New Order’s ‘Temptation’: Dancing to the Energetic and Electronic New Wave Hit
(Lecture Hall: Pop Music 101. Professor Groovestone adjusts his oversized glasses, a mischievous glint in his eye. The whiteboard behind him is covered in diagrams of sequencers and scribbled lyrics.)
Alright, class, settle down! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a shimmering, pulsating ocean of synths and longing. We’re talking about New Order’s "Temptation," a track so infectious, it’s practically a public health hazard. ⚠️ Consider yourselves warned: you will be humming this for the next week.
(Professor Groovestone clicks the remote, and a grainy image of New Order circa 1982 flashes on the screen. Peter Hook looks particularly morose.)
Now, before we get our dancing shoes on, let’s set the stage. New Order, emerging from the ashes of Joy Division, faced the unenviable task of… well, not being Joy Division. Imagine trying to follow up Beethoven. Daunting, right? 😬
But instead of wallowing in the post-punk gloom, they took a sharp left turn into the land of synthesizers and dance beats. They traded Ian Curtis’s haunting baritone for Bernard Sumner’s… let’s call it "distinctive" vocal style. (We’ll unpack that later.)
I. From Goth to Groove: The Post-Punk Renaissance
(Professor Groovestone begins writing on the whiteboard.)
- Joy Division: The Gloomy Predecessor 🌧️
- New Order: The Synthesizer-Savvy Survivors 💻
- "Temptation": The Euphoric Escape 🚀
New Order wasn’t the first band to experiment with synthesizers, but they were arguably the first to truly marry them to the post-punk ethos. They took the raw energy, the angular guitars, and the lyrical introspection of punk and layered it with layers upon layers of electronic textures.
Think of it like this: Joy Division was a black and white photograph. New Order was that same photograph, but someone accidentally spilled a bucket of neon paint on it. And that neon paint? That’s the Roland TR-808 drum machine. 🥁
(Professor Groovestone dramatically points to a picture of a TR-808 on the screen.)
This little beauty changed everything. Its synthetic drum sounds, especially that booming bass drum, became the backbone of countless dance tracks. And New Order, being the forward-thinking lads they were, embraced it wholeheartedly.
II. "Temptation": A Sonic Anatomy Lesson
(Professor Groovestone pulls up the song’s waveform on the screen.)
Let’s dissect this masterpiece, shall we? "Temptation" isn’t just a song; it’s a meticulously crafted sonic tapestry.
| Element | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Synth Bass | Played by Peter Hook, using a high melodic bassline. | Creates a driving, almost frantic energy. Hook’s basslines were always more melodic than rhythmic, acting almost as a counter-melody to Sumner’s vocals. |
| Drum Machine | The aforementioned Roland TR-808, providing a relentlessly steady and danceable beat. | The foundation of the song’s dance-floor appeal. It’s simple but incredibly effective. |
| Synthesizers | Layers of shimmering, swirling synthesizers create a lush and atmospheric soundscape. | Adds depth and texture, transforming the song from a basic rock track into something far more ethereal and futuristic. |
| Guitars | Still present, but often buried beneath the synthesizers, providing a subtle edge. | A reminder of New Order’s post-punk roots. They’re used more for texture than for traditional riffing. |
| Bernard Sumner’s Vocals | Nasal, somewhat detached, but surprisingly emotive. Often double-tracked for added effect. | Adds a human element to the electronic soundscape. His somewhat monotone delivery ironically adds to the song’s emotional impact. |
| Gillian Gilbert’s Synths | Often providing the higher register melodies and counterpoints. | Adds an ethereal, almost otherworldly feel to the song. Her contributions are crucial to the band’s overall sound. |
(Professor Groovestone pauses for dramatic effect.)
Notice how each element plays its part, creating a perfect balance between the organic and the synthetic. It’s like a robot orchestra conducted by a lovesick programmer. 🤖❤️
III. The Lyrical Labyrinth: What is "Temptation" About, Anyway?
(Professor Groovestone scratches his head.)
Ah, the lyrics. Let’s be honest, deciphering Bernard Sumner’s lyrics is sometimes like trying to understand a cat. You get the general gist, but you’re never quite sure. 😼
The lyrics to "Temptation" are, shall we say, impressionistic. They hint at longing, desire, and the struggle against inner demons.
(Professor Groovestone quotes from the lyrics in a theatrical voice.)
"Up and down, turn around, lost and found, with you I’m not alone…"
Is it about a romantic relationship? A battle with addiction? A philosophical quest for meaning? The beauty of "Temptation" is that it’s open to interpretation. You can project your own experiences and emotions onto the lyrics, making the song deeply personal.
