Reviews (page 11 of 15)
Not a fan
Good sound overall, I like his voice. This is a 4+ for me. The vibe goes into a lot of interesting places. My personal enjoyment of this was a 5.
A solid album over all. A little boring at first but after a couple of listens it grew on me a little more. Tho it does that vocal style that I really don't care for, with a weird science quality. Like bad Bowie impressions.
slow and boring, can’t tell most of the songs apart, many mistakes by the players, singing off-tune, in conclusion - yikes
אני בטוח שהאלבום הזה טוב אם מקשיבים לו הרבה או יודעים את הסיפור או משהו, אבל לט התחברתי למוזיקה...
Meh. Not my thing.
Wow! Excellent.
Incredible album… lots of variety! A couple songs are the most rock n roll songs ever!
Excellent early wave, goth album
Hmm, its difficult to find the appeal of Joy Division's music, except for a few tracks here and then. This album was particularly hard to get through; there's just one or two tracks where it feels like you're not drowning in melancholy. But maybe that's the point... And if that's the point, we'll... definitely not an album for me.
Man, fuck this spooky-ass, haunted house, Count Chocula, doom and gloom, oggedy boogedy, creepy crawly, monster mash bullshit and the wolfman it rode in on. Fucking laser beam solos on “Insight”. This sucks. Go smoke cigarettes in a graveyard you techno-goth nerds. 🧛+🤖=💩
More like 6 or 7 stars
I know people love this album, and it's okay, but it is still sort of average for me. To 80s euro-pop for my tastes. Much better than The Cure however.
Second time this month that I got a perfect album for me, but the teenager me. Joy division is a pearl for the sad young boy with no problems at all. Nowadays, it is good song.
Not for me.
Amazing album. I love it, although it’s probably not my favourite post punk record.
Actually kinda disappointing for me. I've heard so many great things about this album and I was prepared to have my mind blown. But, that was not the case. This album is not for me, and although I do find the lyrics to be great and profound and are actually a highlight of the album for me, the music itself is just "okay" to me. 7/10 or I guess 3/5 for this website.
really like the instrumentals, hate the vocals. feels weird and sad like i took drugs for the first time and now im paranoid
Disturbing. Scary. Gloomy. Depressing. Unique. It's beautiful that an album can evoke such feelings. I suggest changing the name of the band to Joy Subtraction. 5-
That abstract way of expressing sadness in post-punk lyrics is something that appeals to me. I could not be indifferent to words packed with that kind of music.
I respected the music-especially the bass lines in the songs, but this was not for me.
It's hard to overstate the importance of this record, its influence on subsequent artists, and Ian Curtis as cultural totem. Heavily indebted to obvious (The Idiot, Lust for Life) and less obvious (The VU), it makes these materials into its own thing. Inspired by, but never derivative of, Joy Division are because they are.
Not sure why this was on this list.
The classic Heliski album cover
It’s joy division. Not bad per se but not my cup of tea. 2 stars
It's not my favorite but it does sound ahead of its time.
That was a fun album!
Pretty good for new wave music but ultimately can’t get it over three
Kuunneltu muutaman kertaan... Listalle päätynyt coverin seurauksena... Hyvä thumbnaili.. sanokkona klikkibaitti ehkä ehkä.. laatua löytyy eri paikoista täältä sieltä.. Laitamma 3 tähtöstä.. Enemmän laatua olisi jostain toisista paikoista ehkäpä mielekkäämpi kuuntelu..
Love the vibe!
Favourite song - New Dawn fades
Liked it fine
No bad, not great.
It's a classic, iconic year defining album. It's also desperately dull and depressing.
7/10 Awesome bass. If only Ian Curtis could sing.
I wasn't familiar with Joy Division before this, but I had seen the album cover before. This is a really sad story honestly, the lead singer had a lot of health issues and committed suicide right before their first North American tour. The rest of the band later regrouped as New Order (which was the third album I listened to on this). I wasn't really a fan of the New Order album I listened to so my expectations weren't super high, but this was awesome. It's dark and moody and has this like feeling of desperation underneath it. I'm not totally convinced that Ian Curtis is a great singer, but his delivery just feels super emotional. This is one that I liked on first listen and it's growing on me even more as I've re-listened to it a bit too. "Disorder" is worth mentioning too, it's just such a strong opener. The bass is so unique but so freaking catchy. Great stuff all around here. Favorite song: Disorder Other: Day of the Lords, Candidate, Insight, New Dawn Fades, She's Lost Control, Shadowplay, Interzone, I Remember Nothing 2/19/24
May have been repetitive. Not much to say about this album.
