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Shellshock (song)
Shellshock (song)
Shellshock (song)
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"Shellshock"
Single by New Order
from the album Pretty in Pink (soundtrack)
Released17 March 1986
Recorded1985
Length6:04 (Pretty in Pink original version)
4:24 (7-inch single edit)
9:41 (12-inch single remix)
6:28 (Substance 1987 edit of 12-inch remix)
LabelFactory - FAC 143
A&M
Songwriters
Producers
New Order singles chronology
"Sub-culture"
(1985) 		"Shellshock"
(1986) 		"State of the Nation"
(1986)

"Shellshock" is the eleventh single released by the English rock band New Order on 17 March 1986. The song originally appeared on the soundtrack to the movie Pretty in Pink one month prior to its single release. Production is credited to New Order and John Robie, and is loosely inspired by the 1983 Robie-produced R&B club hit, "One More Shot"—a studio project where Robie performed under the band name, C-Bank, and featuring vocals by Jenny Burton.

The single had differing B-sides; in the UK (catalogue number: FAC 143) the 7-inch came with the recycled "Thieves Like Us" instrumental, which also turned up in the movie Pretty in Pink (although not on the soundtrack), while the 12-inch had a dub mix titled "Shellcock". The US release had the also previously released instrumental version of "Thieves Like Us", which had appeared on the "Murder" 12-inch single on Factory Benelux.

"Shellshock" was an international hit, making the mainstream chart in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

The 12-inch boasts an extended remix of the song running nearly ten minutes, New Order's longest single not based on a track from one of their studio albums (discounting remixes of legacy songs) behind the 22.5-minute uncut release of "Video 5 8 6". For the release of the popular singles compilation Substance, the original Pretty in Pink soundtrack version was not used, as is widely believed, but an edited version of the 12-inch remix cut down to six-and-a-half minutes, omitting an entire verse of vocals. It is this version that appears most often on CD. The 9:41 single remix does not appear on any subsequent New Order compilations, however it surfaced on CD and digital download in 2011 on Volume 6 of the Blank & Jones Soeighties compilation series, titled "Extended Version".[2]

In 2022 the full original 12" version, with a track length of 9:46, was finally released widely in digital format to streaming platforms as a single with the title "Shellshock (2022 Digital Master)".[3]

Artwork

[edit]

The cover artwork on the 12-inch single is by English photographer Geoff Power, taken in Florence, Italy.

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, John Robie, Bernard Sumner; except where indicated.

7-inch: FAC 143 (UK)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Shellshock" 4:19
2."Thieves Like Us" (instrumental edit)Arthur Baker, Gilbert, Hook, Morris, Sumner3:55
12-inch: FAC 143 (UK)
No.TitleLength
1."Shellshock"9:41
2."Shellcock"7:35
12-inch: A&M SP-12174 (US)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Shellshock" 9:41
2."Thieves Like Us" (instrumental version)Baker, Gilbert, Hook, Morris, Sumner6:39

Chart positions

[edit]
Chart (1986) Peak
position
Australia (Kent Music Report)[4] 23
Ireland (IRMA)[5] 18
New Zealand RIANZ Singles Chart 8
UK Singles Chart[6] 28
UK Indie Singles 1
US Billboard Hot Dance Club Play[7] 14
US Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales 26

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shellshock (song)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Shellshock" is a song by the English rock band New Order, released as a single in March 1986 on . Written specifically for the soundtrack of the film , the track marks the band's second collaboration with American producer John Robie following their 1983 single "". The song blends , , and electro elements, featuring Bernard Sumner's distinctive vocals over a driving rhythm and layered synthesizers. It peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart, where it spent five weeks in the Top 75. Internationally, "Shellshock" charted in several countries, including , , and , contributing to its status as one of New Order's notable mid-1980s releases. Lyrically, "Shellshock" depicts the psychological distress of a tumultuous romantic relationship, with imagery evoking the disorientation of from warfare to convey emotional devastation. The single was issued in multiple formats, including 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl editions, the latter featuring an extended running nearly ten minutes and a dub version titled "Shellcock" on the B-side. A directed by Rick Elgood accompanied the release, further promoting its ties to the Pretty in Pink soundtrack.

