Electronic: The Supergroup That United New Order and The Smiths
Electronic: Where Synth-Pop, Alternative Rock, and Dance Music Collide
Few collaborations in modern music generated as much excitement as Electronic. Formed in 1988, the band brought together two of Britain’s most influential musicians—Bernard Sumner of New Order and Johnny Marr of The Smiths—creating a sophisticated blend of new wave, synth-pop, alternative rock, electronic dance music, and Britpop.
By combining Sumner’s pioneering electronic production with Marr’s instantly recognizable guitar style, Electronic became one of the defining supergroups of the late 1980s and 1990s.
Their music remains a favorite among fans of melodic synth-pop and alternative rock.
The Formation of Electronic
Following the enormous success of New Order and The Smiths, Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr began collaborating on new material that combined their very different musical backgrounds.
Rather than simply recreating the sounds of their previous bands, Electronic embraced dance rhythms, polished synthesizers, atmospheric guitars, and emotionally intelligent songwriting.
The project also featured collaborations with several legendary artists, most notably Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys.
A Spectacular Debut
Electronic’s debut single:
Getting Away with It (1989)
became an international hit.
Featuring guest vocals from Neil Tennant, the song perfectly balanced electronic pop with alternative rock, introducing audiences to the band’s sophisticated sound.
It remains one of the finest collaborations of the new wave era.
Their self-titled debut album:
Electronic (1991)
received widespread critical acclaim and produced several memorable singles, including:
- Getting Away with It
- Get the Message
- Feel Every Beat
- Disappointed
The album showcased Bernard Sumner’s melodic songwriting alongside Johnny Marr’s expressive guitar work, creating a sound that was both innovative and immediately accessible.
Raise the Pressure
Electronic followed their successful debut with:
Raise the Pressure (1996)
The album embraced a more expansive production style while maintaining the band’s signature blend of electronic music and alternative rock.
Highlights include:
- Forbidden City
- For You
- Second Nature
The album further demonstrated the chemistry between Sumner and Marr while expanding Electronic’s sonic palette.
Twisted Tenderness
The band’s third and final studio album:
Twisted Tenderness (1999)
featured a more guitar-driven approach while retaining Electronic’s melodic electronic foundations.
Notable songs include:
- Vivid
- Late at Night
- Prodigal Son
Although Electronic would eventually conclude as its members returned to other projects, the band’s three albums remain highly regarded by fans and critics alike.
Collaborations with Music Legends
Electronic became known for bringing together some of Britain’s greatest musicians.
Throughout their career, the band collaborated with:
- Neil Tennant – Pet Shop Boys
- Chris Lowe – Pet Shop Boys
- Karl Bartos – Kraftwerk
- Denise Johnson – Acclaimed Manchester vocalist
These collaborations added even greater depth to Electronic’s already distinctive sound.
Electronic’s Legacy
Although Electronic released only three studio albums, their influence continues to resonate throughout alternative and electronic music.
Their music bridges:
- New Wave
- Synth-Pop
- Alternative Rock
- Electronic Dance Music
- Madchester
- Britpop
- Indie Rock
The project demonstrated that electronic production and guitar-driven songwriting could coexist seamlessly, inspiring countless artists who followed.
Why Electronic Belongs on New Wave Radio
Electronic perfectly represents the adventurous musical spirit of New Wave Radio.
Their music combines Bernard Sumner’s pioneering electronic vision with Johnny Marr’s legendary guitar craftsmanship, resulting in timeless songs filled with emotion, melody, and innovation.
Whether you’re listening to “Getting Away with It,” “Get the Message,” “Feel Every Beat,” “Forbidden City,” or “Disappointed,” Electronic delivers sophisticated songwriting and electronic brilliance that continues to captivate listeners around the world.
Their remarkable catalog remains essential listening for fans of new wave, synth-pop, and alternative music.
Essential Electronic Songs
- Getting Away with It
- Get the Message
- Feel Every Beat
- Disappointed
- Forbidden City
- For You
- Second Nature
- Vivid
- Late at Night
- Prodigal Son
- Reality
- Tighten Up
Essential Albums
- Electronic (1991)
- Raise the Pressure (1996)
- Twisted Tenderness (1999)
Explore More Electronic
- Official New Order Website: https://www.neworder.com
- Johnny Marr Official Website: https://www.johnnymarr.com
- Bernard Sumner Profile: https://www.neworder.com
- Facebook (Johnny Marr): https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyMarrOfficial
- Instagram (Johnny Marr): https://www.instagram.com/johnnymarrgram
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Electronic+Getting+Away+With+It
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5NfM8tu4ZnA5mKxA3lHlQO
Similar Artists
If you enjoy Electronic, you’ll also love these legendary artists featured on New Wave Radio:
- New Order – Bernard Sumner’s groundbreaking electronic band that revolutionized dance music.
- The Smiths – Johnny Marr’s iconic alternative rock band featuring Morrissey.
- Pet Shop Boys – Sophisticated synth-pop legends who collaborated with Electronic.
- Depeche Mode – Electronic pioneers known for dark, melodic synth-pop classics.
- OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) – British electronic innovators with timeless melodies.
- The Human League – Sheffield pioneers who helped invent synth-pop.
- Heaven 17 – Intelligent electronic pop blending funk, soul, and new wave.
- Erasure – Vince Clarke and Andy Bell’s legendary synth-pop partnership.
- Talk Talk – Began as synth-pop hitmakers before becoming influential art-rock pioneers.
- Duran Duran – New Romantic icons blending electronic production with stylish pop.
- ABC – Sophisticated new wave masters with lush orchestral arrangements.
- Gary Numan – One of the founding fathers of electronic music and synth-pop.
Discover More on New Wave Radio
Explore artist biographies, classic albums, music history, and the greatest songs from new wave, synth-pop, electronic music, alternative rock, post-punk, and Britpop. From pioneering innovators to influential supergroups, New Wave Radio celebrates the artists who pushed musical boundaries and shaped the soundtrack of generations.
