Messages: Greatest Hits cover

Messages: Greatest Hits

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 2008

193 min · 51 tracks · synth-pop

Synth-driven melodies intertwine with lyrical introspection, capturing the essence of early electronic pop innovation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Messages Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Enola Gay — This track stands as one of OMD's most recognizable songs, combining catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about the moral complexities of war.
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    Electricity — A defining track that encapsulates the band's early sound, it's notable for its vibrant synth lines and exploration of electric themes.
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    If You Leave — Known for its emotional weight, this song gained additional fame through its inclusion in the film 'Pretty in Pink,' highlighting OMD's crossover appeal into pop culture.
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    Maid of Orleans — This track showcases OMD's ability to blend historical narrative with synth-pop, creating an atmospheric soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • nostalgic sing-along anthems
  • dynamic collection of hits
  • for retro parties
  • wave-like pacing with energy
  • engaging during long drives

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer shorter listening experiences
  • seek deep, introspective tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A comprehensive hits collection, ideal for new listeners to explore OMD's signature sound.
Themes
1980s electronic pop· war commentary· Pretty in Pink nostalgia
Career context
By the time 'Messages: Greatest Hits' was released in 2008, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) had already established themselves as pioneers of synth-pop since their debut in 1980. This compilation arrived following a decade-long hiatus from studio recordings and marked their return to the mainstream after their reformation in 2006, showcasing both classic hits and newer tracks.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· Gary Numan· The Human League

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Messages Start here 4:44
  • 2 Electricity 3:31
  • 3 Enola Gay 3:32
  • 4 Souvenir 3:37
  • 5 Joan of Arc 3:48
  • 6 Maid of Orleans 4:12
  • 7 Genetic Engineering 3:37
  • 8 Telegraph 2:56
  • 9 Locomotion 3:57
  • 10 Talking Loud and Clear 3:56
  • 11 Tesla Girls 3:35
  • 12 So in Love 3:30
  • 13 Secret 3:57
  • 14 If You Leave 4:30
  • 15 (Forever) Live and Die 3:36
  • 16 Dreaming 3:58
  • 17 Sailing on the Seven Seas 3:45
  • 18 Pandora's Box 4:06
  • 19 Dream of Me (Based on Love's Theme) 3:53
  • 20 Walking on the Milky Way 4:04

Disc 2

  • 1 Electricity 3:32
  • 2 Red Frame/White Light 3:10
  • 3 Messages Start here 4:01
  • 4 Enola Gay 3:33
  • 5 Souvenir 3:25
  • 6 Joan of Arc (live Top of the Pops version) 2:58
  • 7 Maid of Orleans 4:03
  • 8 Genetic Engineering 3:44
  • 9 Telegraph 2:57
  • 10 Locomotion 3:46
  • 11 Talking Loud and Clear 3:56
  • 12 Tesla Girls 3:31
  • 13 Never Turn Away 3:20
  • 14 So in Love 3:33
  • 15 Secret 3:51
  • 16 La Femme Accident 2:46
  • 17 Hold You 3:57
  • 18 If You Leave 4:24
  • 19 (Forever) Live and Die 3:27
  • 20 We Love You 4:02
  • 21 Shame 3:45
  • 22 Dreaming 3:50
  • 23 Sailing on the Seven Seas 3:49
  • 24 Pandora's Box 4:52
  • 25 Then You Turn Away 4:11
  • 26 Call My Name 4:17
  • 27 Stand Above Me 3:34
  • 28 Dream of Me (Based on Love's Theme) 4:13
  • 29 Everyday 3:57
  • 30 Walking on the Milky Way 4:44
  • 31 Universal 3:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata