Technique

Ooooooh mama. I once met Peter Hook in the bathroom of a strip club. He had a very powerful stream which made me feel like less of a man, as my useless penis could only spray out a few pale yellow drops of disappointment. As a result of that blow to my psyche, I went back out there and picked out the most coked up stripper I could find. She took me into the back and in a rage I thumped her round her temple, knocking her to the ground. As the blood trickled from her nose, I knew I had become a new, powerful alpha male. I laughed heartily. She died.

I hate half-assed records like this, where a band will experiment with one sound, but keep the other foot in comfortable territory. If you want to make an acid house record, make an acid house record. If you want to make a maudlin, Cure-like record, make one. Don’t sandwich the two together without regard for consistency. Nobody wants a record where four songs sound like one band and five songs sound like another. It’s timid. If you go for it, go all in. I’d rather see a band take a risk and fail than take half a risk and convince themselves they’ve succeeded.

"What? Harmless? Is that all it's got to say? Harmless! One word!" Ford shrugged.

Hey, we just bought an emulator. What do we do with it? I dunno, just press one of the demo buttons and we'll record it

Hideous 80s synth tones--check. Ugly ass programmed drums--check. At least the rhythms are layered. There's also a welcome overlay of funk on the first track. Why was there such a sickening emphasis on the backbeat in 80s music? I'll give New Order this: they're big on interlocking instrumental parts, which gives their music interest it would otherwise not have. Another thing in the album's favor is that there is a fair degree of variety in the songs. Some of it's synth-heavy, some of it's more conventional guitar-based pop. Unfortunately, the melodies, harmonic content, and lyrics are bland and hackneyed, especially in the more conventional songs. This is not terrible for 80s pop, which ain't saying much. Three songs before the end of the album, I was dying for it to end. One and a half stars out of 5.

I wonder what Joy Division member Ian Curtis would think if he were alive to hear what his post punk group had morphed into? I was actually a big fan of early New Order and I think they made some of the best dance music in the early 80s. Blue Monday and their earlier albums like Movement, Substance, Low Life, Power Corruption and Lies etc were on heavy rotation for me back in the day. I really hope some of their earlier material appear on this list because I really lost interest in the band when this album came out. It seems that they completely lost their bearings after spending 4 months partying on Ibiza. Hell they even got caught stealing from John Denver’s Leaving on a Jetplane. Apart from Round & Round this album doesn’t appeal to me as it deviates too far from their post punk synth sound to appeal to a very commercial radio listener

Power Corruption & Lies, Low-Life, Brotherhood and then this. What a run of albums.

There's never not a good time to listen to New Order.

This is phenomenal! The drums and beats sound so damn huge - the amount of attention put into them, and effects layered over them... It's almost like a lead instrument for a lot of the album. The same goes for all of the programming though. The glitchy, saturated synths sound fantastic, and all of the effects are used in a way that's not just imaginative for that one instrument, but that integrates stupidly well into what everything else is doing. And thats saying nothing of the bass and guitars used on the album which are all thoughtfully used... These tracks just suck you in and make you groove.

It's the emperor's new album. The sound of a band indulgently reveling in past glories, with a halo effect of too many nights in Ibizan dance clubs giving it an accidental glow of summery dance-ability and a shimmer of MDMA buzz, polished off with some expensive production at Real World studios. The glossy production papers over some pretty ordinary songwriting, weak singing and generally lackluster musicianship. Scattered throughout New Order's lengthy career are a handful of banging singles; Bizarre Love Triangle, Blue Monday, True Faith. But none of those songs appear on this album, which is completely inessential in my opinion.

The first real discovery and positive surprise for me! New Order are actually the rest of Joy Division after the death of Ian Curtis. And naturally, when you know that 3/4 of the old band is in the new one, you expect the same or similar sound (post-punk), although Wikipedia describes them as an electronic rock band in the first sentence. And it was probably like that in the previous albums of New Order, because this is their fifth studio album, but Technique was recorded in Ibiza and under the huge influence of dance music from the Balearic Islands and the acid house sound that was slowly emerging at that time, the guys started experimenting with their sound, so in almost half of the songs you can hear a lot of synthetic sounds, primarily synthetic percussions, but also a lot of synthesizers, and a lot of inserted sounds from those synthesizer buttons that I've always wondered what they were for. In the opening track Fine Time, which did not hint at what was to come, there is even the sound of a sheep or goat at the end of the song. In one of the reviews for this album on the generator, someone wrote "Technique is what you get if the music teacher is absent, so the kids sat behind his synthesizer, rattled the buttons and recorded what they got". So, half of the album sounds like a bastard of Joy Division and Pet Shop Boys, but the other, larger half (5:4), when they added synthesizers and synth effects and percussion to the post-punk sound, an interesting synth-pop sound was obtained, which is one of my favorite genres in music. I read that in the 80s and early 90s it was cool to listen to New Order, that only those who fancied themselves with a sharp sound and were misunderstood by society listened to them. Today, 35 years later, I'm discovering Technique and listening to All the Way, Love Less, Guilty Partner, Run, Dream Attack for the first time... I've made a playlist on Spotify where I add the most beautiful songs from the albums I'm going through - well, I've added the most songs from Technique from all the albums so far - 5 out of a total of 9 on the album. Plus, I listened to the album twice this morning, and one of the songs - Love Less - maybe five times by the time I write this. Great one!

