Unknown Pleasures

This album makes Closer seem even more haunting. Even the tone in Ian Curtis' voice is noticeably brighter throughout this album, and the lyrics aren't even close to being as self-tortured. That being said, a lot of the music didn't grip me as much as I'd have liked. It was definitely good, but not one of my favorites. Favorite track: Day of the Lords

Less musical and more of a dirge than their best albums

first listen meh

Kept liking it less as it went. Started as cool mix between interpol and depeche mode, ended as a bit of a chore. Why does everyone wear this shirt?

Need to listen again

felt like regular 70s rock at first with monotone vocals but got better as the album went on. unexpectedly proggy and experimental?? comes out pretty good overall, prob not one i'd come back to often tho. 6/10

I liked the most popular song Disorder. The album was kind of drony. I usually like that sound but here it was just generic to me. Overall in a style I enjoy but nothing remarkable to me. I imagine this album influenced a lot of stuff I like but it's simply too old.

A couple of nice Joy Division stereotypical songs start the record, then comes the hard-to-hear vocals on top of some decent dirge... then a few more pretty good songs. I'll add the first few cuts to my library but won't add the record.

Seems like the parent of the Sonic Youth album I rated a few days ago but slightly easier to take.

not really my vibe, but I've seen this album cover on t shirts my whole life without really knowing what the music sounded like. I'm glad I know now! very broody teen.

I really wanted to like this album more, but I found to be a little too dark for me. I like the guys voice and I like a few songs. I mean you can feel his energy when he sings, but just didn't quite get there for me. Really enjoyed first 2 songs, Disorder and Day of the Lords, but then it took until Shadowplay before I found another I enjoyed. I think this is an album you would enjoy when you are shrooming....maybe.....and maybe not, due the darkness of this album. I was surprised this was from the late 70's and happy to listen, but not much I would download although Day of the Lords was catchy to me. I'll rate a 3. I was expecting a little more..... 3

Unknown Pleasures is like the "Requiem for a Dream" of music in that it's great and groundbreaking but I don't like to experience it often. The sorrow and the dreary sounds make me feel like I'm listening to an iceberg turned into music. This album differs from Closer in that there are moments that almost maybe sound hopeful whereas Closer has no hope. No positivity left to give. 3.5

Alrighty. So I must admit that although I do enjoy Joy Division's music generally, I have more love for the punk music scene of the 70's than the 80's melancholic post-punk movement. Frankly I just find it to be a bit dull. Unknown Pleasures is Joy Division's debut album, and I can honestly say that I certainly find it innovative. It clearly showcases the band's unique sound, but ultimately, in my opinion, it falls short of its potential. The album is a dark and brooding exploration of depression, anxiety, and isolation, which is conveyed through Ian Curtis' haunting vocals and the band's driving, post-punk instrumentals. However, some tracks lack the necessary energy and diversity to keep the listener engaged throughout. Overall, while I wouldn't consider Unknown Pleasures to be a masterpiece, it's still worth a listen for fans of the genre or those interested in exploring the roots of alternative music. Or for those who bought the t-shirt and actually want to be able to tell people that they've listened to the album - though it doesn't seem to be a prerequisite nowadays.

Not the happiest album out there.

I listened to this one twice, and I'm glad I did. Probably the most recognised and celebrated album cover for a group of seldom celebrated songs. I appreciated this the second time through. Some great production and some heartfelt content. On the cusp of post punk and ready to shape something new, Joy Division we're finding a place and have etched a spot in music history. I'll never really love this, but others who lived it the first time were there for something special. The tapestry of music-time is wonderful.

Pretty good

Not really been a fan of his vocals, but I like the music.

Album sympa mais mal enregistré, l'ingénieur son n'arrive pas a séparer les instruments et parfois c'est un peu un cafarnaum

Post-punk. Un tanto repetitivo. Ni fu ni fa.

It's alright, but not really my cup of tea. I sort of feel like this is the type of music Jim Morrison would have been making if he had been around in 1979. 3 stars.

The first time I've listened to Joy Division besides that track in Donnie Darko. There's much more distortion than I expected and that's a good thing. For me, a lot of this album functionally does the same thing as bands like early Queens of the Stone Age or CAN--gives me solid droning rock but it's a bit less radio friendly. Favorite tracks: She's Lost Control, Shadowplay Least favorite tracks: Candidate, Insight

Slower pace with large amounts of bass guitar. Not a huge fan of the vocalist, but overall decent

i’ve always found this overrated, bias confirmed

Low 3

The darkness that Curtis expresses in his lyrics and vocal performance of said lyrics is underscored perfectly by the gothic/industrial instrumentation. It's hard to explain exactly how I like this and don't like it all at the same time. I appreciate the artistry and the raw expression, I dig the music. But I just don't want to spend a lot of time with such a depressing act. I don't want to get sucked into Curtis's melancholic and despairing vortex. I do respect it though.

Helt okej men jag gillar andra plattan mycket mer.

Not as good as CLOSER

It’s good. Important. Not blown away.

I don't really get it, but it's not terrible.

This seems much darker than I remember Joy Division being.

Not much to say about this one, it's ok I guess, but also nothing really caught my ear on first listen...

Cool sound and vocals, but the lack of songwriting diversity leaves you feeling kind of underwhelmed.

Overall decent. A little too melancholy for my vibes.

I can appreciate what joy division did musically for the industry. Simple repetitive single note guitar lines, writing melody over drone notes etc. but not what I’d choose to listen to.

This album was a little bit too grungy for me. Two dark and foreboding. I realize that that is probably the point of this entire project, but I probably wasn't in the right mood to listen to something so brooding

Some real gems here, but not a front to back listen for me

A couple of good songs, some just not what I am into

Feels a little cold and emotionless somehow

A couple of good tunes, but not may favorite genre

Semi chill

Dark music, for listening in dark times…

3/5. A fairly good album but the singer can be annoying at times. Dig the cool instrumentation though.

My oldest brother loves Joy Division, so I have an inherent bias towards wanting to like them as well. But, I find their music quite same-y, and I've always found it odd that the singer's vocals are so understated. To me, Love Will Tear Us Apart is THE Joy Division song, all the songs on this album were just worse versions of that song.

classic joie de vivre

2/10, 20%

Good moody album

I was pleased to see this album crop up, as Joy Division is one of those bands that, every time someone mentions them, I think "I really need to check them out." But then I never get around to it, and the cycle begins again. I was *really* hoping to have my noggin blown by this album, but it just wasn't. It appears I'm not too into Ian Curtis' vocals, which sound a bit flat to my ears. None of the songs really jumped out at me, with the possible exception of "New Dawn Fades" and "Interzone," the latter of which features vocals by bassist Peter Hook instead of Curtis. In fact, the only thing that truly caught my attention was Hook's bass playing, which I found intriguingly unpredictable. (Oh, and the album cover, which is a classic.) I don't know. Maybe I'll appreciate it more if I give the album another listen or two, but I'm not in a rush to do so.

yuh yuh sounds the same but bangin

Cool cover. Sounds like smiths + current joys with lots of reverb. Kinda got less interesting as it went on.

I've just never clicked with this album. Not sure why as I feel like I should like it, and I enjoy Closer a lot more, I just find a good chunk of the middle of the record to be quite tedious

Chill album, not any parts that stuck out as great, but it wasn't bad

needs multiple listens not the indie rick i expected going in much more gloomy, slow, atmospheric did not hugely enjoy on first listen but i think it is music i would really like

I'm a huge fan of New Order, so should love JD too. However, everything I listen to Unknown Pleasures I feel slightly disappointed. It's powerful and dark and heavy, but I'd rather listen to the JD singles collection, Substance 1977-1980. Awesome LP cover.

I didn't really feel this album. Perhaps I wasn't in the right mood for the songs to hit, but it just seemed a bit too slow and moody for me in most cases. I certainly didn't hate this though, and I may revisit it someday. Favourite: She's Lost Control

Nice. Sounds more modern than 1979!

I always dig the Joy Division basslines, and the artwork is iconic! As much as I know some of my mates adore this album, I tend to get bored halfway through each track.

Hmmm I dunno, I'm not going to listen to music that will make me miserable. And if I feel miserable I want something that says "that's OK, feel better." This definitely has real moments but it's also quite dark

Easier to get on with than the other joy division I got.

I enjoyed this. They’ve got a big, cavernous sound that feels designed for live shows. It sounds great on record but the songs must have really come alive in concert. This would be a perfect example to play for someone curious what “post-punk” sounds like. The label can be pretty broad but I tend to think this sound is the core of the style. Moody, dramatic, spacious, big emotions. I’m not sure I’ll ever completely love Joy Division. Right now I respect and admire the music (they’ve obviously had a major influence on a million bands) but I don’t connect deeply to them. I wonder if I just need a certain time in my life when nothing but this sound will do. 🤷🏻‍♂️ In the meantime, I dig the energy.

Not my favorite

I get why people love Joy Division, especially for the time that Unknown Pleasures was released, it's just not really my cup of tea--it was hard to listen to the whole album in one setting, it was a little boring to me. I like the raw sound of the vocals and guitar, reminds me a lot of The Doors

no spoko, mroczne takie depresyjne, ale dupy nie urywa

An album that I can imagine listening to in some phase for sure. Opens pretty nicely. Is pretty coherent, although I don't remember the second part at all. I can imagine it being influential in the time of the release. Overally, not bad at all, and might return to it. I'd put it at like 7-8/10.

Tough one. I think its better than a 3 but not quite a 4.

liked the last three-four songs more than the rest of the album tbh

Very atmospheric and sonically interesting album. Like the opener more - bit of a nervous angsty energy over the darker more somber parts of the album.

Interesting, but not stand out.

Really leans into that classic 80s thing I hate where the super deep vocals have this weird distorted echo effect layered overtop.

Some classic industrial rock from the 1970s. Shadowplay is great! Fun fact, my brother saw them live last week and they played this album in full! Not enough for a 4. 3.5 rounded

Fairly unmemorable, but not unpleasant.

