New Order, one of the most influential and beloved bands of the 1980s, has a rich history that spans decades, genres, and styles. Formed in 1980 from the ashes of Joy Division, New Order has been making waves in the music industry with their unique blend of post-punk, new wave, and electronic music. At the heart of this iconic band is its lead singer, Bernard Sumner, whose distinctive voice and songwriting skills have been instrumental in shaping the sound of New Order.
The Early Days: From Joy Division To New Order
Bernard Sumner, born on January 4, 1956, in Salford, England, was an integral part of the Manchester music scene in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Along with his friends Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, Sumner formed Joy Division, a pioneering post-punk band that would go on to inspire generations of musicians.
Tragedy struck in 1980 when Ian Curtis, Joy Division’s lead singer, took his own life. The remaining members of the band were devastated, but they refused to let Curtis’s legacy fade away. They decided to carry on, rebranding themselves as New Order and recruiting Gillian Gilbert as their new guitarist.
Enter Bernard Sumner: The Voice Of New Order
With Joy Division’s dark and brooding sound still echoing in their minds, the newly formed New Order sought to forge a new path, one that would be distinct from their previous incarnation. Bernard Sumner, who had previously played guitar and keyboards for Joy Division, took on the role of lead singer for New Order.
Sumner’s vocal style, characterized by his high-pitched, melancholic tone, brought a new dimension to the band’s sound. His lyrics, often introspective and poetic, explored themes of love, loss, and redemption. Sumner’s voice became an integral part of New Order’s identity, setting them apart from other bands of the era.
The Unique Sound Of New Order
So, what makes New Order’s sound so unique? One answer lies in the band’s eclectic mix of influences. Sumner, Hook, and Morris drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Kraftwerk, The Velvet Underground, and David Bowie. This diversity of influences allowed New Order to experiment with different styles, from the synth-heavy atmosphere of “Blue Monday” to the acid-house rhythms of “True Faith.”
Another key factor in New Order’s sound is the interplay between Sumner’s vocals and the band’s instrumentation. Hook’s innovative bass lines, Morris’s driving drumbeats, and Gilbert’s textured guitar work created a rich tapestry of sound that complemented Sumner’s soaring vocals.
AUDIO EXAMPLE: “Bizarre Love Triangle” (1986)
One of New Order’s most beloved tracks, “Bizarre Love Triangle,” showcases the band’s ability to craft infectious, danceable music with a dark undertone. Sumner’s vocal delivery is particularly striking, as he navigates the song’s complex melody with ease.
| Song | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| Bizarre Love Triangle | 1986 | Brotherhood |
Sumner’s Songwriting Skills
Bernard Sumner’s songwriting skills are a crucial aspect of New Order’s success. His lyrics often explore themes of love, relationships, and introspection, yet they remain cryptic and open to interpretation. This ambiguity has led to fans pouring over Sumner’s lyrics, searching for hidden meanings and connections.
Sumner’s songwriting process is often shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: he is a meticulous craftsman who pours his heart and soul into every lyric and melody. His songs often begin as simple ideas, which he then develops and refines over time.
The Evolution Of New Order
Throughout their career, New Order has undergone significant changes in style and direction. From the synth-heavy sound of their early days to the more rock-oriented approach of their later work, the band has consistently pushed boundaries and explored new territory.
Sumner’s vocals have been a constant throughout this evolution, providing a sense of continuity and cohesion. Even as the band’s sound has changed, Sumner’s voice remains an integral part of their identity.
VIDEO EXAMPLE: “World in Motion” (1990)
New Order’s music has often been featured in films, television shows, and sports events. One notable example is “World in Motion,” the official song of the 1990 FIFA World Cup. This uplifting, anthemic track showcases Sumner’s ability to craft catchy, sing-along melodies that resonate with audiences worldwide.
- New Order’s music has been featured in numerous films, including The Lost Boys, True Romance, and The Craft.
- The band’s songs have also been used in various television shows, such as The Sopranos, Entourage, and Stranger Things.
Legacy And Influence
New Order’s influence on the music industry cannot be overstated. The band’s unique sound has inspired generations of musicians, from The Cure and Depeche Mode to The Killers and The National.
Bernard Sumner’s vocal style, in particular, has been a reference point for many singers. His ability to convey emotion and vulnerability through his lyrics has been an inspiration to artists such as Brandon Flowers, Morrissey, and Robert Smith.
Awards And Accolades
Throughout their career, New Order has received numerous awards and accolades. The band has been nominated for several Brit Awards, including Best British Group and Best British Album. In 2015, New Order was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
Sumner has also been recognized for his individual contributions to music. In 2016, he was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Song Collection, a prestigious honor that recognizes excellence in songwriting.