This New Order album was new to me. I started making a list of my favorite tracks and ended up with Fine Time, Love Less, Round & Round, Run, Mr. Disco, Vanishing Point and Dream Attack. That leaves out only two songs. Listening again I realized it was absurd to leave out All The Way and Guilty Partner. Every song on this album is frickin' great! Attempts to determine my favorite track was an exercise in futility. I ended up playing Love Less, Vanishing Point and Dream Attack over and over as candidates for my favorite, so probably it is one of those. But I really love and could make a case for every song on the album. Technique is a phenomenal album! It is filled with cool synths, guitars, bass and drums. I’m constantly hearing some cool little flourish or twist in the music that makes me want to hear it again. This is dance music on a higher level. Every song is a delight - absolutely brilliant!

Dated in the worst possible way. Couldn’t wait for it to end.

An album I know very very well, my favourite album from my favourite band. Bernard Sumner’s vocals are at their Summery breezy best here, made in Ibiza it’s like this album picks up on that magic isle. It’s the perfect sunny day album, managing to be both upbeat but relaxing. Probably their most melodic album. Fine Time is unique, out on its own but works. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this album, it works really well as a whole. Highlights would be all songs but if I had to pick it would be Run, Mr Disco & Vanishing Point. New Order’s performance of Fine Time on TOTP is quite something too if you get a chance to watch.

Wonderful album! In my TOP 3 New Order's albums joined by "Power, Corruption and Lies" and "Brotherhood". Top Tracks; "All The Way", "Vanishing Point" , "Round & Round" and "Dream Attack" *****

Listening to this makes me think old mate from Joy Division was on to something.

Happiness and sadness sweating on an Ibizan dance floor

Really great album. I've never heard any of these New Order songs before. There were synthesizer sounds on this album that I've legit never heard before.

Like all New Order, this sounds primitive, primordial, like music in its most essential form. An effect achieved through chuka-chuka-chuka rhythms, paint-stripped vocals, repetitiveness bordering on ritualistic and every element being treated with equal regard (i.e. no hero worship of the guitar or singer). Weird thing is, their primitivism isn't compromised by the fact they're working with modern sounds and styles, synthesising disco with post-punk, ggbd with programmed sounds. When a sound from outside their usual palette comes in - say, the Spanish guitar on Dream Attack - it stands in beautiful relief to the hewed stone of the rest of the music, like an ornate vase in the middle of stone henge. As Sumner says at the start of that song, "Nothing in this world / Can touch the music that I heard / When I woke up this morning." Too early to say if they've managed to recreate that music here but the signs are good.

not my thing. I give it two flopping fish of doom

No notes, perfect 80’s dancy new order album. Idk why it gets so much hate, what ….it’s not the best of. We refer to this as the bad new order album but we still listen to it.

New Order has the special ability to combine every good part of the 80s into one great package. It’s the musical equivalent of a gumbo, and I loooove gumbo. Say what you will about the very 80s synths, but to me that’s the gumbo’s spicy sausage, not everyone’s gonna like it, but man it’s good when it works.

I've felt that New Order songs are always very hard to remember the track names. Though i haven't scrutinized the lyrics, i have the impression that they never reference the song title actually in the song. This holds here... i have no idea what any of the song names are, but other than being about 20% too 80's synthy, i really enjoy the entire album start to finish. easily approachable and fun.

