Architecture And Morality
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark
1981
Album Summary
Architecture & Morality is the third studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 8 November 1981 by Dindisc. Inspired by religious music, the group sought to broaden their musical palette by utilising elaborate choral samples, the Mellotron, and other new instruments to create a more naturalistic, emotive sound. The artwork was designed by longtime OMD collaborator Peter Saville, along with Brett Wickens, while its title was derived from the book Morality and Architecture by David Watkin. Architecture & Morality reached number three on the UK Albums Chart, and was a top-10 entry across Europe. It met with a lukewarm critical response, but has since been recognised as one of the best and most influential works of its era; The Morning News named the album the greatest of 1981, and "the blueprint for synth-pop". The record became a commercial success, selling over four million copies and spawning three international hit singles – "Souvenir", "Joan of Arc" and "Maid of Orleans" – which together sold eight million copies.
WikipediaI'm completely blown away by this album - it's so full of surprises. It starts as a Cold War inspired atmospheric exercise, a la "Spacelab" by Kraftwerk or "Warszawa" by David Bowie. Heavy on rich synth sounds of the era. It moves seamlessly to industrial instrumentals that masterfully layer noise and disparate sounds. Throughout they throw in bouncy pop songs that carry that Soviet synth sound, overlaid with vocals with loads of reverb and echo. Given that this album came out in 1981, it feels like a "granddaddy" reference for so many bands, and albums that would follow. Hell, it sounds futuristic to this day. One of the best albums in recent memory! (And this is one I listened to probably 30 albums into this exploration).
L'arrivée de cet album dans le générateur confirme ce que je pensais depuis déjà un bon moment : Robert Dimery a un sens de l'humour très aiguisé. Je n'ai pas trop envie de m'attarder sur l'aspect musical de cet album qui est, nous l'avons tous compris, une sorte de poisson d'avril avant l'heure. On est en effet plongé dès l'introduction dans un ennui des plus profonds. Différents sons se mélangent, mais aucun ne parvient à attirer notre attention, et ce tout au long de l'écoute. De temps à autre, une voix dont on se serait bien passé vient se poser sur les instruments pour nous débiter différents couplets sans le moindre intérêt. Je soupçonne d'ailleurs le chanteur à qui celle-ci appartient d'être né de la même portée que le camarade Morrissey tant les deux voix sont horriblement similaires. À côté de cela, j'ai été très irrité de voir que mon analyse du genre de l'album comme étant majoritairement de l'"Ambient rock" n'a pas été partagée par Wikipedia qui a préféré le cataloguer de "Synth-pop". J'entrerai donc très bientôt en procès contre l'encyclopédie en ligne et vous tiendrai informés de chaque étape de la procédure. À bientôt chers lecteurs
A beautiful album which I will always be grateful for stumbling across. This is an example of why I persist with this project…without it I would have been musically the poorer. Buy this album!
I'm genuinely pretty shocked to be giving a new wave synth pop album five stars, but this was looooovely! I've never really listened to OMD before, except passive radio play, so I didn't really know what to expect, other than a vague idea they were very poppy? This was excellent - atmospheric, emotive, unexpected shifts happening mid song - it kinda prefigures post-rock! Fave track - "Sealand". Just - WOW.
If there was a clear high point for OMD in terms of balancing relentless experimentation and seemingly unstoppable mainstream success in the U.K., Architecture & Morality is it.
If there was a clear high point for OMD in terms of balancing relentless experimentation and seemingly unstoppable mainstream success in the U.K., Architecture & Morality is it. Again combining everything from design and presentation to even the title into an overall artistic effort
This album was one that confused me a lot as to its importance until I looked it up. In a lot of ways it sounds like a typical 80s synthpop album. However, it was released in 1981, which puts it way ahead of its time. Reframing it that way helped me contextualize this work. It's not one that particularly grabbed my interest, but it's good and was clearly influential in the decade it helped usher in
Yeah, decent. Like a cross between Kraftwerk and The Cure but actually more listenable. Not really what I’m into but certainly ahead of it’s time for 81.
