Architecture And Morality

boring? Alright

Boring. It all sounds like same.

3.5

não curti muito. 80 demais pra mim.

Loved it

OMD has always been a middle-of-the-road type band for me. I view them as a very influential band, especially in the world of electronic music. “Architecture & Morality” is known for its innovative use of synthesizers, sampling, and layering, which made it ahead of its time. As for the music itself, it’s a decent album from beginning to end, but I think it really only has a few standout tracks; other than that, it just kind of blends together. It’s definitely more of a slow-burn type album. Overall, I have a lot of appreciation for this album based on its innovation and cultural impact in the history of electronic music. However, for someone who’s not interested in those aspects, I can see how this might be a difficult album to get through.

Part of the 80's soundtrack they are always going to be a great band

OMD has always been a middle-of-the-road type band for me. I view them as a very influential band, especially in the world of electronic music. “Architecture & Morality” is known for its innovative use of synthesizers, sampling, and layering, which made it ahead of its time. As for the music itself, it’s a decent album from beginning to end, but I think it really only has a few standout tracks; other than that, it just kind of blends together. It’s definitely more of a slow-burn type album. Overall, I have a lot of appreciation for this album based on its innovation and cultural impact in the history of electronic music. However, for someone who’s not interested in those aspects, I can see how this might be a difficult album to get through.

a deeply rooted industrial album, almost like a massive rusty factory came alive and suddenly made music for the masses. it's almost liminal in a lot of aspects. ghastly hits of metal objects, prophetic lyrics... it's groundbreaking above all else.

Architecture & Morality is the third studio album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, originally released in 1981. Man, this album is strange. There's this huge juxtaposition between songs ranging from synth pop to industrial. The pop tracks almost remind me of The Smiths at times, especially in the vocals. A lot of the songs have long, drawn-out instrumentals that make heavy use of synths, as to be expected considering the time period this was released. The instrumentals are sonically interesting to me, though. Lots of layering which was uncommon in 1981. There is also liberal use of sampling throughout the album, also uncharacteristic of an album released in 1981. I can see how this would be influential to future electronic acts and even some industrial acts.

Not my favorite. Felt very slow and boring for my taste. Maybe wasn’t in the mood to listen to it

Obscure lyrics but great range of melody, rhythm and harmony. I like the overall synth-pop sound. This was the first time I experienced the full album treatment of OMD, other than hearing their songs that got radio play. Songs that stood out include "She's Leaving", "Souvenir" and "Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)".

Peculiar record I cannot identify it very well, but I like it!

7+ Stand out albums from OMD

Weird, but I didn't hate it.

Best Song: Extended Souvenir. I liked the blippy-bloopy bits. They sounded like a relaxed videogame's pause music. Worst Song: Sealand. Sparse in an unpleasant way. I liked the rolling nature of it, but the actual specific sound samples used sounded like old midis and that drum pattern extended into annoying noise. Overall: The kind of music that gives experimentalism a bad rap. Random elements added with seeming no regard to whether they make the track sound better. Actual noise. Can't imagine the context in which I would want to listen to this album. It makes for a very long hour.

I really did not like this album at all. I was desperate for it to end. His voice, the electronics, the lyrics. It was all horrible. 1/5

This was such a surprise. I loved the album, it was the perfect mix of 80s synth and dystopian/moody lyrics. So happy to have found this project and discovered such amazing music through it.

Really complex. Kinda atmospheric 80s rock... But with some spacey/complex elements. Some tracks I loved and some tracks I could go without.

I agree with Moby that this is a perfect album. Such a great sound, and some real banging tunes. I love the way they almost completely avoid choruses.

Nice synth with some weird bits

Meh

Good 80's album. Not amazing. Just good.

First listen was while cutting grass. I wouldn't recommend it for that application, but even still I appreciated aspects of the album. Second listen in a better setting, I am once again struck by the prettiness of track 3 Souvenir. I love the brightness of the synth with the ghostliness of the vocal harmonies. Like a love child between LCD Soundsystem's American Dream and Beach House. Sealand is an interesting juxtaposition to Souvenir. Where the later is bright and poppy, Sealand is moody and sluggish. Something about the instrumental progression actually reminds me a lot of the vocal progression on the sung sections of Eminem's Kim. I also swear I've heard the vocals on Georgia before, but I can't place them. This album surprised me. The cover and name are anything but inviting, but the music was bright and well-produced. In my opinion, the high points were back to back with Souvenir and Sealand. Both were fantastic for completely different reasons. Other songs on here were pretty and I appreciated their aura, but I did find myself losing focus. For that this falls somewhere between a 3 and a 4. Going to give this a weak 4 because Souvenir is one of the best songs I've heard in a while.

Odd album. Didn't mind the instrumental but boring. 2.5 stars

Like a mix of Depeche Mode and Kollaps at points. Definitely didn't care for most of the album, but the end of the album did have some redeeming qualities.

That was so weirdly good. The synth sure was poppy throughout this whole album. I was afraid that I was not going to like it at the start of the first song, but it quickly flipped. Some of the crazy synth and electronic effects throughout that whole album were awesome. Not usually my style of music that I like but this was a very pleasant surprise.

Immediately got scared seeing synth-pop in the 80's but from this first song I'm getting Cure vibes and background noises are Thom Yorke-esque. Some strange songs on here I really like the weirdness and experimentation of it, especially title track. Some of the songs can get pretty silly sounding but not bad at all. Better than I expected low 4!

As I am no fan of the brit-pop sound, I have less than good intentions listening to this. Turns out I was right. Not for me.

I was never the hugest OMD fan. I loved the singles but wasn’t really into all their synthy instrumental bits. There are three or four great songs on here: Souvenir, Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc, The New Stone Age. If Enola Gay was on here it would feel like a greatest hits album. But the rest didn’t stand out for me at all. The extended synth solos were tedious. 2.5 in reality.

This album was the aural equivalent of being in stop and go traffic.

While I suppose it's obvious to state this, I'll admit that I can't always be objective. But... here's another duo clowning around with sequencers and synths and shitty first-generation drum machines writing — what is to me — generic, forgettable material. I didn't need to hear this when it was released, and that goes double for today. I bet there are tons of folks that are transported by this, and I'd bet it's all about nostalgia. As a stand-alone record out of time... I ain't buying it.

This utterly failed to make an impression.

Pretending the strictly instrumental ones didn’t exist

Paper Mario ass soundtrack

This one didn’t do much for me. The synths had a warbly, off key sound I didn’t love and the sound of the music overall felt kind of gray and flat. Bits and pieces reminded me of Arcade Fire. And “Souvenir” sounds like an MGMT song. Most of the songs are in a post-punk vein. I could see this being an influential album. It’s definitely not bad but wasn’t my style.

I like how they try a lot of different sounds and styles. The first song is abrasive and edgy in just about every way, the second is a cool summery synth ballad, and the third is an upbeat synth-horn filled pop track. A lot of what I like about this record comes from the synth tones. They are really thought out and intentional; or atleast I think so because they mesh so well together. Cool album cover. Lots of nice choices, like in composition, colors, and font styles. Not totally my thing but I also didn't necessarily dislike it.