What's with all the negative reviews at the top? Very confusing, obviously a belting album. Clearly, I grew up with this record so its all mixed up in nostalgia also, however I regularly come back to it. Shiny and poppy music contrasts with at times dark and sinister lyrics from a somewhat dented ego. The release of Round and Round was definitely part of the proper musical awakening of 10 year old me. Vanishing Point one of New Order's very best songs. That high bass sound is particularly gorgeous in Love Less. Look, it's five stars. Go away.

i love new order and this album

I reviewed each song but had to be done. Fine Time: On hearing this I was like oh no another synthpop nightmare like The Human League (I didn't like them). As the song went on, I realised this song was incredibly varied and interesting - they had immense control over their synthesisers, and explored so many ideas in one song. And then they threw a sheep sound effect in there and I was sold. There was also a cool guitar riff at the end and I realised this song is just a unique and intriguing introduction to a very good album. All The Way - Really good! I find New Order's music really moving, while simultaneously keeping constant energy with the melodic bassline. Sounds good with the strings and various synth effects. I couldn't decide if this was "new wave" coz it was all dancey emo synthpop, but those melodic basslines reminded me of Joy Division's "post-punk" basslines. According to Wiki it's synthpop, dance, post-punk and new wave so whatever. Wiki also says this band is the reformed Joy Division after the death of Ian Curtis. WOW! Love Less - Also found this really moving. Acoustic guitar in synthy-pop is a really interesting choice, I'm into it. You've got multiple melodies here at once so that's real cool, with the guitars bass and vocals all in counterpoint at times. More realistic sounding cymbals than I normally expect from this genre but I like it. Round and Round - This one is ominous, and has constants parts playing at all times giving it a lot of energy. But here's where the vocals start to hold things back a little, coz the vocals don't match harmonically that well. It's hard to tell if it's intentional or whether the new singer just isn't that good, but his voice still sounds quite pleasant to be honest so I dunno. He's probably just in the wrong register for his voice but I'm not so knowledgeable on that. Guilty Partner - Melodic parts are a little more restrained and in the background here, so this song is a slight change of pace, and the vocals are kind of moving freely and not matching the music much. Run - This song stands out for me, it's pretty beutiful and moving. My favourite on here. I like how New Orders songs are actually a little longer than most pop songs, going past four minutes on most songs. Takes you on a bit more of a journey. Mr Disco - I kind of hate the vocals on this one, but luckily they're lower in the mix so it's okay. Everything else is good though. Vanishing Point - more ominous stuff, quite like this one. Run out of stuff to say, but I like all the synth bell stuff which breaks up the pace, and then comes back in with snare roll. Dream Attack - back with the acoustic guitar, sounds great! Backup vocals save the vocals here. In conclusion, some excellent stuff that I'm quite in to, and am curious to listen to more, as apparently their other albums were very commercially successful. Nearly 5 star but gotta be 4 star coz some of the vocals hold it back, and needs more change of pace, the energy here is very high and doesn't come down for very long at a time.

Some good tunes, starting with "Fine Time" which immediately brings in some synth drums and keyboard sounds that feel very dated now, especially the drum sounds which evoke a very 80s and early 90s house vibe. "All the Way" has a much more conventional 80s rock sound, carrying the cheesy synth drums but with a feeling that reminds me of bands like The Eagles, The Smiths and even Smashing Pumpkins. Other notable tracks are "Round & Round" which sounds much better in the 12" mix, and "Guilty Partner" which has a catchy minor bass ostinato and plaintive vocals, probably my favourite on the album so far. The second half of the song includes a short guitar solo that has almost a Spanish guitar feel which really adds to the song. "Run" comes next with a nice beat, but the simplistic chord progression gets a bit stale (seems like a I-IV plagal cadence with an occasional V sus chord... so three chords: C, F and G major). "Mr. Disco" gives us a bit of 80s dance flavour, although again due to the sampled instruments and FM synths used, it sounds a bit like Beverley Hills Cop or some other buddy cop show from the time. Some cool panning and volume modulation effects are used in the latter part of the song which makes things more interesting. The album also includes "Best & Marsh" which includes some nicely arranged instrumentals that keep the tune moving. There's even a synth cowbell, probably from the Roland TR-808, so that's a thumbs up from me. Overall a great album, although it feels a little dated due to the aforementioned FM synths and synth drums that often sound like the kind of music you'd hear on an Amiga tracker module.

Wow. Another shocker for me. I was *vaguely* familiar with New Order, but I thought they were some sort of generic 80s/90s hard rock group. This album cover is also not great. Combined, I thought I was in for a bad time. This was excellent! I don't listen to a ton of "Dance Rock", but maybe I should. I loved the rhythms, melodies, and vocals. This album at once sounded quintessentially 80s while also sounding like something completely new. Gotta add New Order to my rotation.

I like New Order and occasionally am swept away by them. Their records are cool, elegant, and are unmistakably theirs. Yet the albums never hold my attention. I feel like it’s music for a lifestyle that is admirable from afar, but for which I would never find the right shoes to wear.