I really like the sound palette on this, by using more analog electronics (I assume) it avoids the sort of ageing that some synth based albums from the 80s sometimes fall victim to. Also one of my favorite album covers, but I wouldn’t let that influence my score, would I?…;)
The New Wave crashed and reverberated through America in the 80's, and became the Cold War of the British Invasion. Listening to albums like this, it's hard not to see why. The rattle, humming and texture of the album belies the novelty that was synth-pop's first breaths. It's a masterful experience to listen and hear the sound cascade over your ears in "Sealand". There's a distinct, and odd, warmth to every track bleeding through the frigid synths. OMD not only created a blueprint for the later 80's, but also it's first bonafide masterpiece and balances open soundscapes and tighter, shorter tracks. As a big fan of synth-pop and New Wave, this is an essential listen for all those passionate about the genre 8/10
It's an OK album. Nothing out of the ordinary with some nice chill tunes. Sometimes a bit too electric for my taste.
The first song was an absolute BANGER, but the rest of the album bounced between "pretty good" and "pretty boring" unfortunately.
Sounds like Depeche Mode but boring. Didn't see anything special in this, just more 80s synth music. I think my ghost would have been pretty apathetic if I never heard this before I died.
I question this record's inclusion on this list. I was not impressed. I guess for historical context it's here, but this was not a legendary listening experience for me.
I avoided them at my freshers’ ball. That is my main connection to this feeble synth doodling. Undeservedly revered.
Beautiful! I really enjoyed this one, and will definitely check out more OMD. It's not enough just having "If You Leave" in my music library.
Muy estraño, pero muy interesante. Me gustó creo todo, aunque lo identifico más para moods muy exactos. Entre movido de repente, sombrío, todo synth, a veces darks, no sé. "The New Stone Age", "Souvenir", "Sealand", "Sacred Heart", entre mis favs. No skips. 9.5/10
No sé. Es que empieza bien, y continúa maso. Me gusta porque es chill y darketona, pero también hubo multiples momentos en los que pensé que estaba de hueva el mood, supo go que un poco ese era el punto . Fav: The New Stone Age (rolón)
Great great album. Was surprised how much I liked it. This is the 2nd really big discovery where I hadn't heard of the artist before and it was 5/5. Stoked!
This is an outstanding album, one of the best of its genre. I can't really think of another band from that era that sounded like OMD. They were leagues ahead of their peers. I think one of the big differences is that OMD had a talent for balancing the lovely with the dissonant, the melodic/accessible with the experimental/strange. These songs are incredibly elegant, with gorgeous, thoughtfully crafted arrangements, but also with a strategic use of dissonance to keep it all from getting too pretty. A big part of this sound is Andy McCluskey's unusual and compelling vocal style, that ranges from croonerish to almost grating. There's no one else in music who sounds like him. The band headed in more of a (frankly, less interesting) pop direction as the decade progressed, but this album stands out as being some of the most inventive music of that time. It's a historically important collection of songs, but also just such a pleasure to listen to. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Souvenir, The Beginning and the End, She's Leaving, Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans), Joan of Arc, Sealand, The New Stone Age, Georgia, Architecture and Morality
Albums like this are exactly why I'm going through this project. Some albums you slog through. This one flew by.
Melkeinpä jopa ajatonta - kuitenkin 80 luku paistaa pikkasen läpi - kuitenkin - syntikkaa hillitty... Ei poraa päähän.. Äänet tarkasti sijoiteltuja ja muodostettuja - niillä on luotu prkeleen kauniita kokonaisuuksia...
Notes - Experimental synth-pop album - Band famous for their songs “enola gay” and “if you leave” - Increased use of mellotron and choir samples - A lot of the time, the synths on here sound like they’re struggling to produce the notes - Which is really effective and adds to the melancholy of this whole album - Moments of atonality over top of more pop elements, almost some aspects of post-rock - Delicate, sparse, deliberate, cold, personal - What a strong mood…. Holy shit Fav - She’s leaving - Love the way the vocals are treated and the chime-y synth lines Least fav - I mean…. There really isn’t one - Just listen to this album! 5/5
What to write. Pure genius. Sealand is fucking incredible. Funnily enough I am currently working my way through a Depeche Mode challenge from start to finish and this just blows everything they were up to until about 5 years later out of the water. I'm only sad I only got around to listening to this about 5 years back, as I've been missing out, one of the best records ever made.
great synth-pop record, only got to li sten to the live version but Joan of Arc is a treat
Best OMD album. Also has one of the best synthpop songs of all time in "Souvenir." Bridging the gap between Kraftwerk and 80s synthpop/new wave. 7-8/10
This was a very very pleasant surprise, I dread now when I see an 80’s album in my daily draw but this was quite amazing, yea there are synths but not used in the common hideous way this list has me used to by now, I’m very glad I found this one. Favorite song: of all the things we’ve made
8/10. Wasn't sure what to expect, but worked out to be quite good, if a bit strange
Is this the sound of white guys in turtle necks sipping pinot and shedding a single tear? Is it the sound of Englishmen trying to be German? Whatever it is, it's enjoyable. Hearing some Magnetic Fields, LCD Soundsystem, Depeche Mode. It's interesting to hear an album from 1981 that so clearly reminds me of my high school and college experience. Vanity of vanities, truly there is nothing new under the sun.
