Closer

I'm not feeling it. Simple music is fine, but the bored, monotonous singing doesn't add to it at all.

A masterpiece from one of the greatest bands of all time.

Found this one washed over me as background music but I appreciated it a lot more a second time on headphones. It's moody and atmospheric and never in a rush, which is much rarer in more recent music. But I can see the influence from here on lots of great bands like Interpol, BRMC and Bloc Party who moved post-punk into the 21st Century. A challenging listen but well worthwhile.

One of the few post-punk bands I actually enjoy and listen too regularly. Great album - the last half more than the first to me as the first is very slow. Not as good as their other album Unknown Pleasures though.

“Twenty four hours” was very good but otherwise eh

This was fine but this style isn’t really my cup of tea. Can’t foresee myself going out of my way to throw this back on but appreciate it fwiw

Boring

Most of these songs blended together for me. Don’t necessarily understand the hipster love this group has

Mopey, boring, post-punk / gothic rock is not my genre, but I am grateful to this 1001 albums project for making me actually listen to this "less mainstream, but still culturally referenced" musical lineage. Rather than just zoning out, I got some insights about what the fans are hearing by CTRL+F 'ing the song name and reading through those excerpts from the reviews for each particular song

Very good goth. More eclectic than UP. The seeds of New Order are here. nearly as good as UP but second half's quality dips

slower and much more moody than I expected

Dor e sofrimento

Ian Curtis has a distinctive voice, almost Jim Morrison-like. It's not easily digestible for everyone, though. Now I haven't heard any of Joy Division's previous albums (only the single "Love Will Tear Us Apart"), so I can't speak on how this stacks with their other work. In a vacuum, this is an uncomfortable listen. Having read into Curtis' struggles in his short life, that discomfort makes more sense. Don't know what else to say really. It's a pretty dark and gloomy album made even more depressing given the close proximity of time between Ian Curtis's death and the release of this album. The backing instruments are odd-sounding and haunting too. Combine that with the monotone vocals of Curtis, and you've got a very weird trip that I'm not sure I enjoyed.

My second favorite Joy Division album. 6/10

I like joy division, but feel that closer is nowhere close to unknown pleasures. Ok listen but not great

First time hearing this group.

Well, I've battled through this a few times before. I want to like it because of what it represents, yet still I find it nigh unlistenable.

I'd never heard Joy Division before this, so it was a novel experience for me. All in all not terrible.

Ooof, 3rd dud in a row.

Yeah, this is tough. The drums are the same, the band is just noise, and the lyrics are just Blegh. I can see how this spawned a lot of inspiration in grunge and rock, but this is just not fun.

Eeh good background music I guess, I kinda got into the melodic vibe of the guitar towards the end but other than that kind of whiny tbh

I'm adding this to my list of "album I would probably love on a ~fifth re-listen." On a first, though, no single song grabbed me, and it felt a bit like a slog. I feel like there's an alternate version of me that's a big Joy Division head.

To be honest the vocals weren't my favorite and the rest of this album was quite boring.

Very reminiscent of the Doors, but without the charismatic lead singer

Wonderful

Never had a huge love for JD despite enjoying the hits. This hasn't changed much, but i did enjoy it

I overall enJOYed the album. Found 3 - 4 tracks that are just amazing and will re-listen again. Decades Twenty four hours Passover 3.5/5

Conceptual greatness from the heavens

Rock gótico leeeeento. Tostonazo. Un 2.

Nothing wrong with this one, but just too much of a downer for me to want to listen to again. You can hear the influence on so many later bands, so it definitely has relevance (see Interpol, The National, et al). Really sad to read about the lead singer as well.

What you'd expect from joy division, not more and a bit less.

Pretty ok

Quite boring with a weird mix

Pretty disappointing

Low 4 stars, just about scraped in. 73/100

Love how dark this is. I had heard bits and pieces of Closer but it really excells as a full album. Can't wait to add it to my sad boy rotation. 4/5

Classic 6 stars

3.5

Dark and depressing. Legendary and highly influential. Ian and company paved the way for goth and post-punk with their two releases. This one is even gloomier.

If I have learned one thing, it is that I cannot possibly listen to another Joy Division album. Absolutely tiring. Exhausting and dreary are the kindest words I can even think of as the album has sucked all of my life force from me. Dementors and Ring Wraiths exhibit more cheer.

I first listened to this record when I was about 15, because someone told me "The Eternal" was the most depressing song ever written. By now I've been listening to "Closer" for 20 years and there's so much to say about it. It's been a while since I last heard it and it's interesting what stands out now vs. ~15 years ago. The biggest stand out to me was the drumming, it's methodical and unwaivering while the instruments around it spin chaotically. The album itself takes a dive from the first few songs into darker and darker territory. "The Eternal" truly is a devastating song; its placement near the end of the album feels like a funeral, which is unintentionally fitting considering Ian Curtis's fate. Overall this is an incredible record that feels as vital as ever.

Although not my favourite album this is so influential on later artists

One of those bands that is often recommend to me, but I just can't seem to vibe with. I hear their influence on artists that I like, such as Viagra Boys and LCD Sound system, but this just isn't for me right now.

I liked this the more the longer it went on. I didn't like the more industrial songs. My favorites were Twenty Four Hours and The Eternal (which was quite beautiful. I only listened on my phone speakers while shooting a house, so not much of an in depth review or listen. Album Cover: A-

The first song is a really tough start to the album. At least lube me up before exposing me to 6 minutes of unpleasant grinding/mechanic/whatever the fuck those are sounds. It doesn't get much better from there. All of my knowledge about Joy Division comes from the song "Lets Dance to Joy Division" by The Wombats. This is not making me want to dance at all... This actually made me go listen to that song again and I actually think that's the point? Is that song making fun of Joy Division? Either way, this album didn't do it for me.

Didn't love it

This is my first time listening to Joy Division. It's surprising it took me so long because people love to bring them up in certain music circles. This was a tougher listen for me. The stripped down (?) punky sound doesn't do it for me. The songs don't have a lot to offer my palate. The vocals are off-putting and hard for me to look past. I did like some of the musical elements. There were a lot more synths than I was expecting. I enjoyed Isolation and Twenty-Four Hours the most. 4/10

Great

Not for me. Super repetitive and just a generic 80s sound that gets old fast.

