New Order is one of the most iconic and influential bands of the post-punk and new wave era, known for their innovative sound and captivating live performances. Here are 20 of their best songs:Blue Monday – a groundbreaking dance anthem with a hypnotic beat and infectious melody.
Bizarre Love Triangle – a catchy and upbeat love song that remains a fan favoriteTrue Faith -a haunting track with powerful lyrics and a memorable chorus.Temptation – a classic song with a driving bassline and soaring vocals.Regret – a melodic and reflective song with introspective lyrics.Love Vigilantes – a poignant and moving track about the horrors of war.Ceremony – a somber and melancholic song with beautiful guitar work and emotive vocals.Your Silent Face – a dreamy and atmospheric track with lush synthesizers and emotive lyrics.The Perfect Kiss – a complex and multi-layered song with intricate instrumentation and poetic lyrics.Vanishing Point – a haunting and atmospheric track with a driving bassline and ethereal vocals.
Dreams Never End – a beautiful and reflective song with a haunting melody and introspective lyrics.All The Way – an upbeat and infectious song with a catchy chorus and memorable lyrics.
Thieves Like Us – a danceable and catchy song with memorable hooks and a great melody.
Age Of Consent – a classic song with a driving beat and soaring vocals.Everything’s Gone Green – a funky and danceable track with a memorable bassline and catchy chorus.Elegia – an epic and beautiful instrumental with haunting melodies and soaring guitars.World In Motion – a catchy and uplifting football anthem with memorable lyrics and a great beat.Crystal – a melodic and atmospheric song with beautiful guitar work and introspective lyrics.Dream Attack – a dreamy and introspective track with a hypnotic beat and soaring vocals.Restless – a modern New Order classic with pulsating synths and emotive vocals.These songs showcase the breadth and depth of New Order’s musical prowess, from their early post-punk roots to their later forays into electronic and dance music. Each track is a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to create timeless music that continues to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.
1.TEMPTATION (1982)
“Temptation” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1982 as a single and later included on their album “Movement”. It features a driving bassline, haunting synths, and a catchy chorus, and is widely regarded as one of the band’s signature tracks. The song explores the theme of temptation in various forms, from sexual desire to drug addiction, and its lyrics are enigmatic and open to interpretation.The music video for “Temptation” features footage of the band performing the song live, as well as surreal imagery and abstract animations. The video was directed by New Order’s frequent collaborator, the artist and filmmaker Michael Shamberg, and is considered a classic of the era.
2.CEREMONY(1980)
“Ceremony” is a song by the British band Joy Division, released in 1980 as a single following the death of their lead singer Ian Curtis. The song was later included on their album “Substance”. It features a haunting guitar riff, propulsive drums, and Curtis’s melancholic vocals. The lyrics are poetic and cryptic, but are believed to be about the end of a relationship.The music video for “Ceremony” features footage of the band performing the song in a dimly lit studio, intercut with shots of the band walking around a desolate cityscape. The video captures the sense of loss and isolation that permeates the song, and is a poignant tribute to Curtis’s memory.
3.AGE OF CONSENT (1983)
“Age of Consent” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1983 as a single and later included on their album “Power, Corruption & Lies”. It features a driving beat, shimmering synths, and a soaring chorus, and is considered one of the band’s most upbeat and optimistic tracks. The lyrics are about the excitement and possibility of new love, and the title is a reference to the legal age of sexual consent.The music video for “Age of Consent” features footage of the band performing the song in a studio, intercut with images of dancers moving in slow motion. The video captures the joy and energy of the song, and is a celebration of youth and freedom.
4.TRUE FAITH (1987)
“True Faith” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1987 as a single and later included on their album “Substance”. The song features a catchy synth melody, a propulsive beat, and singer Bernard Sumner’s emotive vocals. The lyrics are enigmatic and explore the themes of love, loss, and addiction.The music video for “True Faith” is one of the most iconic of the 1980s, and was directed by the British artist and filmmaker Philippe Decouflé. The video features surreal imagery and avant-garde choreography, with the band members performing in a variety of bizarre costumes and settings. The video’s striking visuals and imaginative use of special effects won it several awards, and it is considered a landmark in the evolution of music videos.”True Faith” is widely regarded as one of New Order’s best songs, and has been covered and sampled by numerous artists. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the band’s ability to craft timeless, emotionally resonant music.
