Is The Best of New Order a good place to start with New Order?

Yes, The Best of New Order is recommended as a starting point for new New Order listeners. A vibrant collection of synth-driven anthems that captures the evolution of New Order's sound from post-punk to dance-floor staples. By the time 'The Best of New Order' was released in 1994, the band had transitioned from their early post-punk roots to becoming pioneers in electronic dance music. This compilation follows their commercially successful albums 'Technique' (1989) and 'Republic' (1993), serving as a retrospective that highlights their significant influence on both alternative and mainstream music.

Who is The Best of New Order for?

The Best of New Order works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and steady, consistent energy levels.

How many songs are on The Best of New Order?

The Best of New Order has 17 tracks, running approximately 70 minutes.

Released 32 years ago this November

The Best of New Order

New Order · 1994

70 min · 17 tracks · new wave

A vibrant collection of synth-driven anthems that captures the evolution of New Order's sound from post-punk to dance-floor staples.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Let’s Go (Nothing for Me) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Blue Monday (’88) — As one of the band's most iconic tracks, it showcases their innovative blend of electronic beats and post-punk melodies, setting a new standard for dance music.
→
True Faith (’94) — This re-recorded version of 'True Faith' encapsulates New Order's ability to evolve while maintaining emotional depth, making it a standout in their discography.
→
Bizarre Love Triangle — This track exemplifies New Order's signature sound, combining catchy hooks with complex rhythms, solidifying its status as a timeless dance anthem.
→
Regret — 'Regret' marks a poignant moment in the collection, reflecting the band's lyrical maturity and continuing relevance in the ever-changing musical landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The compilation captures key moments in New Order's evolution but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate prominent synth lines and drum machine patterns, characteristic of New Order's sound.
The running order alternates between upbeat anthems and more introspective pieces, maintaining listener engagement throughout.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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
long, immersive listening sessions
steady, consistent energy levels
immediate hooks and energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This compilation solidified New Order's legacy and commercial success.
Themes: dance-floor nostalgia· post-punk evolution· Manchester nightlife
Career context: By the time 'The Best of New Order' was released in 1994, the band had transitioned from their early post-punk roots to becoming pioneers in electronic dance music. This compilation follows their commercially successful albums 'Technique' (1989) and 'Republic' (1993), serving as a retrospective that highlights their significant influence on both alternative and mainstream music.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· Pet Shop Boys· The Cure