#99 of 100
· Cratewise Editorial
Power, Corruption & Lies
New Order
Year
1983
Genre
ElectronicLabel
Factory
Format
Vinyl LP
“Power, Corruption & Lies closes out this list because it's the perfect bridge between post-punk's raw urgency and synth-pop's algorithmic precision—and honestly, it's criminally underrated. Side A flows like a manifesto with "Temptation" and the title track, while side B deepens into darker, more introspective territory. The Factory pressing's industrial aesthetic matches the music's DNA perfectly. I placed it here as a reminder that the best albums don't need fanfare; they just need the right needle to land on them.”
New Order emerged from the ashes of Joy Division following Ian Curtis's death in 1980, with surviving members Bernard Sumner and Peter Hook joining forces with Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert. The band pioneered the fusion of post-punk intensity with electronic dance music production, particularly with their landmark 1983 album Power, Corruption & Lies, which established them as innovators in synth-pop and electronic music. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, New Order crafted a series of critically acclaimed albums including Low-Life (1985), Technique (1989), and Republic (1993), becoming one of the most influential electronic bands of their era. Their ability to balance experimental production with accessible pop sensibilities made them beloved by both critics and mainstream audiences, influencing countless artists across electronic, alternative, and dance music genres.
Style
New Order blends post-punk guitar work with synthesizer-driven electronic production, dance rhythms, and sophisticated production techniques. Their sound evolved from angular, angular post-punk textures to sleek, propulsive electronic dance music while maintaining emotional depth and melodic sophistication.
Significance
New Order's vinyl releases are essential for collectors interested in the evolution of electronic music and post-punk, with original pressings of Power, Corruption & Lies and Technique particularly sought after for their cutting-edge production and cultural impact during the 1980s dance music revolution.
Power, Corruption & Lies, New Order's third studio album, was recorded primarily at Britannia Row Studios in London during 1982-1983. The band worked with producer John Leckie, who helped crystallize their evolving sound—blending post-punk severity with increasingly sophisticated electronic production. The album marked a significant shift toward synthesizer-driven arrangements, with keyboardist Gillian Gilbert playing a more prominent role. Songs like "Blue Monday" emerged from these sessions as the band experimented with drum machines and sequencers. The creative process involved meticulous layering of electronic textures alongside Bernard Sumner's distinctive vocals and Peter Hook's melodic bass lines, creating a more polished and accessible sound than their debut Unknown Pleasures.
Historical Context
Released in May 1983, Power, Corruption & Lies arrived at a pivotal moment when synthesizer-based pop was gaining mainstream acceptance. The album's lead single, "Blue Monday," became a massive commercial and critical success, reaching the UK Top 10 and becoming one of the most influential electronic dance records of the 1980s. The album itself peaked at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart, establishing New Order as major players in both the post-punk and emerging synth-pop landscapes. Its success helped legitimize electronic music in rock contexts and influenced countless artists throughout the decade. The album's sleek aesthetic and forward-thinking production positioned New Order at the forefront of 1980s innovation.
Pressing Notes
The original 1983 Factory Records pressing (FACT 75) remains the most sought-after edition among collectors. Early pressings feature the iconic photograph by Peter Saville on a gatefold sleeve. The vinyl is typically well-pressed on quality stock. Later reissues, including 1990s and 2000s remastered versions, are widely available but lack the original pressing's warmth and dynamic range. A remastered 180-gram audiophile edition was released by Rhino Records. Collectors should note that original UK pressings command higher prices; Japanese and European imports are generally more affordable. The album has been reissued multiple times, so condition and pressing plant are important factors in determining value.
Violator
Depeche Mode
Shares the sophisticated synth-pop aesthetic and polished electronic production that defines Power, Corruption & Lies.
Actually
Pet Shop Boys
Delivers polished electronic pop with sophisticated production values and the dance-oriented sensibility that connects to New Order's club influence.
Also Appears On
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
“Joy Division's survivors reinvented themselves as an electronic pop band. 'Blue Monday' was the best-selling 12-inch of all time. The Factory pressing bridges post-punk and dance music.”
Essential Electronic on Vinyl
“From Joy Division's ashes, they found the dance floor. 'Age of Consent' has one of the great bass lines. 'Blue Monday' (the 12-inch) changed club culture forever.”
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