Znakomite, czuć depresyjny klimat Manchesteru. 5/5
This was a great listen that still sounds unique today. The vocal style however did grow tiresome as the album wore on, but still really enjoyed and glad I've heard it. Strong 3.5/5
Classic for a reason and exactly the kind of album I do this for - a titan that I've mostly overlooked. It's great but for me can't overcome that super reverby vocal treatment that is so distancing for me. Three and a half. Fave track: Candidate
Awesome album. Captures a tone that’s hard to replicate and it feels like this ushered in a new world of music entirely. Has anyone ever put the cover art on a t-shirt before? Might give it a go Four and a half. Fave track: I Remember Nothing
A really must hear album
you can tell the movement from punk to early 80's alt. But still too much punk for my taste
While I appreciate its place in the punk — post-punk progression, I don’t love it. Too ethereal and depressing. But even so, She’s Lost Control is a fan favorite of mine.
Some glimmers of greatness but unfortunately just doesn't quite do much for me, feels a little bit unfocused at times.
I thought this was boring and the lead singer did not have a good voice.
While I appreciated the effort and the artistry, I didn't connect with this album. There is nothing overly dynamic for me. all the vocals sound the same and it sounds a bit as if it were recorded in a cave. If you are a fan, enjoy.
His voice is wonderful. The lyrics are incredibly sad. I couldn’t listen to the entire album. Heartbreaking
dark and moody, the bass especially stands out. overall sounds good, but not a lot really stands out. the singing gets pretty repetitive since it's lacking musicality
As canonical this album is for any contemporary record collector, in all, it kind of disappointed me. It's not bad, but it didn't knock my socks off, either. I think "Closer" is a better Joy Division album.
Creative but depressing videos. Don't like the music.
Post-punk drudge and sadness are apparent in the beginning, but eventually the record strikes a chord and hits that reinvention of rock stride. I think the ambition is phenomenal and the execution is acceptable. I still don’t understand why every 50 year old with a gray beard has to where the shirt, but perhaps if this has been released while I was in my formative years, I may have a softer spot for it? Idk… it’s just missing passion. It weaves some wicked guitar chords and SFX in, but doesn’t keep the pace.
Blind album and artist. O ly know them by name and the albums cover. This album definitely grew on me upon listening to it for the first time. No clue how or why but I love it.
So bleak it begins to blur while listening.
Joy Division makes me feel old. I never felt old, like *old* old, until I listened to Joy Division, it was harder music to listen to compared I was listening to before, thematically definitely, it was grown up music... I finally saw what NME, Q, and Melody Maker gushed so profusely about. Finally I was a man. But then I didn't listen to Joy Division for a long time, and then decades later had a chance to see Peter Hook perform the Joy Division albums and being the kind of person I am, I went to experience it. It was an interminable 3 hours standing in a small club venue, my back and legs were killing me, it was way past my bedtime, and those feelings of not being the young man I used to be soured the whole night. Joy Division makes me feel old...
It's cool! It's iconic. Such a great album cover too! Not sure if it's a 5/5 though! But man for 1979... gotta give it a 4. It’s just so important.
Joy division känner man ju igen. Bra musik för långa carvingsvängar i röda backen. 4 / 5
• Tror omslaget är kändare än innehållet i albumet, av rimliga skäl för det är väldigt fränt; en inspiration till AM antar jag. Funderar ibland på vilka album som kan dyka upp nån dag, och detta är en av dem som har passerat genom tankarna • Disorder = bra låt och ett coolt ord generellt • Candidate, Insight = inte den bästa direkt • Alla låtar har coolt sound, men det monotona sjungandet kan bli tråkigt efter en stund Betyg: Även fast jag gillar Joy Division, är jag nog mer för den Nya Ordningen. Jag kan inte heller med att ge albumet högre betyg bara för det är en klassiker och har ett snyggt omslag => 3/5
Disorder är en banger Älskar denna genren. Snyggt omslag Han sjunger väldigt speciellt men lite coolt ändå. Vill dansa i något övergivet varuhus
I like joy division but some are a lil weird for me
Pretty mid for me. I like the instrumentals but the vocals lose it for me. Ok as background music but not something I would purposely put on.
Similar to talking heads
don't understand the hype
Dark, depressing, hypnotic. Great post punk album. Glad to see Joy Division on this list.
Obviously an outstanding album which sets up a special dark atmosphere with Ian Curtis' hypnotic voice. Great sounding production. However a little too post-punky and theatrical for my current taste.
Interesting album, and more enjoyable than I feared. First time I ever heard of this, thank you!
I really wanted to like it
While I appreciate what Joy Division did for music, I don't really dig it.
It felt like I was listening to this album for like three days straight, thought it would never end. 2/10
To be honest the whole time I was listening to this all I could think of was The Smiths but not as good. I know it's probably unfair to them but man is the style of singing so similar. One of my favorite songs was Shadowplay but it sounded off. Then I realized it was covered by The Killers and I much prefer that version. 6/10
This is one of my definitive childhood albums. As a baby my dad played this for me and I have heard stories of how I always would giggle at Ian’s vocals. I blame this album for my cynical views and gloomy outlook of the world. This album heavily shaped my interpretation of music and how I view it. This is the best musical documentation of depression and how it alters your state of being. Ian was a troubled man who did not win the battle of his troubles. You can hear this in his music. Did not need to listen to this one as I know each song but did so anyway. Whoever runs the Joy Division Youtube account and created those Reimagined music videos for this album should be shot. What disgraceful, unimaginative, garbage those videos are, holy shit. Those videos are made by people who bought Joy Division shirts thinking they are cool not knowing anything about the band or the context of their music. 10/10
this was my first time hearing this artists. i wasn't really vibing with the sound BUT i didn't realize the Killers' song "Shadowplay" was original a Joy Division song...so that was a fun discovery
Amazing, love this album already 💗
This was a huge album for me as a teen, and directly led to several friendships when I went to University and bonded with people over how much we all loved Joy Division, so there’s obviously a lot of good memories and nostalgia wrapped in an album which is actually quite bleak and distressing. It doesn’t have quite the impact on me that it had then, but the sheer ferocity of the music and the sense of Ian Curtis being on the edge of something horrible is hard to deny.
Oh I very much like 5 songs from this album but the others are not bops of my taste. More importantly what’s up with the official reimagined videos for this album. No offense to the director(s) but what merde. Still a classic album of great importance to my heart.
2.5 kinda cool gloomy moods. Overall a little boring. Interzone, I remember nothing, and she’s lost control highlights
Good songwriting, some solid basslines, overall a great listen. Set the level for post punk
Solid album but nothing crazy high 6
Interesting to finally listen to albums that have such big influences on bands that I listen to.
Cool, not entirely my thing, but can tell how highly influential this band was.
I think New Order is better. Not sure where all the hype comes from around the album. It was pretty good but not amazing.
Meh. Not my flavor of sad music but it’s objectively pretty good.
Revolutionary and way ahead of its time. A bit droning over the entire album but it’s the deal.
Eh. Meh
Nicht mein Fall
It’s not bad music, but I never really got into Joy Division for some reason.
Very dark and brooding, right up my alley so far. Love the synth sounds. Favorite songs: Day of the Lords, She’s Lost Control.
Interpol seems to take a ton of influence from Joy Division. Not a big fan. Cool to hear the progression of punk though, I suppose. Not sure why this album gets so much praise. Might need to listen through another time to understand better.
My first thoughts after being served another Joy Division album was "oh great, another depressing mess", but that's not what I got surprisingly! This album, unlike the first album of theirs that I reviewed, Closer, had a pulse. It felt more alive. While still clinging to that gothic sound that they were known for, this music had a discernable direction. My biggest complaint about Closer was that it was so dark and depressing, and vocal delivery was bored and unenthusiastic. I think a large part of that was because most of the recording was done while Ian Curtis was suicidal, and the album was left unpolished after he killed himself. With this album, they were able to polish it, and really drive home their musical talents. This album reminds me of Morrissey's better stuff, or Bauhaus. Favourite songs: Interzone, Disorder, Shadowplay, New Dawn Fades, Wilderness Least favourite songs: Candidate, I Remember Nothing 4/5
great album from an iconic band...it sets you on a trip to a place that is dark but in some way you came better after going trough that place. cant say the same for Ian Curtis.
Just for the album cover I should give this a 5. It’s very innovative considering the year and I’m sure these sort of arrangements have been a great influence for a great deal of music nowadays. Curious about what would they have done if they would continue with Curtis. But New Order is pretty outstanding in their own.
Buenísimooooo
Okay
One of the great albums of all time. Go see Peter Hook while you can.
Pretty good!
Quality jam but not really my speed, wouldn't likely listen again or think back to it.
Ganz nette Sounds. Erinnert mich einwenig an die "Doors". Interresanter E-Sound ähnlich "Yes"
I think this is getting a two mostly because it was better than the last few albums.
:(
Feel silly for not listening to this before. No better album for a bad time.
I do love music around that 144 bpm tempo, but production-wise, the whole album has a lot a gaps in the spectrum of audible frequencies - noticably not much low-end. I wasn't there (by which, I mean I never knew anyone who caught this buzz) and suspect those gaps are filled with nostalgia or substances for those who love this. I'm more into influenced bands like She Wants Revenge. Not for me, but there's definitely some artistic expression going on.
Haven't talked about The Eels yesterday and how you need to be in a certain (miserable) mood for it but I love it, it seems odd that I wouldn't like this. I am aware of Joy Division of course and they've always been around in references and, I don't know, "the ether" for want of a better phrase but they've never felt like "my music". It's stark and cold and that's good in it's place and I understand how they sound distinctive and can even appreciate the sound, but it's not an album I would choose to stick on. I think it's just the "Whigfield effect" where music I grew up with is more important to me than that I didn't. On the other hand, they've always sounded "real" to me, unlike some of the other stuff on this list which doesn't move me it all. Anyway, I've listened to it now. I kind of got into it more toward the end and I think if I put the effort in, I could probably grow to like it. Not sure I will though. 3 1/2 stars, for now. Might revisit.
I enjoyed this. I'm a sucker for guitar and repetition motifs.
