Atmosphere (4:11)

“Atmosphere” is a song by the band Joy Division. It was originally released in 1980 as a France-only single under the title Licht und Blindheit with “Dead Souls” as the B-side. Atmosphere was the “A” side for the UK release but the “B” side for the US release. Peter Hook formerly of Joy Division has said he regards the song as the band’s greatest.

Re-releases

It featured on the Joy Division compilation albums Substance and Permanent and was released as a single in 1988. It reached number one on the New Zealand singles chart in 1981.

Video

The video released with the song’s re-release in 1988 contained characters wearing black-hooded cloaks and white burial shrouds.

It was directed by Anton Corbijn, who also directed the Ian Curtis biopic Control (2007).


Released 1980, 1988
Format 7”
Genre Post-punk
Label Factory Records
Producer Martin Hannett and Joy Division