Republic cover

Republic

New Order · 1993

47 min · 11 tracks · new wave

A blend of euphoric synths and introspective lyrics that captures the essence of early '90s electronic pop.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Regret Start here — As the lead single, 'Regret' encapsulates the band's reinvigorated sound with its catchy melody and reflective lyrics about loss and longing.
  • →
    World — 'World' showcases a rich tapestry of synth textures and a driving beat, making it a quintessential New Order track that highlights their dance roots.
  • →
    Young Offender — With its infectious rhythm and poignant lyrics addressing youth disillusionment, this track resonates deeply with listeners while maintaining an upbeat tempo.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with introspective themes but lacks strong cohesion across its length.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo beat with layered synths, establishing a danceable yet introspective mood.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, particularly in 'Young Offender' and 'Chemical', which adds a narrative quality to the lyrics.
  • The album closes with 'Avalanche', which shifts to a slower tempo and features minimal instrumentation, creating a stark contrast to the preceding tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • late-night contemplative moods
  • layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Marked New Order's return with commercial success and notable hits after a hiatus.
Themes
youth disillusionment· early '90s electronic pop· reflective nostalgia
Career context
Released in January 1993, 'Republic' marked New Order's return after a five-year hiatus following the critically acclaimed 'Technique'. This album came during a transitional period for the band, as they sought to redefine their sound amidst changing musical landscapes and personal dynamics within the group.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· Pet Shop Boys· The Cure

Tracklist

  • 1 Regret Start here 4:08
  • 2 World 4:44
  • 3 Ruined in a Day 4:22
  • 4 Spooky 4:43
  • 5 Everyone Everywhere 4:24
  • 6 Young Offender 4:48
  • 7 Liar 4:21
  • 8 Chemical 4:10
  • 9 Times Change 3:52
  • 10 Special 4:51
  • 11 Avalanche 3:14

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata