New Order, emerging from the ashes of Joy Division, carved a unique path in music history. They masterfully blended post-punk’s raw energy with burgeoning electronic sounds, creating a catalog of songs that are both profoundly moving and irresistibly danceable. While their debut album Movement was initially seen as a shadow of their past, New Order quickly evolved, embracing the influence of New York nightlife and pioneering a sound that would resonate for decades. This list delves into 30 of their finest tracks, exploring the evolution of their sound and highlighting the songs that cemented their legendary status. From melancholic reflections to anthemic dancefloor fillers, these are essential New Order Songs for any music lover.
30. The Him (1981)
“The Him,” from Movement, often gets overshadowed as part of New Order’s early, Joy Division-esque phase. However, dismissing it as just a footnote would be a mistake. This track possesses a powerful surge that feels like it could have easily been a Joy Division classic. Lyrically, it’s a poignant attempt to grapple with the 1980 death of Ian Curtis, Joy Division’s frontman, making it a deeply moving and heartbreaking piece within New Order’s discography. It showcases the band’s nascent ability to channel grief and introspection into compelling music, even in their early stages.
29. Confusion (1983)
Initially received as a somewhat underwhelming follow-up to the iconic “Blue Monday,” “Confusion” has aged remarkably well. Re-recorded later for their Substance compilation in 1987, this track’s charm lies in its wholehearted and endearingly awkward embrace of electro music. It vividly illustrates the profound impact of New York’s vibrant nightlife scene on New Order’s evolving sound. “Confusion” captures the band’s willingness to experiment and incorporate new influences, pushing beyond their post-punk roots and venturing into more electronic territories, making it a significant step in their sonic journey.
28. Murder (1984)
New Order has consistently surprised listeners with exceptional instrumental tracks throughout their career, with “Murder” being a prime example, alongside tracks like “Elegia” and “Video 586.” “Murder” stands out as a particularly thrilling and dramatic instrumental piece. It features thunderous drumming and insistent, piercing guitar work that evokes the raw energy of Joy Division, creating a bridge between their past and present sounds. Adding to its dramatic flair, the track incorporates samples of dialogue from cinematic masterpieces like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Caligula, layering a sense of cinematic grandeur and intrigue onto their signature sound.
27. Weirdo (1986)
For sheer exhilarating energy, few New Order songs can match the opening of “Weirdo.” This track, a frantic highlight from the “rock”-oriented side one of their Brotherhood album, bursts into life with an explosive guitar riff that instantly grabs your attention. While the lyrics might veer into the nonsensical, the musicality is undeniable, particularly Peter Hook’s spectacular bass playing. His distinctive style drives the song forward, making “Weirdo” a standout track for its raw energy and instrumental prowess within New Order’s catalog.
26. Shellshock (1986)
“Shellshock” occupies a unique, and perhaps slightly dated, space in New Order’s discography. While undeniably anthemic and powered by a compelling chorus, the 12-inch version, in particular, is heavily stamped with its 1986 origins. The overload of stuttering “n-n-n-nineteen” samples and characteristic synth sounds firmly plant it in the mid-80s soundscape. However, this timestamp doesn’t diminish the core quality of the song itself. “Shellshock” remains a testament to New Order’s ability to craft powerful and memorable anthems, even if its production is very much of its era.
25. Waiting For the Sirens’ Call (2005)
The album Waiting For the Sirens’ Call is often considered a low point in New Order’s creative journey, perhaps their nadir. While the album track “Waiting For the Sirens’ Call” isn’t musically offensive – merely workmanlike and lacking inspiration – the lyrics across the album are frequently criticized as abysmal. Yet, the title track itself manages to rise above the album’s general mediocrity. It shines due to its beautiful melody and Bernard Sumner’s yearning vocal delivery. As New Order’s only album title track, it stands as a solitary beacon of quality on an otherwise underwhelming release.
