New Order - Blue Monday 88 - Golden 80s Music

“Blue Monday” is a song by the British band New Order, originally released in March 1983 as a lead single for their second studio album, “Power, Corruption & Lies.” It was written by New Order members, Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner. “Blue Monday” is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential dance tracks in music history.

In 1988, New Order released a remix of “Blue Monday” known as “Blue Monday 88.” The remix was created by the band and featured updated production and sound, making it more suitable for the evolving club scene in the late 1980s. “Blue Monday 88” retained the distinctive synth-driven sound of the original version but incorporated additional electronic elements, giving it a more contemporary and dancefloor-friendly vibe. The remix’s percussion and bassline were updated to suit the prevailing electronic dance music trends of the late ’80s. Upon its release, “Blue Monday 88” once again achieved significant commercial success. The remix reached the top of the UK Singles Chart, becoming New Order’s highest-charting single in the UK. It also garnered attention in other countries and solidified “Blue Monday” as a timeless classic.

A music video for a shortened version of the original version was created in 1983, featuring military clips with false colour and simple computer-generated graphics (scroll down for video). The music video for “Blue Monday ’88” features sketches by photographer William Wegman and his Weimaraner dog named Fay Ray doing balancing acts intercut with hand-drawn animation by Robert Breer. This video appears on the Substance video collection (released as a companion to the album of the same name).

The original version of “Blue Monday” is known for its groundbreaking use of electronic instruments and pioneering sound production techniques. It is often cited as one of the earliest and most influential synth-pop and dance tracks. The song’s innovative use of the Oberheim DMX drum machine and sequencer, along with the distinctive bassline, created a sound that was ahead of its time and continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts. Over the years, “Blue Monday” and its various remixes have remained popular in dance and electronic music scenes. It has been covered and remixed by numerous artists, and its influence can be heard in a wide range of music genres.

New Order’s impact on the music landscape extends beyond “Blue Monday,” as they have continued to release music and tour throughout their career. Their blend of post-punk, new wave, and electronic elements has earned them a devoted fan base and recognition as one of the pioneering bands in alternative and electronic music. “Blue Monday 88” is a testament to their ability to adapt their sound while maintaining their iconic status in the world of dance and electronic music.