1970’s Britain perfectly incapsulated in sound.
this sounds like the smiths but a bit more punky and it's also kinda intricate and he talks about some vague experiences...... i think this album is best known for the cover rather than the music
Sounds like 80s music…which I suppose is groundbreaking since it came out in 1979. If you like that kinda thing, I guess you’ll like this. It’s a classic album cover though so I’ll add a star to my rating for that but I really wish it had better music to go with it
So dark, so depressing. So good
Great album
I like it, but I'm not sure why it gets so much love. I believe the emperor has new clothes.
I don't know why they chose to record an all time great bass line on Disorder with an amp that flubs out on the low notes. There's some live versions that have a better bass sound. There's bass tracks on this very album with a sound that'd work great. Still, great great song. Absolutely love the guitar sound. Not many bands can have a completely different on-record & live sound and have both be very cool. The cold & distant studio production sounds great, so does the frantic mess of live Joy Division. I think every time I hear I Remember Nothing I'll think of the 'Ian Curtis rides a rollercoaster' video. wheeeeeeeeeee. It's hard to overstate how important this one is for its "You have permission to take yourself seriously." vibe, historically important but also just embedded in the sound. Of course some groups tried to use sonic aspects directly, but it's more a vision statement: look around, find which of your own experiences speak to you, warts & all, and the result might be amazing. Maybe it'll be offputting - just go with it. Love it. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
New Order has always spoken to me a bit more, but I certainly liked this more than I like most sorta gothy new wave. Second half of this had some sick songs I’m not too familiar with, but overall I think there’s a bit too much fillery sounding stuff for a classic album.
The album art is more iconic than the music. The music is fine. It just doesn't really stand out to me
Love the first song but then they all started to sound the same
Love Disorder and She's lost control. I just never really liked Ian CUrtis' voice. Ironically, New Order is my favorite 80s band (Joy division post-Ian Curtis).
fucking AWESOME! new dawn fades, day of the lords, shadowplay, interzone, disorder, she's lost control ALL BANGERS 4.5/5
Music was good, lyrics ruined it
Kind of neutral, to be honest. It was nice but I wouldn't say that it was absolutely the best. This sounds like something they would play on Absolute Classic Rock Radio, which is great.
Dark, Gruesome, intense. As far as debut albums go, nothing comes close.
If this isn’t the soundtrack of every melancholy teenager I don’t know what is. What’s endearing and accessible is the fragility of the vocals.
Um, what?
Feels like I can’t fully rate this on one listen. While it’s not typically my thing I appreciate the singular vision of the sound that they went for. Very bleak and reverby. Standout track: Wilderness
Masterpiece
Feels like a bake off week 1 Paul Hollywood handshake but screw precedent
Obviously a classic, definitely need a couple more listens tho. RIP Ian
Definitely an acquired taste, and I have to be in the mood for this album but I do love it. For me a lot of the credit goes to Hooky's bass lines. It would be stronger were Transmission included, but I can only dream.
A great record with a lot of cool tracks. I haven’t listened to it in years I guess so I really enjoyed it
Joy Division is the type of band whose music did not make as big of an impact as the music they influenced. Bands are still copying Ian Curtis's goth baritone and the overall post-punk sound of the band. I personally prefer New Order to Joy Division, but that's just me. This is a good album and you can feel the influence all over the record. I still find it odd "Love Will Tear Us Apart" isn't on this album, as that song is probably their most notable "hit" for those who aren't into a deep dive of Joy Division. This album deserves a place in this book, as a lot of the post-punk and rock over the next 45 years find their start here.
Great album. Smooth pleasing sound
It was okay. Nothing really stood out to me as memorable though 2.8
Иконик обложка. Супер-влиятельный, популярный альбом, который все еще звучит впечатляюще, но на мой взгляд меркнет перед целой пачкой пост-панк/готик-рок альбомов, старых и новых. Лучшая песня - New Dawn Fades.
I fully understand why this album made the list. Especially from a technical standpoint. That being said, the vocals just aren’t my cup of tea. The band is great but the vocals just don’t add any value imo.
Pretty chill and easy to listen to. It was nice to finally listen to an album so familiar.
Peak depression music
IVE GOT THE SPIRIT , BUT LOSE THE FEELING... FEELING, FEELING, FEELING, FEELING, FEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELING
maybe im not depressed enough but this was just okay.
A decent album. Not much variety in the songs. No real good songs to hook you in. 3 stars only
[note to self: Try to go into this review with an open mind.] So, here’s the thing about Joy Division… [second note to self: maybe that old adage was right, sometimes it’s better not to say anything at all]
I've never been fully on board with Joy Division. This is alright I guess
Great album that I could listen all the way through more than once. Experimental and truly has its own sound.
Meh, it's fine. I can clearly hear the influence it drove and why it was so influential, but as an album to actually listen to, droning with annoying vocals, musicianship is mediocre at best. Glad I've now heard Joy Division, but don't expect to be listening to them again in the near future.
Esperaba mucho más, la verdad. Bastante meh
A very atmospheric, powerful and dark album with amazing lead vocals from Ian Curtis. A classic album that I will never tire of listening to, always being made aware of slight nuances and moments of brilliance throughout. The opening track Disorder is my favourite on the album.