There’s a lot of interesting soundscapes on this album. Many of the songs would be perfect for film scores. It’s a beautiful album. Best listening to this alone and high and not on a perfectly warm spring afternoon on a vacay-eve. Still broke through the tone being off for my day. 4
I love this album and band soooooo much! It’s like if LCD and The Cure had a baby.
I have had zero exposure to this band outside of the one hit, and I pleasently surprised with how fresh this felt
I've already saved it in my albums, I THINK THAT SAYS SOMETHING nie skupiłam się bardzo na muzyce czy słowach, ale nie musiałam, wiem, że wrócę
22nd July 2021 Listened on my phone first thing while dozing in and out. Quiet week this week which is nice. Off to Norfolk this weekend... I really enjoyed this. Squishy 80s synth, nice.
Souvenir is big Pet Shop Boys and hence MGMT vibes. The percussive foundation of Sealife provides a rich textrual back drop... ahh nevermind. Early electronic can go one of two ways and this fell on the good side.
Special. Synthpop, quand meme bon, je ne connaissais pas mais c’est tres atmosphErique. 4.10
// Favs: Souvenir / Sealand / Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans) Score: Light 4
Very adorable, it refers to quite nostalgian sounds, which I personally enjoy. Definitely good piece of synth-pop.
First song and thought it was a one star. But by the end of the album I loved it. Can hear inspiration that so many artists drew from OMD
Könnte teilweise auf FM4 als aktuell laufen. Eingängige new wave songs mit unpeinlichern experimentellen einflüssen dabei. Auf Sealand hört man Beirut. spannend wie sie dissonnante und weirde soundkullissen in total simple, tw. banale melodien auflösen. Geile sounds.
Certainly the birth of synth pop. It's GREAT! It's wondering to be study/work music but its solid and has a lot of emotion in the lyrics and environment. Dig! Souvenir is a killer track on this.
Excellent album with some cracking singles and a good mix of interesting experimental tracks.
Never heard of this before but I think I love it? Eccentric new wave/post punk with a retro, almost kitschy sense of melody. Those synths are like getting a haircut at the mall in the early 90s, but the arrangements give them a purpose I haven’t heard before. Vibe-y pieces like “Seagrass” feel at home alongside poppier counterparts, I’ll def be getting into the catalog. 4
I expected to hate this, but it was (mostly) kind of great. At its best, it's layered and interesting and way ahead of its time. It's not always at its best, though. Too much 80's Mellotron and questionable singing. Best track: Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)
Brilliant synth-pop album. Unlike many albums of this genre, this one goes with more delicacy, subtlety and refinement. I really appreciated it.
First real discovery that I make with this challenge and it's a real good one! Quite atmospheric synthpop with post-punk undertones, I love it and I need it on vinyl now.
Yeah I can get behind this. I liked that there were a few spooky moments. Some sparkly magical moments too. Favorite song was probably the first or the last one My parents LOVE this group; my mom has said it's her favorite group of all time. So it has some nostalgia bias for me
Album #56 (1001 challenge): "Architecture and Morality" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (1981) The first time I heard an OMD song or of OMD was the song "If You Leave" from the soundtrack of "Pretty in Pink." I think that was common for a lot Americans. OMD was big in Europe and Canada but wasn't really known by most in the US until five years after this album was released. That's unfortunate cause this is a very good album. Classified as synth-pop and it is but there's something cutting edge and some these songs have an empty and haunting feeling to them. Apparently influenced by religious choral music. If you are expecting "If You Leave", there's no remnants of anything like that here. "The New Stone Age" sounds like The Cure from "Pornagraphy." Not one but two songs with Joan of Arc in the title, one a more pop song and the other has a more majestic feel to it. I thought I was listening to Kraftwerk on "Architecture and Morality." This was a very interesting listen and a band whose earlier work I might have to dig deeper into.
I've listened to OMD before but never a full album. This one is marked for future late-night listening and compares favorably to the other synth pop on the list (if it's less dynamic). The genre-staple parts are staple, but there is also a surprising amount of ambient-tinged noise.
