New Order: "Power, Corruption & Lies" (Album Review)

Genres: Synthpop, New Wave, Post-Punk

For New Order, Power, Corruption and Lies might be their most important work, featuring experimentation with new sounds that would eventually become a signature of the band. This pivotal release plays with the heavier use of synthesizers and takes a step in a more electronic direction. 

As the opening track, “Age of Consent” serves as a great introduction for what the rest of the album is like. The beat brings such infectious energy that trying not to dance to the song feels like an impossible challenge. The melody set by the bass riff is so rich and thick that it constantly remains a key focus on repeat listens.The emotive lyricism is a New Order fundamental that "Age of Consent" also displays. When people think of New Order, it's easy to see why this song comes to mind.

Compositionally, the songs on Power Corruption & Lies remain a mixed bag. There are songs like “Age of Consent” and “Leave Me Alone” that are nearly flawless, but also songs like “We All Stand”, that are not necessarily terrible in quality, but feel pointless all the same. On the better songs of the album, there is strong cohesion between the elements of each track, but this is not done consistently throughout the album. At times the synths are overpowering, and draw too much attention away from other qualities of the songs, like the vocals, or Peter Hook’s fantastic bass playing.

“We All Stand” is a weak track because the mix of contrasting elements just does not work. The vocal performance is weak, with awkward and out of tune singing, the tempo of the song just makes it drag on, and the synths just feel lifeless.

“5 8 6” is an electronic song that is driven by heavy synths, which works out well for the intense track. As the driving force of the song, the rest of the instrumentation works in tandem with the synths, instead of there being a competition to be at the forefront. A simple yet captivating melody is created, with a supporting guitar riff as part of the backdrop. This is also a song where you can see how comfortable the lead vocalist, Bernard Sumner, feels. “5 8 6” sees the goal of Power, Corruption & Lies brought to fruition.

Overall, Power, Corruption & Lies is a great portrait of a band trying to find its footing with the pursuit of trying something new. Although at times it doesn’t quite work, the experimentation here is admirable and sets the band up in a good position to further develop and refine their sound. While there are areas where this album could use reworking, there is a certain charm in seeing the raw ideas New Order presents. 

Favorite Tracks: Leave Me Alone, Age of Consent, 5 8 6, Ecstacy 

Least Favorites: We All Stand

Enjoyment: Light 8

Critically: High 7

Arbitrary Number: 7.9/10