5.YOUR SILENT FACE (1983)
“Your Silent Face” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1983 as a single and later included on their album “Power, Corruption & Lies”. The song features atmospheric synths, a slow, steady beat, and singer Bernard Sumner’s plaintive vocals. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring the themes of regret, longing, and the passage of time.
The music video for “Your Silent Face” is a minimalist affair, featuring footage of the band members walking around a deserted cityscape at night. The video’s stark imagery and moody atmosphere perfectly complement the song’s melancholic tone, and the combination of music and visuals creates a haunting, unforgettable experience.”Your Silent Face” is often cited as one of New Order’s most underrated songs, and is a favorite among fans for its introspective lyrics and dreamy, atmospheric sound.
6.BLUE MONDAY (1983)
“Blue Monday” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1983 as a single and later included on their album “Power, Corruption & Lies”. The song features a driving beat, pulsing synths, and a catchy bassline, and is widely regarded as a classic of the dance and new wave genres.The lyrics of “Blue Monday” are sparse and cryptic, and are believed to be about the aftermath of a relationship. The song’s real impact, however, lies in its innovative use of technology and production techniques. The song’s distinctive sound was achieved through the use of a variety of synthesizers and drum machines, and the band’s experimentation with sampling and digital manipulation set a new standard for electronic music.The music video for “Blue Monday” is another landmark of the era, and was directed by the British design collective 8vo. The video features abstract, geometric animations and surreal imagery, and is a visual representation of the song’s futuristic sound. The video’s striking visuals and groundbreaking use of computer graphics helped to establish New Order as pioneers of the music video form.”Blue Monday” remains one of New Order’s most beloved songs, and has been covered and remixed by numerous artists. Its influence can be heard in a wide variety of musical genres, from techno to hip-hop, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and innovative spirit.
In conclusion, New Order is a band that has made an indelible mark on the history of popular music, and their songs and music videos continue to inspire and influence artists today. From the haunting melancholy of “Your Silent Face” to the futuristic sound of “Blue Monday”, New Order’s music is a testament to the power of innovation
7.REGRET (1993)
“Regret” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1993 as a single and later included on their album “Republic”. The song features a bouncy rhythm, jangly guitars, and singer Bernard Sumner’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics are introspective and explore the themes of regret, loss, and the search for meaning in life.The music video for “Regret” was directed by the American filmmaker Robert Longo and features a variety of surreal, dreamlike imagery. The video’s vivid colors and eye-catching visuals perfectly complement the song’s upbeat, optimistic tone, and the combination of music and visuals creates a memorable, uplifting experience.”Regret” was a commercial and critical success for New Order, and remains one of their most popular and beloved songs. Its catchy melody and upbeat energy have made it a staple of 90s alternative radio and a favorite among fans.
8.EVERYTHING’S GONE GREEN (1981)
“Everything’s Gone Green” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1981 as a single and later included on their album “Movement”. The song features a driving beat, propulsive bassline, and a mixture of atmospheric synths and guitar riffs. The lyrics are cryptic and explore the themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for identity.
The music video for “Everything’s Gone Green” is a low-budget affair, featuring footage of the band members performing in a variety of urban and industrial settings. The video’s raw, gritty aesthetic perfectly complements the song’s punk-inspired sound, and the combination of music and visuals creates an intense, visceral experience.”Everything’s Gone Green” is a favorite among New Order fans for its raw energy and punk-inspired sound. The song’s mix of guitar-driven rock and electronic experimentation set the tone for much of the band’s later work, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal and influence.
9.THE PERFECT KISS (1985)
The Perfect Kiss” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1985 as a single and later included on their album “Low-Life”. The song features a danceable beat, infectious bassline, and a mixture of electronic and acoustic instruments. The lyrics are playful and explore the themes of desire, intimacy, and the search for connection.The music video for “The Perfect Kiss” is a surreal, avant-garde masterpiece, featuring a variety of bizarre, dreamlike imagery. The video’s use of color and texture perfectly complements the song’s playful, upbeat tone, and the combination of music and visuals creates a mesmerizing, otherworldly experience.
“The Perfect Kiss” is often cited as one of New Order’s best songs, and is a favorite among fans for its catchy melody, inventive production, and playful lyrics. Its influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal and innovative spirit.
In conclusion, New Order is a band that has made a significant impact on the history of popular music, and their songs and music videos continue to inspire and influence artists today. From the introspective melancholy of “Regret” to the punk-inspired energy of “Everything’s Gone Green” and the surreal beauty of “The Perfect Kiss”, New Order’s music is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity in music. Their influence can be heard in a wide variety of musical genres, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their enduring appeal and influence.