I was always a hardcore massive fan of OMD...how big you say? Well I'll tell ya...I owned the best of album. Nothing more true of a fan than one who owns the best of album right? But seriously...Joan of Arc and Souvenir...great stuff...that with Enola Gay (not on this one sadly, but it is on the best of) are great tracks...also The Beginning and the End... almost makes you wistful for the 80's...but there is something about their sound that just grabs me. Part nostalgia and part ...sad joy.
This isn't exactly what I was expecting for this album to sound like, but it did sound pretty cool. Not like, regularly music cool, more like a roller-coaster of emotions from something you can tell was made with a music video in mind to the Metroid soundtrack, but still very good.
What a surprise! I had forgotten who this band was and was bracing myself for an hour jazz... But instead synth 80s brilliance. Exactly the 80s sound I absolutely love, combo of New Order/Echo and the bunnymen. Loved it!
So great and so majestic. This album is wonderful and I will definitely revisit this.
Up there with the best synth pop albums Iv heard even more impressive it came out really early 80’s. This just missed out on a five due to being on the long side, and personal preference I’m unlikely to listen back to this album as 80’s synth pop just isn’t my thing.
I dug this. Seemed to fit my mood. I thought Extended Souvenir was a standout track.
Sometimes it’s early Cure, sometimes John Hughes movie soundtrack OMD, a little bit Eno,… all of it proudly, or at least unashamedly, Eighties sounding. I liked this much more than I was expecting going in. I actually may listen to it again.
4/6 3.5/5. Reminded me a lot of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra album, but synth, and same range of lighter, then heavier, more melancholy records. Standout Tracks: The New Stone Age, Souvenir, Sealand, Architecture And Morality, Of All The Things We've Made
Synthpop is a genre that I'm often conflicted about: I like the "synth" part, but the "pop" song structures often leave much to be desired. Additionally, the sound palettes available to electronic musicians in the early '80s were much more limited by the technology of the day, meaning that a lot of the genre's pioneers had pretty much the same sound. However, given these limitations, this album was about as good as it could have been. Best song: Architecture And Morality builds nicely, although I'll also mention the irresistible '80s banger Joan Of Arc.
С сегодняшнего дня я решил ставить оценки, исходя из собственных впечатлений от альбома, а не из какого-то мифического уважения к записям в этом списке. И вот с этим альбомом снова всё то же самое, что и с другими: да, прикольно, но для меня скучновато и как-то не цепляет.
Sort of inspired at times... otherwise boring as can be... If I were around in ‘81, I’m sure I would have loved it. But it has not aged well, and what has come after has made strides so large (both abstractly and generically) that this album lives in obscurity. Maybe I’m just not cultured enough.
This has always been an album I wish I liked more than I did, given its historical significance and acclaim, but I dunno, it's never fully clicked with me.
Seems like an influential record in the Electro-Pop genre, Joy Division sounds like OMD. Some nice, experimental yet accessibly pop songs.
I had no idea what to expect with this one. It was exactly as described, the innovative bridge between early electronic music and electro pop. I liked it!
Probably my favorite of the synth pop kind of albums we’ve had so far. wasn’t the most interesting, but enjoyable. Favorite Tracks: “She’s Leaving” and “Motion and Heart”
It was something different but I did not vibes with it much, cool concept though
An interesting turn for OMD as they abandon their electro dance roots for a darker more experimental sound. Some of it works well but some leaves me cold
Nicht wahnsinnig konzentriert gehört, zugegeben. Trotzdem, ich mag die Idee, den Entwurf und in Teilen die Umsetzung. In anderen Teile müsste (und könnte) ich mich wahrscheinlich stärker reinarbeiten, aber dazu fehlt Zeit und auch Antrieb. Trotzdem: aus dem Stand und für den Moment 2,6.
Feiner Dark-Pop mit breiter Farbpalette. Hab mich nach Eno‘s „Another Green World“ sehr auf dieses Album gefreut, bin doch etwas enttäuscht worden; wo Eno es geschafft hat, einen kurzweiligen, knackigen Volltreffer zu landen so verfehlen OMD diesen ein bisschen zu stark. Vielleicht auch weil das geschulte Dream Pop Ohr ihr Schaffen in späteren Bands und Projekten gut aufgegriffen und weiter entwickelt erkennt. Das schmälert ihren Wert als Trailblazer nicht, zumal wenn man das Entstehungsjahr bedenkt. Nur entsteht aus freien und eher instrumentellen (Füller-)Stücken, nicht allzu poppigen Pop Songs und schillernden Perlen (grandios: „Souvenir“) eine allzu unterschiedlich gewobene Textur, die sich eher unausgewogen als abwechslungsreich anfühlt. Ungleichmäßige 2.7
The album gets off to a promising start, with the raw, edgy sound of <The New Stone Age>. <Souvenir> has a catchy riff (it reminds me of a slow-dance version of Anola Gay). There’s a fair number of slow jams. Their Kraftwerk influence is, unfortunately, often accompanied by smaltzy singing and lyrics, as in < Maid of Orleans>. Lots of pop hits in Europe. I prefer the closing songs are less commercial.