Rating: 10/10

5star

Solid goth album.

This really didn't do anything for me. It's not a bad album by any stretch. There's just nothing here that grabbed me. It's strange because I've quite liked some of their contemporaries. Maybe I just wasn't in the right mood Idk.

O instrumental é massa mas eu odiei muito mesmo a voz do vocalista. Provavelmente não ouvirei de novo

I don't know really. I suppose it's different which I like. It's the mix of genres I greatly enjoy. But it gets boring for me. The careful use of instruments doesn't work for me.

has really interesting ideas that glimmer trough on parts of the album, but is also incredibly wonky, with a mediocre singer and a cluttered instrumental. the first half of the album also seems really repetitive, however the album gets much clearer and more listenable on the second half.

sad hot girls really do be listening to joy division

This one didn't really leave an impression, I'm sure it was good, just not very memorable.

Good album. Never heard it before. I listened to their first album too. I think I liked that one a little more.

Probably doesn’t need to be on the list when we already have Unknown Pleasures, but it’s solid post punk and I enjoyed it. A little more stripped down than their debut.

I don’t know why there’s so much 80s sounding music on here instead of good modern stuff

Not for me sonically, and I did think many of the songs were too long, but it was well arranged. Lots of subtleties to the sounds here (the end on "atrocity exhibition" was very cool) which rewarded a second listen. I'm not sure this should be considered rock, but I guess i do hear some talking heads and television influence here. I think this album will just come down to preference, so I'll round up to a 4 as an olive branch to James.

Bad running music - good album though

One of the best discoveries since going on this listening journey. Evocative and deeply personal lyrics/vocals complimented by a drummer that really grooves and plays unexpected drum patterns. The bass and the guitar playing is also excellent and together they create an enveloping (at times cinematic) atmosphere. It all comes together to make a band that sounds ahead of it's time, and different. Can absolutely hear how bands that I love have been influenced by them.

Joy division only had 2 albums? TIL. After that one album cover went everywhere, I thought they had more. This is angry ranting over some ok-ish background music. Felt like the same song throughout.

I love so many Joy Division songs. But I was a little let down by this one. Nothing really hooked me. And the first song I thought was kinda bad. There’s still a couple of standouts. But this is something I’ll have to return to and see if it rises in my estimation. 3.5/5

More trash that no one should listen to. Who in their right mind would even produce or give studio time?

The songs on their other album are better. Production of this one is better. I like the other album better. Favorite song: Passover

This was reminiscent of the sound of this era

This is better than Unknown Pleasures in that it is much more unsettling and more cohesive throughout. Still not as good as New Order though.

Unknown Pleasures' weirder, somehow gloomier cousin. Absolutely worth it for all time goth banger (?) "The Eternal".

sparse, dark, sad. somehow both ahead of its time and also somewhat dated sounding. reminds me of hanging with the hipsters in college.

Maybe a 4, need a relisten.

4.3 Looking back I didnt write a description for Unknown Pleasures. Closer isnt has good as the debut Just want to say Joy Division has to be a top 5 coolest band

Pretty dark…dunno if I would have listened to more than once back in the day

Kind of mumbly and electronic. Not my thing.

I have never listened to this a lot because it is really too much.

I know Joy Division is HUGELY influential, and I wanted to like it, I just couldn't really connect to it. I gave it a second listen, and I liked it significantly better. I'm not sure I love the singers voice, I'm not big into goth, and those are the vibes his voice gives me, even if the music isn't particularly goth. Overall, I can't say it's a bad album, so 3 stars it is.

Interesting drumming on the somewhat unsettling, noisy Atrocity Exhibition. Isolation then opens with an actual bass riff and bright synths. As the album unfolds, the sparse arrangements and monotone vocals only serve to highlight the drums and fuzzy guitars. It's dark, but there's an energy I find compelling. At times mechanical sounding, often dystopian, especially the keyboards. A Means to an End has a catchy riff though, and Decades is startlingly melodic as it builds to a cathartic release. Stunning.

Just okay

a bit monotone. good beats but not my favorite from Joy Division's vocals. Too muted / distant sounding.

I don't think that I'm a fan of Joy Division, but i know they're not bad, they have cool songs in this album.

It was ok, not a big fan

What an album. Virtually flawless

Not a punk fan generally, but this album moves away from the the screaming, whining "rage against society" typical punk. As such, while still not my genre, Joy Division showed musical talent and I found this to be a reasonably enjoyable listen. 3/5

I really liked this album until Ian Curtis started singing. I’m not really in a position to talk, but the goofy nerds who sung for these alternative bands of the 80s really don’t do it for me.

Almost a four. Obviously depressing but also enjoyable to listen.

This is a strange album. The vocals are rather monotone and bland, but that seems purposeful, and it works. It almost lends it a dreamlike quality. The instrumentals are great. The whole album is like an 80s fever dream. I really enjoyed it. Twenty-Four Hours may be my favorite track

Didn’t make it through the first two songs

I stopped listening at track 3... woof

"Let's put on some Joy Division to cheer us up", said nobody ever. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating album: hypnotic, unsettling and oddly compelling with echoes of Velvet Underground, Kraftwerk and "Low"-era Bowie. It wasn't to last.

Previously rated: Unknown Pleasures (2/5) ****************************** Despite the vocals being what they are, there was some decent stuff going on musically. But again, those vocals are so depressing. Can’t give it any more than a 3/5. Best track: Twenty four hours.

A more striped down album, it seems he hasn't found his voice yet but I really enjoy the long painful droning songs with whiny guitar and jangly synth

Never was a big fan, the follow up band after the lead singers suicide I liked better, OEM. I guess they were one of the first post-punk, New Wave bands. I think the National do depression better, but that's 40 years later. The more I listen to some of these albums the more I question the value of rock and roll. It may be Sturgeon's Law, '90 % of anything is really bad.' Oh yeah, Joy Division was the Nazi sector devoted to using concentration camp victims as prostitutes.

Joy Division has a huge cult following but I will not be one of them. I can’t help thinking this sounds like a Dracula Rock Opera (cue Jason Segel from the movie “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”). So slow and boring, this album brought me no Joy, only Division.

one of my all-time fav bands, so insta-5 star for me. unreal voice, unreal lyricism, unreal musicianship. love these boyz

I didn't really like it. Did not feel like it had any memorable moments.

