[Kiki]

I'm not talking about 'Warsaw', I'm talking about the album 'Substance'. I was always confused about what this album and if it was a studio album. Wikipedia calls it a 'singles compilation' but that doesn't really describe it as some bands have released more singles from studio albums than the singles from 'Substance'. It can't be a greatest hits as well or a best of.

Have I missed something here? Is it really a studio album?

[joannajewsom]

It's a compilation. What's confusing?

[Kiki]

There's a load of tracks on it and only 4 were released as singles. Every other singles compilation I have listened to are full of singles which were released bar 2-3 tracks which had been recorded for the album.

It's like putting 4 singles on an album and then recording 8-12 more and calling it a singles compilation, which is a bit strange 😕

[joannajewsom]

The rest of the songs were from different EPs. Two of those EPs were collaborations with other bands, with Joy Division only contributing 1 or 2 tracks. These tracks were essentially functioning as singles for each band involved.

[maxperenchio]

Yeah it was released as a companion compilation to the New Order "Substance", which was more of a proper greatest hits/singles collection.

[Norman Bates]

It is a compilation. And a very good one at that, I would actually advise it as an introduction to the sound of Joy Division. If you like it, move on to Unknown Pleasures and then Closer, and if you're definitely into it, the Heart And Soul boxset.

[Kiki]

Thank you, I understand now 😄