Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark Album: “History of Modern”

When I first heard OMD was releasing a new album I was excited, as I'd been happy with the past few albums under the guidance of Andy McCluskey - knowing I'd rather have a solo OMD than no OMD. When I heard this new album was going to include all four original members, I was ecstatic.

What they've achieved with History of Modern is not only a wink to their past, but a foothold into their future. Saying this is their best album in a few decades is accurate in the way that "Yes" was the best album in a few decades for the Pet Shop Boys. It's a return to form. It's a collective example of how a band can use the sounds they've created over the years and breathe new life into them. It's a difficult task for most bands and could have been an uphill battle, but for History of Modern it sounds easy. It sounds natural.

Songs like "HOM Part 1", "The Right Side" and "New Babies : New Toys" are absolutely euphoric and beyond anything I'd dreamed imaginable. Others such as "HOM Part 2", "Sometimes" and "If You Want It" are songs that any other band would kill to have in their arsenal of music. Catchy and unforgettable, the songs on HOM are also the best produced I've ever heard from OMD - the production is flawless. No rush job here.

With that, I'd say 60% of HOM is outstanding. Pristine pop with one foot planted firmly in the electronic maturity of it all. Another four or so songs are amazingly well crafted and break up the ear candy just enough to let your feet relax and appreciate the depth that this album has to offer. There are a couple tracks that are slow growers, but hey, that's the truth with almost every album - but having a 13-track album of this quality from OMD in 2010? Unheard of, until now. No complaints.

What I like most about this album is that OMD have created something that has been needed from them - a benchmark to reflect upon everything they've released in the course of their career while looking forward. Knowing that History of Modern is THIS good, makes me all the more excited as to what the follow up will sound like, as surely this can't be their last album. I'm hoping in many ways this is a new beginning.

I must admit I was more than a little worried when I heard that OMD were going to release a new album. I was quite happy when the miracle of the band reforming took place and they toured successfully playing their old stuff....safe ground, but a new album? OMD, the band of my youth, the band I grew up loving, OMD, the first concert I took my wife-to-be to, OMD, the band that I loved to listen to, even on the 90's when they had gone out of fashion. OMD, the band who's lead singer Andy McCluskey I had based my 80's haircut on. I am sure you get the idea, no, what I was nervous about the most was a new album dashing all of those fabulous memories of my formative years by being a shadow of their former selves........need I have worried so much? NOT ON YOUR LIFE, the album is a fantastic reflection on the early years.....no it's more than that, it is simply an EXTENSION of the early years with a modern twist, I love it!!

I've been an OMD fan since I got the "Best of" in 88'. I've bought every disc since along with everything before and was excited to discover they had a new one out. After getting it and discovering it was the original guys back together made it even better! I am definitely blown away by the sounds they've created here. These guys write with huge depth and build songs that are catchy and beg to be listened to. I love the layers of synthesizers and am having a hard time getting past the first 5 songs on the disc. The 2 History of Modern concept songs are brilliant! These guys are true to form on this recording and it should please any OMD fan!

Reviews of this album are really polarized between those who were fans of OMD's earlier experimental sound and those who liked their well-known 80's new wave hit output. (I am ignoring their last couple of albums that barely registered in the consciousness.) This album in particular reminds me of "Pacific Age" era OMD, combining some of that funkiness and wailing female vocals that they were adding to their songs. Like many OMD albums, there are some "eh?" filler tracks, but the 4 or 5 should-be-classic new wave tracks included are more than enough to make this a must have for any OMD fan. For those complaining about specific tracks, OMD has always been known for putting in some "wierd" sounding tracks among the hits, even on their most well-known albums, so I don't see this as any different.

I never expected another great album from OMD so this one is a big surprise. Several very strong tracks here that nearly match up with their best work. Highly recommended for OMD fans.