"Bizarre Love Triangle" is a landmark synth-pop single by English band New Order, released in November 1986 as part of their fourth studio album, Brotherhood. While it did not initially achieve major chart success in the UK or US, it became a dancefloor favorite, especially in Australia where it reached No. 5 on the ARIA charts, and it has since become one of New Order’s most celebrated and enduring songs123.
Musical Style and Production
The song is renowned for its infectious, high-energy electro-pop sound, built around sequenced synthesizers, a distinctive rhythmic bass line (crafted by Bernard Sumner using a borrowed Fairlight synthesizer), and Peter Hook’s melodic bass guitar. The single version, remixed by Shep Pettibone, features even more prominent electronic elements and orchestral hits, making it a staple of both club and live performances145.
Lyrics and Themes
"Bizarre Love Triangle" explores the confusion, excitement, and emotional turbulence of passionate love. The title itself is never mentioned in the lyrics, which are open to interpretation—many listeners see the song as capturing the push and pull of romantic relationships and the complications of desire and longing. The lyrics’ ambiguity has contributed to its enduring appeal, allowing listeners to project their own meanings onto the song67.
Critical Reception and Legacy
- Though it peaked only at No. 56 in the UK and No. 98 (remix) in the US, the song was a major hit on the US dance charts and has grown in stature over time123.
- "Bizarre Love Triangle" is now widely regarded as one of New Order’s finest moments—praised for its shimmering synths, catchy chorus, and emotional resonance. It has been ranked among the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone (No. 204 in their "500 Greatest Songs of All Time") and other publications253.
- The track has inspired numerous covers and remixes, and remains a staple of retro and alternative dance nights worldwide7.
Music Video
Directed by artist Robert Longo, the music video is notable for its surreal imagery, including business-suited figures flying through the air—a visual nod to Longo’s "Men in the Cities" art series3.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | New Order |
| Album | Brotherhood (1986) |
| Release Date | November 1986 |
| UK Chart Peak | No. 56 (original), No. 98 (remix, US Hot 100) |
| Australia Chart Peak | No. 5 |
| Genre | Synth-pop, electro-pop |
| Producer(s) | New Order |
| Notable Remixers | Shep Pettibone, Stephen Hague |
| Legacy | Dance classic, critically acclaimed, covered widely |
| Notable Rankings | Rolling Stone’s "500 Greatest Songs" (#204) |
Summary
"Bizarre Love Triangle" stands as a synth-pop masterpiece—an incandescent jewel of 1980s electronic music that continues to resonate across generations, both on the dancefloor and in the hearts of fans worldwide245.