But let’s be real, most people aren’t listening to "Temptation" for its profound lyrical insights. They’re listening to it because it makes them want to dance! 💃🕺
IV. The Many Faces of "Temptation": A Remix Odyssey
(Professor Groovestone clicks through various album covers featuring different versions of "Temptation." )
"Temptation" has a fascinating history, marked by numerous remixes and re-recordings. The original 1982 version is a raw, energetic burst of new wave goodness. But it’s the 1987 re-recording, often referred to as the "Temptation ’87" or "New Order vs. Arthur Baker" version, that most people are familiar with.
| Version | Key Features | Why It’s Significant |
|---|---|---|
| Original 1982 | Raw, energetic, slightly rough around the edges. More of a post-punk feel. | Captures the band’s initial vision for the song. A classic for purists. |
| "Temptation ’87" | Smoother, more polished production, with a more prominent drum machine and enhanced synths. Features a slightly different vocal take. | The definitive version for many. It’s the version that propelled "Temptation" into the mainstream. |
| Arthur Baker Remixes | Even more dance-oriented, with extended instrumental sections and added samples. | Showcases the song’s potential as a club anthem. Arthur Baker was a pioneer of electro and hip-hop, bringing a unique perspective to the track. |
(Professor Groovestone raises an eyebrow.)
The "Temptation ’87" version is a prime example of the 1980s penchant for "improving" upon perfectly good songs. Did it improve on the original? That’s debatable. But it certainly made it more radio-friendly.
And then there are the Arthur Baker remixes, which take the song even further into dance music territory. These versions are perfect for losing yourself on the dance floor, preferably under a flashing disco ball. 🪩
V. The Sumner Vocal Conundrum: Love it or Hate it?
(Professor Groovestone gestures dramatically.)
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Bernard Sumner’s vocals. They’re… unique. Some people find them charmingly awkward, others find them grating. There’s no middle ground.
(Professor Groovestone shows a slide with two opposing opinions: "Sumner’s vocals are genius!" vs. "Sumner’s vocals are like a cat being strangled!")
His voice isn’t technically "good" in the traditional sense. He’s not going to win any opera competitions anytime soon. But there’s something undeniably compelling about his delivery. It’s earnest, vulnerable, and strangely endearing.
And let’s not forget the lyrics. Sumner’s lyrics are often simple, almost childlike, but they resonate with a raw emotional honesty. He’s not trying to be profound; he’s just trying to express what he’s feeling.
(Professor Groovestone puts his hand on his heart.)
And in a world of manufactured pop stars and auto-tuned perfection, there’s something incredibly refreshing about that.
VI. "Temptation" in Context: The New Wave Legacy
(Professor Groovestone brings up a map showing the evolution of music genres.)
"Temptation" didn’t exist in a vacuum. It was part of a larger movement known as New Wave, which was a reaction against the excesses of punk rock and the stadium rock of the 1970s.
New Wave embraced synthesizers, experimentation, and a more polished, accessible sound. Bands like Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Blondie were all part of this movement, and they all contributed to the evolution of pop music.
"Temptation" embodies the spirit of New Wave perfectly. It’s energetic, innovative, and undeniably catchy. It’s a song that makes you want to dance, think, and feel all at the same time.
VII. "Temptation" Today: An Enduring Anthem
(Professor Groovestone beams.)
Even after all these years, "Temptation" remains a timeless classic. It’s been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. It’s been covered by numerous artists, from indie bands to pop superstars.
Why? Because it’s a damn good song! It’s a song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing, desire, and the search for connection.
(Professor Groovestone puts on his dancing shoes.)
So, class, let’s put on our headphones, crank up the volume, and lose ourselves in the shimmering, pulsating world of "Temptation." Because sometimes, the best way to understand a song is to simply dance to it.
(Professor Groovestone presses play on "Temptation," and the room fills with its infectious energy. Students start tapping their feet, and a few even get up and start dancing. Professor Groovestone, with a twinkle in his eye, joins them.)
Assignment for next week:
- Listen to at least three different versions of "Temptation."
- Write a short essay (500 words) on how the song makes you feel. (Bonus points for creative interpretations!)
- Try to sing along to "Temptation" without laughing. (Good luck with that!) 😂
(The music swells, and the lecture hall transforms into a mini-dance club. Professor Groovestone, lost in the music, forgets all about his lecture and just dances. Class dismissed!)
(End of Lecture)
