12 replies · 8,516 views
Although a "20 Worst New Order Lyrics" article would probably garner more response here, this "10 Best" list is interesting: ThisIsDig.com
I wouldn't have gone with "Crystal". And "All the Way" is a bit hit and miss. Also, I always preferred "Lonesome Tonight" to its a-side. But it's a good selection nonetheless.
Some good shouts, although there are others I'd've included but I do agree with #1.
(Disclaimer: As always, these things are subjective etc &c)
Hmm, interesting list. Temptation, Thieves Like Us and True Faith were the first tracks that sprung to mind when I saw the title of this thread.
Can’t argue with True Faith being number 1. It was the song that really turned me on to the band and I loved the lyrics. They seemed so mysterious. Surprised Blue Monday didn’t make the cut for similar reasons.
Laughing out loud at some of these
Funny that the example lyric from Crystal doesn't mention the all-time clunker of a couplet
"It's like honey - You can't buy it with money"
They're called supermarkets Bernard
And fair play to them including the sample lyric with the "literasites" line without mentioning that it isn't even a word
GotBlueEyes wrote: Laughing out loud at some of these
Funny that the example lyric from Crystal doesn't mention the all-time clunker of a couplet
"It's like honey - You can't buy it with money"
They're called supermarkets Bernard
And fair play to them including the sample lyric with the "literasites" line without mentioning that it isn't even a word
Granted, Barney was never the most accomplished or literal of lyricists, and I've heard others critique this 'Crystal' lyric. But I always interpreted it in a different way from the very first time I heard it - i.e:
Love is like honey Love can't be bought with money
Makes more sense that way.
But most of his lyrics don't warrant a deep analysis. Still better than some of those Oasis lyrics: who the hell was Sally, and why did she need to wait? How was someone caught beneath a landslide in a champagne supernova in the sky?
Some of those listed would be from my worst list, but True Faith is a great example of Barney at his best - words and phrases that don't necessarily make literal sense on their own but strung together perfectly to hint at something deeper > real emotion. Euphoria in the case of True Faith, but in a track like Special - another highlight for mine - despair.
Completely misses out Regret(for which I too have no contact details for many people I used to hang out with) & TBTHOfG which are my favourites.
In addition to "Lonesome Tonight", which I mentioned above, I also think the lyrics to "All Day Long", "Leave Me Alone", "Nothing But a Fool" and "Love Less" (most of Technique, actually) are more thoughtful and affecting than their average fare.
Andy wrote: In addition to "Lonesome Tonight", which I mentioned above, I also think the lyrics to "All Day Long", "Leave Me Alone", "Nothing But a Fool" and "Love Less" (most of Technique, actually) are more thoughtful and affecting than their average fare.
Everything about 'Leave Me Alone' is just beautiful, including the lyrics (even the teeth line).
Good shouts on the others.
It's probably a controversial opinion amongst New Order fans but, even though I think the lyrics to 'All Day Long' are some of their best, the song never really gelled with me. It's probably one of my least favourite songs from their imperial phase (1980-9). I'm not sure what it it is - maybe it's the lyrics themselves, being a little 'on the nose'/obvious, rather than the more 'open to interpretation' of things like the aforementioned Blue Monday, True Faith, Sunrise etc.
Andy wrote: the lyrics to "All Day Long", "Leave Me Alone", ... (most of Technique, actually) are more thoughtful and affecting than their average fare.
Yeah full agree
perspexorange wrote: It's probably a controversial opinion amongst New Order fans but, even though I think the lyrics to 'All Day Long' are some of their best, the song never really gelled with me. It's probably one of my least favourite songs from their imperial phase (1980-9).
It's probaby my joint favourite tune on Brotherhood along with BLT. Once it takes off with the "Wagner" strings, it feels almost transcedent. I'm not saying the lyrics are perfect, but there's a storytelling quality that draws me in. And the tune is so good overall that I don't even want to nitpick about the lyrics. It is majestic.
So yes, controversial opinion there Perspex.
PS Special Mention to 1963 as well. Love the drama, the way it builds lyrically/musically (even if it did take inspiration from Johnny Remember Me).
Yes, always found the lyrics for Leave Me Alone pretty damn great. Powerful and moving, even.
I think the majority of new order lyrics between 1981 and 1993 are all pretty cool. Leave me alone is probably my favourite as well. Other ones not mentioned that I love are As it is when it was, broken promise, dream attack, cries and whispers from the top of my head. The dodgy lyrics mainly came after reforming in 98 (admittedly there are a few duds before then)
The Shadow wrote: The dodgy lyrics mainly came after reforming in 98
Well, get up, Jack. It's time to rock the shack
