New Order - State Of The Nation

420medal

Review by Alexa Med

State of the Nation by New Order: A Retro Gem That Still Hits Let’s get straight to it—New Order’s State of the Nation isn’t just another album from 1986; it’s a snapshot of a band mastering their craft while blending genres like they’re mixing drinks at a party. Rock, electronic, synth-pop, post-punk—you name it, they’ve got it. And somehow, it all works. Released across a whopping dozen countries (Spain to Japan!), this record feels like a global passport stamped with Factory Records’ iconic logo. Now, let me zoom in on two tracks that stick with you long after the needle lifts off the vinyl: "Shame of the Nation" and "State of the Nation." These aren’t just songs—they’re experiences. “Shame of the Nation” grabs your attention right away with its pulsating synths and driving beat. It’s got that dance-rock energy that makes you want to move but also think. The lyrics? They’re sharp, almost like a commentary wrapped up in shiny electro packaging. You can tell John Robie had his hands deep in the production here—it’s polished yet raw, kinda like wearing leather gloves but still feeling every groove. Then there’s “State of the Nation,” which is more introspective, almost brooding. It builds slowly, layering vocals over those unmistakable New Order basslines. This one lingers because it doesn’t try too hard—it lets the music breathe, giving space for each instrument to shine. When Trevor Key’s photography flashes through your mind alongside the soundscapes, you realize how much thought went into making this album cohesive. Hats off to Peter Saville Associates for nailing the design too—it’s as timeless as the music itself. What really stands out about State of the Nation is how it balances accessibility with experimentation. Synth-pop meets indie rock, alternative dance vibes clash with post-punk grit, and somehow, none of it feels forced. Sure, some might argue it lacks the immediacy of Power, Corruption & Lies, but that’s missing the point. This album rewards patience, revealing little details with every listen—like Michael Johnson’s engineering wizardry or Å’s lacquer cut precision. Here’s the kicker, though: Listening to this now feels oddly comforting. In an era where everything’s hyper-produced and algorithmically tailored, State of the Nation reminds us what real creativity sounds like. Imperfect, layered, human. Oh, and fun fact—I found myself humming “Shame of the Nation” while grocery shopping last week. Not sure if that says more about the song or my questionable taste in shopping playlists, but hey, isn’t that what great music does? It sneaks up on you when you least expect it. So yeah, give State of the Nation a spin. It’s not perfect, but maybe that’s why it’s so damn memorable.

Table of Contents

Download

Filename: new-order-state-of-the-nation.zip
  • MP3 size: 30.4 mb
  • FLAC size: 147.2 mb

Tracks

TrackDurationPreview
Shame Of The Nation
Shame of the Nation07:54
State Of The Nation
State of the Nation06:31

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Catalog Numbers

  • Д60 20001
  • 31 206 M, 31 206
  • YW-7436-AX
  • FAC 153, VG 2073 Z, VG 2073Z
  • 80268, 80 268, FAC 153
  • TC-GOOD 144, TCGOOD 144
  • FAC 153
  • FAC 153, GOOD 144
  • FACX 25

Labels

  • буд кон
  • Factory, Nuevos Medios
  • Factory
  • Factory, Virgin
  • EMI
  • Factory, MNW
  • Factory Records Australasia
  • Factory, Factory Benelux
  • Base Record

Listen online

  • online luisteren
  • lytte på nettet
  • ouvir online
  • écouter en ligne
  • ascolta in linea
  • lyssna på nätet
  • escuchar en línea
  • kuunnella verkossa
  • online anhören

Formats

  • Flexi-disc
  • 5½"
  • 45 RPM
  • Mono
  • Single Sided
  • Unofficial Release
  • Blue
  • Vinyl
  • 12"
  • Maxi-Single
  • Red
  • Cassette
  • Single
  • Cinram Pressing

Companies

RoleCompany
Published ByBe Music
Manufactured ByPolyGram Servicios, S.A.
Phonographic Copyright (p)Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
Made ByNippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
Record CompanyΔίσκοι Virgin ΕΠΕ
Distributed ByEMIAL S.A.
Pressed ByColumbia, Athens
Printed ByMontreuil Offset
Mastered AtThe Town House
Licensed FromFactory Records
Copyright (c)Factory Records

Credits

RoleCredit
DesignPeter Saville Associates
EngineerMichael Johnson (tracks: A)
Photography ByTrevor Key
Written-ByJohn Robie (tracks: B), New Order
ProducerJohn Robie (tracks: B), New Order
Lacquer Cut ByÅ
Mastered ByEL