Dawn faded

Oh hey, it's that album I see on shirts all the time. I feel like I should be more familiar with Joy Division, I just always thought they were the same as New Order and it turns out they don't really sound very much alike. Although most of the album is kinda boring the middle run of New Dawn Fades, She's Lost Control and Shadowplay was pretty good. The guitar on New Dawn Fades seems super familiar, I get how this is so hugely influential. Overall I'd rather listen to the music that seems heavily inspired by it like Turn on the Bright Lights. 59/100 gecs

Middle of the road for me. None of the tracks really stuck out. Sounded familiar but not in a way that made me excited or wanting to hear more.

This album checks so many boxes for me, but somehow I just couldn’t get into it.

It sounds really, really good but there's like ZERO contrast so it gets old quickly. Shadowplay is differentiated a little bit. I would put any two songs on a nice long playlist for getting a ton of work done, but no more than two--otherwise I'd be distracted by thinking it's repeating itself.

for a specific mood

Dark, moody, cool, atmospheric, strong bass-line. Favourite song - New Dawn Fades. Least favourite - I Remember Nothing.

Nyer.

I thought this would be better. Some good beats and riffs but couldn't get past the singing. Think their other album was better.

controversial perhaps, but I think this album is hugely over-rated; it sounds like nothing else and has an essential influence on modern studio techniques but doesn't really have many tunes. Joy Division were a great singles band!

Great album. Don’t know it as much as I should. What i have heard is excellent. 3.5/5

I wonder if Interpol have ever heard of these guys....? Spooky. The album sounds like you can vividly picture them playing in a dank grey dimly-lit-by-singular-flickering-flourescent-bulb concrete basement room - but way way in the back of the room, and we're all on the opposite side just feeling cold. This is not a critique. I've grown to like this kind of post-punk gloom and doom rock. Ian Curtis' voice is *definitely* tough to take at times but I almost find that i have to dial myself in to that mood. Things that I don't like are jusssst a little of the low-fi aesthetic in here (which i hate) and some frankly sloppy playing at times (e.g. "New Dawn Fades") but it's not enough to make it terribly distracting. Personal favourite: "Shadowplay" Will never be my favourite kind of music but I was glad to have finally been exposed to this a few years back and it's occasionally the perfect record to put on when that mood strikes. Important record to hear for how much these guys clearly influenced so many bands not just in the immediate aftermath but for decades... 7/10 3 stars.

i hate to say it but i think this album is overrated

It's Joy Division so of course it's a solid album. That said, I don't enjoy the style enough to listen and re-listen...but there were some strong tracks here. Fave track: "She's Lost Control"

3.5/5

Enjoyed some of the songs. You could hear the future New Order in the sound!

First of all, that album cover. It was on quite a few of my classmates' dorm room walls during college, even though the album was several years old by then, and despite its ubiquity (at least for a few years), I still love it visually. You can read about how it came about in the Wikipedia article. Musically, I hadn't remembered any of the songs or, quite frankly, even a vague sense of how the album might sound, so I honestly have no idea if I'd listened to it before. I used to think it had been released in the late 80s when I was in college, but now I know it was nearly a decade old, so maybe that's why I didn't hear it much. Not sure. I gave the album a listen and it has some good tracks. I like the post-punk styling, melodies, and rhythms. Feels quite familiar to me in that respect. Talented composers and performers -- some juicy bass lines, real nice guitar and drum work in there -- so it's overall enjoyable. I am not likely to run back to this one for a re-listen anytime soon, but it's a fine album.

This was mixed. Some really good songs in there, mixed in with some slightly tedious dirge. I much prefer their other album. This one just sneaks a 3.

Je suis beaucoup moins dythirambique que mon camarade d'écoute robpanière sur cet album, le trouvant plus ou moins convenable. Je tiens néammoins à le reprendre sur l'expérience réalisée à l'aide d'Audacity. J'ai moi même tenté l'expérience, lançant l'album de Joy Division, et demandant au logiciel de supprimer les bruits parasites. Rien ne se passa. En revanche, quelques minutes plus tard, l'intégralité des chansons d'Elvis Costello avait disparu de mon interface Spotify.

4/11/22

Interesting soundscapes and moods, can definitely see the influence on later Manchester bands and post punk genres. Not all of it is actually that much fun to listen to, but the creativity is admirable.

This album is really ahead of it's time. I can hear so many 90-00 indie/Alternative bands that are influenced by this album. I can se why this is an icon and important album. For me personally i didn't feel i got into it otherwise this would have been a 4 or 5.

3.5/5 already got it, okeyish.

decent

Well, at least now I know what the t-shirts are referring to.

A few great songs and the others seem pretty good too. 3/5

I can appreciate the significance of Joy Division, but this album wasn't for me. It blended together and didn't really have anything that stood out for me.

every band steals from here. the national, the cure, u2, etc etc etc all wanted to be Ian Curtis and Joy Division

The sound of this album is like waking up in the middle of the night, in a sleepy haze, and hearing the echos of a jam session reverberating through the alley and up into your loft window. The album's entire vibe is fitting of the title emo. It is seemingly purpose built to evoke somber emotions wedged somewhere between tears, rage and resignation.