24. Fine Time (1989)
“Fine Time,” the lead single from Technique, was a perplexing choice at the time. Largely instrumental and lacking a strong, immediate melody, it defied typical single conventions. Despite this, “Fine Time” is undeniably thrilling. Its urgent, clattering rhythm track, combined with acid house squelches and sampled voices, creates a chaotic yet captivating soundscape. Steve “Silk” Hurley’s remix streamlined it into straightforward house music, but the original’s appeal lies precisely in New Order’s idiosyncratic and genre-bending approach to the burgeoning house music scene.
23. As It Is When It Was (1986)
New Order isn’t particularly known for acoustic ballads, making “As It Is When It Was” a rare and beautiful gem in their catalog. This understated highlight from Brotherhood showcases a different side of the band. A rockier live rendition, featured in the Pumped Full of Drugs video, is particularly noteworthy, especially for Gillian Gilbert’s nonchalant coolness. Her performance, delivered with her back to the audience for the entire song, adds to the track’s unique and intriguing appeal.
22. Sub-Culture (1985)
Navigating the various versions of “Sub-Culture” is crucial to fully appreciate its brilliance. The Low-Life original is often considered somewhat weak, while the full 12-inch mix can be overwhelming. The edited version of the 12-inch mix, found on Substance, hits the sweet spot. This edit polishes the vocals, allowing the melody to truly shine, and kicks off with a thrilling burst of sampled drums. This refined version captures the essence of “Sub-Culture” at its peak, making it an essential listen.
21. Elegia (1985)
“Elegia,” an instrumental tribute to Ian Curtis, initially appeared in a shorter form on Low-Life. Years later, Stephen Morris revealed that the original recording stretched to 17 minutes. When this full version finally surfaced on the 2002 Retro box set, it was revealed to be not an indulgence, but a masterpiece. “Elegia” in its extended form is drifting, shifting, and profoundly beautiful, unlike anything else in New Order’s body of work. It’s a testament to their ability to create deeply moving and expansive instrumental pieces.
20. Restless (2015)
After the departure of Peter Hook, expectations for the new, post-Hook New Order were understandably tempered. However, Music Complete defied expectations, becoming arguably their best album since Technique. “Restless,” the guitar-heavy opener, is a prime example of this resurgence. It’s more focused and potent than anything the band had produced in decades, signaling a revitalized creative energy and a return to form that surprised and delighted fans.
19. Everything’s Gone Green (1981)
“Everything’s Gone Green” stands as a fascinating transitional song in New Order’s early discography. Funky yet imbued with a dark and agitated undercurrent, it represents the band exploring the dancefloor while still grappling with the shadow of Joy Division. For those interested in musical “what ifs,” it’s tempting to imagine “Everything’s Gone Green” as a glimpse into what Joy Division might have sounded like had they continued and absorbed the same club music influences. It’s a crucial track in understanding New Order’s evolution and their journey towards defining their own sound.
18. Round & Round (1989)
“Round & Round,” the second single from Technique, immediately grabs attention with its house-influenced sampled orchestral stabs. However, in contrast to the hectic chaos of “Fine Time,” “Round & Round” leans towards pop sensibility. The chorus is almost Abba-esque in its poppiness, creating a surprising and delightful juxtaposition. Sumner’s vocals drift languidly over the backing, while Peter Hook delivers a masterclass in his reinvented bass style, coloring and shaping the song rather than simply providing a rhythmic foundation.
17. Lonesome Tonight (1984)
In the 1980s, New Order had a penchant for relegating songs that many other bands would have considered singles to B-sides. “Lonesome Tonight,” tucked away on the B-side of “Thieves Like Us,” perfectly exemplifies this. It’s a sublime slice of melancholy, featuring an instrumental coda that occupies half the track yet remains just as compelling as the vocal section. “Lonesome Tonight” is a testament to the depth and quality of New Order’s songwriting, even beyond their more celebrated singles.