Eh
like other reviewers, i wanted to like this more than i did. the moody and drab gothic rock feel just did not hit for me. everything's musically either a little too loose or too rigid and it all just comes off as amateurish and off-putting. eh favorites: disorder, day of the lords, shadowplay
4/10
As melhores músicas são as mais famosas e as finais com guitarra.
skate 3
This has a great, bleak atmosphere. I think I prefer Closer slightly though. Still really good.
4.7
Forgot I was listening to it. Awkward.
Moody
Kind of dumb. Annoying.
I have heard of Joy Division for many years, but I’m not so sure that I’ve ever heard Joy Division. Not at all what I expected. I really liked parts of it and really hated other parts. That’s how averages work.
you know what.......
Enjoyed the punk vibe
Emotional, New-wave-y. Melancholic. Mood. LOVE this album and LOVE Joy Division!
Hard pass. I feel like this is 1) the music playing in every Hot Topic and/or 2) the music Tim played in high school.
love it!
Best Songs: Day of the Lords, New Dawn Fades, Dead Souls Listen Again: Yes
Not bad. Reminds me of The Smiths. "New Dawn Fades" was cool enough for an extra listen or two.
No thank you.
I didn't realize Joy Division could sound like Bore Division! Joking aside, I didn't realize they could sound like Leonard Cohen. Just that sort of night time driving music that doesn't really hit me one way or another. It's not a bad album, I just wasn't moved by it. I will say, for a debut and it being 1979, this would have felt super fresh back in the day. Had I just listened first, I'd have guessed much more recent.
Here it is, the big Joy Division album that people love. I think I've heard it before, but don't remember much. And this is our second from Joy Division, but today I'm really digging it. Morose, emo alt-rock with some strong melodies. The opener is such a fantastic song, easily my favorite. I like that this whole album has a sort of spooky quality to the production. Not entirely sure what it is, but it seems like the bass is pretty clear in the mix amid guitar and drums that are slightly washed out, that plus the overall reverb gives this a unique sound. I can't say I quite find it to be as monumental as many assert, but it's a great album to be sure. I could see this one growing on me more with further listens. Favorite tracks: Disorder, Day of the Lords, New Dawn Fades, Shadowplay, Interzone. Album art: Of course I love this one, it's undeniably iconic. I described this previously as a bat signal for hipsters, and that holds up. It's a cover that I honestly think I see more on shirts than I do in relation to the actual music, and that's saying something. Very simple, very strong. The mountain pattern is dope. 4/5
meeeeh, I feel like i'm supposed to like this but i'm not sure. maybe i was not in the mood for it. I feel like some dudebro is judging me.
I really want to like this album more than I do, especially given how iconic it is. The music is pretty great - I like a lot of what they put in here, and I can tell it's a thoughtful group of musicians. The vocals just...remove any enjoyment you would derive from listening. If this was instrumental, I would love it. The mumbling/droning just doesn't do it for me. Fav tracks: New Dawn Fades, Shadowplay
Very good
Not the biggest new wave fan but this album could maybe change that.
1st Album of 1001. 1st Album listened to on new Surround system. Haunting, smoky bar vibes. Vocalist is a bit shit tho.
Unanswered question of whether this group would have evolved into New Order without Ian Curtis' death?
Not really my thing. I liked the bass driven sound, but something just doesn't work for me. Maybe the disinterested sounding vocals.
For some reason, Ian Curtis' voice reminds me of a less-pretentious Jim Morrison. Luckily I like The Doors. The atmosphere on this record is one of my favorite points, conveying this bleak, depressed feeling throughout, even on the livelier tracks. I don't particularly know what else to say, it's a landmark album that inspired a generation for a reason. Favorite tracks: "Day Of the Lords", "New Dawn Fades", "I Remember Nothing"
Good album, I haven’t listened to it in a while but I forgot displacement inspired give yourself a try by the 1975
Did not like this album - did not make it past song 3
Was pretty cool!
Too empty for me. And can't stand the voice.
Having a little more energy than Closer makes this a significantly better listening experience in my opinion. Almost a 5.
The better Joy Division album. Love how it sounds and better writing in my opinion.
Yet again Joy Division delivers on immaculate vibes. Definitely not fot everyone but if you like what this genre is selling you can't do much better than this album. Its dreary, cool, but bubbling with a lot of emotion underneath. I'd give it 6 if I could.
Pretty good. Still can’t get into JD as much as I would like to, unfortunately :(
I enjoyed it! A mix between Billy Idol and Pink Floyd!
Sorry…really did not like.
I knew instantly that Kyle must enjoy them.
Okay, this album did nothing for me and I grew up in that era.
Het album begint met een vijfsterren waardige baslijn, maar blijkt helaas verder vrij saai en eentonige gitaarmuziek te zijn, waar de stem van de zanger net niet lekker bij past.
