since Peter Hook is not on this album, the band is sort of free to try different ideas. Either way it’s a good album and definitely worth a listen and I’m giving it 8/10.
Standouts: Restless, Stray Dog, Unlearn This Hatred
I feel like you could listen to both Joy Division albums, and then go right into this one and you could hear the transition. I definitely enjoyed these albums a lot more than I would’ve thought and you can absolutely hear how they’ve influenced and inspire so many other bands. Now I don’t know if I would ever see this band live, but I am glad I gave these albums to listen because they are an important band.
Album Rankings:
- Power, Corruption & Lies
- Movement
- Substance
- Get Ready
- Low-Life
- Technique
- Brotherhood
- Republic
- Music Complete
- Lost Sirens
- Waiting For The Sirens’ Call
Sinister Reviews 