Background and recording

Development

The development of "Shellshock" drew inspiration from John Robie's 1983 production of "One More Shot" by C-Bank, incorporating its foundational groove and electronic elements as a starting point for the track's rhythmic structure. New Order opted to collaborate with Robie following his remix contributions to their earlier work, including the 1983 single "Confusion," seeking to build on the experimental electronic sound established in that era. Initial songwriting for the track involved contributions from New Order members Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Bernard Sumner, with Robie credited as co-writer for his input on the arrangement and electronic components. The song was conceptualized and demoed in late 1984, with core recording sessions commencing in early 1985 at Jam Studios in London.

Production

The production of "Shellshock" was led by New Order in collaboration with John Robie, another effort following previous work including the remix of "Sub-Culture." The recording took place in 1985 at Jam Studios in , where the band layered electronic elements to create the track's dance-oriented sound. Key to the song's foundation were synthesizers and drum machines for the rhythmic drive. Bernard Sumner handled lead vocals and guitar, while Peter Hook contributed bass lines. The mixing process focused on dynamic builds and extended breakdowns, extending the 12-inch version to 9:41 and emphasizing the track's club-friendly structure. Final mastering was prepared for release on , ensuring clarity across the electronic instrumentation.

Release and promotion

Formats and track listings

"Shellshock" was released as a single in March 1986 by in the UK under catalog number FAC 143 and by in the US. The single was issued in multiple formats, including 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl editions, with variations in track listings across regions and pressings.

7-inch single

The standard 7-inch release featured an edited version of "Shellshock" on the A-side and an instrumental edit of "Thieves Like Us" on the B-side.
SideTitleDurationNotes
AShellshock (edit)4:24Produced by John Robie
BThieves Like Us ()3:58Edit; written by Arthur , New Order
Some international pressings, such as the German edition on (390 086-7), used a slightly shorter B-side duration of 3:55.

12-inch single

The 12-inch format included an extended of "Shellshock" and varied B-sides, often featuring "Shellcock," a dub of the "Thieves Like Us" .
SideTitleDurationNotes
AShellshock (extended )9:41Produced by John Robie
BShellcock7:35Dub of "Thieves Like Us" ; pressing
Alternative pressings substituted the B-side with the standard "Thieves Like Us" instrumental at 6:39, particularly in US (A&M SP-12174) and some European editions.

Other versions

The original version of "Shellshock" appeared on the soundtrack at 6:04. A 7-inch edit ran 4:24, while the version on the 1987 Substance was edited to 6:28. In , a digital remaster of the extended remix was released at 9:46. The track was later included on the 1987 Substance compilation and featured in its extended form on ' So80s (So Eighties) Vol. 6 (2011).

Commercial performance

"Shellshock" entered the UK Singles Chart on 29 March 1986 and peaked at number 28 in early April. The single also topped the UK Indie Singles Chart for three weeks starting 5 April 1986. Internationally, the song achieved moderate success on dance-oriented charts. It reached number 18 on the (IRMA), number 23 on the Australian Singles Chart (), number 8 on the Singles Chart (spending 10 weeks in the top 40), number 14 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, and number 26 on the Hot Dance Singles Sales chart. The single's performance benefited from its inclusion on the soundtrack to the film Pretty in Pink, released on February 28, 1986, which exposed the track to a broader audience through promotional tie-ins. Although exact sales figures are unavailable, its chart trajectory suggests modest commercial uptake in the UK, aligning with New Order's independent label status on Factory Records. Long-term visibility for "Shellshock" increased with its re-recording for the 1987 compilation album Substance, which became New Order's biggest-selling release to date, topping the UK Albums Chart and reaching number 3 on the US Billboard 200, thereby reinforcing the band's dominance in dance music markets. The Substance version, featuring a more polished production, has since become the definitive rendition played in live sets and compilations. A 2023 reissue charted at number 4 on the Official Physical Singles and number 3 on the Official Vinyl Singles (as of 2023).
Chart (1986)Peak Position
Australia Singles ()23
Ireland Singles (IRMA)18
Singles (OCC)28
Indie Singles (MRIB)1
Singles (RIANZ)8
Dance Club Songs ()14
Dance Singles Sales ()26
Physical Singles (OCC, 2023)4
Vinyl Singles (OCC, 2023)3

