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The tenth studio album by New Order, "Music Complete" is one of the most anticipated musical releases of the year, and indeed, of the Mancunian band's career.
The main reason is that it's their first time in the studio without bassist Peter Hook, of course, but also the numerous important guest appearances (Iggy Pop above all, but also Brandon Flowers from The Killers, Tom Rowlands from The Chemical Brothers, and Elly Jackson) have immensely heightened the anticipation for the new work.
Anticipation fully rewarded: "Music Complete" is a fine album, one of the best in the band's career. It first and foremost lives up to the pre-release promise of a return to more dance-oriented sounds after recent predominantly guitar-oriented works, and it quells doubts about the band's songwriting health after the not so exciting release with the side project Bad Lieutenant.
Although the opener is entrusted to the first single "Restless," a kind of bridge to the recent past, from the following (and beautiful) "Singularity" (Tom Rowlands on production, as with the equally pounding "Unlearn This Hatred") the now no longer young lads lay their cards on the table: it's time to dance again. And "Plastic," not coincidentally chosen as the second single, takes the work to a higher level in this respect. "Tutti Frutti" exudes Moroder from every pore (delightful and kitschy nonsense spoken in Italian), "Stray Dog" brings back Iggy Pop (fantastic) in his little-known chansonnier version, "Academic" is a potentially sensational hit. New Order is having fun: they funk ("People On The High Line"), they playfully imitate the early The Killers and beat them by a long shot, inviting singer (Brandon Flowers) and producer (Stuart Price) to join the masquerade party.
A great comeback, in a year in which British music continues to offer good things. An album that tastes like a comeback, especially against those who wrote the band off too soon despite a significant departure.
Moreover, someone once said that a dog with one less leg is still a dog.
Best track: Stray Dog
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By marcoroma
"It’s a great album, the best from the group in 25 years, even if easy dancefloor episodes like 'Tutti Frutti' and 'People On The High Line' are disorienting."
"If you want to hop in the car with me, however, 'Superheated' will take you to your destination smiling."