16. Love Vigilantes (1985)
Bernard Sumner jokingly referred to “Love Vigilantes” as “a redneck song.” Iron and Wine’s acoustic cover in 2009 effectively teases out the underlying country influence, which is easy to overlook amidst Hook’s exquisitely winding basslines and Sumner’s vocals. As the fabulous opening track of Low-Life, it also subtly reflects the lyrical influence of Jimmy Cliff’s 60s reggae hit “Vietnam.” “Love Vigilantes” is a rich and layered track, showcasing New Order’s diverse influences and songwriting prowess.
15. Crystal (2001)
The 2000s were a turbulent decade for New Order. Personal upheavals and internal tensions led to albums that were patchier than their earlier work. However, amidst this turmoil, moments of brilliance still emerged, and “Crystal” is a prime example. It’s a great song, thrillingly wrapped in a noisy, echo-drenched reboot of New Order in guitar mode. “Crystal” represents a powerful and energetic track from a period of change and challenge for the band, proving their enduring capacity to create compelling music.
14. Age of Consent (1983)
Like “Temptation” in 1982, “Age of Consent,” the opening track of Power, Corruption & Lies, feels like a bold statement of intent. It marks New Order fully becoming New Order, shedding the hesitancy and mourning that characterized their debut album. “Age of Consent” is a shimmering, albeit unconventional, pop song, propelled by one of Peter Hook’s most iconic bass lines – hypnotic, relentless, and incredibly catchy. It’s a defining track that encapsulates New Order’s evolved sound and confident new direction.
13. Ceremony (1981)
It’s almost unimaginable how New Order managed to record their debut single, “Ceremony,” so soon after Ian Curtis’s death. Both versions of the song actually predate his suicide, with their lyrics serving as a stark testament to his mental state. Yet, “Ceremony” is a triumph. Between the first version from March 1981 and the re-recording released in September, you can hear a new band beginning to solidify and coalesce, forging their own identity while honoring their past.
12. Dream Attack (1989)
While not every track on Technique was directly influenced by the Ibiza club scene where initial recording sessions took place, the island’s spirit permeates the entire album. “Dream Attack,” the album’s marvelous closer, is guitar-based but evokes a warm and sunlit atmosphere. The opening lyrics seem to reflect on the hazy aftermath of a night spent on the dancefloor, perfectly capturing the album’s overall vibe and serving as a fitting and evocative conclusion.
11. Tutti Frutti (2015)
Music Complete‘s belated homage to Italo disco, a genre that significantly influenced New Order’s post-Joy Division transformation, is a pure delight in the form of “Tutti Frutti.” There’s a playful slyness that was noticeably absent in their 2000s albums, adding a refreshing lightness to their sound. Elly “La Roux” Jackson’s backing vocals further elevate the mood. The Chemical Brothers’ Tom Rowlands’ amped-up remix is also highly recommended, adding another dimension to this vibrant and celebratory track.
10. 1963 (1987)
Bernard Sumner’s songwriting often gives the impression of spontaneous creation, as if he jots down the first thoughts that come to mind. However, this approach can yield lyrical brilliance, as exemplified in “1963.” Producer Stephen Hague astutely described it as “a song about domestic violence you can dance to.” Initially relegated to B-side status, its quality was undeniable, leading to its release as a single in 1995, finally giving it the recognition it deserved.
9. The Perfect Kiss (1985)
Written, recorded, and mixed in a single, sleepless 72-hour session, the full-length version of “The Perfect Kiss” stands as perhaps the best New Order 12-inch mix of all. Spanning nine explosive and unpredictable minutes, it encompasses everything from slap bass to the croaking of frogs, building into a fantastic, extended, and euphoric climax. It’s a testament to New Order’s creative energy and their ability to craft sprawling, dynamic dance tracks.
