New Order’s Biggest Hits: More Than Just “Blue Monday” [2024] 🎧

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You might know New Order for their iconic “Blue Monday,” but did you know it wasn’t their only chart-topping hit? đŸ€Ż This synth-pop powerhouse, formed after the tragic passing of Joy Division’s Ian Curtis, carved a unique path in the music world. While “Blue Monday” remains their most recognized track, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. We’re diving deep into New Order’s musical journey, exploring their biggest hits, their lasting influence on electronic music, and their enduring legacy.

Get ready to revisit some classic tracks, discover new favorites, and explore the enduring power of New Order’s sound!

Quick Answer

  • New Order’s biggest hit is “Blue Monday,” released in 1983, and it’s the best-selling 12-inch single of all time! 🏆
  • While “Blue Monday” is legendary, it’s not their only hit. New Order’s catalog includes other chart-topping singles like “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “True Faith,” and “World in Motion.”
  • New Order’s sound heavily influenced electronic music genres like synth-pop, house, techno, and EDM. đŸŽ¶

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Table of Contents

Quick Tips and Facts #quick-tips-and-facts

  • New Order’s biggest hit was “Blue Monday,” released in 1983. đŸ€Ż
  • It wasn’t just a hit—it became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time! 🏆
  • The song almost didn’t see the light of day! It was initially conceived as a way to end concerts without having to come back for an encore. 😅
  • “Blue Monday” never actually hit number one on any major chart. Its highest position was number nine on the UK Singles Chart. đŸ€”
  • The song’s iconic melancholy sound was heavily influenced by the band’s post-punk roots and the innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines. đŸŽč

Did you know that New Order’s contemporaries, Depeche Mode, also had their fair share of chart success? Dive into their journey in our article: Depeche Mode’s Biggest Hits: Did They Ever Have a Number One Song? 2024 đŸŽ¶

The Rise of New Order: From Joy Division to Synth-Pop Pioneers #the-rise-of-new-order-from-joy-division-to-synth-pop-pioneers

Video: Transmissions: The Definitive Story of Joy Division & New Order.







Formed in 1980, New Order rose from the ashes of the influential post-punk band Joy Division after the tragic suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis. The remaining members, Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, decided to continue making music but knew they had to forge a new path. This led them down a road of experimentation with synthesizers and electronic instruments, a stark contrast to Joy Division’s guitar-driven sound.

Embracing the Electronic Age

Inspired by early electronic music pioneers like Kraftwerk and Giorgio Moroder, New Order began incorporating synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers into their music. This shift towards electronic soundscapes became a defining characteristic of their sound, setting them apart from their post-punk contemporaries and pushing the boundaries of popular music.

A New Sound is Born

New Order’s early work was a fusion of their post-punk roots and their newfound love for electronic music. Songs like “Ceremony” and “Everything’s Gone Green” hinted at the band’s evolving sound, while their debut album, Movement (1981), showcased a band still grappling with their identity.

Finding Their Footing

It was with their second album, Power, Corruption & Lies (1983), that New Order truly hit their stride. The album featured a more confident and cohesive blend of electronic and rock elements, with tracks like “Age of Consent” and “Your Silent Face” becoming instant classics.

Blue Monday: The Undisputed King of 12-Inch Singles #blue-monday-the-undisputed-king-of-12-inch-singles

Video: New Order – Blue Monday (Official Lyric Video).







Released in March 1983, “Blue Monday” wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon. This seven-and-a-half-minute electronic masterpiece, with its hypnotic bassline, infectious synth melody, and robotic drumbeat, took the world by storm and became synonymous with the burgeoning synth-pop movement.

A Chart-Topping Anomaly

Despite its unconventional length and lack of a traditional chorus, “Blue Monday” became a club anthem and a radio staple. It reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart, spending a record-breaking 38 weeks in the top 75. The song’s success was even more remarkable considering its unconventional structure and the fact that it was initially released as a 12-inch single, a format typically reserved for dance clubs.

A Design Icon

Adding to its allure was the single’s iconic sleeve, designed by Peter Saville. The die-cut sleeve featured a color-coded grid that, when deciphered, revealed the title and artist. This minimalist yet innovative design further cemented “Blue Monday”‘s status as a cultural touchstone.

More Than Just a Song

“Blue Monday” wasn’t just a hit; it was a game-changer. It helped popularize the 12-inch single format, influenced countless artists across genres, and became a staple in clubs and on dance floors worldwide. The song’s legacy continues to resonate today, inspiring remixes, covers, and tributes from artists of all generations.