New Order already had established themselves as a band much different than the origins in Joy Division. They were the Dance Pop version of them, the 80's that didn't age well version of them, the... ah, you get what I'm saying. I don't like New Order much. Sumner's vocals and lyrics are alright but nothing to the genius of Ian Curtis. The bass work is pretty much the same greatness as JD. The elctronic aspect is pretty neat but I think most of these artists are better at making darker and more introspective music than Dance music. The album opens on 'Fine Time' which neatly combines Acid House with Synthpop that starts off very interesting but gets annoying really fast. There is too much going on at times and not enough at other times. It is really diverse mainly with the quality which results in it feeling directionless and without any depth. It's just basic and annoying song that tries so much more than it can achieve. A much more balanced song is 'All the Way' that also features the best lyrics and songwriting and is easily my favourite song here. It has emotional depth and it feels like this is what New Order is supposed to be all the time. It is such a gorgeous song and the chorus is just the cherry on top. Without a doubt a perfect song and a big step up from the first track. It also much less Electronic and more Jangle Pop which again benefits the song greatly. 'Love Less' keeps the Jangle Pop and adds a little more Punk flavour but still staying true to the Pop sound. It's an alright song that doesn't annoy but it isn't really interesting either. It's just there, flying past you with nearly every second it plays but it isn't a bad "it flys past you". The fast paced electronic sound returns on 'Round & Round' that feels like a blend of the Pet Shop Boys and The Smiths. The Hi-NRG and Acid Techno influences make this a vibrant and colorful experience, much less annoying than the first song and one of the best songs on the album. Especially the chorus works really well. It isn't a perfect song but without a doubt a great one. The most Punk the album gets is 'Guilty Partner' and naturally it is one of the better songs here. The mix between the Post-Punk sound with the bass that shines like on Unknown Pleasures with a bit of Goth Rock and Jangle Pop. It is a pretty good song that closes the albums first half in the way it should. On Side 2 'Run' starts by keeping the Jangle Pop with a couple of synth parts. I do not really care for the song. I just think that it's way to average and boring to be anything that some make it to be. There is neither vocally, lyricially nor instrumentally anything that makes this special. In comparison to 'Love Less', this actually gets a little annoying at one point. Same thing with 'Mr Disco', it is a basic Synthpop song with a couple of House influences but boring delivery. The parts that make it better are overshadowed by annoying vocal synths that really do not fit here. This song is in itself not fitting. The House influence is played with in more detail on 'Vanishing Point' which features a pretty decent melody and good delivery. It isn't annoying, has some pretty interesting and great moments. This is a really good song. No doubt there. Good song. Maybe a little too long and maybe they could've done a little more but it's good. The album closes on 'Dream Attack' which like its predecessor has a great melody and performance but this time it is done so much better all the way through. It's probably my third favourite track here but the difference between 2 & 3 is still pretty signifcant. Anyways, pretty good song. Great closing track. favourites: All the Way, Round & Round least favourites: Fine Time, Run, Mr Disco Rating: strong 6 https://rateyourmusic.com/~Emil_ph for more ratings, reviews and takes

I like new order, they have some albums i really like, but this album is just utterly hillarious 1989 electro nonsense. this is what happens when the music teacher at school was late and the whole classroom is sat at a casio going mental with the most annoying sounds they can find. probably well ground breaking at the time, but in hindsight not the best bit of ground to be breaking.

I already told you I don’t like New Order

It's been a long time since I got New Order's Low-Life as album #10 on my journey. So long in fact that I ended up revisiting that album earlier this year and updating my review, and then received both Joy Division records. I've grown fond of the group's mesh of synth-pop and post-punk stylings to the point where I was curious what the other New Order album in the 1001 Albums series would sound like. It turns out they went in a completely different direction for Technique, more towards alternative dance with influence from acid house and Balearic club music. The programmed four-on-the-floor beat and squelching synthesizers are prominent throughout this record, but not to the point of overpowering the trademark elements of New Order's sound. The infectious bass hooks, punching drums, and reverb-drenched guitar lines are all still present behind Bernard Sumner's effortless delivery, alongside more hard-hitting guitar soloing on "Run" and "Dream Attack". If anything, the more noticeable electronic elements help elevate their sound to a new high. Meanwhile, the lyrics are a lot more blunt this time around, as Bernard appears confrontational towards these faltering relationships with self-agency. It's a look that suits him well with this more vibrant, bouncing sound. Honestly, I couldn't find much to complain about with Technique. It was a bold direction for New Order to go in, and it paid off in dividends.