6/10. it's not bad and it had some interesting ideas but i didn't like it all that much, it seemed really melodramatic.
Ik vond het hele album niet geweldig, maar vanwege de potentie toch een voldoende.
Het begon al The Cure en New Order en dat vond ik wel tof. Maar halverwege de plaat leek het ineens een andere band te worden en werd het minder spannend.
OMD, second to The Coral in the most musical Wools race. Contrary to my general musical tastes, I tend to prefer OMD's more poppy output and whilst this album has some moments, a lot of the more experimental stuff is pretty forgettable.
Really interesting album. It was almost able to sustain that interest over the course of the full hour runtime. My hour with OM in the D included a banana smoothie, taking care of business in a sawdust composting toilet, a 4 minute shower, 25 minutes of exercise for my old man back, and doing the dishes. Given this was 1981, I'm assuming this album had a big hand in defining the 80s synth pop sound. The vocals, the instruments, the recording, it all sounds very very 80s. Sometimes it's a soundtrack to Stranger Things. Sometimes it's a big proto Duran Duran pop song. May never put this on again, but thanks for the spin, 1001. B-
Started off promising then went into some fairly generic 80s electronica
well more intersting than i was expecting. maybe my first taste of beer garden since the invention of the injectable microchip has greased the wheels. who knows what is real any more?
I’m giving this an extra star for having come out in 1981. I think this must have been pretty revolutionary.
Background noise really. We tried to give it a listen and kept forgetting to listen! Wasn't as terrible as I was expecting when I read the Wikipedia but obviously not actually good
“Joan of arc” and “extended souvenir” are both bops. Sounds like a movie soundtrack for a lot of the album. Really experimental production. There aren’t a ton of highs, but few lows either
Very interesting music. It simultaneously sounds vintage 80s and current. Singer sounds like Morrissey kinda. Pablo and I got through about three songs in the studio before he had to turn it off to work. He said they have better albums and was surprised this one was picked to be on the list.
The length of this album holds it back. There is some really nice, catchy synth-pop here but its often surrounded by filler in an album that would shine if it was 40 minutes (but alas clocks in at just over an hour).
Initially I discounted this album… aside from a few songs it seemed quite stereotypical for the synth pop genre. BUT! This can actually be acknowledged as the birth of synth pop so contextually it’s pretty fucking cool. A modest 6/10 time vibe personally, my fav tracks are She’s leaving, souvenir and the beginning and the end.
Very 80's - nothing special. There are a few tracks here and there that stick out. Very ethereal sounding. I like those.
Barely makes it to the "OK enough for background music". Generally speaking, I only appreciate Enola Gay, and it's not even from this album of theirs...
I liked this for the most part except for the weird slow songs that were mostly electronic? idk if thats the right word. FS: Souvenir
Didn't really get this when it was released, apart from the "Joan of Arc" single, so didn't buy it until a fair few years later. It's great!
Interesting album. Very early electronic. I enjoyed it, but didn't love it.
Un album très interessant n'en déplaise a robtunnelier, qui doit être sanctionné pour sa mauvaise review. J'ai engagé mon propre paternel afin de mener la traque, et corriger comme il se doit rob. Il est actuellement en transit vers Stuttgart, et ne devrait plus tarder à remettre rob à sa place.
Struck me as experimental synth. 80s flavor comes out in full force here. Fairly enjoyable album but probably wouldn't revisit.
I painted the ceiling of my bathroom to this album, and I have to say it lends itself quite well to that. I wasn't blown away, but I liked it.
Quite interesting and cool musically. Didn't do that much for me though.
While I'm not the biggest fan of the album, the experimentation is well appreciated.
