NEW ORDER 'Substance' 2LP

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.

A1. Ceremony
A2. Everything's Gone Green
A3. Temptation
B1. Blue Monday
B2. Confusion
B3. Thieves Like Us
C1. Perfect Kiss
C2. Subculture
C3. Shellshock
D1. State Of The Nation
D2. Bizarre Love Triangle
D3. True Faith