44/1001 🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

It was an okay album, but the songs could get monotonous.

That's not my taste in musik. Boring.

good album

Undoubtedly a masterpiece of its time. As much as I love the bass (especially) and a lot of the guitar work, I’m afraid I just don’t like Ian Curtis’s vocal. I know it creates the overall mood but the music does that enough for me. ‘Heart and Soul’ and ‘Twenty Four Hours’ are absolutely brilliant, and shine so much more than the rest of the album.

I don't need to listen to this as it is in my top 10 albums of all time. My words while I'm on holiday will not do it the justice it deserves.. One of the most desolate, depressing albums ever made. Well, the vocalist Ian Curtis did top himself a few months after this was completed. He obviously lived the pain in his voice. The jagged opener 'Atrocity Exhibition' Bernard Albrecht's (or was it Dicken or Sumner at the time?) Is a masterclass of how to make a guitar sound like a piece of construction equipment and also howl in strange ways, with it's repetative primal beats and like all JD and New Order songs, held together with the melody played on Peter Hook's bass. Probably the most 'uplifting' tune is 'A Means to an End' where Curtis is just complaining about trust issues. I love this album so much it hurts, and probably hurt the makers too. It is a 100% perfect record from beginning to end. The final 2 songs are so gloomy and sad with the use of minor notes, it's enough to cheer anyone out of their own depression with the knowledge that there is/was someone worse off than you. (It's my go to album when I'm depressed and it works for me!). The highest 5. 100% perfect.

Listened Before: N Beyond the legends and myth that follow Joy Division, they were actually a pretty good band. Their sound is semi-replicated by New Order, of course, but the original recordings with the original members have their own feel. It's like New Order if they were constantly depressed. Not that that is a bad thing, it just is. I really enjoyed listening to this one just as much as their first album. I will revisit many times. Added to Library? Y Songs added to playlist: Twenty Four Hours

Ah, I love this. Dark, cryptic, hypnotic. This is one to buy for my personal collection. The first song did start to annoy me, so It doesn’t get a perfect score.

Imagining the delight that after the torture of a Maxwell album this shows up! This is my world, Joy Division and the more cheerful New Order after Ian died. An album with Isolation, Heart and Soul, and 24 hour (go and watch the film 24 hr party film!) is 5 stars. Period.

made me feel like I was in an 80s era John Hughes film!

Halfway through the album I suddenly realized how much Therapy? has been influenced by this band, that I had to turn it off, listen to some Therapy? to get more insight and then start over with new and fresh ears. Unfortunately, it didn’t help much. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t get much enjoyment out of the album. Although it’s probably wanted, the repetitiveness of the songs became tiring, and even if I could get some hints of cool riffs from time to time, appreciating the cold bass tone, there is nothing here that sticks with me after listening. I’d much rather listen to Therapy? (who in fact cover Isolation on their excellent album Troublegum, which I can’t fathom isn’t on here) every day of the week. Twenty Four Hours and The Eternal raise the quality a little against the end, but not enough to som me over.

I like the weird and experimental nature of the instrumentals. The vocals are not great and they sound a bit disconnected from the music. It makes sense if the band lost their lead singer. Someone else in the band had to step in which would be difficult. Supposedly this is one of the first bands in the post-punk movement. I can definitely hear it a little but it sounds like a lot of other 80s new age music. I guess this was released in 1980 so maybe all the 80s new age bands drew inspiration from this? Biggest complaint is that the album is lacking solid melodies which make it feel like it's dragging on a little. I enjoy experimental sounds and I'm okay with some repetition but there needs to be more melodies to help drive the song forward without feeling like it's droning.

While I don't actively listen to this music on a regular basis, I always enjoy some raw 80s post-punk. It feels like Fugazi + Talking Heads, but I know this came before all of that. The raw / non-heavy effects is fun and makes a natural sound. This album is pretty moody and kind of depressing, but I like the swings they're taking.

Never previously could get into Joy Division and still can't. The music is fine enough but the vocals aren't interesting.

Two stars instead of one purely out of respect for having the talent to maintain such consistently bad intonation for effect. But there is a reason why 3D movies are never more than gimmicks.

This didn't do much for me at first but grew on me when I listened a second time. I don't know how often I'd come back to it, but I would listen to this again.

Good album. I like this one more than the shirt one. It's odd that Love Will Tear Us Apart isn't on either one. 3.5 5

I’ve always preferred Closer to Unknown Pleasures, the kind of difficult second album that just clicks better for me. “Atrocity Exhibition”, in particular, has to feature on a greatest opening tracks list. A-

When the album started off, I had favorable expectations. As it progressed, I realized it was fairly simplistic. Interesting soundscapes but hampered by boring melodies sung by someone who never quite learned to tune up the pitches. The vocals got pretty monotonous, sounding almost like they were being made up as the recording was happening; only a few pitches being used and melodic phrases repeated too much to numbing effect. Lyrics were interesting, but they needed a vocalist. Sounded to me like a band that was trying hard but just simply lacked creative talent.

I just don't really get Joy Division. I get that it's atmospheric and the gloominess is the point, but I found this not enjoyable to listen to

Sound mixing bothered me lol

that one goth that lowkey doesnt fw joy division. i wish his voice was nicer idk and this was very slow paced compared to unknown pleasures. 3/5

I thought I didn’t like it as much as Unknown Pleasure but now I found out that I was wrong. This is perfect.

Nope.

Another colossal album out of Manchester. First of all, I truly dislike brutal, angular, cold industrial type music, yet immediately I didn’t not Atrocity Exhibition, thanks to one of my favorite bands, The Tea Party ripping off the chorus. First time through, I aggressively hated Side A and absolutely love Side B. The raw, cleaner Twenty Four Hours with its driving bass and guitar is without a doubt the standout, the haunting synthy Eternal and Decades. With the hindsight of Curtis’ death, these songs are as dark as it gets. Closer gets warmer and better as it goes. 7.5/10

I wish I liked the voice. In such atmospheric music, the voice really matters, its an instrument that needs to fit in the mix. I just don't think it does.

