omd architecture and morality full album

OMD's Architecture & Morality: A Synth Pop Masterpiece with Choral Beauty

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) released their highly influential third album, Architecture & Morality, on November 6th, 1981. This record saw electronic music pioneers at their peak of creativity, showcasing a unique blend of sounds that would shape the synth pop genre.

The album's sound was greatly enhanced by the addition of a Mellotron, which allowed the band to incorporate choral samples into their music. As keyboard player Paul Humphreys revealed in an interview, Andy McCluskey loved the choral sounds on 'Souvenir' and this led to the acquisition of the instrument. This added a beguiling extra dimension to the song's sumptuous pop melodies.

Humphreys built chords from these home-made choral samples by pushing faders up and down the desk in OMD's studio, The Gramophone Suite. This process allowed them to create a vast array of choral music at their disposal, which played a significant role in shaping the album's overall sound.

The song 'Souvenir' was also notable for its promotional video, which featured Andy McCluskey driving around in a classic red Volkswagen Karmann Ghia while Paul Humphreys sang and leaned against the pillars of the Palladian Bridge at Stowe House in Buckinghamshire, England.

Andy McCluskey has stated that he wasn't initially a fan of 'Souvenir', but the song's popularity belies this. The album contains three hugely successful singles: 'Maid of Orleans (The Waltz of Joan of Arc)', 'Joan of Arc' and 'Souvenir'. These tracks, along with 'She's Leaving', showcase the band's ability to craft catchy and engaging songs.

Architecture & Morality is an album that defies genre conventions. While it is often associated with synth pop, the record also displays a wide range of compositional styles. The post-punk driven opening track 'The New Stone Age' demonstrates OMD's ability to experiment with different sounds, while 'Souvenir' showcases their ability to craft soaring melodies.

In conclusion, Architecture & Morality is an album that has had a lasting impact on the synth pop genre and electronic music as a whole. Its innovative use of choral samples and memorable songwriting have made it a beloved classic among fans of the genre.

Omd architecture and morality full album