Nothing memorable here for me. If it was on in background at a bar it be ok
I dunno why I've never listened to this one before. This is a 5 for me, love the tone throughout the album. Will I listen to again: 100%
Mostly claustrophobic but catchy. “Interzone” stands out for rocking. Excellent.
Joy Division's first and greatest album marks a turn in the history of not only punk and post-punk, but music in general. This album in a way invented goth-rock and turned post-punk in the way that it first explored depth, timber and atmosphere combined with the rawness of punk-rock, maybe a bit cleaner. This is incredible through and through. Highlights are pretty much every song. Rating: I am feeling a light 10!
There's nothing complicated or difficult here in terms of musicianship or composition, yet it's absolutely original and genre-defining. Punk slowed down until it becomes atmosphere, a gloomy spacious and echoey void they fill in with a sparse reverby snare, stabbed dischordant guitar chords, searching lead lines, ominous bass riffs, and miserable melody. The sound of a haunted and grim post-industrial winter. Primal, despairing, perfect.
forgettable rock
Not something I couldn't listen to but not something if ever choose myself
Unknown Pleasures stands as a timeless masterpiece, seamlessly weaving post-punk, new wave, and industrial influences into a sonic tapestry. Its emotive and introspective lyrics resonate, accompanied by hauntingly honest and stunning artwork. The album's beautiful production serves as a post-punk blueprint, solidifying its place as an influential and enduring work of art. NUMBER OF BANGERS - 6 STAND OUT TRACK - Disorder
Favorite Tracks: Disorder Shadowplay
Punk is probably my favorite genre of rock, and I'm happy to know I can bob my head to one of the punk classics.
Moody and a bit dark.
Unknown Pleasures has never captured my ears in the way I wish it would. I've listened to it a handful of times over the years, and each time I come away without much desire to return. Thats not to say there aren't some standout moments on the album, or to underplay its significance as a post-punk landmark, I just don't seem to connect very deeply with it, outside of a few personal highlights like Day of the Lords and Shadowplay. Its an album worth listening to, but for me at least, not one I find myself coming back to.
fitting start to the year
Depressing.
Went through a phase of listening to Joy Division in 2005-2007. Excellent album.
Ätherisch, knackig, elektronisch, vorwiegend in Moll. Ein wenig wie The Cure: Live Großes Tennis! New dawn fades
altern. Rock, 1979
That bass line slaps so hard. You know which one I'm talking about. I wish they'd enjoy themselves a bit more. Sad sacks the entire time.
The album starts to get monotonous after a while, not saying it’s bad in any measure but it’s hard for me to listen to it straight through, vs having a couple songs I really enjoy on occasion. 3.4
2.9/5 Best Track: Interzone
Dark and moody and probs not everyone’s cup of tea. However, still a brilliant little album.
No comment
increible
Post-punk 80s Dead Singer (Suicide) Haunting/Melancholy
Stand bei jedem Zweiten in der Plattensammlung. Früher cool, heute reißt die Platte nicht mehr vom Hocker.
Very influential album. I think this is some artist's ground zero. I liked it a lot! Fun in a sloppy, strange, disorienting way. I kind of love that the playing is so loose. Something unsettling about the lead singer. Makes you feel a little off balance. A great-time-had 3/5, definitely worth listening, I may get into it more with more listens.
No. 77/1001 Disorder 3/5 Day of the Lords 3/5 Candidate 2/5 Insight 2/5 New Dawn Fades 3/5 She's Lost Control 2/5 Shadowplay 2/5 Wilderness 2/5 Interzone 2/5 I Remember Nothing 1/5 Average: 2,2 I personally just don't like Post Punk. Musically this was fine, I just like this talk-singing that they are doing.
Zu gleichförmig
I felt like I really got this album much more than Closer. Obviously classics on here I already knew and liked. It's such an atmospheric album.
Great stuff. I don't really listen to Joy Divsion much bit this is a great album, no denying it
Always think this album starts really strong with Disorder and then doesn't reach those heights again. Do love it though, and Ian Curtis's voice. She's Lost Control is a great track. And I Remember Nothing always reminds me of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-KvyKNSV7U
Dark and moody. I’d listen again
Moody
Eh.
i thought this was going to be something special. and i kept waiting for it to become that. and it never did. not bad by any means but i thought this was a classic and i didn’t get that sense while listening.
When I first learned of the 1001 albums book, this was one of the first albums I bought solely because it was on the list. I remember listening to it for the first time, and being completely blown away that something like this had been recorded in the late seventies. I fell in love with this album from that first time I experienced it, and I've listened to it again several times over the last fifteen years or so. Every song on this album is its own unique journey into lyrical darkness. From that first whooshing on "Disorder" through the last clanging on "I Remember Nothing," Ian Curtis takes you through his feelings of withdrawal, isolation, and general disillusionment with life. Musically, this album matches Curtis's words perfectly. The guitar is clanging, the bass is brooding, the keyboard is haunting, and the pacing of the drums adds to the general unease and dark tone. When I think of post punk music, this is always the first album that comes to mind. The influence of this album spread through the late seventies and early eighties, and its ripple effects can even be felt this century, through bands like Interpol, Chvrches, and Crystal Castles. I think my favorite aspect of this album is how it flirts with contradictions: it's dissonant yet harmonious, enormous but intimate, and its ugly lyrics are sung beautifully. I love this album, and it was such a treat to listen to it today. I think it's one of the best albums ever recorded, and it's a massive piece of rock history.
