New Order's Low-Life - The Perfect New Wave Album?

So here begins a new ongoing segment on this blog I like to call "[album name] - The Perfect New Wave Album?" where I will be taking an in-depth look at various albums I deem to be perfect (or at least near perfect) New Wave records, and arguing what makes them perfect examples of this genre. Now, first we should start by looking at what the true definition of New Wave is, when referring specifically to music. 
According to Merriam-Webster.com, New Wave music is defined as: Popular music, less raw than punk rock and typically including unconventional melodies, exaggerated beats, and quirky lyrics (oh boy..."quirky lyrics" are New Order's specialty). With that in mind, let's take a look at the masterpiece that is Low-Life. 

Low-Life by New Order, released May 13th, 1985

Track Listing:
Side 1:
1. Love Vigilantes 
2. The Perfect Kiss
3. This Time Of Night
4.Sunrise
Side 2: 
5. Elegia 
6. Sooner Than You Think
7. Sub-Culture
8. Face Up

For a bit of background on the record, it is New Order's third studio album, following what is probably their most well-known album, Power, Corruption, & Lies (released, 1983). To this day it is the only album to feature any photos of the band members on the cover or within the liner notes, though it is still done in their signature minimalist style, with that being the only thing on the cover, besides the album title (and some pressings didn't even have that!). It is viewed by many as a full departure from their earlier post-punk roots in Joy Division and the first two New Order records. I'm inclined to agree with that. 

By the very fact that it fully sheds their previous more post-punk sound for a more synthy, danceable one, it is already a contender for being considered this band's perfect New Wave album. Yes, there are "danceable" tracks on their first two records (and even on some Joy Division ones), but no previous record contained strictly club-worthy tracks, while also staying true to their dark, poetic nature. For example: My favorite track on the album (and in fact, my favorite New Order song of all-time) "The Perfect Kiss" was a huge hit at dance clubs back in the day, and is still a staple of New Wave club nights today. At the same time, however, its lyrical themes are confusing at best and seem to be suggesting something more twisted than your average pop song.
Some signature lyrics depicting this being: 
"Then I knew it from the start,
this friend of mine would fall apart.
Pretending not to see his gun,
I said let's go out and have some fun!"
(there's your "quirky lyrics", Merriam-Webster...). 
The lyrics are so obscure, even Bernard Sumner himself doesn't know what he's singing about (seriously, he wrote it and doesn't know what it means). This being sang along with a happy, synth-pop beat makes for a perfect New Wave song. 

On the darker, more serious side of things, there's the band's ode to their previous front man in Joy Division, Ian Curtis- "Elegia". Greek for "elegy" (a poem of reflection or lament for the dead), "Elegia" is probably the greatest tribute song to a deceased band member I have ever heard (and there are a lot of them). It is completely instrumental, in minor key, and full of synths and droning guitars that sound like the perfect marriage between a funeral march and 1980's pop-culture. If you're not in tears by the end of it, there might be something wrong with you. 

And those are just two tracks on Low-Life! I could go on about each song and why it matters, and plays a role in the album's New Wave perfection...but that would be a lot of reading for you. However, if in the future you'd like to read a full "track-by-track" description, let me know, 'cause I'd be happy to do it, if you're interested.

 As for why I chose Low-Life over New Order's other fantastic records, it comes down to minor details. You may be wondering, "Why Low-Life and not Power, Corruption & Lies?". And that's a very good question! Yes, it has all the obscure lyrics and artistic elements of New Wave music, but it is still more on the post-punk side all-together, though some tracks are also synth gems (see "Your Silent Face"). There are also some tracks on that record that are less dynamic than those on Low-Life (i.e. more boring songs). To put it simply, Low-Life is a perfect album start to finish, no filler. That's what makes it a perfect New Wave record.