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Brotherhood

by New Order

Released: September 29, 1986

Synth-pop, post-punk

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Brotherhood" is the fourth studio album by English rock band New Order, released on September 29, 1986, by Factory Records. This album marks a notable blend of post-punk and electronic music, showcasing the band's distinctive sound. The album is conceptually divided into two sides: one featuring synthesizers and the other focusing on guitars.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

This division reflects the band's exploration of different…

This division reflects the band's exploration of different musical styles, though it was described by drummer Stephen Morris as having a "schizophrenic mood" that didn’t quite gel as intended.

The standout single from the album, "Bizarre Love…

The standout single from the album, "Bizarre Love Triangle," became a breakthrough hit for New Order in the United States and Australia.

The quirky ending of "Every Little Counts," which…

The quirky ending of "Every Little Counts," which mimics a vinyl record skipping, has drawn comparisons to The Beatles' "A Day in the Life.".

While it was the only track released as…

While it was the only track released as a single, "State of the Nation" was included in most CD editions, further expanding its reach.

The cover, designed by Peter Saville, features a…

The cover, designed by Peter Saville, features a striking photograph of a sheet of titanium-zinc alloy, with some early editions presented in a metallic sleeve, enhancing the album's aesthetic.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

New Order - Brotherhood

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Then

Reception

Though the album received mixed reviews at the time, it has since been appreciated for its innovative blend of styles and its influence on both rock and electronic music.

Now

Legacy

Though the album received mixed reviews at the time, it has since been appreciated for its innovative blend of styles and its influence on both rock and electronic music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

The album is conceptually divided into two sides: one featuring synthesizers and the other focusing on guitars. This division reflects the band's exploration of different musical styles, though it was described by drummer Stephen Morris as having a "schizophrenic mood" that didn’t quite gel as intended.

The standout single from the album, "Bizarre Love Triangle," became a breakthrough hit for New Order in the United States and Australia. While it was the only track released as a single, "State of the Nation" was included in most CD editions, further expanding its reach.

The cover, designed by Peter Saville, features a striking photograph of a sheet of titanium-zinc alloy, with some early editions presented in a metallic sleeve, enhancing the album's aesthetic.

Though the album received mixed reviews at the time, it has since been appreciated for its innovative blend of styles and its influence on both rock and electronic music. The quirky ending of "Every Little Counts," which mimics a vinyl record skipping, has drawn comparisons to The Beatles' "A Day in the Life."