Cool record. It's a hyped band and I'd say they live up to it pretty well. This is the first time I've listened to a whole Joy Division record together. One thing though: What's up with the intentionally "wrong" notes the bass plays in "Disorder?" Yuck. This is a band, based on this record, that I'm glad existed since they insprired a bunch of music that I love. But will I return for another listen? Not bloody likely! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cx8jpyM5Vsw

Still don't know 'em

Some absolute classics on here but a lot of moody filler which doesn't really do it for me.

Fine? Didn’t dislike it, but nothing jumped out at me.

I know I should like Joy Division but the music just doesn't do anything to me. I know this is a seminal album but it falls flat to me and just sounds mediocre.

Mixes are spacious and beautiful. Drum tones and instrumentation on point. Vocals are typically pretty emotional sounding, although probably the weakest point of the album for me. Album did well to create a vibe that’s overall kinda spooky and left me uneasy feeling, but could have used some more variation

Groundbreaking and moody but not my cup of tea. Couple bangers.

Kultplatta med bra renommé. lite som en cool poprock-föregångare till Depeche mode. Lider lite av att inleda med "Disorder" vilket överlägset är deras bästa låt(?) Rätt snärtig trumma och bra digitala effekter men annars rätt dåligt ljud på de analoga bitarna, stela och platta instrument och burkig sång skadar de mer simpla låtarna. Känns som sakerna hamnar i o-synk rätt ofta? misstag av musikerna eller i efterhand? O-charmigt oavsett. Några nuggets jag inte visste om fanns, bra jävla rock som växer på mig mer och mer.

Alltså jag gillar det, men det är också så dåligt? Överskattat, men får en trea av bara farten

Næs plata, kannski ekki alveg minn tebolli en mér fannst hún frekar smooth

Actually don't like it very much. Expected too much because of "Love Will Tear Us Apart" It's probably a 4 but it didn't resonate with me this time. The album cover bumps it up to a 3 though

I appreciate what they did for post-punk, but not a fan. Not garbage, just meh.

Le style me dit quelque, pas trop mon style mais j’ai aime l’ecoute et ca brassait assez po7r ramasser les feuilles avec entrain. 3.15

I suppose this is the line where this becomes a personal project. I just find Joy Division so bland and samey... I love unique sound and recognise the talent, but that doesn't mean I want to listen to it (again).

Dark, gloomy, depressing.

Sometimes groovy, sometimes boring

Very difficult listening. It's great but not exactly my style. I can understand why so many people love it though.

-Probably one of the coolest album arts -Really like Joy Division -Love the dark and moody sound, it's great for fall weather -Love how simple it is but how there are different layers to the sounds in the song -Favourite tracks are Day of the Lords, New Dawn Fades, Shadow Play, Interzone,

Good band but not exactly my type of music

One of those ones that I can tell is good but it just isn't for me - too depressing! But I did enjoy a few of the tracks, especially 'Disorder'. Ian Curtis can really sing too, what a loss.

Overall wasn't too impressed by this album. Disorder was good. I think the tone of the rest of the album doesn't quite resonate with me.

6th October 2021 Listened while sunbathing / sleeping by the pool in Spain. Probably more famous for it's cover than it's content now, but I liked it. Progressive, different, and I liked the scope and scale of the music. I also enjoyed Ian Curtis's attitude towards people asking him what his lyrics meant.

Was interested to get this album, I've seen the cover art referenced a lot but didn't really know what kind of music it would be. Very much the kind of music the goth kids in high school would have listened to. Thought there were some good songs, liked the opener, but it was a very hot and cold album with some really drawn out/downer tunes in there too. Surprised to see it was from 1979, definitely feels a bit before it's time.

Gloomily influential but not my cup of tea

Ok for a rainy day mood :)

good

I love the wild opening. Track 2 gives Doors vibes The bass on every single beat is pretty overkill in the middle of the album. The back end of the album picks up and I'm a fan of Interzone's punchiness

A great document that practically screams "What might have been". Less than a year after this album's release, lead singer Ian Curtis hanged himself. This was the only Joy Division album released during his short life. Track 1 (Disorder) is a solid 5. The album gets murkier from there. Probably more on the overrated side, especially from the camp that suggests Joy Division should go in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as a combo piece with New Order. You can hear distinctly the many bands influenced by this (especially The Smiths). I love "Disorder" and "Shadowplay". People tend to really heap too much praise on Curtis' vocals. They're fine, but to be honest, he gets over lauded because he died too young. Overall, it's indecently overrated, especially when compared to their follow up album.

Pretty good, sad bout the singer tho

Underwhelming. My favorite track was disorder

Loved this album. I knew one song before listening. Listened many times.

Muy bueno, original, emocional, depre, musicalmente interesante y como obra homogénea realmente notable

Enjoyed but never moves past it’s first sound. A hugely influential album however, and still very good

#1 was fire, but the rest fell flat. 3of5

Joy Division's debut still sounds wholly original and somewhat unique today which is a real testament for how their brand of gothic rock/post-punk broke norms back in the late 70s. While it isn't exactly my cup of tea when it comes to post-punk, there is a lot to enjoy in the processed drums, the melody driving bass work and dark moods that still feel so unique even after all the imitators they spawned.

pretty good proto-punk 80's sound. Enjoyed overall.