Notes

  • A Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music.
  • B Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music/Indulgent.
  • A recorded April 1985 in Tokyo, Japan
  • B recorded October 1985 to April 1986 in Manchester, New York and Los Angeles
  • A Factory Record
  • Run-off groove etchings:
  • Side A: Hail Mary
  • Side B: Lucky Johnny
  • Fabricado en España por Polygram Servicios S. A.
  • Includes customized paper inner sleeve.
  • Track A: Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music
  • Track B: Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music/Indulgent
  • ℗ 1986.10 Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
  • A Factory Record FAC 153.
  • Made in Japan by Nippon Columbia Co., Ltd.
  • Virgin ΕΠΕ
  • Distribution: ΕΜΙΑΛ Α.Ε.
  • Track A Published by Bemusic/Warner Bros Mus.
  • Track B Published by Bemusic/Warner Bros/Indulgent.
  • A Fractured Music
  • ℗ 1986
  • Made in France
  • (P) 1986 Factory Records
  • Made and distributed in New Zealand by EMI (New Zealand) Limited, Lower Hutt
  • Housed in yellow plastic case and sticker "New Zealand Made".
  • Programme repeated on reverse side.
  • AA recorded October 1985 to April 1986 in Manchester, New York and Los Angeles.
  • A published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music
  • AA published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music/Indulgent
  • Comes with a thin printed inner sleeve.
  • According to the Kent Music Report #640 this was released on 20 October 1986.
  • Some copies are gold stamped on the back of the outer sleeve with:
  • "Promotion Only
  • Not For Sale"
  • Comes with customized carton inner.
  • Track A recorded April 1985 in Tokyo, Japan
  • Track B recorded October 1985 to April 1986 in Manchester, New York and Los Angeles
  • Track A: Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music.
  • ℗ & © 1986 Factory Records
  • Released by Factory Records Australasia under licence from Factory Records Manchester England.
  • M&D by CBS Records Australia Limited.
  • Front sleeve has the sticker from the Australian release printed on the front cover.
  • Some copies have a promo sticker on the label :
  • "Demonstration Record
  • Not Available For Sale, Broad
  • casting Or Public Performances.
  • Property Of The Record Copyright
  • Owner."
  • Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music
  • (P) & (C) 1986 Factory Records
  • A recorded April 1985 in Tokyo, Japan. Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music.
  • B recorded October 1985 to April 1986 in Manchester, New York and Los Angeles. Published by Bemusic/Warner Brothers Music/Indulgent.
  • Made in EEC.
  • Benelux logo on labels.
  • B recorded October 1985 to April 1986 in Manchester, New York and Los Angeles.
  • Made in Italy by Base Record Bologna.
  • Track B recorded October 1985 to April 1986 in Manchester, New York and Los Angeles.
  • Manufactured by PolyGram Inc. and distributed by PolyGram Distribution Inc. 6000 Cote de Liesse, St. Laurent, Québec. Made In Canada
  • Released with a custom inner-sleeve.

Barcodes

  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): FACT 153 A^
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B): FACT 153 AA^^
  • Rights Society: S.G.A.E.
  • Depósito Legal: M-28218-86
  • Barcode: T4988 001 05431 3
  • Matrix / Runout: YW-7436-A-1
  • Matrix / Runout: YW-7436-B-1
  • Rights Society: JASRAC
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): FAC 153 A
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B): FAC 153 B
  • Other: MT 13374
  • Other (On labels): A/A 13374
  • Barcode: 3 268440 802685
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): 80268 A 1 M6 354299 2
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B): 80268 B 1 M6 354300 2
  • Price Code: PM 132
  • Rights Society: SACEM SACD SDRM SGDL
  • Other: Code 05
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): FACT 153 A1 HAIL MARY M̶P̶O̶ Townhouse
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side AA): FACT 153 AA1 LUCKY JOHNNY Townhouse M̶P̶O̶
  • Rights Society: BIEM/n©b
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): FAC 153 Å STATE MX 217959
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B): FAC 153 Å SHAME MX 217960
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side A): FAC 153 STATE MX217959
  • Matrix / Runout (Runout side B): FAC 153 SHAME MX217960
  • Matrix / Runout: FAC 153-A//60319-1
  • Matrix / Runout: FAC 153-B//60320-1
  • Rights Society: BIEM/SABAM TM
  • Matrix / Runout: FAC 153 A ✶
  • Matrix / Runout: FAC 153 A/A (B) ✶
  • Rights Society: S.I.A.E.
  • Other: Supp. 22 Cod.1
  • Matrix / Runout (Side A Runout): FACX-25 A SNB 230 EL CR
  • Matrix / Runout (Side B Runout): FACX-25 B SNB 230 EL CR

Interesting fact about Album

Here’s something cool: New Order's *State Of The Nation* album, released in 1986, is like a musical passport. It blends genres like synth-pop, post-punk, and dance-rock, making it feel at home in over ten countries, from Spain to Japan. The iconic Peter Saville designed the cover, giving it that sleek, timeless look. Fun twist—two tracks, "Shame of the Nation" and "State Of The Nation," are basically the same song but remixed differently. It’s like they gave you two perspectives on one idea. Not many albums can say they’ve been released by so many labels worldwide, including Factory Records in multiple regions. A true global effort!