Well I had a hard time finding the "original version of yhis album. TIDAL does not have it except as a bizarre compilation album that bears little resemblance to the original release. Searching individual tracks I put together a Playlist in the same order as the original release, but thar did not seem fair. So YouTube to the rescue. On to my review. I was only familiar with this band from my vinyl copy of Organization from oh so long ago. That album never connected with me other than Enola Gay. With this album I think OMD reached another level. More variesd and dramatic than Organization. Highlights are The New Stone Age, which rocks like no other OMD song I've ever heard, Sealand is achingly beautiful in it's sparseness and huge dramatic drum sound and Souvenir is synth pop at its finest. I think this album is stronger than Organization. I'm going to revisit Org as perhaps I gave it short shrift back in the day. 3.5🌟
Dit soort muziek heeft wel iets. Het is ook een beetje kale muziek, eenvoudig en simpel. Ik twijfel tussen goed en heel goed. ***
I found this a bit hit and miss, some really great tracks next to some mediocre ones, overall not bad, but not exceptional
A couple of classics and the rest are pretty good. Nice to listen to. Like to hear more of this one. Standouts: Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans), Souvenir. Joan of Arc. Others: She's Leaving, 3/5
Well I had a hard time finding the "original version of this album. TIDAL does not have it except as a bizarre compilation album that bears little resemblance to the original release. Searching individual tracks I put together a live playlist in the same order as the original release, but that did not seem fair. So YouTube to the rescue. On to my review. I was only familiar with this band from my vinyl copy of Organization from oh so long ago. That album never connected with me other than Enola Gay. With this album I think OMD reached another level. More varied and dramatic than Organization. Highlights are The New Stone Age, which rocks like no other OMD song I've ever heard, Sealand is achingly beautiful in it's sparseness and huge dramatic drum sound and Souvenir is synth pop at its finest. I think this album is stronger than Organization. I'm going to revisit Org as perhaps I gave it short shrift back in the day. 3.5🌟
Pas facile à trouver comme album, mais j'y suis arrivé sur YouTube. Un peu plus pop que ce que je m'attendais au départ en voyant l'année et la pochette, mais très exploratoire comme contenu. C'est ce que je trouve intéressant du projet. La première pièce qui n'est pas un single de l'album est exactement le genre de petite perle que j'espère trouver dans cette expérience d'écoute. La pièce Souvenir me fait penser à MGMT. J'adore la pochette. Pièce préférée: The New Stone Age
This is real “in one ear, out the other music”. It’s perfectly fine new wave, but I received almost no reaction from it. Not sure if that’s better or worse than being bad, but I don’t that I’ll return to it anytime soon. C-
Starts out with some very intense synth punk that instantly caught my attention, but then quickly just lost that gut and became kinda boring with the next tracks. I do enjoy the more ambient tracks here and there are some interesting ideas and sound design choices here but won't be returning to this.
Felt like a Depeche Mode album. Major 80s alt rock vibe with some ok songs and others that were just a bit too noise for me
Can’t really decide- it’s a slow burn type of album. Was decent on first couple of listens but don’t know if it burned enough to come back to 5/10
I think it deserves another listen. It was on and I listened, but I didn't pay it enough attention.
I liked this album. I really wanted to love this album, but it was missing something.
I've listened to this all the way through several times as can't quite grasp it. It was quite a new sound, I get that. But Synth pop ain't me, and I get why they were eternal Top of the Pops fillers.
I enjoyed this. Partly as a precursor to what was going to come from these guys and also because Joan of Arc always stood out to me as a great song on its own.
A pretty average 80s pop album. The singer is good and sounds similar to morrissey. The instrumentals are pretty generic 80s synth pop style which are fun to listen to but does feel dated. Some songs were good and I’d listen to again, but to revisit the album is unlikely. 5.6/10
It was alright, though I think my favourite song on it (Extended Souvenir) was actually a bonus track, and some of the others just gave me Aldi own-brand The Cure vibes
Sommige nummers echt heel goed maar zang wat zagerig met heel de tijd die kleine echo daarin.
A couple of memorable tracks, but really I think that at the time it was a case of boys with toys, and probably a few too many buttons to press.
Not what I was expecting. I was expecting "If You Leave" kind of stuff. This was pretty, I guess, artsy? Sometimes ethereal. Not my bag. But good composition nonetheless.
Smartly done but not giving much by way of emotional response. I found it somewhat impenetrable.
Sounded like the other early OMD stuff that I’ve also heard and liked.
Very standard 80s and new wave, synth pop. The songs focus on those darker, minor tones and I didn't hear any particularly catchy song.
A grower for sure. Wasn't that interested early on the day but it did sweep over me and I was quite enjoying it by the end. An optimistic 3.
Quite a distinctive sound which I quite enjoyed listening to but I probably wouldn’t choose. 3*