I wanna be one of the cool cats in a Joy Division Unknown Pleasures tshirt but I just can't get into this album no matter how hard I try.

An OK British post-punk album. We've had much better ones on this list so far and although I like the style, it's often pretty samey and this one didn't stand out at all.

Worthy and "important". Not much fun though.

tja 70s

Quite dark, Goth and Punky. Value for the electronic and distorted voice/band in 1979. Not my cup of tea though.

Got rather excited when this one popped up. The first track ‘Disorder’ is a cracking opening and for me, the best on the album. I did enjoy this all the way through, the strong, almost grunge guitar kept my interest. I will note that it seemed slightly samey throughout, that’s not to say it’s bad, just can be difficult to rate it quickly. Will probably regret these comments after some more listens. One brilliant track and some good ones. 3/5

Dark, messy

I don’t know if you have to be in the right space to enjoy this album but I just found it quite depressing. I’m giving it three stars because I know it’s a really well liked album and Disorder is a tune.

I did not know that Love Will Tear Us Apart was not on any of their studio albums. It's good, but a little heavy at times.

Very good. I forget how deep and introspective this band sounds. Katey called it sit and think music and I agree. She also referenced people into art house movies before it was cool.

good album, not something to listen to to listen to the music purely, but decent background music. all a bit of the same as well, not much difference for a passive listener between songs

It's interesting, it's atmospheric, it's uncomfortable and it's unique. I should like it more than I do.

Good music. Don't like the voice

Ich mag, was Martin Hannett hier mit dem Sound macht - diese Schroffheit, das kalt klirrende. Disorder setzt da am Anfang natürlich direkt Maßstäbe. In Kombination aber mit Ian Curtis‘ noch mal extra kalter Stimme ist mir das auf Dauer dann doch zu kalt, zu hart und zu dunkel, so dass man spätestens bei New Dawn Fades zu einer warmen Decke greifen möchte, gegen den dicken grauen Schleier der Schwermut. Mir, als zunächst mal New-Order-Fan gefällt Insights am besten. Und, bei Spotify, die Bonus-Liveaufnahmen aus der Factory. Roh natürlich auch, aber nicht ganz so kalt sondern sogar das Gegenteil. Für den „klassischen“ Teil ne 3,3.

3.5

Shadow Play is phenomenal.

Not as good as the last Joy Division album we had. Sounds like they're trying to be the velvet underground. I'm sure its great for those who want this, not my scene.

I know this is a classic t-shirt that speaks to millions but it didn't really do much for me. I liked it. Shadowplay stands out. I think if there wasn't so much mythology about the band I would have liked it more. Still an enjoyable listen.

The lead singer reminds me just a tad of the B52s. I feel like that sound must have been popular in the late 70s, as I’ve now had a couple of albums like that. Not a bad album in general, though not one I need to seek out more.

Oooo mama. Starts strong but fades. Experimental and ahead of its time.

Good

this was a good album but honestly there were no songs I particularly liked or dislike :S

some of its good but overall it is quite meh

GOOD BUT HASNT AGED WELL HAS IT

Can you believe I've never listened to this album before. I'm giving it a 3 because I think it's worth like 3.5-3.8 but not a 4 and have a suspicion you indie fucks will die for this shit.

couple alright old school punk songs but overall rather forgettable

This definitely was a prelude to the 80s. Not terrible not great

Classic.

I kept getting B-52 vibes. It was an album, alright.

Highlight of the album is the album cover

Utterly monotonous, forgettable melodies and insanely boring songwriting

I wanted to like this one, as it's considered a classic. But nothing stands out. Not offensive, just not hitting anything much at all.

2.1 it didnt have too much going for it imo. The instrumentals were good but i dont feel like the vocals gave me anything

Not that impressive, I get the intention but doesn't work for me, I liked some repeated melodies, catchy

254. ok

I can see why people love this, especially if you are of the right age, but I've never been able to enjoy Joy Division. Glad I've finally listened to it all the way through, confident I never will again.

i am a fan of the IDEA of Joy Division.

Didn’t get it then and it sounds really dated now.

sad noise. sorry ian

Wasn’t really a fan

this was so boring sorry

Gave it an extra listen just to make sure... Cool cover art tho

Kinda melancholy. Not doing it for me.

My initial impressions is that this album feels like Talking Heads after their light had been snuffed out by Ritalin. I appreciate the mood that the band establishes with the generally forward base and spacey guitar but I couldn't help feeling like it was too repetitive, making it's short runtime feel anything but.

Yeah it’s just kinda ended up being a forgotten listen. The album cover looks very modern for the sound inside

I didn’t feel too strongly about this but it is very much not my cup of tea.

I think what I'm learning here is that I don't actually like Joy Division. I just like the Wombats.

