5 Things to Know About New Order’s Power, Corruption & Lies

It was the band’s first self-produced studio album. New Order took full control of production, marking a shift from their earlier work with Martin Hannett.

The album features a cleaner, more polished sound than their debut. The band focused on tighter arrangements and clearer production, moving away from the raw, post-punk style.

It includes the iconic single “Blue Monday.” Though not on the original LP, the 12-inch single was recorded during the same sessions and shares the album’s aesthetic.

The cover art is a famous painting by Henri Fantin-Latour. The band chose the 1890 still life “A Basket of Roses” to contrast with the electronic music inside.

The album helped define the synth-pop and dance-rock sound of the 1980s. Its blend of bass, drum machines, and melodic vocals influenced countless artists.