Seventh heaven beckons with this album review of Low-Life by New Order.
Review Number: 7
Review Date: 13 May 2025
Album: Low-Life
Artist: New Order
Country: England
Release Date: 1985
Genres: Synth-Pop, Dance-Pop
“Let’s go out and have some fun.”
Not a small step for a band, but a giant leap for Mancunians.
Just as New Order’s second album Power, Corruption & Lies moved on from their debut Movement, this third one is dynamic and different.
Released 40 years ago on this day, 13 May 1985, Low-Life is a musical high for the Manchester-based maestros.
The American country-inspired opening track “Love Vigilantes” is a sign of intent, albeit slightly facetious, and a world away from the “Blue Monday” vibes of 1983.
In fact, the whole album is a change from what went before. The band members are pictured on the cover and Low-Life features two singles. Normally, New Order would retain a bit of mystery with their artwork and singles were kept off the albums. I preferred the old days of mystique, but none of this is an issue because the quality of music is still there.
The two fantastic dance-pop tracks/singles are “The Perfect Kiss” and “Sub-Culture”. The former features a live video directed by American filmmaker Jonathan Demme, who went on to direct The Silence of the Lambs in 1991. I remember the summer of 1985 well, with these two gems getting plenty of playtime.
“We believe in a land of love.”
“Elegia” (Greek for ‘elegy’) is a slow, beautiful tribute to Joy Division singer Ian Curtis. New Order never forgot their roots, but weren’t trapped by the past. By the way, “Elegia” was used in the movie Pretty in Pink and the entertaining Netflix show Stranger Things.
None of this musical talent should come as a surprise, as New Order were enjoying the 1980s. Their live gigs were fun, if a bit chaotic. And prior to Low-Life, they had released three brilliant singles, “Confusion” in 1983, and “Thieves Like Us” and “Murder” in 1984. The “Confusion” video is worth checking out, as it really captures the New York club / hip-hop culture scene in that decade.
1985 was a great year for British albums in general. Indie rivals to New Order included Psychocandy by The Jesus and Mary Chain, Meat Is Murder by The Smiths and Steve McQueen by Prefab Sprout. All of them were superb but Low-Life stands out and was rightly lauded by the critics and the fans. Despite the passage of time, it doesn’t feel dated at all. There’s a good mix of synths, bass, drums, guitars and emotions. Alas, it was a zenith that New Order never reached again.
Their later albums Brotherhood (1986) and Technique (1989) had style and energy, and singles like “True Faith” (1987) and “Regret” (1993) are still strong, but the 1980s were their golden age. For the most part, the 1990s onwards were good or average, and ultimately marred by a fallout and bassist Peter Hook’s departure.
Early on in their career, New Order (and Joy Division) often wanted the music to speak for itself. Good idea. This will be my final review of their work, as I want to end on a high. I’ve written enough words about their music. Now it’s time to sit back, listen and savour the sublime sounds.
“But it’s time you remembered us now.”