Copy/paste from the last Joy Division album we had. I definitely don't think we need multiple JD albums on this list... Anyway: "Torn on what to give this. I love a lot of what the New Wave sound has become. I like some of the underlying beats and melodies that this album provides. I cannot stand the singer and their style. So where to put this?"

It’s definitely a sound and a vibe, but it’s not one that I was amazed for the last 40mins.

I was expecting to love this. I did not.

Some interesting songs

Not bad, definitely not good 2 stars

hmmm...

dark, edgy aura going on here. i don’t think i’m used to songs on albums sounding the same :/

Not only does it sound like the singer needs a better microphone, but the singing is just bad straight up. The instrumentals are lame. It's mostly basic drum beats and repetitive guitar chords with weird electronic sounds occasionally thrown in. 1.5 stars.

Gloomy, gothicky post-punk. Feels dirgey knowing Ian Curtis wouldn't stay much longer. While the overall ethic is pleasing, I would have trouble actually naming a particular song that stood out to me.

Seems to me this is either one you get or don't. I spent a minute reading the allmusic review and it's describing a different band than the one I was listening to.

I still don't have a lot of love for Post Punk or Britrock. I found this album pretty rough around the edges and don't really understand the hype. The vocal performance felt lazy and offbeat, the drums overplayed and barely kept time, and overall I didn't find much here I liked.

Helped me better understand the origin of Interpol's soulless concrete intoning ragas, but other than that, practically put me to sleep.

I like the Nazi's first album better than the second. Starts off stronger than gets weaker.

I like the style but his warbling out of tune is unpleasant.

This is a better tshirt than it is an album. Quite boring with a flat, depressing vocal. Another that you can tell they killed themselves, and you wish they'd done it sooner.

This did not spark joy

Drawling, constantly grating, and meditative. I did not enjoy the sound but would assume the lyrics are deep and introspective

It was okay. First ever listen too slow for my liking. 2/5.

i didn not like

Not my fave. Shadowplay and Wilderness more ok than the others.

Just not my thing.

I just straight up don't get Joy Division. It's not bad, and I was hoping that listening to this all the way through would give me some better understanding. But try as I might, I just don't get it.

With as iconic as the album cover is, I really thought I'd like this album more. It was pretty disappointing.

con lo famoso que es este disco de mierda y esta portada esperaba muchisimo. una poronga la verdad.

Surprised this album is such a big deal. Broadly speaking, I found it really boring.

Very dull.

All the songs kinda sound the same, nothing really stood out. Not bad but not amazing imo

Possibly the coolest album cover made, ever. As for the music, well... Have tried Joy Division before without success, and after this album I must say I still don't get it. I don't know how to better describe this music than "uncool". I get that Ian's singing might be a style (not too far off David Byrne), but it just doesn't sound very good to me. The drums sound very bad and boring as well. The whole rhythm section is just so lackluster. I didn't find any interesting melodies in any of the songs either. Really disappointed by this album that is supposed to be a real classic. I get that it's a "me" issue, but still. Does it deserve a place on the list? Sure. But I didn't enjoy it at all. Maybe it's blown up because of Ian's tragic story, not sure.

Not very enjoyable to me. Vocals aren’t great, the songs themselves don’t appeal to me at all. The closest I was to liking a song was the opening track. I’m not giving this a 1 because it’s at least listenable unlike some other albums.

I really want to like Joy Division more…

is this the most overrated album in the history of music it's not even offensively bad. it's just quite boring.

meh

Kept one song. I like the singer's voice but otherwise not impressed

Found it kind of boring.

This felt moody but not in an interesting way for me. I liked Interzone, but it really all blended together. The album cover is cool so it makes sense I see it on T-shirts and phone screens, etc. but I would’ve thought this would be a better album because it’s everywhere. 2.5/5.

A softened version of punk rock, but punk nonetheless. Even the slow songs, which were ungodly slow (I’m looking at you, New Dawn Fades), had a punk feel about them. As the album went on, the music got worse. I’m hoping the last song is prophetic (Remember Nothing) so I can forget I ever listened to it.

Rough listen overall, but couple decent songs in the mix. I found the bass interesting, drove most of the songs and provided the dark moody tone. That's all I got, trying to find positives after yesterday's review, I was tired and cranky. Even brightsiding this one I can't go more than a 2, some cool elements here and there but just a bummer album.

Sounds like it’s made in a factory

No. This music is not for me. I don't find too many redeeming qualities in it honestly. Listening to it though it surprises me how people who were around Ian Curtis somehow were surprised by his unfortunate demise. Did they have ears back then? And if yes, why didn't they use them? Even I, who really don't like this kind of music, can hear that basically every song is a cry for help. "Where will it end?" as he cries out. Luckily for me, it only lasted a day. Rest in peace Ian.

I kinda hated most of it, some of it was bearable, but mostly I was like "are there really people who enjoy this?"pretty excruciating listen So yeah, hope the next one is better. But now I know I do not like this kinda music. I don't like post punk or whatever this was.

I thought I liked JD, but I don't. But I do love New Order. Chalk and cheese.

