On this day, 44 years ago, Closer, Joy Division's second and final studio album reached number 1 in the UK Official Indie Albums Charts!
On this day, 44 years ago, Closer, Joy Division's second and final studio album reached number 1 in the UK Official Indie Albums Charts. Closer was released on July 18, 1980, by Factory Records. The album is a seminal work in the post-punk genre, often hailed for its profound influence and haunting beauty. Tragically, it was released two months after the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis, imbuing the album with a sense of melancholy and poignancy.
Musically, Closer is characterized by its brooding atmosphere, intricate basslines by Peter Hook, atmospheric synthesizers by Bernard Sumner, and Stephen Morris's precise drumming. Tracks like "Atrocity Exhibition," "Isolation," and "Heart and Soul" explore themes of existential despair, alienation, and inner turmoil.
Closer received critical acclaim for its emotional depth and innovation. It reached number 1 on the UK Independent Albums Chart and has since been regarded as a landmark in alternative music. The album's legacy endures, influencing countless artists and solidifying Joy Division's place in music history.
Closer (Tracklist)
Atrocity Exhibition 6:03
Isolation 2:53
Passover 4:44
Colony 3:52
A Means To An End 4:04
Heart And Soul 5:48
Twenty Four Hours 4:26
The Eternal 6:01
Decades 6:08