QUOTES FROM FELLOW MUSICIANS
“Bernard Sumner is one of the most influential singers of our time. His voice is instantly recognizable, and his songs have stood the test of time.” – Brandon Flowers, The Killers
“New Order is a huge influence on our band. Bernard Sumner’s songwriting skills are unparalleled, and his vocals are incredibly emotive.” – Matt Berninger, The National
Conclusion
Bernard Sumner, the iconic lead singer of New Order, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Through his distinctive vocals, innovative songwriting, and dedication to his craft, Sumner has helped shape the sound of one of the most beloved bands of all time.
As New Order continues to create and evolve, Sumner’s voice remains at the heart of their music, a beacon of creativity and inspiration that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Role In New Order?
Bernard Sumner, also known as Barney, is the lead vocalist and guitarist of the iconic British post-punk band New Order. He has been an integral part of the band’s sound and identity since its formation in 1980. Sumner’s distinctive vocals and lyrics have been a hallmark of New Order’s music, and he has been widely praised for his unique singing style.
As the primary songwriter and lead vocalist, Sumner has been instrumental in shaping New Order’s sound and direction. His poetic and often enigmatic lyrics have added depth and complexity to the band’s music, and his versatile guitar playing has helped to create a distinctive sound that blends post-punk, new wave, and electronic elements.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Musical Background?
Before forming New Order, Bernard Sumner was a member of the influential post-punk band Joy Division. Alongside Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, and Stephen Morris, Sumner was part of Joy Division’s original lineup, which formed in 1976. Although Joy Division’s career was cut short by Curtis’s tragic death in 1980, the band’s music and legacy have continued to inspire and influence generations of musicians and fans.
After Joy Division’s demise, Sumner, Hook, and Morris regrouped and formed New Order, which went on to achieve significant commercial and critical success. Throughout his career, Sumner has been drawn to a wide range of musical styles and influences, from punk and post-punk to electronic and dance music. This eclectic approach has helped to shape New Order’s innovative and genre-bending sound.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Most Famous Song?
One of Bernard Sumner’s most famous and enduring songs is “Bizarre Love Triangle,” which was released in 1986 on New Order’s album “Brotherhood.” This iconic song features Sumner’s distinctive vocals and lyrics, as well as a catchy and memorable guitar riff. “Bizarre Love Triangle” has become one of New Order’s most beloved and popular tracks, and its influence can be heard in countless other songs and artists.
“Bizarre Love Triangle” is often cited as one of the greatest songs of the 1980s, and its innovative production and songwriting have made it a timeless classic. The song’s themes of love, relationships, and alienation are quintessential Sumner, and its music video, which features the band performing in a dimly lit club, has become an iconic image of 1980s music culture.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Relationship Like With His Bandmates?
Bernard Sumner’s relationships with his New Order bandmates have been complex and often tumultuous over the years. Alongside Peter Hook and Stephen Morris, Sumner formed the core of New Order, and the three musicians have worked together on and off since the band’s formation in 1980. Although the band members have had their differences and creative disagreements, they have consistently produced innovative and influential music together.
In recent years, however, tensions between Sumner and Hook have been particularly high, with the two musicians engaging in a very public feud. Despite this, Sumner has continued to tour and record with New Order, albeit with a revised lineup. Through it all, Sumner has remained dedicated to creating music that inspires and challenges himself and his fans.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Contribution To Electronic Music?
Bernard Sumner’s contribution to electronic music cannot be overstated. As a key figure in New Order, Sumner has been instrumental in shaping the sound and direction of electronic and dance music. From the early days of “Blue Monday” to the more recent experiments of “Music Complete,” Sumner has consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music, incorporating new sounds, textures, and techniques into New Order’s music.
Sumner’s influence on electronic music can be heard in countless other artists and bands, from The Chemical Brothers to LCD Soundsystem. His innovative approach to synthesizers, drum machines, and sequencers has helped to define the sound of electronic music, and his willingness to experiment and take risks has inspired generations of electronic musicians.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Songwriting Process Like?
Bernard Sumner’s songwriting process is often shrouded in mystery, and he has spoken about the intuitive and instinctual nature of his creative approach. According to Sumner, lyrics and melodies often come to him in flashes of inspiration, which he then develops and refines over time. This process can be slow and laborious, but it has resulted in some of New Order’s most beloved and enduring songs.
Sumner has also spoken about the importance of atmosphere and mood in his songwriting, and how he often tries to capture a particular feeling or emotion in his music. This focus on texture and mood has helped to create a distinctive sound that is both introspective and expansive, and has allowed Sumner to explore a wide range of themes and ideas in his lyrics.
What Is Bernard Sumner’s Legacy?
Bernard Sumner’s legacy as a musician and songwriter is immense. As a key figure in Joy Division and New Order, Sumner has played a significant role in shaping the sound and direction of post-punk and electronic music. His innovative approach to songwriting, production, and performance has inspired countless other musicians and bands, and his influence can be heard in everything from indie rock to EDM.
Sumner’s legacy also extends beyond music to fashion, art, and culture. Alongside his bandmates in New Order, Sumner helped to define the aesthetic and style of the 1980s, from the iconic Haçienda nightclub to the trend-setting music videos of the era. As a true original and innovator, Sumner continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans.