Review:

on 2011-07-24 CharlesMartel Said:

In spite of the fact that it was this song which brought Joy Division to the attention of the wider world, I never thought that "Love Will Tear Us Apart" was Joy Division's best output. And yet, as it was the band's last release, it has achieved some form on near-iconic status. It has since been covered by many other artists and is emblematic of so much and has even become a terrace chant for fans of various football clubs.

Part of its fame seems to rest on it being released after Ian Curtis had killed himself, and at the risk of sounding cynical, there is nothing like death for boosting sales. It may not have been the best Joy Division ever did, but it was in many ways typical of the style they were developing. The melody is almost upbeat and that contrasts sharply with the downcast and miserable sentiments of the lyrics. This was what Joy Division was all about, even if they did do better stuff than this. However, it was a style which was to be copied by many other bands and a quick listen to Interpol or Editors will confirm that its influence persists to this day.
Rating: 6/10