It's hard to talk about New Order without talking about Joy Division but I'm going to try to do that. In all honesty I love New Order and Joy Division. I have ready books about them, ready books by them, and think they put out great records. This being one of them.

Technique is New Order at their most dazzling, a perfect fusion of dancefloor euphoria and melancholy pop. From the opening rush of “Fine Time,” with its cheeky vocals and pounding beat, it is clear the band were embracing the energy of the late 80s club scene while still keeping their unique sense of melody. “Round & Round” and “Vanishing Point” shimmer with bright synths and pulsing rhythms, yet underneath the gloss there is always that bittersweet edge that defines New Order’s best work. The album is striking in how effortlessly it balances experimentation with accessibility. “All the Way” and “Run” lean more toward guitar-driven pop, while tracks like “Mr Disco” and “Dream Attack” push deeper into electronic textures. That mix of rock and dance feels seamless, with each song offering something distinct while contributing to the record’s cohesive atmosphere. It is an album you can lose yourself in whether you are listening closely at home or moving on a crowded dancefloor. What makes Technique such a standout is its sense of joy, even when the lyrics hint at sadness or longing. The production sparkles, the grooves are irresistible, and the band sound completely confident in pushing their sound forward. It is not only one of New Order’s finest achievements but also one of the defining records of the 1980s, a perfect snapshot of a band turning their influences into something timeless.

i'm bewildered by the fact that power corruption and lies isn't on this list. it is, imo, the defining new order album (especially if you want to talk about music history and groundbreaking albums), though in revisiting technique i'm reminded that they just make great music anyway. and technique, front to back, is a great album. highlights - fine time, all the way, run, dream attack

I quite like the merging of their post punk / synth goth rock sound with dancier grooves. The outro of Round and Round is a nice example, that's a really euphoric ending to the song. The sporadic acoustic guitar bits shouldn't really fit with New Order's sound but they work This album has both great rhythm and melodies. The bass playing and drums are impossible not to nod your head along to - as I write I'm on Guilty Partner which has a stonking bass line and reminds me of the Joy Division sound. There are some really fantastic synth melodies as well. Vanishing Point for example has an intro that goes on 1:30 but it's cracking If anything I didn't quite take in the vocals and lyrics that much in my listen but the music is so great that I'll come back to them! This album just doesn't have any filler or down moments

Yes please. File this under stuff an 80's metal kid would have never listened to but really digs now. I'm not familiar with this album. Peter Hook is strong as always. Maybe not their best but still really enjoyable.

Quintessential New Wave album, finely crafted. A delightful discovery for me. 4.55

Just as dancy and a bop as it was the first time I heard it

Excellent. Vanishing Point is an amazing tune.

Love it

Staple of new wave amazing listen

I mean it got dream attack after all, that's like, the song I fell in love with even before i know who new order are, and this album is like, almost single handed turned my prejudice towards syth pop and dance category...defo 5/5.

Must have been the blueprint for every 90's electronic pop hit, goddamn good record. Love the layers and production and the lyrics are hitting at the right time

Is that.... A goat in the background?

I was never cool enough to be into New Order when I was a teenager. I’m certainly not cool enough now either, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I really enjoyed this. Right up my street and there’s enough variety and just darned coolness to keep me interested. Lots of good stuff. Bits of Pet Shop Boys, hints of The Cure, and you can tell this is only a few months before the Football Song. I think I’m on listen number seven today. I’ll probably listen to it again tomorrow. At one point I was thinking four stars, but then I heard the sheep sampled on the lead track. Obvs five after that.

5+ Stars (15/15)

I am smitten. This album was so well crafted, and suited my taste perfectly. I loved how some of the songs sounded more like traditional post punk and others leaned to a more synth wave-like sound. This album managed to create a consistent sound that never truly felt boring. A lot of the times I find myself bored at the end of an album due to repetitive sound, but this album knew how to keep me on the edge of my seat! If you've never listened to more of the new wave/alternative music this album is a great place to start.

One of the greatest albums in the history of ever!

5 stars

Exceptional sound

This is what "80s music" is supposed to sound like.

Absolute banger.

A masterpiece - love love love.

Not the best new order album, but not their best is still outstanding. 4.5/5

busting album cover fr i luv new order joy division shouldnt even exist

This is the kind of album that just tickles the ears with the crisp bloops and bleeps coming from the wonderful synths. I can't help but revisit the days of my childhood playing GTA Vice City, wishing I had a driver's license, and lived in Miami, and owned a convertible.

This is different from what new order did before. But I like it because it is way more positive than the records before it.

