Joy Division‘s classic and influential album Unknown Pleasures (released in 1979) revealed a profoundly dark poet and a starkly grim realist in Ian Curtis, a very different voice in music at the time, one who added deep insight and intelligence to the post-punk movement. It’s one of my influential albums.

It’s a timeless debut album that was released to widespread acclaim, and its reputation has continued to grow over the years. Owing much to Martin Hannett’s landmark production, it’s a work of dark beauty and creative energy. Bass and drums feature prominently, with piercing guitar lines and a haunting delivery of lyrics that resonate with alienation and despair.

This is a very raw and visceral album, nothing like it had ever been heard before and it remains hugely influential.

See also: Remembering Ian Curtis