What makes Joan of Arc by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark notable?

The single became a significant entry in the UK charts, reaching No. 5 and further solidifying OMD's reputation as pioneers of synth-pop. Additionally, the song's exploration of historical and emotional themes contributed to its lasting impact on pop music narratives, influencing future artists in the genre. Released on October 9, 1981, 'Joan of Arc' marked Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's third single, following their acclaimed debut album. At this point in their career, they were rapidly gaining recognition in the UK synth-pop scene, building on the success of hits like 'Enola Gay'. This single showcased their evolving sound and lyrical depth as they moved into more thematic territory.

How many songs are on Joan of Arc?

Joan of Arc has 2 tracks, running approximately 7 minutes.

Joan of Arc

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 1981

7 min · 2 tracks · synth-pop

Synth-driven melodies intertwine with poignant lyrics, creating a reflective soundscape that captures the essence of early 80s synth-pop.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Joan of Arc — This title track stands out for its innovative blend of electronic instrumentation and storytelling, creating an evocative portrait of its namesake.
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The Romance of the Telescope (unfinished) — Despite being unfinished, this track highlights OMD's experimental approach to sound and composition, offering insight into their creative process during this period.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong synth melodies but is hampered by the unfinished nature of its second track.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent synth melody that is layered with harmonized vocals, creating a rich texture.
The second track, 'The Romance of the Telescope', is an unfinished piece that lacks a complete structure, contributing to a sense of incompleteness.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.