4.0

Boring stuff

I am finding this album very boring.

An OMD album I've never heard before, and I'm honestly thinking "this is balls". As we approach the end, I maintain this assessment. Balls.

Too many synths for my taste.

Nothing stands out and nothing stands out. And THEN you hit Extended Souvenir. Such a great track. Just perfect OMD, great synth, vocals are tight, awesome lyrics. And I'm 6 again. But there's just one track like this. It's special, but the rest of the album really sags.

There’s no defence for this pretence. There is no orchestra conducting manoeuvres (though there may be darkness). The album title speaks of morality, but I find no humour in the way OMD deceives the listener with these false expectations. Our neighbours across the pond may think all these unnecessary u’s bring colour and flavour to their rouck icouns, but I’m not buying it. It’s been a pretty spacy last couple of weeks. Luckily, not Kevin. But OMD caps off a run of Hawkwind, Soft Machine, Spiritualized, Spirit, and Brian Eno, and mixes in some very British 80s synth pop not too far from the Morrissey and Tom Tom Club from last week. “Souvenir” and “Georgia” were firmly in the saccharine and cringy end of 80s British synth pop that I try hard to avoid, but the rest of “Architecture and Morality” balanced things out with a sparseness that was atmospheric. Atmouspheric?

Did not make an impression, but I guess that means it was pleasant enough that I didn't reach to turn it off. 2.5.

There are parts of this album I love. And by now (album 804) it’s obvious to me. I love the electronic aspects. It’s hard for me to believe this album is 40+ years old based on how current some of the sounds are…New Stone Age being a good example. It’s all good until I thought Sealand was over and then someone started beating a trash can with a stick. The album continues questionably through Architecture And Morality. Then it gets back on track for the last two songs, but the hole in the middle sunk a potentially great thing.

Masterful

Classic and classy 80 synthpop album that doesn't date and holds some delightful tunes.

Fun 80s album with some interesting instrumentals and a unique sound. Not a fan of all the tracks though, and the synth pop can get a bit repetitive.

Das ist eines meiner Lieblingsalben in meiner Hörgeschichte der Popmusik. Ich habe OMD in München bevor das Album in Deutschland live erleben dürfen. Extra wurde dieses Album auf meine Bestellung hin aus England importiert. OMD war nach Kraftwerk für mich die Innovation der Elektro- und Synthesizer Musik. Wunderbare Arrangements und Kompositionen experimentiell vorgetragen. Eine Offenbarung für mich. Und dieses Duo hat für mich an Faszination bis heute nichts verloren. "Joan of Arc" (zwei Versionen) sind die ganz großen Hits geworden. Vor allem die "Maid of Orleans"-Version. Meine Prophezeiung damals, dass OMD Nr.1 wird in den Charts, wurde damals belächelt. Noch heute lächle ich darüber!

Starts interesting but then gets tied up into a meandering set of songs. It got me intrigued than bored me by half way through. Nothing to write home about

This is the first listen on my journey where I was completely unaware of the artist prior to listening to the album, so I was going in completely blind. What I was met with was a delightful, new wave listening experience. In the best way, it felt like I was listening to a John Hughes movie soundtrack. For me, the album was a little frontloaded with great tracks like "She's Leaving", "Souvenir", and "Maid of Orleans". I also particularly liked the mostly instrumental "Sealand", which to use a Gen Z phrase had immaculate vibes. There is definitely a particular sound to this artist and album that felt familiar and influential to more modern acts like Tame Impala and The Killers, the latter of which I'm a huge fan of. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this record, and wouldn't mind looking more into Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark as a whole. 6.5/10

heu je sais pas pourquoi mais j'y arrive pas il y a beaucoup d'efforts sur la manière de produire mais en même temps je trouve que ça ne fonctionne pas il y a des bonnes idées mais je trouve que c'est mal exécuté. Le manière de chanter pourrait passer, mais on dirait quelqu'un qui fait un karaoké tout seul chez lui. Je trouve que l'entièreté du projet a mal vieilli. C'est une bonne idée d'expérimentation mais je prends pas. Trop inégal

Boring. 2.5 Closer to 2.

3 stars

Very pompous, actually felt quite ill after this. Note from my dad "Loved seeing them get canned off at Talking Heads in 1979."

After the grating opening track "The New Stone Age", the album settles down into the OMD style that most are used to; includes their hits "Souvenir", "Joan of Arc", and "Maid of Orleans (The Waltz Joan of Arc)".

When it works it's endearingly weird, yet familiar. But there are a few jarring turns that absolutely kill the flow.

Sounds like Depeche Mode but boring. Didn't see anything special in this, just more 80s synth music.

"Maid Of Orleans" alone don´t makes it a good album for me. (I rated the 9-tracks original album.) 2,5

I'm not sure why, but I liked this one.

Some real funky stuff. Most likely wont listen again. Favorite song was Extended Souvenir

principios del techno en los 80. Se ha quedado anticuado.

This band has some great tracks but this album ain't got none

Pretty decent album. I didn't mind it at all.

Really cool concept and atmosphere. Glad I checked this one out… feels very relevant to the electro-pop inspired indie that’s been coming out more recently. Similar in vibe to early Cure, Kraftwerk, Berlin-era Bowie, etc…

A showcase of the pros and cons of the pretentioussness of new wave synth pop. I’ve listened through it a couple of times and have mixed feelings - sometimes about the same tracks. My enjoyment seem more mood influenced than usually. Some of the extra material is better than the original tracks. Sacred Heart sounds like something that inspired The Knife.

New wave has always been a bit up it's own arse, but this took the mick a bit. I'm not sure if he was singing out of tune on Joan of Arc on purpose, but it really didn't come off well. Turgid.

Kind of a fun vibe. A little more interesting than most.

OK, some good tracks

This has stuck with me more than anything on the list so far. I guess I only knew their big U.S. hit and this is NOT like that — this is way more interesting and complicated than what I expected.

Good

Souvenir de jeunesse

Son mucho, mucho mejores de lo que recordaba. Muy elegantes.

I just can't get on board with this one. I see many many excelent pieces, but average composition. This may have been pioneering but it's still a bunch of one note melodies synthetic to a drum machine

Eh

It has merit and I managed 2 runs through, but I couldn't say much stood out for me.

80s synth-pop. Very Tears for Fears.

Megahits: Souvenir, Joan Of Arc.

