Lyrics On Republic

I think that, in terms of lyrics, Republic might be Barney's finest hour.

Most of Barney's lyrics on Republic are really good. The lyrics for Special, Times Change, Regret, Liar, Everyone Everywhere, Ruined in a Day, and Spooky are elegant, emotional, full of good imagery, and almost poetic.

Matter of fact, Special is one of my top 10 fave New Order songs.....its got a lot of emotion, and its sad and angry at the same time.

In fact, I love Republic. I know it has its flaws (Hooky being too low in the mix) But I love all of the songs on the album and I think its a really underrated dance album.

I like Republic more than Movement, Brotherhood, and Get Ready....and I listen to it more than PCL.....

And its got really good lyrics.

Republic gets bad press but there are some tunes on the album.

Everyone Everywhere and Chemical are particularly under rated. Avalanche is a nice chilled out closer too.

And is it just me or has World improved with age?

True, it's not all your typical NO - some of it is very Electronic (not a bad thing at all)- but it is a great dance album

It also boasted Saville's best work. It's concept worked really well for the singles as well.

I agree with both of you.

The New Order fans who dont like Republic also seem to dislike Electronic and prefer NO's rockier side.

IE, those folks who prefer Lonesome Tonight over Thieves Like Us. I think LT is crap and TLU is brilliant.

I prefer New Order's dancier side.

So I love Republic.

I love the album Republic as well, and I've always loved Bernard's lyrics.

It's nice to read something good about Barney's lyrics, thanks for that topic !

For once, he had a subject to write about, namely the injustice he felt at losing money in the collapse of Factory. Given that his vitriol is aimed mostly at Wilson and in a veiled way at Hooky, it's hardly surprising they don't play any of 'em besides Regret, which was just his feelings on how being a "pop star" changes your life for the worse as well as the better.

What lyrics were directed at Hooky?

I hate the artwork for Republic. Sticks out like a sore thumb in the catalogue. I've heard most of the songs on it, but I don't own it. I'm sure I'll get heat for that, even from the folks who dislike the album. 'World' is good, even with the backup singers. 'Everyone, Everywhere' on NewOrderStory did little for me, thus further deteriorating any incentive to eventually pick up Republic.

JV wrote: What lyrics were directed at Hooky?

I hate the artwork for Republic. Sticks out like a sore thumb in the catalogue. I've heard most of the songs on it, but I don't own it. I'm sure I'll get heat for that, even from the folks who dislike the album. 'World' is good, even with the backup singers. 'Everyone, Everywhere' on NewOrderStory did little for me, thus further deteriorating any incentive to eventually pick up Republic.

YOu mean the Montreaux live 'EveryoneEverywhere'? - that's the version that made me LOVe that track. Funny that

"Republic" is the first album I owned and still my favourite. Not sure why, as I love Hooky's bass and it's barely present on Republic. But then, I think "Electronic" is one of the best albums by anyone ever, maybe that explains something indeed.

Is there anyone who loves both "Republic" and "Get ready"?

'Republic' is their best album. I don't like Electronic at all. Go figure.

Hehehehe. Good for you! :)

As for lyrics (I realised that's what the thread is about...) -- I don't know. I think the only NO song where I even dare to listen to the lyrics is True Faith which seems to be about *something*. Regret isn't very bad, at least I don't recall it being very bad. If I want to hear good lyrics, I play The Smiths, Morrissey or Pet Shop Boys. Go on, crucify me.

Republic is the best album after Movement. Front and back, as it were...

Good lyrics on PCL and Technique...The lyrics to the singles off Electronic I find rather naff. 'Regret' has great lyrics; the last few lines are some of the most poignant Barney's ever written.

Zachery Starkey wrote: I agree with both of you.

The New Order fans who dont like Republic also seem to dislike Electronic and prefer NO's rockier side.

IE, those folks who prefer Lonesome Tonight over Thieves Like Us. I think LT is crap and TLU is brilliant.

I prefer New Order's dancier side.

So I love Republic.

That's interesting. Becausee I like Republic, but I hate Electronic and prefer a synthy NO. Don't I just break the mould!

There are two probs with 'Repiblic', and both of them are fundamental to understanding NO's strange beauty. The first is, their heart just ain't in it. Business failure, trouble at the Hassie, personal and professioinal moving apart... It didn't, as reported, lead to their most doom-laden album, just their most lack-lustre. Movement was listless too, but that was the beginning, Republic was the end. For a bit. In fact they were so fed up they got Stephen Hague in and he's the other prob. I guess we should be grateful 'cause otherwise they'd probably still tryna be making the album now, but in the process he rounded off their distinctive bassy edge and grafted in session musicians, backing vocalists... The tour was forced (always the same sets), there was no dinky inner groove messaage, they did an international preess conference... It's amazing they bothered to make an album at all.

my avatar & quote are from the last line of spooky - listen to it!

I like Republic - side 1 is great - Regret and World are great pop singles and showcase both sides of NO, RIAD, Spooky and EE are good songs, maybe with 'better' production they could have been great... Side 2 is a bit weaker but still has some good moments - Chemical is v underrated, Special is up there with many of their top tracks... Avalanche is a great closer - without Liar and Times Change, it would be a strong set of songs... Agree that the production is too slick and takes away a lot of their usual 'charm', not too mention Hooky... Lyrically I don't think it's any stronger or weaker than any other albums - there are some strong lines, but a lot of Barney's uaual throaway stuff as well...

Not their best effort but by no means an album to avoid or dislike, except for the fact that we have come to demand and expect so much more...

Snorri xxx