Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Music

Blue Monday

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

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Blue Monday is a 1983 song by English band New Order. It is widely regarded as a landmark in electronic dance music and one of the best-selling 12-inch singles of all time.

What it is

Released on 7 March 1983 as a 12-inch single on Factory Records, "Blue Monday" was written by all four members of New Order: Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Gillian Gilbert, and Stephen Morris. It was not included on the original vinyl edition of the album Power, Corruption & Lies, but appeared on later cassette and CD versions.

Why it matters

The song is noted for its pioneering use of synthesizers, drum machines, and sampling technology, creating a machine-like, repetitive structure that influenced electronic dance music and synth-pop. It is commonly described as the best-selling 12-inch single in history and helped bring alternative dance to a wider audience.

Key details

With a length of 7:29, "Blue Monday" remains a defining track of 1980s electronic music. Its cultural impact extends to Canada through its influence on electronic and alternative genres, which have strong followings in the country. The song has been reissued and remixed multiple times and remains one of New Order's signature recordings.

In short

  • Released in 1983 as a 12-inch single on Factory Records.
  • Written by all four band members: Sumner, Hook, Gilbert, Morris.
  • Widely considered the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.
  • Not on the original vinyl album but included on later cassette and CD versions.
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may know the song through its influence on electronic dance and alternative music, genres with strong followings in Canada. It is also a notable example of British post-punk’s impact on international pop culture.

Quick questions

What is "Blue Monday"?
"Blue Monday" is a song by New Order, released in 1983 as a 12-inch single.
Who wrote "Blue Monday"?
It is credited to Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Gillian Gilbert, and Stephen Morris.
When was "Blue Monday" released?
It was released on 7 March 1983.

Sources

  1. A Journal of Musical Things — https://www.ajournalofmusicalthings.com/top-10-facts-about-new-orders-blue-monday-which-turned-30-this-week/
    Supports: Commercial success, production details, and historical significance
  2. Greatest Hits Radio — https://www.hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/entertainment/music/blue-monday-new-order
    Supports: Release history, writers, title inspiration, chart performance
  3. American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/a-wildly-influential-song-itself-deeply-influenced-by-flatulence-the-meaning-behind-blue-monday-by-new-order/
    Supports: Release format, genre influence, and commercial importance
  4. Songlexikon — https://songlexikon.de/songs/bluemonday/
    Supports: Song identity, genre classification, and importance in electronic dance music
  5. Music Week — https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/the-story-behind-new-order-s-blue-monday-the-uk-s-biggest-selling-12-inch-single/087537
    Supports: Length, chart run, and claim as biggest-selling 12-inch single
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Monday_(New_Order_song)
    Supports: Release date, writers, album association, and track metadata