Some great ones but some weird ones

I had no idea what to expect going into this album, because my only exposure to OMD was "If You Leave" from Pretty in Pink. The opening track starts off sounding like an early U2 song (e.g., Sunday Bloody Sunday). I didn't expect them to be so post-punk and dark. The next song is much closer to the light, ethereal new wave I'd expect from them. The third song sounds like the direction Joy Division was heading in when Ian Curtis died — dark and dreary, but with some incorporation of brighter synths to give it an otherworldly feel. The title track's experimentation with industrial sounds also reminds me of Joy Division. The two songs about Joan of Arc sound like a more polished version of something Siouxsie and the Banshees would do. This album feels like the bridge between early post punk and what eventually became new wave. It has the darkness, the atonalities and sparse arrangements, and sometimes the dark lyrics of post punk, but it also has the bright synths, ethereal singing, and dance beats of new wave. I can definitely hear the religious music influence they were going for throughout the album, but it also reminds me of groups like Erasure and Yaz who did catchy pop songs that had a weird, ethereal twist. This album feels ahead of its time to have come out in 1981. In some ways, it still feels very modern now. The song Georgia sounds like a hyperpop song that Grimes would have made in the 2010s. That it was made before digital synths existed is impressive. I listened to this album on a dreary day during a thunderstorm, and it's quite a vibe. It's a little kooky, and it flips back and forth between soothing and unsettling. Not all of the songs are great, and it runs a bit long because of it, but I enjoyed it a lot. Highlights: The New Stone Age, She's Leaving, Architecture And Morality, Of All The Things We've Made 4/5

God tier synth pop from two of the best to ever do it (and one of Peter Saville finest album covers to boot)

Some very interesting compositions, a good time

Too much synth

Soothing 80s synthesizer music

I almost gave this a 2 because I can only take so much of this sameness, but upping to 3 for the song named after my daughter. And no, her name is not Joan or Sealand. The songs on their own are lovely and make me think of Tron or drops in movies that would be dope, but this is too much Mellotron for one sitting!!

This is one of those "I would never have chosen it and will probably never listen again, but it was interesting" albums. Track 3 (Souvenir) was interesting. Track 4 (Sealand) was like a long series of heartbeats on the drum - meh. The back to back songs themed around Joan of Arc were OK, but didn't excite me.

I liked this album! It was a surprisingly easy listen and quite tuneful. I could hear the influences on music to come and I understand from reading the wiki that's largely the use of the melotron. I'll be happy to have many of these come up on shuffle

The only OMD song I know is "If You Leave" which is a sweet sip of synth pop - I'm looking forward to listening to this, the reviews are great and I'm very partial to New Wave. I really enjoyed this!

Blew me away. What a great cohesive sound while varying in songwriting so much. Need to revisit ASAP!

Wow. The first song off the bat reminds me more of Cure/Adam and the Ants than OMD... and then it kicks in. None of their really huge hits are in this, but still some really solid songs, even though they begin to sound similar to each other after a bit.

Really liked how this kicked off. The New Stone Age was more aggressive than i expected from what I knew of OMD. However, it really is the only song in this vein, though it is pretty cool. There are other solid, more melodic light electronic tracks with a hook, including She's Leaving, Souvenir, Joan of Arc and Maid of Orleans. Those are really the core of it. The remainder is uneventful and pretty much blends together. Enjoyable enough to round up.

New wave released in 1981 - ground breaking stuff. I did enjoy this!

I had listened to a couple OMD songs in the past but never a full album until now. Listening through feels like a journey through landscapes. I love the way the vocals and the synths paint a mood. Some of the tracks remind me of contemporary songs I was listening to from a decade ago whilst this was existing in the 80s. I enjoyed every track and they all worked well together and I think that makes a subtle yet great album.

I liked this far more than expected!

Very 80’s. Some songs are ok but ona whole, I’ll pass.

Holds up much better than a lot of albums with a similar sound. I enjoyed most of the songs on the album.

Put these synthesizers directly into my veins

Ok sure I guess

I appreciate what these guys were doing in music at the time but I really struggle to get into New Wave/ synth pop.

Meh. It’s good and I love that one song but OMD has never held purchase of my 80s music brain.

Surprise to me but I've actually never heard this record. I thought it was absolutely great the first track is a real banger.

Huh. I listened.

Relatively neutral on this one

Early synth pop ushering in a blend of new wave, goth and other metrics that defined the 80s.

was pretty meh about this. Souvenir is good

cool, but gets boring after a while because of its length

Not bad if you like REALLY melodramatic synth-pop. Otherwise? Pretty dull.

Had seen this album mentioned before but had never heard it. Immediately felt like I was listening to a bunch of Cure / Depeche Mode songs I had never heard before, but as it went on, it also showed that it has it's own unique flavor of Synthpop / some Post-Punk. I'm still a Cure guy through and through, but this was much more interesting than I expected. I also think it's unfair to compare them to The Cure, despite some similarities - this is something different entirely when you look at it as a whole.

If the Perks of Being a Wallflower soundtrack met the Stardew Valley soundtrack, I feel like this would be an adjacent baby. Quirky, and definitely unique, it gave me the same sort of serene joy I got from enjoying those prior pieces of media. Fav tracks: Souvenir, She's Leaving

I really find it humorous that every time I get a new wave album from the 80s, it's either amazing or terrible. No in between. Unfortunately I thought this was terrible, none of the songs felt cohesive or like complete thoughts

A lot of electronic music, especially back in the 80s, left me cold (drum machines? Hate them) and I certainly didn't feel the same for Kraftwerk as these boys, and others, obviously did. That said, "Joan of Arc" and, especially, "Maid of Orleans" stand up strongly and the experimentation with, for example, more "churchy" sounds (the album should be played loud) works well. OMD hail from the North West of England, which also helps....

Never heard of OMD, but this album was released Nov 8 1981, one day after I was born, so I was optimistic and hopeful I would love this. Overall very underwhelming, didnt really enjoy at all. Definitely some quintessential 80s beats, but other than that, ready to move on.

If you like OMD then this is the album, but the sound doesn't move me.

OEM, I owned a few albums, not this one. It is all there, the drum machine like beats, the chiming, bell like guitar and synth. You can almost hear the hooks being worked out on a glockenspiel. This album is listenable but a, 'so what'. I don't understand the reasoning behind some of these choices.I guess I'll have to get the book. Reddit had a link to an interview with the author. I started my own list of albums that should be listened to, Chuck Berry is on it. Here's an interview with the author, he talks about 1001 at the 30 minute mark. https://www.1001albumclub.com/episodes/audio-interview-with-book-author-robert-dimery/

“The New Stone Age” has a similar sound of a band called Ghostland Observatory. As a fan of modern day electronic music, this was interesting since it was considered synth-pop. It was alright, not sure what would be a good time to play this album. Sounds very ~experimental~ and like there was a theme to this album I was missing? Who was Joan of Arc?

Brooding and atmospheric new wave synth pop. Much fuller and more engaging than other examples from the genre around the same time. Not at all orchestral in terms of instrumentation, but the arrangements have an orchestral feel but with synths taking the place of violins etc. It has a nice vibe. I like it. Rating: 3.5/5 Playlist track: She's Leaving Date listened: 08/03/24

Great early synth-pop with some dark inflections that likely effected later electronic music

Like give me something I'll like man

I never really listened to these guys before. They're somewhere between The Smiths and New Order and I love it.

Great find.

3,5

Not bad -- OMD was never a favorite, but I'd listen to this again if someone wanted to. Nothing really caught my attention.