Never have connected with Joy Division and it's the same here

While this was revolutionary in creating the upcoming 1980s post-punk sound, I found it quite boring. Both Joy Division albums are boring. It's obviously still a tragedy that Ian Curtis took his own life, and for all we know, they were the next big band, but it's just not my cup of tea. Favorite Track: "I Remember Nothing".

First song was great. It's around a 2.9

Was fine.

It’s crazy cause I should be eating this shit up. These guys are pioneers for a lot of the stuff I love. This feels a lot more gothic than even early cure, and honestly I’m just not a fan of Ian Curtis here. I had never sat down and listened to a joy division album before, and I’m realizing why. Interzone is kinda cool. Just feels like filler fodder to me though🤷‍♂️ I don’t think I’ll be back to this one either. Rip.

meh

I was not put on this earth with the comprehension of how people enjoy this

I have never really got Joy Division. None of their songs really make me feel much so not my cup of tea.

Not my style. First songs pretty good though

I thought I only knew one Joy Division song, Love Will Tear Us Apart, which wasn’t on this album. I knew one on this album, Shadowplay, but I had no idea it was a Joy Division song because I have it as a cover by The Killers. The album was fine.

I remember this album, it was circulating around campus when I arrived for my freshman year in 1980. The name of the band was far more controversial than the music, which is basically lo-fi new wave (NOT punk, as it seems to be labelled in many places). I sort of got it, it had the bleak vocals, bleak lyrics, and minimalist instrumental foundation that people talking about Derrida and Foucault were really into at the time. And on some meta- level I guess it is anti-virtuosic, anti-performance music, which is in keeping with the excitement generated by deconstruction theory without lapsing into irony. It almost screams "what does this music mean?" But it really is music of its time; I haven't listened to it in over 40 years, and if I listen again before I shuffle off this mortal coil I'll be (pleasantly) surprised. 4 stars for its place in history, 2 starts for execution and deeper power--a total of 3 stars.

Melancholy monotone Brit rock.

I swear that I tried, but man, this is bad. I mean, REALLY bad. A bunch of shitty musicians barely capable of keeping time and rhythm, childish melodic ideas. 2/5 because at least the cover is a good t-shirt print

I'll just never really get this ablum. Have tried many times through the year, but I just don't love the production or song writing. I get what they were going for and can see how they were influenential but it's not for me. 2-stars for Disorder and She's Lost Control but the rest is forgetable

It's.... fine. Just not a fan of mopey albums.

Sad man sings into a bucket: the album!

Aldri skjønt meg på dette albumet. Pappa sverger det er et at de beste albumene noen sinne, men høres drit ut for meg. Par kule partier her og der hindrer det i å få bunnscore (Shadowplay er tålelig OK), men svak 2. Høres ikke ut som noen i bandet har det spesielt gøy egentlig. Mye likt og traurigt. Kanskje teksten er bra, men det vet ikke jeg noe om.

Just not feeling this one. Nothing wrong with it - just not feeling iconic

Ian Curtis has such a unique voice. Fav song is ‘Disorder’.

Since I’ve been seeing this album artwork a ton over my lifetime and hearing praise for this album needless to say I was excited to crack into this one…only to be pretty let down. The vocals aren’t the prettiest, but the production early was more than enough to cover over that. However as this kept going and became rawer and harsher, it just didn’t hit for me.

Mediocre.

Decent. A little reflective of some other alternative rock bands.

1.5 - Man, I think the cover is the most interesting thing about this album. I'm not a fan of these vocals at all.

As I was listening to this album, I really couldn't decide what I thought about it and I'm still unsure. There weren't any songs that offended me, but there weren't any songs that I wanted to run out and buy either. I will state that the music was different than what I'm used to listening to. The heavy drum beat and strident electric guitar were kind of an assault on my ears especially in "Interzone".

Big up Macclesfield and all that and I'm sorry you died Ian, but this is rather dull I'm afraid. No rizz. Boring man music that I think people like because of the album cover. Makes a cool t shirt I guess

4/10 Seen this album cover everywhere. After listening to it, I find it overrated. Nothing memorable from it

Intos muy largas, demasiada instrumental en la cancion en general. Tiene un tono viejo que no me encanta, además son canciones muy lentas. Siento que no está mal si te salta una canción cada tanto pero no escucharia mas de una seguida y sin duda no lo escucharía por elección. La única que masomenos zafa es Interzone.

First song was good. The rest was dour depressing bleh

Back again with another review. I’m unfamiliar with Joy Division’s works so I’m not sure what to expect. 1. Disorder: Solid opening song. Too early for me to say anything as I wouldn’t typically listen to songs of this genre. 2. Day of the Lords: I’m definitely liking this better compared to the previous song (it’s the bass really). Slow song otherwise.

mm

I understand it’s inspiration for a bunch of stuff that came after, but I don’t really like it that much

I know it's a classic album but I can't really stand it. It moves so slow. I like she's lost control again, but more so for it leading to covers.

Not the biggest fan.

