The 6 Most Underrated New Order Songs
New order are like a mass-produced secret. Millions of people love their work, and yet they’ve never had what could be considered mainstream success. More a bit of a critic’s darling, it’s hard to overstate the influence New Order has had on music. Artists and DJ’s the world over often cite them as an inspiration.
For me, it’s simple; they’re just a band I love. I’m old enough to remember making Desert Island Disc lists. New order always had at least 2–3 spots on mine.
Rising from the ashes of Joy Division, following the 1980 death of lead singer Ian Curtis, New Order redefined themselves and in the process became one of the seminal bands of the last 4 decades. Their evolution from punk to new wave and beyond makes New Order difficult to define- and therein lies their appeal.
As noted on the (very good) “Transmissions” podcast, New Order are “a band that changed the world twice.”
With the band releasing a definitive reissue of 1983’s Power, Corruption & Lies, I thought it might be fun to go back through their catalog and give my thoughts on tracks that don’t get talked about enough. Some where overshadowed by bigger tracks, and some appeared on underappreciated albums. Either way, below is my list of songs that never quite got the love and attention they deserve.
A few caveats:
Look, I think every track is underrated. In the interest of brevity — and readability — I had to set up some guardrails.
- I only used full-length studio albums- this eliminates compilations like 1987’s Substance, but also a whole raft of 12" singles.
- This list only includes albums with the original lineup of Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Gillian Gilbert.
- I did not include anything from 2001’s Get Ready.
- This list is totally subjective. It’s my take on which tracks never received the widespread appeal I think they deserve.
Movement, 1981 “The Him”
After Curtis’ death, the remaining members renamed themselves New Order, added Morris’ then-girlfriend (now wife) Gilbert on keyboards/guitar and entered the studio with producer Martin Hannett to put Movement together.
Still reeling, the sense of grief is evident everywhere on this album. Now mainly known for their upbeat electronic dance tracks, Movement is dark & moody- the perfect soundtrack for the small hours.
With Hook’s menacing bass lines, and Morris’ staccato drum beats, The Him alternates between revving up and winding down, & between sparse and lush. It’s a track that never quite hits critical mass. When Sumner finally manages to utter a resigned “I’m so tired” at the end, it’s all you can do to not answer “me too.”
I don’t know if there’s a purgatory. If there is, this is what you’ll hear on the way over.
Power, Corruption and Lies, 1983
This was a pick I almost didn’t make. Not because it’s not good, but because it’s often listed as one of the band’s best tracks.
With airy synthesizers washing over Hook’s jangly bass riffs and an almost celebratory air to it, the album’s opening track marks a stark departure from the somber tone(s) Movement left off with.
Ranking it in it’s 100 Greatest Albums of the 80’s, Rolling Stone magazine called this record a “landmark album of danceable post-punk music.” Age of Consent fits that definition to a T.
Play it and try not to dance, even a little.
Low Life, 1985
This song completely rearranged my mind the first time I heard it.
For years, if you asked me what my favorite song was, I would point to this. Like a tidal wave, the song slowly builds it’s way to an amazing crescendo before spitting you out on shore.
It’s a fantastic ride.
The Perfect Kiss is the perfect finishing touch an an almost perfect album. While it did manage to hit #1 on the UK Indie Singles chart, it’s never really met it’s potential chart-wise.
The album version is shorter, but I’ve linked to the full 9+ minute 12" mix. I know I said I was keeping to studio albums, but this one is just that good.
Brotherhood, 1986
New Order split Brotherhood into not just 2 sides, but 2 styles. The first side is more analog, with B focused on electronica. The beautiful — and arguably best known song — “Bizarre Love triangle” lives here. But over on Side A is where you’ll find “Weirdo,” an upbeat, pulsating song that dares you not to crank it up.
With the opening notes ricocheting between the left and right speakers, this hidden gem is best played while sitting right between the sound machine.
Technique, 1989
Technique came out when I was in junior high. Partly recorded on Ibiza, and partly at Peter Gabriel’s studio, Technique was one of the bright spots in an otherwise blah era for me. “Fine time” is an acid-house classic, and “Round and Round” saw some minor airtime on MTV.
“Run” is credited to not only New Order, but also…John Denver?!
Yes, really.
Denver sued the band, alleging that the guitar riffs were lifted from his “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” The case was settled out of court, with his name subsequently added to the credits.
Side Bar: I first saw the band perform in May of 1989 while they were on the road supporting this album.
Republic, 1993
This record can seem out of place when compared to the rest of the band’s work. Whereas Technique rode high on the buzz of the rave and “Mad-Chester” scene, Republic was released in the empty space following that.
Further, tensions within the band were running high, and their label was (literally) banking on this album to save it from financial ruin. No pressure or anything, then.
Like an estranged couple staying together for the sake of the kids, this entire album has a strange undercurrent of tension.
For me, I was certainly ecstatic to see “Regret” get some decent rotation on MTV and US college radio, but the real winner here is “Chemical.”
It manages to at once draw back to happier days, while also being novel. It’s sound is almost expansive(?), with thundering bass lines and rolling synthesizers. I can’t help but think of blue skies and the beach when I hear it.
That is likely more a nod to the record cover than any artist intent, but here we are.
Music can be like that sometimes.
Did I hit the right marks, or did I miss some? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment with what you would’ve chosen below.