Description

NEW ORDER: “Low-Life” LP. Released 19th Sept 2025

Low-Life is the third studio album by English rock band New Order, released on 13 May 1985 by Factory Records. It is considered to be among the band’s strongest work, displaying the moment they completed their transformation from post-punk hold-overs to dance-rockers. The album shows New Order’s increased incorporation of synthesisers and samplers, while still preserving the rock elements of their earlier work.

The songs on this album formed the basis of the band’s live concert video Pumped Full of Drugs, filmed in Tokyo shortly before the album’s release. The music video for “The Perfect Kiss” was directed by Jonathan Demme.

The album’s artwork is the only New Order release to feature photographs of the band members on its cover; according to designer Peter Saville, the decision to do this was due to him growing tired of his previous “concept covers.” To photograph the band, Saville took portraits of them with instant film, which he saw as more versatile than conventional 135 film, stating that “you could push it and do funny things with it. It was very graphic and very dynamic. The grain and the texture made everything look like a movie film.” Saville further stated that the band were initially reluctant to depict themselves in the artwork; however, thanks in part to the rapid turnaround of instant film, they grew to enjoy the photoshoot after seeing the results.

1. “Love Vigilantes” 4:16
2. “The Perfect Kiss” 4:51
3. “This Time of Night” 4:45
4. “Sunrise” 6:01
Side two
No. Title Length
1. “Elegia” 4:56
2. “Sooner Than You Think” 5:12
3. “Sub-culture” 4:58
4. “Face Up” 5:02