Vanishing Point 💗

I went into that album thinking it waas going to be way more techno-y, but I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the first song and it had lyrics and instruments and everything. This album kind of rules with how upbeat it is the whole time. I am really liking the instruments mixed in with the electronic sounds, the singers voice fits in perfectly as well. This kind of sounds like if The Cure was way more upbeat. I listened to the first half of this album with speakers and the second with headphones. I will have to be listening back to this fully on headphones. This would be a very fun album to throw on while snowboarding and letting the whole thing go, which I may have to try next week. Round and Round was a jam, the beginning sounds like the song that the jellyfish listened to while having an absolute rave inside of Spongebobs house. There is so much cheese in this album that it makes it so much fun and I could not stop bouncing back and forth. Going to give this one the slide up to a 5 because I am in a great mood going into a 12 day vacation after work today.

actually really cool and good. will want to listen again and keep in orbit

One thing I find odd about this album is that I does not sound like it came out in '89 it actually sounds like it came out in the mid '80s. I don't think it sounds much different than some of the singles off of *Substance*. There's not as much reverb I noted, which is a good thing, but mainly had an 80 synth pop sound through most of it. There's a bit of that techno sound in at first, but after a couple songs, it pretty much goes straight into doing what New Order does best. I did like this album a good bit I wasn't totally bowled over by it. I like what I've heard off of *Substance*a bit more, but this is a strong enough album on its own. . 7.75 ★★★½

Substance 1987 tends to be my go-to New Order as it has the trancy dancy 12” mixes of all their banger singles up to that point. This one ain’t as bangering or essential - No True Faithin’, no The Perfect Kissin’, no Thieves Like Ussin’ nor any Bizarre Love Trianglin’ - but it’s still really good near-classic New Order stuff. Lots of cool Hooky bass. Lots of graceful, gliding indie guitar pop and breezy easy going Bernie vocal melodies. There’s some thick exotic synthy lushness on Mr Disco, some nice menacing, extra stabby orchestra stabs on Round & Round plus some pingy Game & Watch sounds as well. You even get All The Way which repurposes The Cure’s Just Like Heaven and puts it into the context of a good album with a better singer as well! It’s all a fine time except for opener Fine Time which is a real ugly hulking hard techno slab that starts like a bad Axel F (Axel F minus), switches into a bad version of New Order’s own Blue Monday (Poo Monday), has a tiny bad bit of Oh Yeah by Yello (Oh No!) with the lines ‘you got love technique! and then dissolves at the end into goat bleats. Apart from that hard dance goat oddity, a very strong 4 star album.

thank you new order for not only being one of the only good new wave bands but also only of the only english acts to heavily incorporate electronic music that didn't all get their heads bonked by coconuts and forget that melody exists

Before I started this project, the only New Order songs I knew were songs off of their compilation album Substance. I’ve loved a good number of those dance hits since I was a teenager, but I’d never listened to a full New Order album. When I reviewed Low-Life, I absolutely loved it, and out of all the albums I’ve reviewed so far, Low-Life is the one that I’ve re-listened to the most. I’ve really been looking forward to reviewing Technique, and that day is finally here. What better way to cross off my last album from 1989 than with a bit of New Order? I enjoyed listening to Technique, but it was definitely a far cry from Low-Life, and also Power, Corruption, and Lies (which I can’t believe isn’t on this list). I enjoy dance-oriented songs from New Order, but songs like “Fine Time” and “Mr. Disco” just didn’t scratch that itch for me. I don’t know what it was about the songs on this album that leaned harder into the dance sound, but those songs just didn’t have the same heart that and melodic beauty that other dance songs by New Order have. Thankfully though, this album did have some great songs on it that featured that trademark New Order blend of guitars, synthesizers, and drum machines. While the better songs on Technique didn’t make me forget about the weaker parts of the album, they at least lifted this album up to be much better than average. Even though I didn’t fall in love with this album, I still really liked it, and there’s just something about the way that New Order arranges their music that makes me really enjoy listening to them. Some notes on the songs that I enjoyed: “All the Way” is the type of song I love to hear from New Order. Everything was firing on all cylinders here: the Synths and guitars sounded amazing together, and the melodies were incredibly catchy. The bright and jangly sound of the guitars was awesome, showing how Newe Order was evolving with the times, but still staying true to their sound. “Round & Round” was New Order doing dance music the way they know best. Bernard Sumner’s soft vocals combined with slick rhythms, catchy synths, and excellent guitar playing made this song really stand out. I loved the darker guitar tones on “Guilty Parnter.” It reminded me of what I loved so much about Low-Life, and I loved the string sounds that kick in during the last stretch. This was pure post-punk awesomeness. That fuzzed out guitar on “Run” was is excellent, and the main melody was really beautiful. I assume that was Gillian Gilbert doing backing vocals, and I loved hearing that little touch. While Technique isn’t New Order’s best, it’s still a really good album, and a fun album from a legendary band ushering in a new decade.