Listening to it with the context that the lead singer committed suicide between recording and release made me give it more of a chance than I normally would. I already encountered the first album and really didn't care for it. In this album, I still can't stand the vocals but I do find the grooves to be more energetic and found myself bobbing along. Still too 80s sadness for me, but a step up from the previous showing.

A stunning album. The world of music lost Ian Curtis all too soon, but this album and Unknown Pleasures are a befitting legacy for greatness.

I will never listen to again

Düster - I like!

Oh, I just adore this. The whole feel is epic. Moody, dark, throbbing, powerful guitar and bass drive everything. And THAT vocal. Overwhelming. And fucking brilliant. I was too young (just) to be into Joy Division back in the day, and it took me a while but I have the oven gloves and all now. Talk to the hands; talk to the hands An easy 5.

Packt mich nicht! 1/5

Not my kind o music.

Love it

Какой тяжелый, мрачный альбом. Сначала не втянулся в него, но на втором заходе поймал пару раз себя на тревожных мыслях. Если бы я был в депрессии, мне бы зашло. Это определенно произведение искусства, но я не хочу больше переслушивать этот альбом.

I have never listened to Joy Division and am only aware of them because of their iconic album artwork that seems to be ubiquitous now. Obviously I know they were a precursor to New Order and Peter Hook and the Light, but it's never really been my area. This album was fine, time and a place and so forth.

Un po’ una palla

mi gasa devo dire, comunque molto piu' experimental della roba che si sente in giro di sti tempi (tipo biennale venezia e simili) devo dire e meno sgradevole soprattutto

3.5

Didn’t enjoy this as much as I was hoping.

The basis for a lot of music I love and cherish today 5

Nope. 1/5.

Meh? This isn't offensive, but it isn't anything I wanted to listen to. Maybe it was great for the time... DNF.

more melancholic than new wave

Unrelentingly bleak. On the cusp between guitar post-punk and electronics. I have to be in the mood but when I am this is excellent.

Good but not great, I give it 3 stars

Where to even begin with this masterpiece. This is one of the most emotional albums I have ever heard in my life, which is only amplified by the fact that I recently watched the film "Control" which tells the story of Ian Curtis and Joy Division. Knowing the story in that much detail makes you listen to this band in a whole new light, and you realise how tragic Ian Curtis' life truly was. I forget exactly who said it, but I have always loved the saying "a tortured artist makes better art", which as sad as that is, it's so true and this album is clear evidence of that. Start to finish this album is perfect. Every instrument does what it does amazingly, and of course Ian's voice is amazing. The way synths are used in very subtle way adds so much to this album, especially considering how well they were used for the time period. Songs like "Isolation" and "Heart and Soul" show this off especially well. "Decades" features what might be Ian's best vocals of his career, in terms of just how well he performs that song and how he sings with enough emotion to bring me to tears sometimes. This is truly one of the greatest albums of all time, and without a doubt my favourite album of the 1980s. I feel like a 5/5 is almost meaningless because this album deserves so much more, but unfortunately that's the most I can give it.

Can hear the influences, but don’t enjoy the album, nothing that would stick with me.

Not a big JD fan.

Unique but not special

I could never really get into Joy Division. They are classic Premo, but seem to take the moodiness as the point rather than whatever caused the moodiness. Emo for the sake of emo. Still there are a couple of really good tracks like Dead Souls. I can see why NIN covered it for The Crow.

All the songs sounded the same. Had it on in the background. Wasn’t pulled into to this one as much.

Endless, nameless…if artists die young, their arts gets more important than it maybe should be.

Not my Kind of style

This was the first time I've listened to to Closer. I've listened to Unknown Pleasures a million time but I just never cared enough about Joy Division to want to hear more of their music than UP. I am sad to have done this for so long. This album is drenched in atmosphere. So much more so than UP ever was. I think the polish that UP has diminished the raw spooky sound that makes JD such a unique band.

Decent, don’t see any strong reason to revisit though

I probably should have focused on listening to the lyrics, but it was ok.

Didn't really appeal to me too much.

Depressing - fantastic

Gick in med en dålig förväntning och den uppfylldes, fattar inte hur man kan tycka om Joy Division alls.

I think I like their other albums better, but still enjoyed this a lot

pretty solid but unknown pleasurses better

A tough listen. I get what Joy Division were and represented but I've always thought New Order in their prime (before being too poppy; after trying to replicate Joy Division) were better. The main problem is that Ian Curtis, however intense and spazzed out his live performances, just has a horrible voice. He sounds like the beleaguered janitor singing as he mops up at the end of the day, more for his own benefit than anything else. The music on this album is okay, although the production doesn't do it any favours. As a work of modern, punk art and a suicide note, yes, this is worth a listen.

Probably amazing back in the day, but I fell like I’d rather listen to the doors than this

Very despondent album. I appreciate the melancholic post punk instrumentals as well as the lyrics. However, I think the vocals and choruses sound at times more annoying than raw. Sounds like the album would take place in a haunted house. 3.5/5

3/5

In my opinion just edges Unknown Pleasures.

Not my thing. Lots of competing sounds that I didn’t jive with.

A little disappointed, I expected better

Conjuring, stirring, powerful and at the same time completely resigned to despair. This is so damn deep that I have trouble putting it into words.

My previous exposure to Joy Division was "Love Will Tear Us Apart". I've always thought that was a terrible song mostly due to lead singer Ian Curtis' inability to carry a tune. With that out of the way, this album was a pleasant surprise and better than I expected. I can definitely see how Joy Division became New Order.

I like to think I have a diverse and accepting taste in music, but this is just peak trash, I have no words. At least I know what I don't like. I'd rather listen to 49 minutes of nails on a chalkboard because at least it would provoke some sort of artistic response but this?? Dude sounds like he'd rather be dead than continue singing! This better be the last time I ever have to listen to this fucking band voluntarily. I can't fathom being so pretentious that you can tell yourself you enjoy this.

Ian Curtis' vocals are just not for me at this stage in my life. Expressive and melancholic, sure, but they've never sat well in my mind. My opinion here will no doubt change as I explore more of this punk and post-punk era. It's a good album, but not quite there for me, yet.

