What is the best New Order album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Substance 1987" (1987). It's the most representative of what makes New Order worth hearing.

What are the best New Order albums?

The essential New Order albums include "Movement" (1981), "Ceremony" (1981), "Everything's Gone Green" (1981), "1981–1982" (1982) and "Temptation" (1982).

How many albums does New Order have?

New Order has 74 releases in their discography, including 13 albums and 12 EPs.

Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0

New Order

Q: Who is New Order for?

If you're into new wave and synth-pop, New Order is worth your time. A driving pulse underpins shimmering synth layers, creating an exhilarating tension that compels movement while evoking introspective reflection.

A driving pulse underpins shimmering synth layers, creating an exhilarating tension that compels movement while evoking introspective reflection.

new wave · post-punk · synth-pop

United Kingdom Est. 1980

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Start here

The album

Substance 1987 (1987)

A comprehensive collection that captures New Order's signature blend of dance and post-punk, providing a cohesive listening experience for newcomers.

The song

“Blue Monday”

An iconic track that showcases their electronic sound with a strong hook, making it an engaging introduction to their style.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Ceremony" — from Substance 1987 (1987)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Elegia" — from Live at Bestival 2012 (2013)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Crystal" — from Live at the London Troxy (2011)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"Truth" — from The Peel Sessions (1987)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"True Faith (BBC John Peel Session 24-11-1998)" — from In Session (2004)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Restless (extended mix)" — from Complete Music (2016)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About New Order

New Order reshaped the landscape of music in the 1980s by merging post-punk sensibilities with electronic dance elements, forging a sound that became foundational for both indie and club scenes.

Their ability to blend emotive songwriting with pulsating beats not only redefined how alternative music could be experienced but also opened doors for future generations of artists to explore the intersection of introspection and danceability, creating spaces where emotional depth and physical movement coexist. Their innovative approach lies in their integration of synthesizers and drum machines with traditional instrumentation, crafting tracks that are as much about rhythmic exploration as they are about lyrical nuance. This duality allows their music to function both on the dance floor and in more intimate listening environments, inviting audiences to engage with it in diverse ways. Their use of technology not just as a tool, but as a core element of their identity, shifted expectations of what a band could do creatively. Lyrically, New Order often explores themes of love, loss, and longing, delivered through a voice that oscillates between introspective melancholy and an irresistible urge to dance. Their storytelling is impressionistic, painting emotions through evocative imagery rather than straightforward narratives, creating a rich tapestry of feelings that resonate deeply. The tone is often marked by a sense of irony, juxtaposing upbeat melodies with reflective lyrics that invite listeners to ponder while they move.

13 studio albums· 74 total releases· 4 decades· United Kingdom