10:VANISHING POINT (1989)
“Vanishing Point” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1989 as a single and later included on their album “Technique”. The song features a propulsive beat, catchy bassline, and a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments. The lyrics explore themes of escape, transcendence, and the search for freedom.The music video for “Vanishing Point” features the band performing the song against a backdrop of stunning natural landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and forests. The video’s epic scope and sweeping vistas perfectly complement the song’s sense of liberation and the search for transcendence, creating a memorable and awe-inspiring experience.”Vanishing Point” is a standout track on “Technique”, one of New Order’s most acclaimed albums. Its mix of rock and electronic sounds and its themes of liberation and escape make it a favorite among fans, and its influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists.
11.BIZARRE LOVE TRIANGLE (1986)
“Bizarre Love Triangle” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1986 as a single and later included on their album “Brotherhood”. The song features a danceable beat, catchy melody, and a mix of electronic and acoustic instruments. The lyrics explore themes of love, confusion, and the search for meaning in life.The music video for “Bizarre Love Triangle” is a minimalist, stylish affair, featuring the band members performing the song against a backdrop of colorful geometric shapes. The video’s clean lines and striking visuals perfectly complement the song’s catchy melody and playful lyrics, creating a memorable and stylish experience.”Bizarre Love Triangle” is one of New Order’s most popular and beloved songs, and its influence can be heard in a wide variety of musical genres. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite among fans and a staple of 80s alternative radio, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
12.CRYSTAL (1993)
“Crystal” is a song by the British band New Order, released in 1993 as a single and later included on their album “Get Ready”. The song features a driving beat, pulsing bassline, and a mix of electronic and guitar sounds. The lyrics explore themes of addiction, temptation, and the search for redemption.The music video for “Crystal” is a visually stunning work, featuring the band members performing the song against a backdrop of swirling colors and geometric shapes. The video’s use of color and texture perfectly complements the song’s dark, brooding tone, creating a haunting and memorable experience.”Crystal” is a standout track on “Get Ready”, one of New Order’s most critically acclaimed albums. Its mix of rock and electronic sounds and its themes of addiction and temptation make it a favorite among fans, and its influence can be heard in the work of numerous artists.
In conclusion, New Order is a band that has made an indelible mark on the history of popular music, and their songs and music videos continue to inspire and influence artists today. From the epic scope of “Vanishing Point” to the minimalist style of “Bizarre Love Triangle” and the haunting beauty of “Crystal”, New Order’s music is a testament to the power of innovation and creativity in music. Their influence can be heard in a wide variety of musical genres, and their enduring popularity is a testament to their enduring appeal and influence.
13.ALL THE WAY (1989)
“All the Way” is a single from New Order’s 1989 album, “Technique”. The song was co-written by all the members of the band, and it was produced by the band in collaboration with Stephen Hague. The track is a high-energy dance-pop number that features a bouncy bassline, catchy synth hooks, and a driving beat. The lyrics of “All the Way” explore themes of love, desire, and commitment.The song was accompanied by a music video that features the band performing the song in a stark, industrial setting, with flashing lights and projections creating a sense of frenetic energy. The video also features footage of the band in the studio, creating the song’s distinctive sound.”All the Way” was a commercial success, reaching #18 on the UK singles chart and #24 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has become a fan favorite, and it continues to be a staple of New Order’s live shows to this day.
14.LOVE VIGILANTES (1985)
“Love Vigilantes” is a single from New Order’s 1985 album, “Low-Life”. The song was written by the band’s bassist, Peter Hook, and it was produced by the band in collaboration with Michael Johnson. “Love Vigilantes” is a departure from the band’s usual dance-oriented sound, featuring acoustic guitars, harmonica, and a simple drum machine beat. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a soldier returning home from war, only to find that his wife and children have died in his absence.The music video for “Love Vigilantes” is a surrealistic take on the song’s subject matter, featuring a man in military uniform walking through a series of bizarre and dreamlike landscapes. The video was directed by Jonathan Demme, who would go on to direct the acclaimed films “Silence of the Lambs” and “Philadelphia”.”Love Vigilantes” was not a major commercial success upon its release, but it has since become a fan favorite, and it continues to be performed live by the band to this day.
