Looking at the lyric sheet for this album, I was actually taken aback by how good of a lyricist that Curtis is. Really precise language and imagery that just layers on the desperate disillusionment, but its not without glimmers of beauty and hope. It opens with what is arguably the best post-punk song ever - "Disorder" is Joy Division at their best as far as I'm concerned. The droney atmospherics coupled with pulsing drums and Curtis' deep voice make for something special. The album never surpasses the opener, but it certainly gets close. "New Dawn Fades" is more reserved at the start but at the 2 1/2 minute mark, Curtis breaks loose and the song completely envelopes you. "She's Lost Control" and "Shadowplay" are of similar quality. "I Remember Nothing" is probably my least favorite track here and they seem to go that direction more with their second album Closer, and that is probably why Unknown Pleasures is my Joy Division album of choice.
By: Father McKenzie