History of Modern

OMD reformed in 2006 with its classic line-up of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper and Malcolm Holmes[2] (singer McCluskey had used the OMD moniker as a solo project from 1989–1996).[3] Following the band's reunion, there was renewed public interest; a planned nine-date tour evolved into 50 shows. The group determined there would be sufficient interest in a new studio album. It was recorded remotely, with tracks compiled via the Internet.[3][4]

A free download demo track taken from the album, titled "Sister Marie Says",[5] was released on 25 November 2009 and featured backing vocals from British classical crossover soprano Keedie Babb.[6][7] The song dates to 1981 and was almost included on Universal (1996), but was shelved. The second track to be played from the record was "History of Modern (Part II)"; it was aired on 31 May 2010 on BBC Radio 6 Music.[8][9]

The artwork for History of Modern was conceived by Peter Saville[10] and designed by Four23. The title was devised by McCluskey after he took his daughter to an art exhibition called "The History of Modernism".[5]

Remixes and B-sides from the History of Modern sessions were included on the EP History of Modern (Part I) (2011).[11]

"If You Want It" was released as the first single on 6 September 2010. It was OMD's first single since 1996's "Universal". In October, "Sister Marie Says" was announced as the album's second single, and was released on 19 November 2010. The third single, "History of Modern (Part I)" was remixed in radio and extended forms, and was released on 28 February 2011.

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AbsolutePunk	(88%)[12]
AllMusic	[13]
The A.V. Club	(C+)[14]
DIY	[15]
London Evening Standard	[16]
Mojo	[17]
musicOMH	[18]
Q	[19]
Spin	(7/10)[20]
Urb	[21]

History of Modern received generally favourable reviews.[22] Telegraph critic Neil McCormick described the album as "extraordinarily good, a belting synth-pop classic crammed with catchy tunes and complicated lyrics about matters of life and death, art and philosophy."[23] Q were also complimentary, noting that OMD's "winning way with a rattling pop tune is timeless" and that the record "refines their sound and gives it a modern production tweak".[19] A mildly positive AllMusic review by Andy Kellman concluded with, "At its best, History of Modern is to OMD what Secrets is to the Human League: an inspired return from post-punk-turned-synth-pop greats."[13] Conversely, BBC reviewer John Doran was unimpressed, stating, "A few highs aside, this is a poor return from the 80s hit-makers... it's not too late for OMD to stride all the way back to greatness. But this album isn't even a stumble in the right direction."[24]

Of the album's remote recording process, McCluskey said, "We... realised Paul and I have to be in the room together to get the chemistry."[3] Classic Pop nevertheless ranked History of Modern fifth in their "Top 20 Reunion Albums", noting that it echoes OMD's "golden period" of the early 1980s.[25] In a poll of 3,200 Modern Synthpop readers, it was voted the 12th-best synth-pop album of the 2010s.[26]

"Alone" – B-side to digital download and CD versions of "If You Want It" single.
"Idea 1" – B-side to limited edition 7" vinyl single of "If You Want It".
"The Grand Deception" – B-side to CD version of "Sister Marie Says".
"History of Modern, Pt. III & IV" – B-side to limited edition 7" vinyl single of "Sister Marie Says".

History of Modern reached No. 5 on the German Albums Chart, OMD's highest ever position there. It also cracked the national albums charts of several countries including reaching No. 97 in the Netherlands, No. 63 in Switzerland, No. 36 in Austria and No. 28 in the United Kingdom where it reached No. 3 on the official independent chart as well, remaining 12 weeks in the top 50.[27]

• Official video of "If You Want It" on YouTube