Was not a fan of the vocals pretty much being in the background. Not sure if that was on the original or just a part of the remastered that I listen to

"Closer" by Joy Division, released in 1980, is a haunting and atmospheric post-punk masterpiece. This album, tragically released after Ian Curtis' death, delves into darker realms both musically and thematically. The dissonant yet melodic soundscapes, exemplified in tracks like "Heart and Soul" and "Isolation," showcase the band's innovative approach. Curtis' introspective and emotionally charged lyrics add a profound layer to the music. While the album can be emotionally intense and somber, its artistic depth and influential impact on post-punk and alternative music are undeniable. "Closer" is a timeless classic, earning a resounding 5/5 for its emotional potency and lasting legacy.

Interesting. Still have to check it out at a better time.

Den här plattan är fan bättre än den första.

Mellow, kinda spacey rock

Different, but a bit monotone for me.

Fucking Nora. What a monday morning pick me up. Once again struggling to see the appeal, this lot make me sound cheerful and I can't stand the drums. Obviously not worthless but heavy going for me.

I can hear the influence that this album has had over the years, but overall I didn't enjoy it very much. I found it quite boring in truth.

I have only really ever heard Love Will Tear Us Apart, and have only dabbled into this era of post punk brit rock a couple of times. I was excited to finally dig into the band that is so highly respected as a predecesser of The Cure and The Smiths, two bands I love, and was saddened to learn about why they only had one album. This album had a certain undeniable haunting vibe, but I just couldn't get as into it as I thought I would. No disrespect to their singer, whos story is tragic, but I think it was the vocals that made it sort of droll or inaccessible to me. Surprised I didn't love it considering who they've been associated with when people tell me they're fans.

Never made an attempt to listen to Joy Division, and have only ever listened to Love Will Tear Us Apart. Very interesting and experimental sounding album. To me, however, all the songs sound like the same experiment. The voice kind of wears on my, and everything has the same processing throughout the whole album, getting somewhat tiresome as well. Did not make it through the whole thing, but I do know that this group has influenced a lot of other great groups. Definitely not danceable, The Wombats.

Yea this was an awesome album. I had only ever heard "Love Will Tear Us Apart", but the reputation of Joy Division has ways been great, I just never got around to listening to them. This album has a great vibe and sounds so good for being 40+ years old.

dokar kao i uvijek

Overrated

Ikke helt min musikksmak, men nærmere enn de 2 forrige!

A bit too gloomy for my taste

Absolutely devastating record. Jesus Christ, the final three song run from "Twenty Four Hours" to "Decades" is some of the most heartbreaking stuff ever written. A very barren and empty atmosphere. I still prefer "Unkown Pleasures" by a tiny margin (it has the higher highs), but I think that this album is slightly more consistent.

01) Atrocity Exhibition - 8,5 02) Isolation - 8,5 03) Passover - 7,5 04) Colony - 7,0 05) A Means To An End - 7,5 06) Heart And Soul - 8,0 07) Twenty Four Hours - 8,5 08) The Eternal - 8,5 09) Decades - 8,5 TOTAL: 8,06 (81/100)

Just not my cup o tea.

Seriously good

Lidt for alternativt til min smag. Et enkelt eller 2 af numrene midt i albummet var ok, men resten var jeg ikke vild med.

I've heard of the band "Joy Division" for a long time and always wanted to get into their music. Finally got the opportunity here, and boy howdy, I wish I didn't. Couldn't enjoy a single song here

People are into this shit? Like people are way into this?

It was alright. For some reason I was expecting more.

This album really spoke to me. It told me to never listen to it again.

Really confident that Unknown Pleasures is also on this list… right? Love this one, just not as much.

As with Unknown Pleasures, whatever charms Joy Division have for some, are lacking for me. I need something a bit more uplifting and memorable than this collection of downbeat, naval gazing dirges

This album and Joy Division as a band are always noted for their influence on what was to come for industrial, new wave, and electronica. I never really got it. His vocals are flat and atonal. The innovation is the electronic beat and ambient sounds from guitar. They have a few songs that are great. But this album, like much of their music, is kind of shit.

Love their style and the voice! RIP Ian Curtis. Standouts: Love Will Tear Us Apart (Bonus), Atrocity Exhibition, Isolation, A Means to an End, Others: Passover, Colony, Heart and Soul, Twenty Four Hours, The Eternal, Decades 4/5

извините, но это абсолютно невозможно слушать к середине альбома я примерно понял идею. неплохие треки heart and soul и the eternal. я даже уловил пост панк но это музыка разложения и смерти никогда бы не подумал, что услышу такое

вроде все то же что и раньше, но куда-то подевалась экспериментальность что-ли... 4 с большим минусом

Прикиньте, я столько раз слушал первый альбом Joy Division, и НИКОГДА не слушал второй... кринж или база? Во-первых, этот альбом не хочет тебя прям удушить с самых первых нот. Здесь как будто подубавили мрачняка, оставив сколько нужно. Тебя в этом не топят, это больше похоже на питчинг какой-то субкультуры: смотри, мол, чувак, как у нас прикольно, приходи с нами танцевать вокруг... чего-нибудь, банки пива. Возможно это связано с ударкой, которая здесь записана или наживую сразу целиком вместе, или же просто намного лучше склеена. Во-вторых, это что, танцевальная музыка? Почему она так звучит? Это что такое?))) В-третьих, хоба-на, Isolation - это что, краутрок? Прям даже и по ритму подходит как будто. + сюда же Decades, даже флешбекнуло в NEU!, пошёл их послушал. Флэшбеком с первого альбома здесь остаётся Heart and Soul: она как будто даже плохо вписывается в один список с остальными композициями. Возможно, как раз-таки из-за ударных... Anyway, конечно, две пластинки звучат совсем по-разному. И эта - как будто реально прогресс. Когда что надо поправили - и запустили в массы. И не так сильно себя убить хочется. Мне как-то неожиданно понравилось даже... пластиночку хочется.

Pretty darn good. 4 stars.

Not one of my favourites. Not keen on the depressing singing voice and I like a bit of post punk groove but couldn't get into this one

I like elements of this album: the haunting atmosphere, the isolationism and anxiety in the lyrics, the noisiness of the production, and the power of the drums. But I always struggle to get past Ian Curtis’s voice—like someone straining to sing lower to do their best Jim Morrison impression. It’s not that he’s a bad singer, but their’s an uncertainty to his tuning and a vagueness to his melodies that I have trouble accepting. Nonetheless, I recognize that there is something special here and the album feels voyeuristic in a way that is morbidly appealing. And while I like some songs by Joy Division, they are mostly in their non-album singles, rather than off this record.

Good album.

i’m looking forward to this because i like three off of here already apparently, so this should be good and i like not division, i just never ventured into them like i should have sadly. ok, so controversial opinion, but i don’t care for this album, and i don’t know why i have songs saved, other than maybe because they’re good for the mood it feels like, grey and rainy and some of the songs just matched the atmosphere. but that’s what i wanted!! some of atmosphere, that song is amazing and this was just….. i’m now listening to other music to cleanse my ear lol. which is crazy cause i love his voice. and the weird music, but i just didn’t care for this unfortunately.

The band developed a unique sound which caught the zeitgeist of late 1970s northern England and this album reflects those dark times. Four decades later, those who were there at the time can look back and wallow in the dank, bleak atmosphere that they grew up in, remembering the reality that JD invoked. For younger folk, born in the optimism of the 90s or beyond, this album will be an archeological mystery of tuneless clattering, banging and misery.

This is arguably Joy Division's masterpiece, despite being less well known than 'Unknown Pleasures'. The music and lyrics are darker and more claustrophobic, reflecting the mental health challenges of Ian Curtis shortly before his death. But it's also much tighter and freer than their debut. 'Closer' is possibly the most important post-punk album ever released, as well as template for early goth bands.

Depression

2/5 not quite of my tasting

The randomness of this generator might need to be questioned because it gave me both Joy Division albums within the first 20 I listened to; though I suppose that in itself is truly random. Curtis' voice sounds a ton more like Jim Morrison's here than it did on Unknown Pleasures I'm noticing. I couldn't imagine going through what Ian did at such a young age, whenever I reflect back on the time I was 20, I always feel like though I was responsible that I was also naive. Some people are definitely just more grounded and mature from the start, maybe they have to be. Closer feels more haunting or depressing than the first album, as though the band is pulling you into their emotions instead of presenting them to you. I can't say why exactly tbh, but I just don't like this album as much as the first, I'd like to give it the same score as unknown but I feel different about it for some reason. I was actually going to give this album a 4 but after listening to the last three songs, I think I'll have to bump it up....... way better than rest of the album imo. idk though, its hard.... Im not sure how to rate this.

Gloomy but pleasant, post-punk but with a punk energy, Joy Division is ironically named but worthy of knowing. Closer is worth a listen at least for the clear influences on a number of bands (from the 80s onward) but it's genuinely enjoyable in its own right. Highly recommended.

I need to listen to this again because I've listened to Unknown Pleasures so much more

Kannski ef ég væri svaka þunglyndur inn í herbergi...

A couple good ones on here. A couple weird ones. Not sure I fully get the post punk thing yet.

Echt kut herrie man 3/10

Occasionally gnarly and a little chaotic, frequently moody and bleak. It's always hard to listen to Ian Curtis knowing where this story ended. You hear his pain in his lyrics and it's emotionally draining to experience as a listener. But what strikes me listening to this today though is how good the band is. I mean, Peter Hook is on fire and Stephen Morris sounds better on drums than I ever remember him sounding. Curtis is definitely the X factor here that makes the band stand out from their peers. His vocals have always been an acquired taste, but losing his songwriting is really what left a hole in Joy Division when he died. All they could do was make a completely different band after that. Fave Songs: Twenty Four Hours, The Eternal, Decades, Atrocity Exhibition, Isolation

Nothing offensive, but also pretty forgettable. For people who did like this, from my high school memories the other album is better.

eternal, 24 hours 4+ depressive

Good

Good but not great/monumental like Unknown Pleasures. Still a cool listen

Some interesting things going on lyrically, and sonically as well (for better or for worse), but I was definitely not a fan of the vocal performance(s)

I can understand why people like it. I do not. After a certain point, ironic depressed droning is still droning. This album almost ruined my afternoon.

Has a very consistent vibe with a lot of substance going toward the feeling of the album

I'm surprised that I didn't vibe with this album as much as I thought I would. I really enjoy the driving bass and atmospheric tones, but I guess I was just hoping for more energy or something.

dark and intoxicating. quality album. highlights: “isolation”, “colony”, “a means to an end”.

This was fine, also not what I was expecting. I don't know why they chose this album and not the Mountain Wave one that everyone loves.

I really like Joy Division, but not necessarily this album.

I've Tried to listen to this album like 5 times and can't seem to get through it. So I must not like it too much. But I do like the sound.

Wanted to like this more then I did but guess I’m never that into post punk

Bleak as fuck, amazing.

I always preferred Closer to Unknown Pleasures. But maybe because I found Unknown Pleasures too lofi.

Just didn’t grab me

80’er indierock, lidt mørkt, lyder dom om han har poppet en god pille

I was going to rate each song on albums but that’s too time consuming so I will just review album as a whole. I already love Joy Division but have never listened to this album as a whole or most songs on it - only Isolation actually which I love. Chill stoner type vibes. Isolation is still by far my fave, just wavy funky good tunes. Its over very quickly but I could listen to it for hours, v calming. Harrowing when you know about Ian’s death and if I was in the wrong headspace I could perceive it wrongly and be sad but I enjoyed it.

This album is quite depressing and dark and uncomfortable. It doesn't help that it was released shortly after the lead singer's death.

Dark, mesmerising and industrial. Joy Divison’s sound is unique and the death of Ian Curtis hangs over it all.

All time classic.

Fucking. Classic.