Album No. 0106 on my list. Oh man, I'm really not sure what to make of this album. I'm very, very much torn about my rating. On the one hand, I've come back to this album three times now, i.e. I've listened to it four times. It really draws me in. On the other hand, I still don't "get" it completely. Yes, tehre is some really cool, innovative, "dance rock" music on "Technique". just what you would expect from New Order. Yet, none of the songs managed to be an instant favorite (interestingly, I didn't know a single of the songs on this, even though I've listened to many New Order songs very often). I don't know - am I just thinking I should like this because I love many of New Order's songs? Because they're one of these cool British bands that you're supposed to like if you're into good music? I dunno. Well, here it goes: it is a very good album, but not an all time favorite. I'll nevertheless add 4 songs to my playlist: "Fine Time", "All The Way", "Round And Round", and "Vanishing Point". But I'm not even sure if these are really the greatest songs on this. Aaaargh - I'm really just not sure about this album at all... Okay, since it's definitely pretty good, it will get 4 stars. Could have been 3, could have been 5, my rating really fluctucates... 4/5 stars.

Sounds way ahead of its time

Maan this might even be better than the Low life record. This sounds like peak 80s with only a sprinkle of the 90s. Most of it was pretty damn amazing, but new wave is still not my favorite genre, so I’m gonna stick with a strong 4

Perplexing. I like this though it sounds like it's been made by several different bands. Needs more listens to get to the bottom but this does rip. The synths sound dated at times, but the beats are huge and bumpy. Has this sweetness to it that is very 80s and ranges from acid house to pop to something that sounds like the Smiths. A lot going on in 50 shades of 80s but genuinely innovative

It's no Joy Division, but I'm into it.

Good good shit.

New Order, but with a lot more "utz-utz-utz-utz", very of it's time as the acid house/alternate dance scene was sweeping the nation... There no "Blue Monday" or "True Faith" level banger here, but it's tight as all hell and, again, very of it's time.

Man, this was an awesome album to listen to. I've heard some New Order before, but not this project. The first track is very electronic, dance music but a lot of the songs on here fit more into a new wave/alternative category. Especially the second track, which is nearly identical to "Just Like Heaven" by the Cure (one of my favorite songs of all time). I liked bouncing between those styles. All told there were only two songs on here that I didn't dig, which makes for an insane hit ratio. I could see this one becoming a five star album with more time. Favorite tracks: All the Way, Love Less, Run, Dream Attack, Vanishing Point. Album art: LOVE this one, and I've never even seen it before. All the colors here are phenomenal. Honestly shocking this was made in the '80s, this seems like something a vaporwave band from the last decade would have dreamed up. I'll never forget this one. 4.5/5

I enjoyed this. I'm going to look more into New Order, but I am interested in their development after Joy Division. I might go back to the beginning.

Cool dance/house album sounds. I am big into the sound and feel after the first two tracks. Run is a great track to get lost to. Man what a great album to ride through. will have to give it another spin at some point

Way ahead of its time. Some great disco stuff in the second half and just a nice boppin album

I absolutely love all New Order records before this one, and specially love the compilation that closed out that first run of records, Substance from 1987. So good it actually works as an album itself. This, the band's fifth album, is also widely celebrated in music circles, so it pains me to say I don't really like it that much and I'm not sure why. Songwriting-wise, it's not that dissimilar to their previous work. However, the production does sound different in a way I can't quite pinpoint. To me it just sound... cheap? Also it sounds dated in a way no other of their albums does. I don't know, something about the drum machines? I'm not an expert in music making gear, so I wouldn't know. Disappointing. Key tracks: Fine Time

Mix of new wave and electronic pop. Perfectly listenable but without any truly outstanding tracks.

It wasn't bad...it was just 80's

More polished than their earlier releases, Technique certainly has a vibe: smooth, droning vocals and jangly guitar backed by melodic, chorus soaked bass lines and sequenced drums, liberally peppered with strident synth sounds. I would describe the songs as alternating between 'John Hughes coming-of-age' soundtrack and Neo Geo VGM, -- which to be clear is not a bad thing -- though that's really revisionist nostalgia on my part; the influence goes the other way here. This is all to say, I don't hate it, but I'd be hard pressed to pick a single individual track out of a lineup. The whole album leaves an impression similar to a night of good dreams; a wistful feeling for what was with no distinct memory of it. In all, not really my thing, and while this is worth a listen at least once, I'm rounding down for ultimately being kinda boring.