Sounded like the smiths but worse. 1/10
Foundational record for sure
Guess I gotta think about this album in context. I don’t think I’ll re listen to it any time soon.
Arguably the most artistic and revealing post punk has gotten
I've always been turned off of this bank because of the vocals. I like the music and other post-punk banks like The Cure. I even like some bands with vocals similar to this. Interzone reminds me of Gord Downie, for example, when he sings the counterpoints. This records is definitely hit and miss. Some tracks wash over me and I don't mind them, but then a funeral dirge hits and I'm like ugh, skip. Overall, I feel like I'm missing the point here or something. I don't think I like it all that much, and for some reason that makes me feel guilty.
The original alternative rock album.
1st listen Wow alternative rock in 1979
Much better album then its successor, Closer. I like the atmosphere, being darker, more gothic. Guitar and bass melodies were original and interesting, vocalist was doing a lot of work by not doing too much. Definitely not your average post-punk album. Also, the artwork is present on at least 10% of people's arms as a tattoo. I'll give it a 4 for now, but I will be happy to revisit this record soon and maybe I will change my mind.
Disorder- 6/10 Day of the Lords- 7/10 Candidate- 7/10 Insight- 6/10 New Dawn Fades- 10/10 She's Lost Control- 6/10 Shadowplay- 8/10 Wilderness- 7/10 Interzone- 7/10 I Remember Nothing- 7/10 71/100
I'm not very far into this list, but I am already growing pretty numb to this style of music. The English post-punk music here is nothing I would ever call bad, but man was I wholly unimpressed. Spotify's play-count seems to reflect that this is a pretty popular album in the genre too, but maybe it's a style that never really will click with me.
It’s ok
Like this, can see why so many like it.
Fantastic album and now a classic. Very raw early days of the JD/NO era but powerful, anarchic and soulful. Top, top album
Listening to this album made me want to dye my hair black, put on a spiked dog collar, goth makeup, black clothes and then retreat alone to my darkened bedroom to stew in a nihilistic funk. This album pulls me in two directions. It's dark and depressing which doesn't really reflect my attitude or a demeanor that I would want to dwell on but at the same time I like the music itself (Dig the forward bass!) and the mood/atmosphere that it sets. I can't give it a 5 and it's more interesting than a 3 so it's a pretty solid 4.
Meh
While I intensely love the Peter Saville cover art and "Disorder", Joy Division's reputation rests on 4-6 songs and the fact that the remaining members became New Order. "She's lost control" and "New Dawn Fades" are ok and could be part of those 4-6 songs or not depending on one's subjective judgment of the band. That said, their two albums are dour, robotic and rough. Factory issue indeed.
Masterpiece
This was a surprising treat. Reminded me of the Doors and I love the Doors. Good music, and lyrics that say something.
Good album. But my view is Closer is better.
Worst album I’ve literally ever heard
It was ok
1. dizorder - 1.5 2. day of the lordz - 1 3. candidate - 0 4. inzight - 0 5. neuu dauun fadez - 0 6. zhez lozt control - 1 7. zhadouu play - 1.5 8. uuildernezz - 0 9. interzone - 1.5 10. i remember nothing - 1
Sounds like a lot of the music that was available in 1979, Devo etc. It has it's place and it isn't disco.
Het schijnt een iconische hoes te wezen, maar de muziek haalt dat niveau in ieder geval op geen stukken na. Wat is dat toch met de experimentele kliederbandjes uit deze periode? Het klinkt voor geen meter, maar om de een of andere redenen moet je dit volgens het Grote Dikke Boek wel nog tijdens je leven horen. Deze 'Pleziertjes' hadden wat mij betreft 'Onbekend' kunnen blijven...
Ook Joy Division levert geen kandidaat voor beste 'zanger'. Zeker bij de verlengde lettergrepen houdt de zanger het niet. Doe dat dan gewoon minder. Joy Division weet soms op de een of andere manier wel muziek naast die zang te zetten, waarmee het ineens toch wel aardig klopt.
Onheilspellend, minimalistisch, duister, industrieel, dystopisch, unheimisch, melancholiek, iconisch.
Favourite song - New Dawn Fades Didn't enjoy the album that much, but quite like the sound of dark post-punk.
Eh
Not for me.
Fantastic! The energy is great.
Meh, not very good... Pretty boring
This Album feels like you are alone drunk in a dark shady nighclub, with the band playing songs that sound familiar yet so different. It is sad and depressing. I appreciate it for what it is but i don't get all the hype.
Some of 70s rock sounds like it was recorded in a garage somewhere, and this is no exception.
Never heard of them before. First impression very positive. Got stale real fast
It just didn't do it much for me. Instrumental was good voice got old.