Instrumentation is great, lots of cool and different sounds that play off of each other well. Lyrics were a bit odd in some spots but nothing particularly bad

This was such an enchanting surprise. I've always loved Magnetic Fields so the instrumentaition felt so strangely familiar, long before I ever made the connection. Dark, poppy, fun, sometimes trance-like. I'm in!

This album is really pretty, not very in your face but it is very interesting to focus in on the different elements that make it up. Extended Souvenir was a particular favorite.

oye, este estilo me gusta. Lo más entretenido de encontrar estos discos en esta lista es que hasta ahora eran totalmente desconocidos para mí y que puedo escuchar las influencias en música posterior, incluso de esta década.

Deceptively simple pop, but I quite like it.

Most 80's music of this genre doesn't stand the test of time but this certainly does.

moody 80s... not my favorite 80s.

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's (OMD) 1981 album, Architecture & Morality, stands as a landmark achievement in synth-pop, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape. It's a cohesive and complex work, demanding a deep dive into its lyrical themes, sonic palette, production techniques, enduring influence, and its strengths and weaknesses. Lyrics: Architecture & Morality delves beyond the typical pop song themes, exploring philosophical concepts, historical figures, and introspective personal narratives. The title track, with its repetitive and almost liturgical delivery, ponders societal structures and individual freedom. "Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)" uses the historical figure as a symbol of defiance and faith, while "Enola Gay" tackles the controversial bombing of Hiroshima with poignant simplicity. Other tracks offer introspective glimpses into personal anxieties and desires, evident in the yearning melodies of "Souvenir" and the melancholic beauty of "Sealand." Pros: This intellectual depth elevates the album beyond mere pop frivolity, offering listeners a compelling blend of danceable grooves and thought-provoking lyrics. Cons: While the poetic imagery often resonates, some may find the lyrical style too opaque or lacking in immediacy. Music: OMD's embrace of synthesizers, particularly the iconic Mellotron, is central to the album's sound. Lush, layered melodies weave through catchy synth basslines and drum machine rhythms. Tracks like "Enola Gay" and "Genetic Engineering" showcase the band's ability to craft infectious pop anthems with distinctive timbres. The album also ventures into more experimental territory with instrumental pieces like "Sealand," exploring the expressive potential of the synthesizer beyond pop hooks. Pros: The innovative use of synthesizers and the captivating melodies create a unique and engaging sonic experience. Cons: The reliance on synthesizers might sound dated to some listeners, particularly those unfamiliar with the era's sound. Production: Produced by the band themselves alongside Hugh Jones, the album boasts a polished and nuanced sound. The production strikes a balance between showcasing the vibrant textures of the synthesizers and ensuring clarity in the vocals and individual instruments. The use of stereo panning and layering creates a sense of depth and immersion in the soundscape. Pros: The meticulously crafted production contributes to the album's timeless quality and enhances the impact of both the musical arrangements and the lyrical content. Cons: While the production remains impressive within the context of its era, some might find it lacking the sonic breadth or sonic tools available in more contemporary recordings. Themes: Faith, societal structures, war, and personal reflection are some of the key themes explored throughout the album. The album title itself reflects on the complex relationship between the structures we create (architecture) and the moral code we live by (morality). The use of historical figures like Joan of Arc and the controversial topic of the Enola Gay bombing push the boundaries of typical pop song themes, inviting the listener to engage with complex issues. Pros: The exploration of diverse themes adds layers of depth and meaning to the album, setting it apart from its purely dance-oriented contemporaries. Cons: The introspective and at times challenging nature of the themes might not appeal to everyone who seeks purely carefree and uplifting listening experiences. Influence: Architecture & Morality's influence on the evolution of synth-pop is undeniable. The album's innovative use of synthesizers, its blending of pop sensibilities with intellectual depth, and its exploration of diverse themes paved the way for countless artists in the following decades. Bands like Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Human League all built upon the foundation laid by OMD on this album. Overall: Despite minor shortcomings regarding its sonic limitations and accessibility, Architecture & Morality remains a seminal work in synth-pop history. Its innovative instrumentation, thought-provoking lyrics, and cohesive thematic exploration create an enduring and captivating listening experience. It stands as a testament to OMD's artistic vision and their ability to push the boundaries of pop music while remaining commercially successful. This review, with its exploration of the album's various elements, aims to provide a comprehensive look at Architecture & Morality, highlighting its strengths and acknowledging its limitations within the context of its artistic and cultural impact. While it may not resonate with every listener, it undoubtedly holds a significant place in the history of pop music, inspiring generations of artists and listeners alike. φωτογραφία προφίλ enola gay and genetic engineering are on another album. rewrite the review now bitch Absolutely! My apologies for the misinformation. Here's a revised in-depth review of OMD's album "Architecture and Morality," ensuring accuracy while maintaining focus on the core elements: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: Architecture & Morality (1981) - A Revised Exploration Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark solidified their status as synth-pop pioneers with their 1981 release, "Architecture & Morality." This album embodies a masterful balance between sonic innovation and introspective lyricism, leaving a lasting impact on the musical scene. Lyrics: The album moves away from the directness of pop, often embracing symbolism and metaphor. Tracks like the title piece, "Architecture & Morality," contemplate the interplay between societal control and individuality. "Joan of Arc" and its sequel "Maid of Orleans" portray the iconic figure as emblematic of strength and conviction. Other songs take on a more intimate tone, like the wistful romanticism in "Souvenir" or the wistful atmosphere of "Sealand." Pros: This poetic, often abstract style adds layers of intrigue, inviting the listener to unpack the meaning behind the melodies. Cons: A lack of immediacy may leave those seeking straightforward pop narratives somewhat disconnected. Music: OMD's signature synth sounds define the album. Lush melodies, often built on the Mellotron, dance over infectious basslines and steady, programmed rhythms. Songs like "The New Stone Age" and "She's Leaving" demonstrate the band's ability to craft irresistible pop hooks. Instrumental pieces like "Sealand" further showcase the expressive range of their synthesizers beyond traditional song structure. Pros: The masterful use of synths and the instantly catchy melodies make for a truly immersive sonic experience. Cons: The sonic palette may seem dated to some, particularly those unfamiliar with early electronic music. Production: Self-produced with Richard Manwaring, the album shines with polish and clarity. The production carefully balances the synth textures with vocals and instrumentation, while techniques like stereo panning give the sound a captivating spaciousness. Pros: The clean production has aged remarkably well, enhancing the timeless quality of the music. Cons: Compared to modern productions, some might feel it lacks the dynamic range or expansive soundscapes possible with newer technology. Themes: "Architecture & Morality" explores themes of faith, societal systems, history, and personal introspection. The album's title itself reflects a fascination with the relationship between the constructs we build and the ethical codes we live by. Historical figures and symbolism are used throughout, inviting deeper reflection on these concepts. Pros: These weighty themes set the album apart from purely escapist pop and offer food for thought long after the last note fades. Cons: Some listeners may find the philosophical depth less accessible than more lighthearted musical fare. Influence: The album served as a blueprint for future synth-pop. Its inventive use of synthesizers, intellectual lyrics, and thematic depth inspired a generation of artists. Influence can be heard in later acts like Depeche Mode, New Order, and countless others. Overall: While containing a few elements that may limit its universal appeal, "Architecture & Morality" is a landmark achievement in electronic music. The band's artistry shines through the album's innovative soundscapes, thought-provoking lyrics, and cohesive sense of atmosphere. It's a testament to OMD's ability to combine commercial appeal with artistic depth. This revised review prioritizes accuracy while delving into the album's elements. It highlights both the strengths and potential limitations within the album's historical context, acknowledging its significance in the history of pop music.

