A Critical Look at New Order's Legacy

If you're a fan of nostalgic music and 80s dance-pop, then you've probably heard the work of English group New Order. They’ve achieved considerable success in their 30+ year career, earning critical acclaim for elements such as their unique blend of post punk experimentation and electronic grooves. But how do music critics feel about New Order's legacy? In this blog post, we'll look at some of the criticism that has been levelled against them, but also highlight why they remain one of the most important acts to emerge from the British alternative music scene. Here's an overview into what we can expect!

If you're a fan of alternative music and 80s dance-pop, then you've most likely heard of New Order. The band, which emerged from the ashes of Joy Division, created an artful blend of post-punk experimentation and electronic dance grooves that captivated audiences in the 80s and beyond. Despite their critical acclaim and commercial success, New Order has faced criticism over the years from music journalists who have questioned their musical legacy. In this blog post, we'll delve into some of the criticisms leveled against the band and explore why they remain one of the most important acts to emerge from the British alternative music scene.

New Order's music is often criticized for lacking emotion and being too detached. Some critics have dismissed their songs for being too robotic and machine-like, devoid of warmth and feeling. However, it's important to note that New Order's music was always intended to be a synthesis of two seemingly opposite genres - post-punk and dance-pop. Their sound was meant to be critically observant and danceable at the same time. Moreover, the band's cold and distanced aesthetic was part of a deliberate artistic move, reflecting the mechanization of daily life in late capitalist societies. So, instead of being seen as a weakness, New Order's detatched, post-modernist approach should be celebrated as a testament to their artistic vision and commentary on the times they lived in.

Additionally, New Order has been criticized for their creative choices, in particular, their transition from the dark moody Siouxsie and the Banshees inspired Joy Division to the upbeat sound of dance-pop that they became known for. For some critics, their early material as Joy Division was a pure force of nature, raw and cathartic. Their follow-up project was deemed a deviation from their initial authenticity or even a sell-out to the mainstream. However, throughout their career, New Order never traded in their artistic autonomy for commercial success. If anything, their ability to balance creativity and profit is a feat in and of itself, showcasing their relevance to the evolving sound of alternative music.

Another criticism leveled against New Order, and a large number of other bands, is that they failed to evolve. Critics often argue that since their creative peak in the early to mid-80s, the band's production has steadily declined in quality. Nevertheless, the band's experimentation with electronic equipment never stopped, constantly weaving in new elements to their music. Their sound may have evolved to be more accessible, but it was still unique and interesting, bringing something new and exciting to the music scene. Furthermore, the band was also able to shift their sound, bouncing back and forth between raw and emotional, upbeat and danceable, throughout their career, indicating that they were more than just a nostalgia act.

In conclusion, New Order's legacy is one that should not be overlooked or dismissed. Their unique blend of post-punk and dance-pop, along with their experimentation with electronic equipment, helped to redefine alternative music in the 80s and beyond. Despite criticism that the band's music was too detached and robotic or that they failed to remain creatively relevant, their legacy is one of innovation and artistic vision, showcasing their relevance in the ever-changing world of music. Hopefully, this blog post has helped to shed some light on the enduring power of New Order and their contribution to alternative music.