Atmosphere (Joy Division song)

The song was originally released on 18 March 1980 by the label Sordide Sentimental as a France-only single under the title "Licht und Blindheit" (German for "Light and Blindness"). It was limited to 1578 copies and featured the track "Dead Souls" as the B-side. John Peel played "Atmosphere" for the first time on his show on 11 March 1980 and "Dead Souls" the following night.[2]

Following the death of lead singer Ian Curtis in May 1980, "Atmosphere" was released as a single along with "She's Lost Control". "Atmosphere" was the A-side for the UK release but the B-side for the USA release. "She's Lost Control" is an alternative version of the one that appears on the band's debut album Unknown Pleasures. The single peaked at number 1 in New Zealand in August 1981, and it would later re-chart there in July 1984 (number 17) and when it was reissued in August 1988 (number 5).[3] "Atmosphere" also reached the top of the UK Indie Chart in October 1980,[4] pick the number 2 spot of that same chart in July 1988,, and hit number 34 in the UK Singles Chart during June 1988.[5] The single was re-released in 1988 to coincide with the release of the compilation album Substance.

A music video was released for the song with the single's re-release in 1988.[6] It contains characters wearing black-hooded cloaks and white burial shrouds carrying around large pictures of the band. It was directed by Anton Corbijn[6] (responsible for much of the early Joy Division photography, and who later directed the Ian Curtis biopic Control).

Ned Raggett of AllMusic wrote, "Atmosphere" is another one of those prime Joy Division songs, like "Transmission" or "Love Will Tear Us Apart", where Martin Hannett's production becomes so essential to the end result that it couldn't have been heard otherwise", noting that, in regards to Ian Curtis's mental state and subsequent death, "there's a feeling of a requiem here, an awesome musical farewell."[7]

Joy Division's bassist, Peter Hook, has said he regards the song as one of the band's greatest.[8]

NME voted the song number 1 in its list "The 20 Greatest Goth Tracks".[1]

The song featured in the film 24 Hour Party People just after Ian Curtis's suicide is portrayed.[9] The song is also used at the end of the Ian Curtis biopic Control.[9] It was also played at Tony Wilson's funeral.[10][11]

The song was used in the final scene of the 2018 documentary film Chosen Men.[9]

The song was used in the second episode of the first season of the British TV series Misfits.[9]

The song was used in the fourth episode of the first season of the Netflix series Stranger Things.[9]

The song was used in the final scene of the 2016 Australian film Hounds of Love.[9]

The song was used in the 2016 American film Gold.[9]

The song was used in an episode of Coronation Street in 2018.

The song was used in the first episode of the 2019 Danish series Doggystyle.

Nine Inch Nails' cover of "Dead Souls" was also used in a memorable rooftop chase scene, in the 1994 action film The Crow, starring Brandon Lee.

The song was used in episode five of the fifth season of BBC series Peaky Blinders.

All songs written and composed by Joy Division (Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner).

"Licht und Blindheit" (7")

"Atmosphere" (12")

1988 re-release

7"

12"

CD

• Joy Division discography

• "Atmosphere" official music video on YouTube
• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics
• Accolades archived at Acclaimed Music