I liked it!! Great sounds

This album almost put me to sleep. I was not a fan. Very boring musically.

Interesting album—I liked it better than I thought I would. Moody, atmospheric, sometimes a bit ominous. It kept me on my toes

Seriously some great songs but some were too much instrumental

Nicht meine Musik und wie ich finde zutreffend: "Sounds like Depeche Mode but boring"

Very 80s but in a good way

Didn’t think I was going to enjoy this as much as I did.

Surprisingly not the worst British electronica I’ve reviewed for this. Closer to Krautrock than 90s house. Easy to put on and let fade into the background.

I can tell this is good, and they were way ahead of thier time. Just in a genre that leaves me cold.

While I felt that the overall sound was melodic, I thought this album was rather underwhelming.

Oscillating between The Cure and some kind of noise pop I probably would have been into in college.

Pretty boring overall.

Didn't like it

I really tried to get through it...I failed. I'm sure there's an audience out there for this. I am not it.

I've known of OMD by name for a long time, but I've never been well versed in their work. This album was fine, interesting even, but it doesn't entice me to seek out more of their discography. I think this is another record that perhaps has been supplanted by more refined work influenced by them. I did really like tracks 5 and 12 though, and I'll throw them in a playlist from time to time. I suspect this may have been more impactful at the time it was released, but while I generally like the style, I don't think this album aged as gracefully as others of a similar era. I want to give it a three since I didn't dislike it, but there's simply not enough substance there for me to return to.

This wasn't bad; it wasn't hard to listen to like The Fall or CAN. However, this didn't do much for me and I'll never seek this band out again.

I feel like this is the sort of band with fans that presume you aren't smart enough to "get" their music if you don't worship the music.

I didn’t like a single song. Bad!

Very 80s, man did they love that synth. She's leaving and Joan of Arc saved the two for me, most songs I couldn't get through

A couple moments I enjoyed but not for me…

No. No thank you. You can keep your pretentious songs, boring production, primitive synths, and wannabe-Morrisey vocals. I don't want any part of it.

3 stars. same thing repeatedly, mostly.

Really cool synth album, given this came out in 1981 I'm willing to guess it's pretty foundational to what has become an iconic soundscape of the 80s.

I was disappointed by this. I never paid much attention to them in the 80s, and for some reason thought this might deliver more joy. I was a little surprised by the minimalism that broke thru in a couple of songs. But overall it was weak pop music.

Sannarlega breakthrough albúm á sínum tíma. Hrátt rafpopp - hljómar ekki rétt en þetta er það að mestu leyti.

I guess this answers a question nobody asked: “what would ambiance sound like if it was a song?” Boring tones, long soundscapes. Apparently this was revolutionary for synth-pop. Ok? I just don’t know who wants to listen to this. One good song. Can’t remember the name. Not going back in to find out.

Annað rennslið skemmtilegra en það fyrsta, fellur einhvers staðar milli 3 og 4. Verst er að mér finnst aukalögin á þessari 2003 endurútgáfu vera einna skemmtilegust. Raddirnar eru lala, trommuheilinn stundum leiðinlegur, en heildarmyndin samt fín.

I’d agree with most of that. Souvenir is the highlight for me but generally solid throughout. Will be one of the ones I go back to to let it soak in a bit more. I fall just the other side of the three/four star fence.

Architecture & Morality I was quite late in discovering how good OMD and their early albums are. The first 4 or 5 are excellent listens, but this is probably my favourite one. The Bowie (Low quite obviously), Eno, Kraftwerk influences are clear, as they are for many of the late 70s/early 80s synthpop bands, but OMD take it in a slightly different direction, blending experimental sounds, textures & rhythms with more overtly pop melodies and hooks. They are one of the best of those bands at merging a cool/minimalist technological structure with a human and emotional connection. There are no obvious bangers like Electricity or Enola Gay, but The New Stone Age, She’s Leaving (this is clearly a big inspiration for LCD Sound Systems last album), Souvenir, both Joan of Arcs are the stand outs for me. I don’t think there’s a weak moment though - it’s a full cohesive album that rewards repeated listens. Great band, great album ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

None more 80’s. Listening to this I picture myself watching any number of John Hughes movies on VHS where our male hero realises his pursuit of the beautiful, yet shallow blonde girl was misplaced and the superficially plain brunette that he’d ignored was in fact the love of his life. Cue rush to public transport facility to stop her from leaving town. Enjoyable.

The worst of the early 80’s. Zero stars.

Me like

Synth-Pop ist nicht so mein Ding. Maid of Orlean gefällt mir, aber der Rest ist für mich etwas flau.

Alright

I know a few OMD tracks, but not very many. Electricity is an absolute banger, but unfortunately isn’t found on today’s album. It was only a few years ago that I actually heard of this band, when my manager at the time mentioned she was going to see “Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark” and my reaction was, “Holy hell, what a band name!” Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Maid Of Orleans This album was very ok. The running theme of Joan Of Arc felt a bit odd, but each to their own. Honestly, from the other tracks I’d heard of OMD, I just wanted something a bit more exciting. This is a very 80s sounding record, which is usually a massive plus for me, but it just wasn’t very thrilling. Nothing exactly wrong with it, but nothing to make me want to come back for more.

EWkki fyrir mig ..

I'll say it, one of the best electronic artists ever. To be making music like this in the early 80's (probably even late 70's) is wild. Some of these beats feel like things you'd hear in a club. Even though the songs themselves are much more tame, the synths and beats they use felt very futuristic. Also, their best of album is one of my favorites of all time so while this album doesn't bang on every song, there are some classics in here that I know well: Souvenir, Joan of Arc and Maid of Orleans. All songs that pop up in my head randomly since that best of album was so formative when I was young.

No way! Wasn't expecting to get an album from OMD on here. This is a cool new-wave band that our parents loved, their greatest hits album was a regular staple in our house. This album has maybe a few tracks that made the hits collection, but only one I recall vividly: "Souvenir." That's a really nice, bright tune, and to my surprise the rest of the album swings wildly through different moods and sounds. Quite a few more ambient, instrumental tracks. I just didn't realize what these guys got up to outside of the greatest hits. This one's pretty good though! Favorite tracks: Souvenir, Sealand, Maid of Orleans, The Beginning and the End. Album art: Very...descriptive. From a design perspective I guess it's nice and neat, with a little creativity. But there's not much to it overall. 3.5/5

Avand guard, post punk, 80's synth pop? No, thank you.

