About this album
Where they were
Released on August 17, 1987, 'Substance 1987' captures New Order at a pivotal moment in their career, following their commercial breakthrough with 'Blue Monday'. This compilation showcases their evolution from post-punk roots towards a more dance-oriented sound, solidifying their status as pioneers of the electronic and alternative dance genres.
Why it matters
'Substance 1987' became a cornerstone for electronic music, featuring tracks like 'Blue Monday' which remains one of the best-selling 12-inch singles ever. The album's innovative blend of rock and dance music influenced countless artists and helped shape the emerging rave culture in the UK.
Essential tracks
- "Blue Monday" — This track’s distinctive drum machine patterns and haunting synth lines revolutionized club music and remains an anthem of the electronic genre.
- "Bizarre Love Triangle" — With its infectious melody and lyrical exploration of love's complexities, this song exemplifies New Order's knack for combining emotional depth with danceable rhythms.
- "Temptation" — 'Temptation' perfectly encapsulates the band's unique sound, blending ethereal vocals with driving basslines, making it a staple in both their live sets and club playlists.
- "True Faith" — This track features poignant lyrics paired with an upbeat tempo, showcasing New Order's ability to convey vulnerability within an energetic framework.
- "Ceremony" — 'Ceremony' serves as a bridge between Joy Division's post-punk legacy and New Order's emerging electronic style, highlighting their transformative journey.
Release Date
August 17, 1987
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Ceremony 4:23
- 2 Everything’s Gone Green 5:30
- 3 Temptation 6:58
- 4 Blue Monday 7:29
- 5 Confusion 4:43
- 6 Thieves Like Us 6:36
- 7 Perfect Kiss 8:02
- 8 Subculture 4:48
- 9 Shellshock 6:28
- 10 State of the Nation 6:32
- 11 Bizarre Love Triangle 6:44
- 12 True Faith 5:53
Disc 2
- 1 In a Lonely Place 6:16
- 2 Procession 4:28
- 3 Cries and Whispers 3:25
- 4 Hurt 6:58
- 5 The Beach 7:19
- 6 Confusion (instrumental) 7:38
- 7 Lonesome Tonight 5:11
- 8 Murder 3:55
- 9 Thieves Like Us (instrumental) 6:57
- 10 Kiss of Death 7:02
- 11 Shame of the Nation 7:54
- 12 1963 5:33