A Given End To Your Dreams

Movement - November 1981

Having established a new post Joy Division identity by releasing a few singles earlier in the year, it seemed only natural that New Order's first full length album would be just around the corner. While some signs of the band's previous incarnation could be felt on the singles, there still seemed to be a distinct indication that this was not going to be Joy Division 2.0. That being said, Movement almost feels like a step backwards. Except for a few more upbeat numbers, most of the record is very plodding.

One of those exceptions is the brilliant opener "Dreams Never End". Compared to the rest of the album, this song is fast-paced and melodic. This is also one of the rare songs in which bass player Peter Hook sings lead. Though the vocals are almost incomprehensible due to Hook's throaty delivery and the layering, the track is still really outstanding. "Dreams Never Ends" starts a tradition of leading off subsequent New Order albums with extremely catchy, single worthy masterpieces.

After that, most of Movement becomes a blur. "Chosen Time" stands out a little due to it's brisk tempo, but everything else congeals into a drony funeral dirge. The album isn't awful, but it doesn't have the promise of rebirth that "Ceremony" or "Procession" had.

5 out of 10