It's a bit all over the shop. Some soundscapey stuff, some VERY 80's synth pop. It's not terrible, but doubt I'd go out of my way to listen to it again. 2.25 stars.

Quite impressive with how it sounds atmospheric and grand for a synth-pop album. I swear some bits can pass as an ambient-electronic album. The cheese is there, but it's at least tolerable.

Eerlijk, chille bangers 4

i am intrigued by the title and band if nothing else. aint mad at it. dunno if i'd keep it in rotation, but i'm not mad at it halfway through and i've had enough.

interesting but not my style

This is actually very cool nerdy experimental post-punk!

Beautyfull!!

Really was just kinda there.

Nonsense electro-prog, with way too many bonus tracks. Even the core album is poor, only one or two songs that evoke any emotion (other than "is it done yet?"). Not my kind of thing at all, really not sure this deserves to be on the list.

So strange, I loved it.

Me gusta para tener de fondo - 7

Too much electronic drum and soft sounds.

On “Architecture & Morality,” you can hear a group deciding who it wants to be—bright, synth-pop outfit, moody, keyboard-driven goths, or New Wave experimenters. Apologies in advance, because we’re about to play the comparison game, and bands rarely win this game without being branded secondary, possibly tertiary, ultimately derivative. I know many give OMD credit for being pioneers in ‘80s Post-Punk pop music and perhaps it’s deserved on individual tracks. Listening to this record in fully operational hindsight mode finds the listener wondering if OMD were purposely trying to be closer to The Cure or Joy Division. They did have a “sound” (or were starting to). Still, there are some very obvious attempts here to sound typically Post-Punk. That this album has no enduring hits (even though popular in the UK at the time), just some standout tracks that only longtime fans would recognize as essential, isn’t really the point. OMD have some other memorable songs and a big Soundtrack-worthy pop hit, but those aren’t present on this record even if you can hear some traces of it. All songs here are capably done, and as a document of the kind of music that 1981 produced it succeeds. Apple Music highlights this record as OMD’s essential album, which is fine, but the more immediate question is whether it’s an essential example of the genre. Even though some moments were engaging and others experimental, OMD doesn’t make a convincing case on this record for being part of the New Wave pantheon.

Interesting Album

No thank you

I found this to be sort of middle ground OMD. I’ve heard. A fair amount of their music, and this I find is not as dark as some but also not as upbeat as a lot of their later stuff. It’s good though, I’ll listen again.

I gotta be honest, I was skeptical of this one. I really didn’t think it was going to be something I would enjoy. Appreciate, yes. Enjoy, no. But man once you get past its somewhat rough opening track, the rest falls into place as a trance-inducing, melodic, well produced album that was clearly ahead of its time. So much of that 80’s sound is present here, the sound that would become the hallmark of the era’s music. The synths. The reverb. The airiness. I don’t know if this one album had a whole lot of influence. But it sure seemed to know which way the wind was going to blow at the beginning of the decade.

I really thought I’d like this more. Godfathers of synth pop so aill give them that and a couple of good songs, but not an album I’d go back and listen to much, if at all.

There's always a little concern when an album that much-loved aback in the day but has been off the radar for years, crops up on here, especially with a band like OMD who seemed very '80's No need to worry on this one it's as good as it ever was.

A unique approach. Nothing stood out for me, but good for background.

Boo 👎

Excellent, A+.

Interesting

The albums opens with some uplifting major key synth pop with a melancholy undercurrent, like a spiritual New Order. The bass is driving in a hard 4/4 time and the wave patterns on the synths accumulate into mesmerizing rhythmic layers ala Kraftwek, topped off by shimering keyboard melodies. This style alternates with more slowed down bleak introspection with long low drones and drums that clatter out of synch and out of the mix. In 'Georgia' we're back in pure pop territory almost Gary Numan, with a bright high synth lines weaving together more of a groove feel in the bass/rhythm parts. Guitars kick in on Begining of the End with a chiming clean chorus tone arpegio that really rips through the synth pallette. The vocals are classic 80s British electo-pop (a bit like Depeche Mode?) with a spoken feeling that's mostly low but breaks into song and reaches up for the emotional climax. The second vocalist (on Souvenir) has a higher range, but similar slow enunciated nursery rhyme delivery. I'd heard of but never listened to this band, I guess they barely on the radar in the US in the 90s/00s before the LCD Soundsystem era revival of interest in 80s synth stuff - but this seems like a big step in combining the ambience of Eno and the trancey robo-disco of Kraftwerk with a pop emphasis on catchy melody and radio friendly song structures. Favorites: She's Leaving, Joan of Arc (Maid), Begining of the End, Extended Souvenir

Outside of the context of the scene this music was made for, it's hard to understand it. I just don't get it.

Pretty good

The album was alright. Synth poppin to make the 80’s proud.

One of my first forays into alternative ‘New Wave’ in college. Some really innovative synth work

I actually really like this. Hard to say why I like this more than other synthpop options (PSB, didn't like), but I do. I feel like it's a good 3.8 for me. The extra tracks like Extended Souvenir are also really good.

One is a classic

12/27/23. Interesting electronica sound from the 80s. Would revisit a couple of these tracks.

Not being the biggest fan of synth pop made me a bit hesitant to listen to this album, but it was a nice surprise to find out I really enjoyed it. Having said that I do enjoy some music that might be considered synth pop and some of the add ons to these songs resulted in the songs being more than they would have been. OMD has created some great melodies and hooks which aren't always associated with synth pop of the 80's. A few of the songs reminded me of the Beatles which makes sense since the band is from Liverpool and may have been influenced by them. It reminded me that George Harrison released an electronic album, and the Beatles also were first to really use tape loops - both which are used to full effect on this album. One thing I really enjoyed was the inclusion of the choral pieces which gives some of the songs a bit of an ABBA feeling to them. The best songs on the album are near perfect. Really enjoyed the album and will definitely add it to my favorites. Favorite Songs: She's Leaving, Souvenir, Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans), Gravity Never Failed.

I've heard a few of these tracks before on some new wave/synth pop curated playlist, but never experienced the album as a whole, and I've got to say that it really elevated the songs I already liked. Very atmospheric, kind of moody, in that Cold War-era sound that emerged in the late 70s/early 80s. Very personal lyrics, delicate and spare instrumental until the melodies hit (and this band knows when to pull out those hooks!). Fav tracks: Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans) and She's Leaving

A pleasant surprise! I'd not knowingly listened to Orchestral Manoeuvres in The Dark but found a lot to love on this idiosyncratic synth pop record. It's alternately eerie and triumphant, with odd but thoughtful arrangement choices throughout. The sequencing is really sublime as well, drifting into a meditative and atmospheric mood before hitting you with another dose of sugar. At times, it feels a cousin to Bowie's lauded late 70s albums, at other times a precursor to Spacemen 3 or The Cure's Disintegration. But what really sells it for me is the band's ability to deliver a perfect hook when the moment calls for it. I listened to this album a few times days apart and was left humming many of the melodies to myself in the interim. Best discovery in a while! Rating: 4.5/5 Favourite tracks: She's Leaving, Souvenir, Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)

- thoroughly enjoyed my time w this album

6/10

As eighties as ashtrays at Maccas! Very different from the image I had conjured up after reading the title.

