Sugar Tax cover

Sugar Tax

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 1991

51 min · 12 tracks · synth-pop

Synth-driven pop melodies interlace with introspective lyrics and lush production, reflecting the early '90s musical landscape.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • layered, dense sonic textures
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative reflective moments

Where this album fits

Themes
early '90s nostalgia· sailing adventures· heartbreak narratives
Career context
Released in 1991, 'Sugar Tax' marked Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's return after a hiatus following their previous album, 'The Pacific Age' (1986). This album signified a transition into a more polished sound during a time when synth-pop was evolving, showcasing the band's adaptability to changing musical trends.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· Gary Numan· The Human League
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Violator by Depeche Mode — Shares lush synth textures and introspective lyrics within early '90s pop aesthetics.
Chorus by Erasure — Combines polished synth melodies with themes of love and nostalgia, echoing the same emotional depth.
Romantic? by The Human League — Features intricate synth arrangements and explores themes of romance and heartbreak in a similar sonic landscape.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sailing on the Seven Seas 3:45
  • 2 Pandora's Box 4:09
  • 3 Then You Turn Away 4:17
  • 4 Speed of Light 4:29
  • 5 Was It Something I Said 4:29
  • 6 Big Town 4:19
  • 7 Call My Name 4:23
  • 8 Apollo XI 4:13
  • 9 Walking on Air 4:49
  • 10 Walk Tall 3:55
  • 11 Neon Lights 4:19
  • 12 All That Glitters 4:06

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata