Is History of Modern a good place to start with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark?

Yes, History of Modern is recommended as a starting point for new Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark listeners. A vibrant synthesis of nostalgic synth-pop and contemporary electronic influences, reflecting both past and future sounds. Released in 2010, History of Modern marked Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's first studio album in over a decade, following their 1996 album Universal. This comeback came after a lengthy hiatus and lineup changes that saw founding member Andy McCluskey reinvigorating the band while still staying true to their roots in synth-driven music.

Who is History of Modern for?

History of Modern works well if you're into steady pacing for reflective moments, balanced progression with climactic peaks and thoughtful listening during quiet times.

How many songs are on History of Modern?

History of Modern has 14 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

History of Modern

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 2010

61 min · 14 tracks · synth-pop

A vibrant synthesis of nostalgic synth-pop and contemporary electronic influences, reflecting both past and future sounds.

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Top tracks — play these first

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New Babies; New Toys Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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History of Modern, Part I — This track encapsulates the essence of the album, merging classic synth melodies with contemporary themes of progress and nostalgia.
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If You Want It — An upbeat anthem about desire and empowerment, this track showcases OMD's ability to craft catchy hooks while maintaining depth in lyrics.
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The Future, the Past, and Forever After — Combining reflective lyrics with an expansive soundscape, this track embodies the thematic exploration of time that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends nostalgic and contemporary sounds but lacks a strong cohesive arc.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
Several tracks incorporate layered synth melodies that build in complexity, particularly in 'History of Modern, Part I' and 'Part II'.
The album includes interludes that connect thematic elements between songs, creating a narrative flow across the tracklist.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady pacing for reflective moments
balanced progression with climactic peaks
thoughtful listening during quiet times
nostalgic echoes of past sounds

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Reestablished OMD's presence after a decade, gaining critical acclaim and chart success.
Themes: nostalgic synth landscapes· temporal reflections
Career context: Released in 2010, History of Modern marked Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's first studio album in over a decade, following their 1996 album Universal. This comeback came after a lengthy hiatus and lineup changes that saw founding member Andy McCluskey reinvigorating the band while still staying true to their roots in synth-driven music.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· Gary Numan· The Human League