Beyond Blue Monday: New Order’s Other Chart-Topping Hits #beyond-blue-monday-new-orders-other-chart-topping-hits

Video: New Order – Blue Monday.







While “Blue Monday” remains their most iconic track, New Order’s musical journey was far from a one-hit wonder. They continued to release critically acclaimed albums and chart-topping singles throughout the 1980s and beyond, solidifying their place as one of the most influential bands of their generation.

Bizarre Love Triangle (1986)

This synth-pop masterpiece, with its soaring synths, driving bassline, and Sumner’s introspective lyrics, became one of New Order’s signature songs. It reached the top five in several countries and remains a fan favorite.

True Faith (1987)

Another synth-pop gem, “True Faith” showcased New Order’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs with an irresistible dance floor appeal. The song’s music video, directed by Philippe DecouflĂ©, became an MTV staple and further propelled the band’s popularity.

World in Motion (1990)

This anthemic track, recorded as England’s official song for the 1990 FIFA World Cup, gave New Order their first and only number-one single in the UK. The song featured a rap verse by England striker John Barnes, adding a unique twist to New Order’s signature sound.

New Order’s Legacy: A Lasting Influence on Electronic Music #new-orders-legacy-a-lasting-influence-on-electronic-music

Video: New Order – Crystal (Official Music Video).







New Order’s influence on electronic music is immeasurable. They were pioneers in fusing post-punk’s raw energy with the nascent sounds of electronic music, creating a blueprint for countless artists who followed. Their innovative use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers helped shape the sound of synth-pop and paved the way for genres like house, techno, and EDM.

Inspiring Generations of Musicians

New Order’s music continues to inspire and influence artists across genres. Their songs have been sampled and covered by countless musicians, from hip-hop producers to indie bands to electronic music icons. Their influence can be heard in the work of artists as diverse as The Chemical Brothers, LCD Soundsystem, The xx, and many more.

Conclusion #conclusion

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New Order’s impact on music is undeniable. They bridged the gap between post-punk and synth-pop, creating a sound that was both danceable and introspective, melancholy and uplifting. “Blue Monday,” their most iconic song, remains a testament to their creative vision and innovative use of electronic instruments. While they may not have achieved the chart dominance of some of their contemporaries, their influence on electronic music is immeasurable, and their legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians today.

Recommended Links #recommended-links

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FAQ #faq

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What is the most sold 12-inch single of all time?

New Order’s “Blue Monday,” released in 1983, holds the title of the best-selling 12-inch single of all time. It sold over 7 million copies worldwide, solidifying its place in music history.

The song’s popularity can be attributed to its innovative sound, which blended post-punk influences with electronic music elements, creating a unique and unforgettable track. The song’s hypnotic bassline, infectious synth melody, and robotic drumbeat made it a club anthem and a radio staple, capturing the hearts of music fans worldwide.

New Order is considered one of the most influential bands of the 1980s and beyond, having achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim. They have released several chart-topping albums and singles, including “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith,” which have become anthems for generations of music fans.

How did they achieve their popularity?

Their popularity stems from their unique blend of post-punk energy and electronic music innovation, creating a sound that was both danceable and introspective. They also benefited from the rise of MTV, which provided a platform for their music videos, further amplifying their reach and influence.

Read more about “New Order: The Definitive Guide to the Legendary Band 
 đŸŽ”â€

Did New Order lose money on Blue Monday?

While “Blue Monday” was a massive hit and sold millions of copies, the band did lose money on it. The reason for this is that the song was released as a 12-inch single, which was more expensive to produce than a 7-inch single. The band also had to pay for the iconic die-cut sleeve, which added to the production costs.

Could they have made more money?

They could have made more money if they had released “Blue Monday” as a 7-inch single, which would have been cheaper to produce. However, the band chose to release it as a 12-inch single, which allowed for a longer and more immersive version of the song, a decision that ultimately contributed to its popularity and cultural impact.

Does New Order have a greatest hits album?

New Order has released several compilation albums, including Substance (1987) and Singles (1995). While these albums don’t include every single song from their career, they feature a comprehensive selection of their most popular tracks, including “Blue Monday,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” and “True Faith.”

Which compilation should I get?

Substance is a great starting point for any new fan of New Order, as it features a wide range of tracks from their early years. Singles is a more focused collection, featuring their most popular singles, including “Blue Monday.”

Reference Links #reference-links

Jacob
Jacob
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