History of Modern

It’s always risky business when a group that has long since broken up decides to reform their classic lineup and give it another go. History of Modern is Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark’s first album of new material in 14 years; their last Top 40 hit, "Dreaming," was back in 1988. So in other words, the potential for career-diminishing embarrassment is high. Luckily, the band has chosen to focus on the things that defined classic albums like Architecture and Morality: big hooks, epic choruses, and nicely uncluttered pop songs. The synth sounds are decidedly retro (all the dials seem to have been set to 1982), but songs like “If You Want It” and “Sister Marie Says” sound like classics from another era—twinkly, romantic, and nearly perfect. There might be something desperately nostalgic about the whole affair, but any band with the kind of musical legacy that OMD has should be allowed to be little bit shameless.