Honestly I found the songs kinda boring, and they just didn't really captivate me in any way.
I thought this was pretty dull
One of the most iconic albums, and covers, of all time. The blueprint of post-punk to come, and when the list of bands you've influenced include U2 and The Cure, you know you've hit it big.
The shape of post-punk to come.
Openinh track is great, rest of the album is rather tiresome
Very raw, simple and haunting.
Very much doesn’t sound like a 70s album. Dark broody stuff, very on brand for me but not spiky enough.
great rangy basslines, deep echo mixing. will listen again and try to focus on the lyrics.
I didn’t enjoy this album as much as I have in the past. Not sure I was listening on the correct format or in the right mood. Anyway, gotta rate it based on current listen - 3.4
One of the moat depressing listens I've ever had. Excellent stuff!
Oh, that 80’s melancholy. I can’t not see the goth kids from South Park shuffling back and forth to this.
A stone cold classic at the birth of the Manchester sound and New Order.
A beautiful and seminal album. The sparse industrial rhythm perfectly match the dark lyrics that evoke the industrial north. A relisten highlights the fact that the vocal and the guitar are duetting throughout.
Pre-the doors for the cure/smiths, alt-emo
Una joya de disco Me gustó todo
Decent interesting album I hadn’t heard before
Didn't really get it. I can understand why it's good, but not for me.
Just not for me. Preferred New Order to the Ian Curtis drudgery.
A classic but not their best in my opinion - I always found it hard to get into Joy Division despite on paper influencing almost every band I like - and while this starts strong it tapers off quite quickly. But Peter Hooks bass lines - oh yeah - and that record cover - legendary.
Damals sicher eine grosse Inspiration für viele Musiker. Ich persönlich stehe mehr auf Fraktus - und die waren sogar noch früher!
ja hit
Not terrible, but I think I’d enjoy it more if the songs weren’t so… slow?
a clasic
Vähän tylsä kokonaisuutena. Yllätyksetön ja synkkä. En kuuntelisi kyllä uudelleen ihan samantien.
I've always struggled to fully embrace JD to the level I felt I should. After many tries, I feel Ive finally synced with their vibe as much as I ever will.
already heard this its a vibe but incredibly overrated
Badly named band. There's no Joy here! Boring songs, pretty bad singing. Not for me.
Mellow "post-punk". Echoey percussion with droning vocals and guitar
Kon me hier niet echt lekker in vinden
groot fan van het eerste nummer, eerst ging ik wel lekker op dat de rest een beetje duister is en zwartgallig. Het gehele album is best eentonig.
Dit doet mij niet zoveel. Zit net tussen in waar ik van geniet. Op het 2e nummer gestrand
Dit was hem niet, was alweer bijna vergeten hoe het klonk ook
Yep, that's pretty much how it feels. It hurts, but there's so much beauty in it too.
Great start I've listened to this album before. It's great!
I've honestly never really got this album. Maybe I'm missing the context of the gloomy twilight zone atmosphere of Manchester in the 80s or something. Sick movie about Ian Curtis that's worth watching though.
11/15/23. First time diving into Joy Division; not a bad album but perhaps not my cup of tea. Songs just aren’t very enjoyable to me, but the last three tracks do go out with a bang. Maybe I need to give this another try.
Got repetitive, but an interesting unique style.
It has some good sounds. I really liked Disorder, just kind of long and repetitive at times.
Huge band. Huge following. I've heard this album many times as it was played by a sibling a lot. Just never got the taste for it. How do I love the Smiths but hate Joy Division? These are the mysteries of the universe.
Nothing I write about this album is going to be cohesive so here goes: Ian Curtis and dancing - darkly interesting. A favorite album of a close and deceased friend I feared listening to this and hating it. This album grew on me over time. This album seems like a dark veil that I want to remove but I'm afraid of what hides behind it. This album is like walking in quicksand and the deeper you sink, the less you panic and accept what lies beneath JD and New order are like night and day where New Order is a terrible sound (except for Ceremony and Age of Consent) and JD is darkly original. Artwork on this is a classic I'd much prefer this to punk or any New Wave Highlights: Shadowplay, Day of the Lords, Disorder Lowlights: Nothing. Unless you count the depression that comes along with it.
“Unknown Pleasures” was much better than anticipated. Was it going to have too much obnoxious synth? Were the vocals going to drive me nuts? It turns out no, and mostly no. Joy Division’s debut was refreshingly guitar and bass driven, and created a much appreciated dark and gothic vibe that the synth-heavy bands always overshoot. And I wasn’t annoyed by Ian Curtis’ voice until the third song. Sometimes it’s just too silly and over the top, but sometimes it does work well. I liked “Unknown Pleasures” more than “Closer,” but it would still take Curtis reining in his excesses to win me over.
I can't get past the voice.
Bloody, bloody awful vocals. No other way to put it. The music is really good, which is a missed opportunity.
Cracking from start to finish. Phased me that Atmosphere is included in the playlist and jolted me out of my listening, but great always.
Yep