8. Your Silent Face (1983)
“Your Silent Face” is a beautiful and stately homage to Kraftwerk, specifically referencing their 1977 masterpiece Europe Endless. It’s one of New Order’s greatest album tracks and a conscious effort to disrupt their somber, post-Joy Division image. After four verses filled with bleak imagery (“Rise and fall of shame, a search that shall remain”), it culminates in an exasperated and unexpected: “Why don’t you piss off?” This abrupt and almost humorous ending adds a layer of complexity to the track’s otherwise serious tone.
7. Bizarre Love Triangle (1986)
Incredibly, “Bizarre Love Triangle” was initially a flop upon release. Despite this, it has become one of New Order’s most-covered songs. Artists ranging from The Killers to Scarlett Johansson have recorded versions, attesting to its enduring appeal, beautiful melody, and affecting lyrics. The original production is also spectacular, featuring chattering sequenced synths, orchestral flourishes, and explosive drum rolls. Shep Pettibone’s remix further enhances the track, solidifying its status as a classic.
6. Regret (1993)
Stephen Morris described the making of Republic as “very unpleasant,” driven more by financial necessity after the collapse of Factory Records than by artistic inspiration. Yet, you would never guess the difficult circumstances from its lead single, “Regret.” It stands as one of the most perfectly formed songs New Order has ever written, a testament to their professionalism and ability to create exceptional music even under pressure.
5. Vanishing Point (1989)
Technique is widely considered New Order’s best album, and “Vanishing Point” is arguably its finest track. It perfectly exemplifies their effortless integration of house music into their signature sound. Beyond genre fusion, it’s simply a fantastic song, the sun-drenched melody beautifully contrasting with the inherent melancholy in Sumner’s vocal and lyrics. “Vanishing Point” is a highlight of their discography and a masterclass in balancing contrasting moods within a single track.
4. Blue Monday (1983)
“Blue Monday” is nothing short of musical alchemy in action. A patchwork of musical thefts – drawing inspiration from Donna Summer, Kraftwerk, Ennio Morricone, and Klein & MBO’s “Dirty Talk” – combined with accidental sequencer errors (the melody line was input incorrectly), miraculously transformed into one of the greatest and most instantly recognizable songs of its era. “Blue Monday” is a testament to creative serendipity and New Order’s genius in turning disparate elements into a groundbreaking and iconic track.
3. Thieves Like Us (1984)
“Romantic” isn’t an adjective often associated with New Order, but it perfectly encapsulates the wonderful “Thieves Like Us.” It’s richly melodic, layered with lush synths, and features a vocal performance that is the antithesis of “Blue Monday’s” icy detachment. The occasional moments of off-key fragility only amplify the song’s emotional impact, making “Thieves Like Us” a deeply moving and beautifully crafted track.
2. Temptation (1982)
The fade-in opening of “Temptation” feels like clouds parting, ushering in a song that is both ramshackle and danceable, gleefully poppy and infused with falsetto vocals. It’s clear evidence that New Order had definitively discovered a new and distinct identity, separate from their past. While the band understandably chose to re-record it with a slicker production in 1987, the original’s raw exuberance is a significant part of its enduring charm and appeal.
1. True Faith (1987)
“True Faith” tops this list, though in truth, any of the songs in the Top 10 could arguably be considered New Order’s greatest. Personal preference elevates “True Faith” to the number one spot. The lyrics are brilliant, written from the perspective of an unrepentant heroin addict – an ironic twist given that Sumner and Hague reportedly “set out to write a hit single.” Sumner’s ambiguous vocal delivery is perfect, the melody feels effortless, and the sound is a subtly masterful example of New Order’s unparalleled ability to fuse club influences with rock music. “True Faith” is a definitive New Order song and a pinnacle of their musical achievement.
Explore More New Order Songs on Spotify: Spotify (Link to New Order’s Spotify profile)
This list provides a starting point for exploring the vast and influential catalog of New Order songs. Each track offers a glimpse into their evolution, their experimentation, and their undeniable impact on music. From their post-punk origins to their electronic innovations, New Order has consistently delivered songs that are both timeless and groundbreaking, securing their place as one of the most important bands of the last four decades.
