Blue Monday

"Blue Monday" is a 1983 song by the English band New Order.

"Blue Monday" is a 1983 song by the English band New Order. Released as a 12-inch single on 7 March 1983, it became one of the band's best-known tracks and is widely regarded as a landmark in electronic dance music and synth-pop. The single is commonly described as the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.

Background and release

"Blue Monday" was released by New Order on 7 March 1983 as a 12-inch single on Factory Records. It later appeared on some cassette and CD editions of the band's album Power, Corruption & Lies, but was not included on the original vinyl release.

Composition and production

The song is noted for its synthesizers, drum-machine-driven structure, and early use of sampling and electronic production. It was designed around machine-like repetition and was an experimental studio track, using then-new electronic instruments and sampling technology.

Reception and legacy

The single became a major commercial success and is widely described as the best-selling 12-inch single in history. It is credited with helping bring alternative dance and synth-pop to a wider audience and is considered a pioneering electronic dance record.

Cultural impact

"Blue Monday" is frequently discussed as one of the defining songs of 1980s electronic music. It has been reissued and remixed multiple times and remains one of New Order's signature recordings. Canadian readers may know the song through its influence on electronic dance and alternative music, genres with strong followings in Canada, and as a notable example of British post-punk's impact on international pop culture.