Burning The Ground Exclusive
Released in July 1987, “True Faith” stands as one of New Order’s most enduring and critically acclaimed singles. Written specifically for their compilation Substance 1987, the track marked a creative peak for the band—seamlessly blending moody post-punk sensibilities with polished synth-pop and club-ready beats. It soared to #4 on the UK Singles Chart and became their first real breakthrough in the U.S., peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Co-produced with Stephen Hague (best known for his work with Pet Shop Boys and OMD), “True Faith” is layered with shimmering synths, dynamic drum programming, and Bernard Sumner’s unmistakably detached vocal delivery. The lyrics, while cryptic, are widely interpreted as reflecting personal struggles, particularly with addiction and emotional disconnection.
The single’s success was amplified by its surreal, artful music video directed by French choreographer Philippe Decouflé, featuring colorfully costumed performers in bizarre, theatrical movement—a staple of late-’80s MTV.
Included here is the 12″ remix by Shep Pettibone, whose club credentials need no introduction. His rework maintains the song’s brooding elegance while enhancing its rhythmic pulse for the dancefloor—striking a balance between underground edge and commercial appeal.
This post is particularly special as it marks the first vinyl transfer using the Ortofon Concorde Music Black cartridge, bringing out an even greater level of clarity, warmth, and precision in this pressing. The result is a faithful and dynamic reproduction of one of the most iconic singles of the era.
SIDE A:
True Faith (The Morning Sun Extended Remix) 9:02
SIDE B:
True Faith (Alternate Faith Dub) 10:44
1963 5:31
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | True Faith | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #32 |
| 1987 | True Faith | U.S. Billboard 12-Inch Singles Sales | #10 |
| 1987 | True Faith | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music / Club Play | #3 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Qwest Records – 0 – 20733, Qwest Records – 9 20733-0
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM, Maxi-Single, ARC Pressing
Country: US
Released: 1987
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop
CREDITS:
- Engineer – Steve Peck (tracks: A, B1)
- Producer [Additional Production], Remix – Shep Pettibone (tracks: A, B1)
- Producer, Written-By – New Order, Stephen Hague
NOTES:
True Faith (The Morning Sun Extended Remix) is the same mix as “True Faith (Remix)” & “True Faith (Alternate Faith Dub)” is the same as “True Dub” from the UK remix 12″.
From the New Order album “Substance” on Qwest Records 1 – 25621
Made in USA
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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I’m taking a short break from my Shep Pettibone run to fill a few requests. The first is another rare gem to add to my “Closet 80s” series—a track that never got its due but still shines in all the right ways.