Music and lyrics

Composition

"Shellshock" is a and dance track that incorporates elements of electro and freestyle, reflecting New Order's evolution from their origins toward more electronic-oriented sounds. The song operates in at a of approximately 122 beats per minute in 4/4 time, contributing to its energetic, club-ready feel. The composition employs a conventional verse-chorus form, opening with a sequencer-driven introduction that sets a pulsating . In its extended 12-inch version, the track expands into prolonged instrumental sections, emphasizing a dense, layered that can feel busy and overlong, with prominent percussion and synth stabs enhancing the dancefloor intensity. Instrumentation centers on electronic components, including synthesizers handled by and , who contribute melodic riffs and atmospheric keyboard layers, alongside Sumner's processed vocals. provides a melodic bass line, often synthesized, while Stephen Morris delivers programmed drum patterns that drive the track's relentless groove. The production features additional elements like female backing vocals, provided by Jenny Burton, adding a soulful club dimension. The song's influences stem from a fusion of New Order's Manchester-based heritage with New York club and electro styles, facilitated by co-producer John Robie, whose background in HI-NRG and freestyle production infused the track with a vibrant, anthem-like quality bridging rock roots and dance evolution.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Shellshock" were primarily written by , the band's vocalist and primary lyricist, alongside contributions from other members including , Stephen Morris, and , with John Robie also credited as co-writer. The song delves into themes of emotional numbness and psychological trauma within a dysfunctional relationship, using "shellshock" as a for the debilitating impact of and disconnection in modern life. This portrayal captures a sense of urban alienation and fleeting intimacy, where the narrator seeks from a lover who instead inflicts ongoing pain, while echoing the introspective mood of New Order's earlier work rooted in Joy Division's legacy. Central to the narrative are lines like the refrain "All I get from you is shell shock / Another day goes by and all I do is cry," which symbolize repeated emotional assaults leading to despair and isolation. Additional verses highlight this turmoil through such as "But rain falls down and I feel cold / A cold that sleeps within my heart / It tears the and Sun apart," evoking futile attempts at escape and the inescapability of relational trauma. The themes underscore unfulfilled and in transient connections, as in the opening "You call me on the phone, you left me all alone." Sumner's vocal delivery, delivered in a characteristically detached and echoing manner, amplifies the song's exploration of , creating a haunting distance that mirrors the lyrical numbness. This style enhances the portrayal of a "shellshocked" existence, where personal disconnection prevails amid the pressures of contemporary . The themes subtly connect to the teen romance dynamics in the film Pretty in Pink, for which the song was composed.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

In retrospective assessments, the song has been viewed more critically. The Guardian described it in 2021 as a rare New Order single that "hasn't dated terribly well," citing an overload of stuttering synth samples reminiscent of their earlier hit "Blue Monday." Rolling Stone included the Pretty in Pink soundtrack in its 2024 list of the 101 greatest soundtracks of all time, praising it as a mix of new wave and college rock that captures the film's teen angst, featuring New Order's "Shellshock" alongside tracks by R.E.M. and INXS. The track's chart performance, peaking at No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart, underscored its dancefloor appeal despite divided opinions.

Cultural impact

"Shellshock" served as a key track on the soundtrack for the 1986 film , where it plays during a scene in which Duckie sits in the rain, reflecting on his feelings for Andie. This inclusion marked a pivotal moment for New Order, enhancing the band's exposure to American audiences and bridging with mainstream cinema. The track received a prominent remix by producer John Robie, which emphasized its electronic elements and contributed to its rotation in 1980s club environments. New Order also performed live versions of "Shellshock" during their 1986–1987 tours, including notable renditions at venues like The Hacienda in and Irvine Meadows in . As part of the soundtrack, "Shellshock" exemplified the collaborative synergy between 1980s films and alternative music, helping to popularize synth-driven tracks in Hollywood productions. New Order's innovative sound influenced subsequent electronic artists, including , whose early work drew heavily from the band's fusion of rock and dance elements. In the , "Shellshock" was featured in 2022 remasters of New Order's catalog, restoring its audio for modern streaming platforms. The official has amassed over 800,000 views on as of November 2025.

Personnel and artwork

Credits

"Shellshock" was written by , , , Stephen Morris, and John Robie. The song was performed by the core New Order lineup: on lead vocals, guitar, and synthesizer; on bass guitar and synthesizer; on synthesizer and programming; and Stephen Morris on drums and programming. Production credits go to New Order and John Robie. No additional guest musicians contributed to the recording.

