New Order – Substance (2xLP, remastered 2023)

Substance (also released as Substance 1987) is a compilation album by New Order, first issued in August 1987 by Factory Records. It gathers all of the band’s non-album singles up to that date—many in their extended 12-inch versions—along with their respective B-sides, plus two new tracks (“True Faith” and “1963”) and newly re-recorded versions of “Temptation” and “Confusion”. The album spans a wide range of New Order’s evolving sound in the early to mid-1980s: from post-punk roots through dance-rock and synth-pop, highlighting their ability to bridge underground club textures and mainstream appeal. More than a simple singles collection, Substance offers a coherent portrait of the band’s stylistic growth over its formative years, with a sequence and production that emphasise rhythm, atmosphere, and a melodic sensibility that would prove influential.

Critically and commercially, Substance has become New Order’s most celebrated and best-selling release. The compilation sold over one million copies, and its long-playing CD and cassette formats helped bring together tracks that had previously existed only across various singles and remixes. It has been widely recognised as both a definitive introduction for new listeners and a treasure trove for longtime fans—offering expanded mixes, rare B-sides and versions not available on studio LPs. Its enduring influence is evident not only in its sales and acclaim but in how it shaped the expectations for what a singles compilation could achieve in terms of artistry and depth.

“Pure rhythm machine with an ironically mysterious overlay of schlocky melody to help it go down, this album is a case study in sensationalist art, and I say the world is better for it.” – Robert Christgau, The Village Voice 

“Though undeniably a product of its time, the album stands as proof positive of the band’s influence on the then-burgeoning rave and house cultures.” – Slant Magazine

“Focusing on the dance mixes of key singles, including “Temptation,” “Blue Monday,” and the spectacular near-hit “True Faith,” the double-CD Substance is pure pleasure, moving from strength to exhilarating strength.” – Rolling Stone 

“The 12-inch mixes on Substance “represent New Order’s most groundbreaking and successful work, since they expanded the notion of what a rock & roll band, particularly an indie rock band, could do.” – AllMusic 

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