"Confusion" is the sixth single by the English rock band New Order, originally released in August 1983 on Factory Records with the catalogue number FAC 93.The catalogue number given here is for the UK version. The follow-up to their breakthrough hit "Blue Monday", it was produced and co-written by influential New York DJ Arthur Baker, charting at No. 1 on the UK Indie Chart, No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart and the top 10 in Ireland and New Zealand, as well as reaching No. 5 on Billboard Dance Club Songs.
Music video The video for the single features live footage of the band in concert, intercut with images of nightlife in New York City, specifically at the "Fun House", and producer Arthur Baker and DJ John "Jellybean" Benitez at work.
The Instrumentale version was used as the theme song for the cult segment show Rockline, in the music show "Les Enfants du Rock" in France, in the 80's. The theme song was played over stylised images and footages of London and the postpunk scene of the early 80's.
Other versions An edit of the Rough Mix represents the single on the 2005 compilation Singles. A re-recorded "Confusion" as well as the original "Confusion Instrumental" appear on the group's 1987 Substance release. The track reappeared on the 1995 remix collection The Rest of New Order as an acid techno remix by Pump Panel, which was used in 1998 as part of the soundtrack for the film Blade. Samples from The Pump Panel remix are featured on the tracks "Operation Blade (Bass in the Place)" by Public Domain, "Play It Louder" by Randy Katana, and "Phatt Bass" by Warp Bros and Aquagen. The 2016 re-release of Singles includes the promo 7" edit of "Confusion".
Critical reception Considered a disappointing follow-up to "Blue Monday" upon its release, the song has retrospectively gained critical acclaim.
The Guardian placed the song 29th on their list of the 30 best New Order songs, with Alexis Peditris stating that its "improved with age", and that "its wholehearted, charmingly gauche embrace of electro illustrates the impact of New York’s nightlife on the band."
Track listing
Released in 2004.
Chart positions Chart (1983) PeakpositionAustralia ARIA Singles Chart72Irish Singles Chart7New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart7UK Singles Chart12UK Indie Singles1US Billboard Dance/Disco Top 805US Billboard Hot Black Singles71 Chart (2002) PeakpositionUK Singles Chart [A]64UK Dance [A] 6 [A] – Whacked Records re-release
References
Notes