Technique (UK Import)

No one exemplifies the vast sweep of the '80s better than New Order. At the decade's beginning, they were still dour post-punks, but by 1989 they were sunbathing in Ibiza and turning out ecstatic rave-ups influenced by the island's long nights. The guitar-led "All the Way," "Love Less," and "Dream Attack" are extensions of Brotherhood's lush rock sound, but "Fine Time," "Vanishing Point," "Mr Disco," and the Latin-tinged "Round & Round" plunge giddily into acid house. No matter the style, the album drips with joy from start to finish.