This is Gothic in the truest, most original sense of the word; it sounds like the musical equivalent of Notre-Dame, a huge gaping Gothic soundscape that drags you into its world of paranoia and isolation and doesn’t let you go until the full 44 heartbreaking minutes are over. I am conflicted with this album. Not because I don’t love it. This is arguably one of my favourite pieces of music ever written. It’s ability to move, considering it was recorded by only four people and mixed by another with a wildly different view of how it should sound, is unprecedented. I am instead unsure whether I should insist on it being listened to as a full album, or whether it can be listened to piecemeal. All of the songs are fantastic on their own. I’m an especially big fan of the second side, and Isolation is a weird but still inspired choice for a single. But there is something about experiencing Closer as a complete, artistic statement. The terror grips you. The hands of Ian Curtis rise to suffocate you in an embrace of desperation and depression that envelops you until the organ of Decades finally fades away, but which doesn’t leave you, not really, not ever. I haven’t listened to this album in years. I came to the realisation on my second listen through of the day, that I am older than Ian Curtis. As a precocious teenage consumer of Punk and Post-Punk, he always seemed this great elder statesman of the genre. And yet, now I am not just his contemporary. I am older than he ever was, than he ever will be. Curtis is said to have worried that Joy Division had reached an artistic peak with Closer. And while New Order never reached the heights they did with Curtis in the band, it’s hard to judge how much that is to do with his influence over the group’s music. How could the artists behind two of the most perfect albums ever recorded not record a third, or a fourth? I’m not naive enough to think they could have gone on forever. But surely there must have been more than just the two in them?

ik vind dit echt een heel erg sad bois album zeg. De muziek, de tekstent, alles is heel erg naargeestig en tragisch. Ik vibe dit niet heel erg moet ik zeggen. Waarom is zoveel muziek zo erg depri? Had hier van tevoren juist heel veel zin in, want ik zag New Order al een beetje voor me. Maar dit is veel tragischer en downer enzo. Goede nieuws is dat ik blijkbaar momenteel positiever ben dan Joy Division van je vraagt!

Meer synths meeer vage stemmen! Ik ging over van OMD naar dit en had niet eens door dat het een ander album was haha Iets meer gitaren hier, en net wat meer tempo, minder melancholie. En dat bevalt me eigenlijk wel prima! Helaas pakt het tijdens mijn werk niet enorm mijn aandacht, dus ik kan het niet meer dan een prima geven Favorieten: Isolation, Decades

Passover Nice basslines, all a single one hour song but it is a good one

Seminal. Not sing along.

Really really liked a lot of things about this album but I find Curtis' voice so unpleasant that it kind of ruined everything else :(

Stripped down and noisy, but not raw. Largely built on the rhythm section with the guitar serving a largely textural role. And of course the whole thing revolves around Ian Curtis' distinctive voice. Probably more accessible than Unknown Pleasures for most listeners, but they didn't sacrifice anything for that.

Average

Important? Yes. But I never really got Joy division. Whinging poms. Much preferred new order. But a highly influential band. The moaning gets to me. And the clever clever but not really lyrics - like an earnest 11 year old discovering he is a poet and no one understands. Without the wit of the smiths. It was tragic what happened to Ian Curtis. And his fans grieve deeply as they should. But a young death doesn’t make your poetry good, any more than indifference to the work makes ihis suicide any less tragic. In all a boring self indulgent work which somehow managed to attract the love and admiration of millions.

Didn’t give it my full attention, but then again, it didn’t grab my attention.

For my 30th birthday, in 1980, a mate gave me a copy of Unknown Pleasures. I really didn’t like it. By the end of that year I was besotted with the single Love Will Tear Us Apart. I’d picked it up in a bargain bin in Liverpool (Aust.)somewhere. I’d never really listened to this album, though. Or if I did, the sombre feeling of it would not have been to my liking. And it’s still not.

Heretical opinion time: Joy Division were just a band (apologies to Scroobius Pip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWrMGXwhFLk&t=6s), and a barely competent band at that. But the way they channel the Velvet Underground through a Krautrock filter helped define what post-punk could be, and the tragic tale of Ian Curtis is now canonical rock and roll lore. Much credit to Martin Hannett for the production that presents the shortcomings of the band (noisy, minimal, basic, intense) as features, creating an austere and claustrophobic setting for their weird charisma. As any self-respecting alternative music fan would, I own a bunch of Joy Division records. But I never, ever listen to them. Truth be told, I just find them too bleak. I admire the achievement, the atmosphere, the influence. But I can't shake the feeling that they are over-rated, that the actual records are over-shadowed by the legend of Ian Curtis and the band, which are, now, 40 years later, inextricably linked by too many magazine articles, books, movies, and a million t-shirts. It's hard to listen to the record without the freight of all that baggage. If I squint hard and try to listen afresh, it's a pretty good album, focused and powerful, and unremittingly dour. Not a fun day at the beach, though. I'm thinking 3.5 stars, which I am rounding down because I own the record but never listen to it.

Don't remember which album was on here earlier, but this one is a little better.

This was great in the 80s, but doesn't hold up to the test of time for me at all.

Atrocity is a good word. 1.0

Not my bag, but still an enjoyable listen. I'm probably not going to come back to this one, but if it showed up at my door I'd invite it in for a spin.

5.0 + A devastating dive into the tortured mind of Ian Curtis. Insanely beautiful!

huh, the critics sure raved about this album 40 years ago but try as i might, i just cannot get into it, even after multiple listens. it sounds like the worst and most uncanny parts of early depeche mode and the residents combined, with a sad man half-singing, half-rambling over the top. i wanted to like this and it's just not doing it for me, but i can respect what it means to the people who really enjoy it. favorites: twenty four hours

Oh nooooo I didn't enjoy this album, I did not. I understand it's a very seminal album for post-punk as a genre, but I don't really generally enjoy post-punk that much and so it makes sense that I don't enjoy this if this is the epitome of post-punk... Even if it's not I just found it so droney at best and chaotic at worst... Not for me!

Now I'm only actually writing this review ages after the initial listen (like 3 months!) I think knowing it was one of Luke's favourite albums meant I had to be very sure. I kept listening and then forgetting to write the review. Think I might be on fifth listen now. I think I was torn as part of these songs I find dark, moody with the jarring chords but I think overall it's one of those albums that comes together so brilliantly. Sets a scene for Joy Division and their unique style. Overall it's a great listen

I can't help but just find Joy Division a bit boring. I try, I do.

Terrible

were never my favourite but when I do listen I just get lost in it it's so well done

Felt nothing

weird, not for me at all

Classic

Album 139 of 1001 Joy Division - Closer Rating : 3 / 5 Favorite Track : Isolation Post Punk English Band. Didn't really resonate with me. I've enjoyed some post-punk, along the way, but this just didn't hit the mark. Didn't suck but just never went anywhere.

Meh

Pretty interesting, but not my favorite sound.

Like them better as New Order

Enjoyed it. Dark, moody, punk, rock, eerie.