As this dance album kicks in the vocal melody on the first track is a direct steal from Dead or Alive’s “You spin me right round”. And then the Blue Monday bass beats come in. It’s not a reassuring start. It’s not my genre and so let’s look for positives. And there are many. How far this band has come from the first Joy Division record. Doom, gloom, industrial jar to sprightly pop. As this records go on the consistency of Hook’s bass lines shine through. The pop sensibilities that later ruled the world on Republic are heard here in their infancy. Bernard Sumner cannot sing but it doesn’t seem to matter. If Manchester was going to later have a Mad-Chester it clearly started here with this band. Not my favourites but important. This album has all the hallmarks of why they would become so popular without having any recognisable famous song.

An easy listen but no song really stood out either. I was hoping “Bizarre Love Triangle” or “Blue Monday” would be in the mix, but those were on earlier releases, apparently. I’m curious why this album made the list when their other work seems superior. Then again, maybe their earlier efforts will show up at some point.

Listen while boozing

New wave/synth-pop is not my thing and those genres played a huge part in why 80's music sucked. This was about as generic 80's as it gets.

Another really odd choice. I adore Power, Corruption & Lies and Low-Life; love their "everyone-play-a-lead" approach to sound and somehow Sumner's timid vocals work really well with his simple, sticky melodies. But this album sounds like a collection of B-sides. The constant flipping back and forth between their full-electronica-acid sound and their earlier Cure-but-different sound, particularly given how hot the former is compressed, destroys any coherence and flow. And, frankly, the songwriting feels staid compared with their earlier works.

Dated and cheesy. I swear when the first song was playing I kept expecting to say “I’m too sexy for my shirt”.

This is getting unnerving. First last week two Morrissey albums on the trot now a few days later two New Order albums on consecutive days. Again like Morrisey I have nothing else to say about New Order than what I said yesterday. Still on holiday so to save time here is yesterday’s review which is relevant to both these albums. Quick review this as I’m away on holiday. Listened to the album on way to destination on CarPlay along with Christmas carols playlist. Which did I enjoy most? Well only 8 days to the big day when I hope Santa has not left this album in my stocking. Whilst I do like quite a few New Order songs I am still bewildered how they morphed from a unique and valued band like Joy Division into an electro dance band. Seems that millions did appreciate this radical change of direction but very much like Peter Hook I sought pastures new. 2/5 18/11/25

The worst of the 80s sounds, with reverb and synthesizers aplenty, but some undeniably catchy lines.

New Order are a big blind spot for me. I'm sure I've heard most of their albums in the background, what I remember is mild electropop with quite poor vocals, an inexplicably hipster yet sub-par Pet Shop Boys. Nothing on here has changed my impression, perhaps even making it worse. Why so boring?!

I swear this is just 1001 garbage new wave albums.

As a whole, the 80s really sucked.

Great band great album

Nice work music! Good vibes liked all songs pretty equally

Loved it.

Funky. Definitely sounds like it's from late 80's/early 90's

wow. i went into this mildly interested but this blew my expectations out of the water. i loved every second! i have no idea how this ranks for new order fans/compared to their other albums but i really, really enjoyed it.

One thing I really love about this album, is that a good portion of it was recorded in Ibiza, and you can definitely feel that influence. This album carries a laid back, airy vibe that reflects the Balearic movement of the time. New Order was aiming more for rock song structures, but built them on the framework of dance music and acid house, which blended colorful synthpop with alternative rock, while the guitars take a more subtle role. They’re mainly used for texture and occasional melody than to drive the songs. Synths and programming takes dominance, giving the album its distinctive club inspired energy. Despite the upbeat and colorful exterior, there’s still that familiar New Order bittersweetness, that carries emotional weight and longing that lingers beneath the surface.

One thing I really love about this album, is that a good portion of it was recorded in Ibiza, and you can definitely feel that influence. This album carries a laid back, airy vibe that reflects the Balearic movement of the time. New Order was aiming more for rock song structures, but built them on the framework of dance music and acid house, which blended colorful synthpop with alternative rock, while the guitars take a more subtle role. They’re mainly used for texture and occasional melody than to drive the songs. Synths and programming takes dominance, giving the album its distinctive club inspired energy. Despite the upbeat and colorful exterior, there’s still that familiar New Order bittersweetness, that carries emotional weight and longing that lingers beneath the surface.

really solid & groovy ibiza dance album low 5 stars - 9.01/10