15.THIEVES LIKE US (1984)
Thieves Like Us” is a single from New Order’s 1984 album, “Power, Corruption & Lies”. The song was written by all the members of the band, and it was produced by the band in collaboration with Arthur Baker. “Thieves Like Us” is a mid-tempo dance track that features a pulsing bassline, shimmering synths, and a catchy chorus.The music video for “Thieves Like Us” features footage of the band performing the song in a studio, interspersed with shots of a couple dancing in a park. The video’s aesthetic is heavily influenced by the art of French painter Henri Rousseau, with the park setting evoking the lush, tropical landscapes of Rousseau’s work.”Thieves Like Us” was a commercial success, reaching #18 on the UK singles chart and #66 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song has become a fan favorite, and it continues to be a staple of New Order’s live shows to this day. The track has also been covered by numerous artists, including the Pet Shop Boys and the indie rock band the Decemberists.
16.ELEGIA (1985)
“Elegia” is a song by the English rock band New Order, released in 1985 on their album “Low-Life”. The track is an instrumental piece, with a running time of just over 5 minutes. It features a slow, mournful melody played on a synthesizer, accompanied by sparse, minimalistic drums and bass.The song was written as a tribute to Ian Curtis, the lead singer of Joy Division who had died by suicide five years earlier. Curtis was a close friend and former bandmate of the members of New Order, and his death had a profound impact on the band’s music and lyrics.The title “Elegia” comes from the Greek word “elegos”, meaning mournful poetry or song, and the song certainly lives up to its name. The mournful melody and sparse instrumentation create a haunting, introspective atmosphere that perfectly captures the grief and sadness that the band members felt in the wake of Curtis’s death.Despite being an instrumental track, “Elegia” has become one of New Order’s most iconic and beloved songs. Its haunting melody and emotional resonance have made it a popular choice for film and television soundtracks, and it is frequently cited as a masterpiece of the post-punk and new wave genres.
17.WORLD IN MOTION (1990)
World in Motion” is a song by New Order, released in 1990 as the official anthem of the England national football team for the FIFA World Cup that year. The track is an upbeat, pop-influenced dance track that features guest vocals from the English footballer John Barnes.
The song was a departure from New Order’s usual sound, which was more rooted in post-punk and electronic music. Instead, “World in Motion” was a nod to the burgeoning rave and house music scenes that were sweeping the UK at the time. The track features a catchy, infectious melody, funky bassline, and an earworm chorus that encourages listeners to “Put your hands together / For England!”The song’s lyrics are patriotic and celebratory, with references to the “red, white, and blue” and the “spirit of the team”. The inclusion of Barnes’s rap verse also gave the song a more urban and contemporary feel, making it a hit with younger audiences.
Despite its origins as a football anthem, “World in Motion” has since become one of New Order’s most famous and enduring songs. Its catchy melody and upbeat energy have made it a staple of dancefloors and sports events around the world, while its status as an iconic piece of British culture has earned it a place in the national consciousness.
18.DREAM ATTACK (1989)
“Dream Attack” is a song by New Order, released in 1989 on their album “Technique”. The track is a pulsing, dance-inflected number that features lush, atmospheric synths and a driving bassline.The song’s lyrics are dreamy and poetic, with references to “flying high in the friendly sky” and “dancing with tears in our eyes”. The overall mood is one of euphoria and transcendence, with the music and lyrics combining to create a sense of otherworldliness and escape.Despite its upbeat and danceable nature, “Dream Attack” also has a melancholic edge, with lyrics that hint at loss and longing. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Can you hear me? Can you hear me?” gives the song a haunting and emotive quality that lingers long after the final notes have faded away.
Overall, “Dream Attack” is a standout track on “Technique”, one of New Order’s most acclaimed and beloved
19.RESTLESS (2015)
“Restless” is a single released by New Order in 2015, featuring vocals from lead singer Bernard Sumner. It was the band’s first release without bassist Peter Hook, who had departed from the group in 2007. The song has a pulsating beat and shimmering synths, with Sumner’s vocals delivering lyrics about the desire to break free and move forward. The track was well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising it as a return to form for the band.
20.DREAMS NEVER END (1981)
“Dreams Never End” is the opening track from New Order’s debut album “Movement,” released in 1981. It was the first song the band recorded after the death of their former lead singer Ian Curtis, who had fronted Joy Division before his tragic suicide in 1980. The track features a haunting melody and melancholic lyrics that reflect the band’s grief and uncertainty about their future. Despite its somber tone, the song also contains moments of hope, with guitarist Bernard Sumner singing about the possibility of moving on and starting anew. The track is considered a classic of post-punk and new wave music, and a significant milestone in the history of New Order.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