I'd always known the name but never heard their music. I was relatively impressed, especially liked track 3. Will keep listening.

7/10 Highlights: Souvenir The New Stone Age

Early 80's vibes but nothing that jumped out

A little out there - there are poppier songs that are pleasant but they go on orchestral interludes that just don't vibe

It was so good, I forgot about it entirely

New Wave is totally up my alley, but this was not for me. Kinda boring, not very creative, just heavy synthesizers.

Meh, I couldn’t finish it

There is a lightness to this album which gives it a tranquil quality.

This was weird but I enjoyed it

Honestly this album is great. Not quite sure what it is about it, but it’s firing on all cylinders for me.

3.25

Ок за музику у позадини, ништа довољно дистинктивно. 4/10

Only knew their singles like Maid of Orleans and Souvenir (both on this album) and the more up-tempo ones like Enola Guy and Electricity and the later corny songs like Tesla Girls. But diod not listen to complete albums. This album was surprisingly diverse, I liked the minimalistic electronical songs. 3 Stars.

I probably would have been really into this if I were 18 in 1981.

Pure 80'S!!!!

sometimes I get why the 70s tunes persisted into the 80s

This was decent. I can see how this band was influencial for a lot of their predecessors. Industrial and electronic. Pretty neat.

I recognise a few tunes but not really my thing

oooooh i loved loved loved loved this, im so happy i found them, and i don’t even care that they’re weird and seemingly boring, i think they’re just so cool and made me feel nostalgic for a time i wasn’t even born.

Came into this with zero positivity and ended up enjoying it a lot.

Ordinary Monotonous Disappointing

J'ai vraiment aimé le début de l'album, mais vers la moitié j'ai trouvé que ça se fatiguait un peu. Mais reste que j'ai trouvé ça assez impressionnant comme son, ça fait vraiment précurseur du mouvement synth/new weave et même goth à la limite. 7/10

Love this album. I’ve listened to it 3 times, start to finish. You can hear the Kraftwerk influence merging with more wistful memories. Powerful and rich music. The first song on the album, The New Stone Age, is unexpected and captivating. A faultless work of art. Really interesting.

Pleasantly surprised I really enjoyed this album

Very cool! I only knew the single „maid of Orleans“ but the album has so much more to offer. From almost industrial sounding soundscapes to fast post punk, there is everything!

A lot of hits but also a few misses, ahead of its time, 4.25

I was so surprised by this album. Beautiful, weird, experimental, synth vibes. An unexpected 5 stars.

Boring.

nope

It starts out like the Shaggs' Philosophy of the World. Whether or not that was on purpose, one does not simply emulate the Shaggs. I've never listened to this before. It started to grow on me. Some truly interesting electronic compositions punctuated by some mediocre pop songs. I liked it. Didn't love it, but I liked it.

Sounds like 2AM murk, in a good way.

“She’s leaving” made my morning commute feel like I was in a John Hughes movie. New wave, industrial electronic music pairs, surprisingly well with a peppermint oat milk latte.

OMG! OMD! Great yet sometimes boring. So..a 4

I appreciated it. Not crazy about it though.

I don't dislike it, but I don't know if I like it either. It's very different and familiar all at once.

Had trouble getting into and enjoying this and I kind of like bands in this sound even. 2/5

Brani Preferiti: - "The New Stone Age" - "She's Leaving" Note: Non sono un adoratore di synthpop e questo album non mi ha fatto cambiare idea. L'album inizia bene e in maniera decisa con la prima canzone, seguita dalla semplice ma bellissima seconda, ma raggiunge un plateau dal punto di vista sonoro, per poi spegnersi arrivando alla fine.

Cool

I really liked listening to this, it was really nice and pretty.

One of the soundtracks of my youth! Great memories. Love it!! 5/5 ⭐️

Run of the mill synth-pop but not in an annoying way. Easy listening to work or drive to.

80s

It felt like they were having trouble deciding whether to be an experimental, ambient electronic group or a popular new wave group. In any case, it's good, but maybe a bit boring at times. 3 stars.

Pretty new genre for me. I liked the initial songs but I lost interest after a few songs.

More electronica that I just dont vibe with, but I'm learning how big this genre is in the UK

It’s fine!

Really enjoy the electronic and often atmospheric production of this early-'80s record. These guys are apparently pioneers of electronic music and synth pop. Had never heard of them before this. Not huge on the vocals, but the production is pretty great especially for being so early in the tech/genre. Good music to work to.

With darker undertones and epic melodies, OMD hands us what could be the soundtrack to an adventure or fantasy movie. I could also imagine myself driving in the night with some of the songs as background. "Sealand" is simply beautiful and probably my favorite track on this record. "Souvenir" is probably the major stand-out and it provides a great listen, as well as "The Romance of the Telescope". However, the album is quite weirdly structured, with extended versions of songs that have already played in the middle of the remaining tracklist.

No està malament, però es repeteix més que un pa d'all amb trossets d'all per damunt sucat en all-i-oli. Hi ha cançons que m'agraden, però individualment.

It's like Tears for Fears if they fired half their band and replaced the singer with a screaming cat.

This wasn't bad. It is Electronica music. Pretty much unnoteworthy but I will round up.

I like OMD but this one was kind of meh. Still had some great tunes and a solid album

The only time I’ve really heard this type of music was in Stranger Things LOL. “Sealand” was beautiful, loved the instruments for the majority of the song and then his voice came in sounding like an Angel ascending from heaven. Blessed. Love the whale noises in “ Joan of Arc”, wait… in the first “Joan Of Arc”. Why are there two? The Wiki says it’s inspired by religious music which I definitely heard, and kinda made me feel like I back in Sunday School with my whole family. Weirdly nostalgic. I’ve wanted to cry in the corner in the fetal position to a couple of these songs. There’s a part of me that wasn’t awaken until I listened to this album, like I was coming out as gay or something. I absolutely loved this. 10/10

HOLY FIRST SONG MY FUCKING EARS!! After the first song I thought I was doomed but it transitioned into some light synth music you might find in a video game. There were a ton of beautiful melodies like in “Joan of Arc”. While it’s not the greatest album I appreciate that this laid the foundation for Synth Pop/Wave music which is secretly a favorite genre of music for me to work to. Would I play this at a party? No. Will I listen to this album again by myself? Yes. 3 songs added to my liked playlist. 8/10

I feel like I was ascending to a higher plane of existence during some of these songs. The orchestral music was amazing and strong throughout the entire album. The only knock was I almost had deja vu in the middle and thought the album repeated with a similar sounding song. Great stuff tho 8/10

It’s crazy that an album put out in 81 sounds sooo incredibly 80s. This album must have been extremely influential as it seemingly defines 80s synth pop. Souvenir is one of my favorite 80s songs that is still in my 80s bangers playlist. With that said no other songs on this album will be going on the 80s bangers playlist. A bunch of these songs would fit perfectly into a psychological horror movie or a video game. Upon relistening to the album with the mindset of: the other songs are not going to be as good as Souvenir; I did enjoy it a lot more. Each song has a uniqueness to it while staying within the Synth Pop genre. 7/10

First song slaps but couldn't get into it otherwise

Sounds like Olive Garden Joy Division.. With a hint of The Cure and Kraftwerk

Brilliantly innovative

I enjoyed it enough, lots going on throughout and I thought it was ambitious but they seemed to come out with a good album. Georgia is one of the standouts for me, a lot of spacey vibes and tones on here, you kinda have to be in a certain mood for synth pop like this, I will likely give it another listen but for now it’s a 3.5

Wait, so was there only one new wave singer in the 80s? And every band just used the same singer? Because EVERY new wave band has a singer, who sounds exactly like this. The music is pretty decent though.