Cover art

The cover artwork for the 12-inch single of "Shellshock" was created by English photographer Geoff Power during a September 1985 trip to , , where he captured images of urban . The selected image depicts a of wall markings and in blue and white tones, forming an abstract, textured pattern that subtly evokes the song's title through its shell-like contours and minimalist composition. Design responsibilities were handled by Peter Saville Associates, aligning with ' signature aesthetic of sparse, conceptual visuals that prioritize form and subtlety over literal representation. The 7-inch single features a simplified variation of the artwork, consisting primarily of the New Order band logo and the track title printed on a glossy sleeve, reducing the abstract imagery to essential branding elements for a more straightforward presentation. This cover art exemplifies New Order's evolving visual identity under Peter Saville's influence, transitioning from the raw, photographic intensity of their Joy Division roots toward more refined, artistic abstractions that integrated found imagery into a polished, non-narrative style.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/master/14958-New-Order-Shellshock
  2. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/new-order-shellshock/
  3. https://genius.com/New-order-shellshock-lyrics
  4. https://www.electricity-club.co.uk/pretty-in-pink-an-eclectic-soundtrack/
  5. https://www.discogs.com/master/4330-New-Order-Confusion
  6. https://genius.com/New-order-shellshock-lyrics/q/writer
  7. https://factoryrecords.org/cerysmatic/low-life_collectors_edition.php
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/93238-New-Order-Shellshock
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/505829-New-Order-Shellshock
  10. https://www.discogs.com/release/26724-New-Order-Shellshock
  11. http://www.neworderonline.com/music/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=41
  12. https://www.discogs.com/release/445634-New-Order-Substance
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/3176613-Blank-Jones-So80s-Soeighties-6
  14. https://web.archive.org/web/20071016122710/http://www.cherryred.co.uk/books/indiehits/singles.htm
  15. http://www.irish-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=New+Order&titel=Shellshock&cat=s
  16. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=New+Order&titel=Shellshock&cat=s
  17. https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=New+Order&titel=Shellshock&cat=s
  18. https://www.discogs.com/master/71877-Various-Artists-Pretty-In-Pink-Original-Motion-Picture-Soundtrack
  19. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/25394/new-order/
  20. https://www.reddit.com/r/neworder/comments/1hvnio2/i_made_a_chart_breaking_down_shellshock_versions/
  21. https://tunebat.com/Info/Shellshock-New-Order/3HI1yqFW7yhSkNXhtBTwly
  22. https://www.electricityclub.co.uk/substance-the-legacy-of-new-order/
  23. https://www.musicradar.com/news/new-order-pioneers
  24. https://music.apple.com/gb/song/shellshock-aor-version/1779784317
  25. https://thequietus.com/interviews/new-order-interview-power-corruption-lies/
  26. https://burningtheground.net/new-order-shellshock-us-12-promo/
  27. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/New-Order/Shellshock-Substance-edit
  28. https://newordertracks.wordpress.com/2016/09/06/shellshock/
  29. https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/neworder/shellshock.html
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jan/07/new-order-30-greatest-tracks-ranked
  31. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-movie-soundtracks-1235083518/
  32. https://www.soundtrackinfo.com/OST/prettyinpink/
  33. https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-pretty-in-pink-soundtrack-was-a-gateway-to-alt-pop-and-proletarian-revolution/
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItyCM416tUA
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Zl3F_2yaU
  36. https://stereogum.com/1858864/neon-nostalgia-the-pretty-in-pink-soundtrack-30-years-later/columns/sounding-board/
  37. https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/under-control-6397368/
  38. https://open.spotify.com/track/2HPyvKUXBHdVea4dlCMiry
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdQW9eXJ4yY
  40. https://www.whosampled.com/New-Order/Shellshock/
  41. https://www.discogs.com/artist/3909-New-Order
  42. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/new-order
  43. https://genius.com/albums/New-order/Shellshock-7-single
  44. https://www.bonhams.com/auction/26709/lot/147/geoff-power-il-lavoretto-italiano-for-new-order-1985-printed-later/
  45. https://www.classicpopmag.com/top-songs/top-40-new-order-songs-ranked/
  46. https://new-order.fandom.com/wiki/Shellshock
  47. https://us.rarevinyl.com/products/new-order-shellshock-uk-7-inch-vinyl-single-fac143-67214
  48. https://www.thevinylfactory.com/features/tracing-the-art-of-new-order-in-10-iconic-record-sleeves
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