Album Review: WOMAD 20785 by New Order
Released in 1985, WOMAD 20785 by New Order is a fascinating dive into the intersection of Synth-pop and Alternative Rock. Hailing from the UK and released under their own label, Not On Label (New Order), this album feels like a time capsule of electronic experimentation and raw emotion. It’s not perfect, but it’s got that unmistakable New Order charm—introspective yet danceable, moody but undeniably catchy.
Two tracks stand out immediately: "Blue Monday" and "The Perfect Kiss." Let’s be real here—"Blue Monday" is iconic for a reason. Its pulsating beats and haunting synths grab you right away, pulling you into this hypnotic trance. You don’t just listen to “Blue Monday”; you experience it. The way the bassline locks in with the drum machine? Pure magic. It’s one of those songs that sticks with you long after the needle lifts off the record (or, let’s face it, after you hit pause on Spotify).
Then there’s “The Perfect Kiss,” which might as well be its polar opposite. Where “Blue Monday” is dark and brooding, this track bursts with energy and weird little quirks. That saxophone solo? Bold move. Some might say it’s outta place, but honestly, it works. It adds this chaotic layer that keeps things interesting. Plus, the lyrics are kinda cryptic—you think they mean something deep, but maybe they’re just messing with us. Either way, it’s memorable.
Other tracks like “Elegia” bring an ambient vibe, almost like a breather between the more intense moments. Meanwhile, “Age Of Consent” leans heavily into their rock roots while still keeping that synth edge alive. And yeah, sure, some songs feel a bit repetitive if we're being honest, but overall, the mix of styles holds up surprisingly well even today.
What makes WOMAD 20785 special isn’t just the music—it’s how it captures New Order at a transitional moment. They weren’t fully entrenched in any one genre, instead opting to blend influences into something uniquely theirs. Listening to it now feels almost nostalgic, like flipping through old photos where everyone looks slightly different but still familiar.
Reflection time: If you handed me this album back in ’85, I probably wouldn’t have known what to do with it. But decades later, it’s clear these guys were ahead of their game. Funny thing though—after all these years, I still can’t decide whether I love or hate that saxophone in “The Perfect Kiss.” Maybe that’s the point.