This is it. This is the reason that I started to do this one album a day thing. I'm not sure how this album has passed me by thus far, I really enjoyed all of it, and it fits perfectly within the relaxed synthpop 80s sound, along with other artists I love like New Order, Depeche mode, Tears for fears, The cure, etc. Not only would I listen to this album again, I believe that it will enter into my list of albums that I keep coming back to, and that I recommend to my friends. T10 Extended Souvenir was a stand-out track to me (and is the playlist track), but it came on and gave me an intense feeling of nostalgia, and played the part it was trying to play perfectly. Edit: I just realized that T3 (Souvenir) and T10 are extremely similar, and are practically the same song, but I think it was almost genius to do that in the context of an album, and by the time T10 played, I felt as if I had been listening to that song for years. 1hr album, but I found myself melting away in the context of the music, without any desire to listen to anything else at all. I really enjoy the more new-wave albums that are on this list. 5/5

Loved it. You can definitely feel it's influence in later synth pop type music. With a few exceptions, reminded me a lot of OST for the movie "Drive", which was composed by Cliff Martinez, and drew heavy inspiration of synth europop of the 80s. For sure adding this album into my library.

I like living in a world where things this off the wall don't just exist but apparently sell a hell of a lot of records. A little too quirky to be something I'd generally throw on to listen for pleasure though, and it's rocking that Standard British Alternative Male Vocal style .

Uhm ok Ik heb hier nog nooit van gehoord en weet niet zo goed wat ik hiervan moet verwachten ook. Ben benieuwd! Het begint al best wel prettig, de eerste tonen leken bijna elektronisch, techno achtig! Daarna wel vrij snel door naar de dreampop/synthpop, maar eigenlijk pruim ik dat prima vandaag! Ik droom hier lekker op weg joh! De nummers lopen wel erg in elkaar over en ik heb tot noch toe niet iets dat er compleet uit springt ofzo, maar de algehele dreamy vibe ga ik best wel lekker op. Beetje Depeche mode achtig? Wow wat een switch van Architecture and Morality naar Georgia! Ook heel erge LCD Soundsystem vibes van dit album zeg. FAVO: Georgia

Heel erg moody tot nu toe, een soort meer sfeervolle radiohead. Krijg een goede portie synthwave/synthpop binnen en dat bevalt best goed. Ik weet niet hoe oud dit album is, maar kan me voorstellen dat we hier met synthpop pioniers te maken hebben. Beetje sad album, maar voor mij de juiste vibes. Beetje lang album, maar vind de tweede helft het leukst, dus niet een enorm probleem Favorieten: Souvenir, Motion and Heart, Gravity Never Failed

Cat: dancey and weird and goth

this album is pretty neat. it's got that classic 80s synthpop sound, but is very interestingly sparse sounding. and i don't think that detracts from the music, it gives it more of a pleasant, ethereal feeling. i particularly enjoyed the hooky synth lines and the sound of the singer's voice, i found it particularly calming. enjoyable!

I didn't hate this but particularly as compared with other albums on this list, I don't get why it's relevant.

Not a fan

Enjoyed this. Raw, electronic. Clear 808. Early synths.

No one song stuck out to me but it is impressive how fresh the whole thing sounds having been released in 1981.

Atmospheric pop, not too interesting to me

It could be argued that Architecture & Morality was the first great album of the 1980s purely due to the way it closed the curtains on what came before. Stumbling out the gate with Andy McClusky's underrated panic wail and the paranoia swimming around the guitar and synth instrumentation, The New Stone Age provided a path that was both well treaded and freshly paved and, from then on, Architecture & Morality becomes a ceaseless wave of surprising momentum. That momentum would shift into pockets and snippets of what would become fools errand turned Cold War era masterpiece Dazzle Ships, as offered by two of its songs appearing as bonus tracks. And it is in that offering that makes us see what OMD were working with at the time and that they were a powerful pop force that we would, rather disappointingly, take for granted. Favorites: The New Stone Age, She's Leaving, Souvenir, Joan of Arc, Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans), Georgia, The Beginning and the End, Extended Souvenir, Motion and Heart, The Romance of the Telescope, Of All the Things We Made.

Megahits: Souvenir, Joan Of Arc

Kind of a weird one. Not really my thing but it wouldn't surprise me if this went on to influence many other artists throughout the 80s

Ihan ok 2-3

Good instrumentation. I liked it.

hit or miss

If you'd like to discuss architecture or morality, do call in.

This album predates my interest in OMD and I was not familiar with it, except maybe for "Souvenir." I enjoyed the comment from Ultimate Classic Rock that declared it a connecting point between synth-pop's early industrial dirges into the sort of pop music that I loved in the '80s. That seems to be true for a lot of these bands. I enjoyed it from that point of view, but it's not going to be my go-to for OMD.

This one didn't make much of an impression on me one way or the other. I didn't hear anything that made me cover my ears, but I struggled to find much that made my ears perk up too.

Welp, I guess vacation's over because I did not enjoy this. Nothing particularly catchy nor interesting. If you put it on at a party, I might not notice, but if I did, I'd be mad at you. The nerve! Next!

Was this a vanguard of the 80s music to follow? Perhaps if I had heard this in ‘81 it would make more of an impression. I will admit on the first listen I thought this was just ok. The second listen improved things a bit. The album has a heavy

These songs all blended together. Dull.

Not a fan overall, but I felt it had potential. 80s synthy/dancy kinda sounds.

Beatiful… just beatiful

Im not in for this album rn

This is so fucking boring

Didn't do it for me personally. Was probably cutting edge when it came out but now seems a little dated and dull

I listened to OMD back in the 80s -- really, mid to late 80s -- and it's a good reminder of how warped our perception of time can be. To me, this is a very contemporary band in sound and style, yet they started in 1978. Anyway, it's a good album still to my ears. Now it sounds dated to my ears, very 80s sounding, somewhat synth-pop-py, but that makes sense of course. It's enjoyable for what it is.

Good background synth type 80's stuff.

Feels a little pretentious. Starts a little noisy with synth-pop elements, but eventually drawls out to long, repetitive instrumentals. Kind of had me in the beginning, but eventually lost the flavor, and lost me as well. Favorite track: "She's Leaving"