New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies (LP)

"Power, Corruption & Lies" is the second studio album by the English rock band New Order, released on 2 May 1983 by Factory Records. This album marked a significant departure from the post-punk sound of their previous band, Joy Division, and showcased a more electronic and dance-oriented direction that would come to define New Order's career.

The album opens with "Age of Consent," a track that immediately sets the tone with its upbeat tempo, driving bassline, and Bernard Sumner's distinctive vocals. The song's infectious energy and catchy melody make it one of the standout tracks on the album and a fan favorite in New Order's live performances.

"Power, Corruption & Lies" is notable for its innovative use of synthesizers and drum machines, which were still relatively new in popular music at the time. The band's experimentation with electronic instruments is evident in tracks like "The Village" and "586," which blend traditional rock instrumentation with electronic beats and sequencers. This fusion of genres helped to pave the way for the emerging dance music scene of the 1980s and solidified New Order's reputation as pioneers of electronic music.

One of the most iconic tracks on the album is "Blue Monday," which, although not included on the original LP, was released as a single around the same time and is often associated with "Power, Corruption & Lies." "Blue Monday" became a massive hit and is one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time. Its pulsating bassline, hypnotic rhythm, and innovative use of sampling and sequencing made it a groundbreaking track that continues to influence electronic music to this day.

The album's production, handled by the band themselves along with engineer Michael Johnson, is crisp and polished, allowing the intricate layers of sound to shine through. The use of reverb and delay effects adds a sense of space and depth to the tracks, creating a lush and immersive listening experience.

Lyrically, "Power, Corruption & Lies" explores themes of love, loss, and disillusionment, often with a sense of ambiguity and introspection. Sumner's vocals, while not traditionally powerful, convey a sense of vulnerability and sincerity that complements the music's emotional depth. Tracks like "Your Silent Face" and "Leave Me Alone" showcase the band's ability to craft poignant and introspective songs that resonate with listeners on a personal level.

The album's cover art, designed by Peter Saville, is also noteworthy. It features a reproduction of a painting by French artist Henri Fantin-Latour, with a color code that, when deciphered, spells out the album's title and band name. This cryptic and artistic approach to album packaging became a hallmark of New Order's releases and added an element of intrigue and sophistication to their image.

"Power, Corruption & Lies" received critical acclaim upon its release and has since been regarded as one of the greatest albums of the 1980s. It was included in the book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" and has been praised for its innovative sound and lasting influence on both rock and electronic music.

In conclusion, "Power, Corruption & Lies" is a seminal album that captures New Order at a pivotal moment in their career. Its blend of electronic and rock elements, combined with its emotional depth and innovative production, make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and captivate listeners. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to New Order's music, this album is an essential addition to any music collection.