A few good songs, the other were there fill the album

I had a hard time getting motivated to listen to this one because it’s just not my vibe, but it’s finally grey enough outside for this foray into this gloomy post-punk album. Overall I found Unknown Pleasures to be fairly monotonous and boring. The songs are pretty repetitive and I often found myself checking to see how much album was left. I listened to the remastered release, which includes a live show. As a person who typically prefers to hear a band’s actual performance, I was excited for this. Unfortunately it was not a show that I’d attend. It’s essentially the same, but raw and sludgier. Highlights for me include Shadowplay and Insight (live). Can’t say I’ll ever revisit this album, but I can imagine a past version of myself really enjoying it.

It's ok? Some songs are fun, others a bit too disonant for my taste

Did not like

Thought this would be a lot cooler but it all blended together.

I expected to like this more, but there's not much to grab onto.

Cool sound and I can hear its influence but I found it to boring and repetitive.

Did not really care for this. Too monotonous and weird. 2/5

This album started strong in a way I wasn't really expecting and then to my mind fell off a cliff. First track is the best. Not sure I get them to be honest.

I don't get it.

It might be my biggest unpopular musical opinion, because usually I like the classics. In this case,  I just don't get it. While I came appreciate the darkness and moodiness, I listened to it a few times over the years, and nothing stayed with me. I'm sorry.  I don't like the vocals, I don't find the melodies memorable, and maybe the most important, as an atmospheric experience, I don't find the playing especially good. They play well, but not better. Maybe it's an integral album for the genre, and I appreciate it for that, but I don't like it. A shocking 2.7

least annoying punk album on this list so far

New order is a lot better ….

I don’t get the appeal. Their best song isn’t even on this album. I guess I can see Depeche Mode in this, whatever came first the chicken or the egg. I didn’t really enjoy this.

Interesting sound, not for me. Fave song Wolderness

It's really dour and I'm not enjoying it.

Wasn't that impressed with this, for an album who's cover precedes them. It was a bit morose and bland, which is maybe the vibe they were going for - don't actually know the lore behind them. But yeah, below mid for me

i feel like i'm missing something here

Love the sound of the instrumentals. Not a big fan of the vocals, sorry.

me deprime.

I'm aware of how iconic this is but to me it's just miserable, grumpy mumbling over tinny production, boring basslines and a world of reverb. Bleak and boring.

Given how often I see the iconic cover art, I was really expecting a lot more from this album. It's fine but a bit mush-mouthed and the instruments are minimalist. This sounds like the band is playing underwater, or at the bottom of a hollow metal tube.

pas méga kiffé

this is a terrible album to work out to it was overall pretty meh. again, not sure why this separates itself as an album i need to hear before i die.

Music to slit your wrists to.

3.0/10

That was pretty depressing to listen to even while viewing the rainy day outside my window.

this isn't unlistenable but it isn't good. no thank you.

Instrumentation: the drums and guitars sound loose, if that makes sense; not reverb, just not tight. Vocals: neither sharp or flat all the time, just damn pitchy (Mick Jagger sings that way as well but Mick doesn't irritate me so much). This album is so darkly moody and just left me in a downwardly spiraling angst (on Valentines Day FFS). Thanks 1001albumsgenerator.... I don't want to hear this one again. ⭐⭐

0/10 bekannt 5,5/10 Beste Songs: day of the lords, new dawn fades, she’s lost control again

I get the vibes and the timeliness, but sometimes it really boils down to a Brit being sad over cheery guitar track

meh. 2 for effort

Musically there's some really interesting stuff here, but oof those vocals are rough.

Not listened properly so will come back to it

Dan Flashes can respect it but he doesn’t have to like it

ah the t-shirt album. sounds like a big empty room. i don't really like post punk but i kind of liked the bass-heavy brooding atmosphere. singing and melodies sucked. I'm not cool enough to enjoy this unfortunately

Too droning, too atonal

I enjoyed the music in this one, but the lyrics and delivery didn't work for me.

I just don’t get Joy Division. New Order is leagues better, and you can see where they were headed, but something doesn’t click into place for me with Joy Division. Even the opening track, which is pretty good, has this weird shit going on in the bass that simply doesn’t work. Ian Curtis’s vocals are strange and pitchy. So often, it sounds like they didn’t WRITE the song, they just kind of DID the song. I don’t know. I’ve tried. Great album cover though.

I couldn't say I enjoyed this record very much. Something about the pacing and oddity of the instrumentation didn't really resonate with me. Favourite Track(s): Shadowplay Least Favourite Track(s): Candidate, I Remember Nothing

Well, that’s dreary innit?

An iconic album because of its cover... I guess. This album does not tell me anything at all. It has a very 70's-near-80's-punk-meets-atmospheric feeling, which does not imply anything bad, but the overall is not thrilling or exciting. Instead, it's some bland music guided by repetitive rhythms and sounds. I wouldn't consider it innovative either, so I am confused, I don't know what I'm searching for in this Unknown Pleasures. It isn't that the album is bad, and maybe I'm not currently in the mood to listen to it, but I haven't found anything really of my like on this album except for a few songs that were a bit better. But, again, nothing exciting.

While it's influence on the music world cannot be understated, just listening to the album on its own is not a very enjoyable experience. It just seems a bit boring. Will have to try again at some point.

Honestly, a little boring. It's fine though.