4.5

Just talked about this album with a friend last night. For him it's the best Joy Division studio album out of the two classic LPs they released, because he prefers the overall sound, aesthetics and *mood* of this one, even though his favorite songs are in *Unknown Pleasures*. And for me it's the exact opposite! Funny how those things go... That's it. I manage to write the word "funny" in a review about a Joy Division album. Needless to say, *both* albums by them are 5-stars ones for me and my friend. For me *Closer* offers a "peaks-and-valleys" experience, but the peaks ("Isolation", "A Means To An End" "Heart And Soul", "Twenty Four Hours"...) are so frigging high and the valleys none too deep, so it's still the equal of that iconic debut. I also noticed that many of the very best moments of *Closer* are on the second side (it was rather the opposite in *Unknown Pleasures*). So it has a different dynamic, one that uses build-up and slow-burn. I've always had a tender spot for LPs that manage to work this way... Not that opener "Atrocity Exhibition" isn't effective, mind you. Like its title implies, it is psychologically and sonically atrocious, and yet that's where its deranged beauty lies. The way Ian Curtis invites the listener into the terrors of his suffering mind always makes me shudder. "This is the way, step inside!". I've always been curious to hear how Peter originally envisioned his experimental guitar noise in the background before producer Martin Hannett tampered with it through delay effects. I have a feeling the album opener would have been even greater--event though I'm aware Hannett also often had great ideas for the band's sound. As for closer "Decades", it is a perfect gem whose synth-laden harmonies, just like the ones of 'Isolation", foretell the "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and then the whole New Order era following Curtis' tragic death. A poignant capper for the album (and for the band itself, sadly). To sum things up, the cover says it all. *Closer* is not a mere album. It's a tomb and an epitaph. That's where its sad and timeless beauty lies. Number of albums left to review: 480 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 246 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 117 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 155

Honestly always found Joy Division overrated. Tried and failed quite a few time to get into them. They're ok, just don't get how they're held in such acclaim. Closer is pretty average. First half definitely the weaker side. Just can't do Ian's voice most of the time. Latter half saves it. Very atmospheric, almost cure-like

The singing isnt great, the music itself is samey, it all sounds very depressing, but for some reason it just resonates in me. Good stuff.

Joy Division holds the theme of time not too closely on Closer. There's a curious relationship to memory, with melodies half certainly known. And here the band is influential, less subtle, more distinct all at once. Back to time: Music's relationship to it makes evaluating two albums on equal terms impossible. Closer presses in on the brain heavier for now.

I think the production really let's this one down which is a real shame as most of the sharm of Joy Division comes from their ability to pull of their melancholic sound while still being a song you can dance to - it's like the musical version of the sad clown.

Art is subjective. I just do not get Joy Division. It must be genetic, like that person who doesn't like pizza.

Haunting album when you have the context behind it. Not going to be something I listen to on repeat but not bad.

Pas maivais mais pas grand chose a dire la dessus 2.75

Wasn't paying a huge amount of attention to this, but it seemed decent. You can feel the ecstasy beat starting to penetrate indie music.

Icy brilliance.

A boring, more gothic version of The Doors.

Is Joy Division overrated? Yes and No Of their own admission, they didn't try too hard to make this album. They're talented musicians that shot the shit and got darker and darker until they would hit record and improvise jams and lyrics into a tape recorder. Bernard Sumner's suicide certainly helped propel the band a bit more into notoriety especially with these posthumous releases. All of that being said, Joy Division is one of if not THE seminal band in Post-Punk. Their style was certainly their own and has influenced a great many people. Some take it deep to heart and some just wear the T-shirt for clout. Joy Division is a cultural and musical icon, no matter how you look at the quality of their music or artistry. Even if it's not for you, it's important to appreciate the steps of musical history.

This was... not very good. Woof.

I think I get it but I'm still not sure if these guys are for me. I might get in big trouble for this but it kinda reminds me of goth REM

Beautiful Album Art, everything else was 😑

There's moments of good stuff, but this mostly drab and boring.

I tried. I really did

Do not like

ugh

Good stuff

Iconic, essential, desperate, sometimes difficult to listen to. Prob the greatest post punk album. Easy 5

OK, this is an album that is well loved by me, and one that I bought in vinyl back in high school. I might like Unknown Pleasures better, but generally I think one cannot argue the importance of Joy Division. The mood, the precise drumming, the overall sense of dread... Basically they created an entire genre of goth rock all on their own, with some help from Black Sabbath (ancestor) and Bauhaus (descendant). Definitely an album everyone should listen to once before they die, and also a great album.

Genres: Post-punk, gothic rock Formed: Salford, England in 1976 Run time: 9 songs, 44 min, 28 sec The second and final studio album by the band. It was released two months after the suicide of the band's lead singer and lyricist Ian Curtis. The least popular song is track 4, “Colony” with just over 4M plays, whilst the most popular is track 2, “Isolation” with over 21M plays on Spotify. I can’t help but feel that track 3, “Passover” is a precursor to his suicide. It certainly seems to be addressing his thoughts and fears. This dark and melancholic album is very well written, and the lyrics are quite profound. The sound is minimalistic, there is just enough and nothing more. The music and Hunter’s voice always work in perfect symbiosis. While the album has undoubtedly got a huge following, the mood it creates isn’t something I’m into. I love the song “Love Will Tear Us Apart”. Unfortunately it was only released as a single and isn’t on the album. While the album isn’t for me, I can see how good it is, hence the four stars. Listen Again?: No My Rating: ****

2 stars for it's legacy, but impossible to listen

Lyrics sind ganz fine, aber weder die Musik noch der Gesang ist sonderlich gut finde ich.

Ihana levy!

Upea levy ja tunnelma. Tätä on erityisen kiva luukutella kovaa himassa.

Erinomainen levy juhannuksesta palaamista juhlistamaan!

I've heard Unknown Pleasures before, and though it was good, but didn't really click with me. After listening to this (which I slightly prefer,) I think I've started to understand the band a bit more. Dark, emotional poetry steeped in gloomy atmospheres. The musicianship is fairly simple, but it doesn't need to be anything more. In fact, flashy guitar noodling would distract from the carefully crafted mood and the deeply affecting lyrics. Not an album I would listen to often, but I have a strong appreciation for the artistry on display here.