Disco de Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark: “Sugar Tax”

Others come close and sure I can probably agree that OMD's best song probably isn't on this album. But, in terms of consistency and quality, this album is incredible. As an avid OMD music collector, I can attest that all OMD albums have fillers or other unappealing songs, but this has by far the least. This is a melodic, poetic, romantic, shake your hips, and mood making album....a must have. You will easily find several songs appealing, I guarantee it!

P.S. it's about the music, not how you naively think all artists should be stuck in their 'innovative' or 'pioneering' stage. No artist or band has ever done that, so grow up yourself!

OMD's first three albums were spectacular, and the last three were also pretty amazing. The stuff in between from Junk Culture to the Pacific Age is hit or miss with me. The Pacific Age was the ultimate low point of OMD, in my opinion, with almost no depth or charisma, and almost no salvageable material. When Sugar Tax was released, it renewed my almost lost faith in one of my favorite bands of all time. Yes it was a new direction alltogether, and some not accepting of the changes may have been turned away. Maybe some people just couldn't stomach the idea of OMD doing dance music, but this is not only one of OMD's best albums ever, but also some of the best dance music that was made at the time. Too bad it went unnoticed. The only track on this album that I don't particularily care for is Apollo XI--it's kind of a dumb filler instrumental song. The cover of Kraftwerk's Neon Lights is very cool--interesting song to cover. My favorite tracks are Pandora's Box, Call My Name, Speed of Light, Was It Something I Said--hell, the rest of the album is excellent. Fans of the Pet Shop Boys and Erasure will definately like this. This is one of my all time favorite albums that I own, and one of OMD's most easily listenable.

This is one of my favorite albums--it is one of a handful of albums that I will love for as long as I breathe. It is incredible! Andy McCluskey's singing is inspiring, heartfelt, soaring. He has a rich voice w/ a good range, and, more importantly, a distinctive romantic timbre. The lyrics are mature, coherent, and worthy of repetition, especially to a lover right after a romantic tragedy. The album's tone is of urban romanticism, the trademark OMD sound--melodramatic, almost innocent, and yet very stylish and confident. The production is superb--melodic lines vibrate w/ clarity throughout, sliding and flying over concise rhythmic grooves.

There is no one mood to the album for it ranges from the innocent and angelic, to the rueful and jaded, to the heights of emotional power and the depths of romantic desperation. Some fast, frolicking, and very danceable, others languid, moody, and poignant.

The first half of this album is superb and the second half is quite good. Overall I think it is a fantastic artwork for I can listen to most of the songs over and over and....

My favorite songs are: Sailing on the 7 Seas; PANDORA'S BOX (an incredible artistic feat! One of the best songs I've ever heard); Then You Turn Away; Speed of Light; Was it Something I Said?; Big Town; Call My Name; Walking on Air; and All That Glitters. This is 9 out of 12 songs that are infinitely good....

If you are a dreamy romantic in love w/ unique music (like myself) then indulge in Sugar Tax...

This albums "SUGAR TAX" was done without the help of Paul Humphreys. Andy McCluskey did it on his own and I have to say, its FANTASTIC. It is one of my favorate OMD albums of all times. "Pandora's Box", "Speed of Light", "Call my Name", and "Sailing on the Seven Seas" are breathe taking. The entire album is just awsome. Andy did it and did it with a bang. No one thought that it was possible and that OMD was over after Paul left the band. Andy showed everyone that OMD lives on. I hope that one of these I hear that OMD is reformed and another great album would be on its way. The last album "UNIVERSAL" was released in 1996 and its a little hard to get in the US, but its available as import.

If you are a fan of the OMD of the 1980's, then you may be a little disappointed by what is otherwise an excellent album. The daring lyrics and electronic experimentation has given way to a more upbeat and commercial rendering, but I suppose still with the "old OMD sound" just below the surface. The album grew on me tremendously, and I recommend it without reservation. All songs can hold their own, but of course the tracks "Sailing on the Seven Seas", "Pandora's Box" and "Was it Something I Said" stand out, but again these being a little too commercial for hardened OMD fans.

If this is your first OMD album, or you are wanting to buy the first one, then do take a look at their "Best Of" compilation, as well as the excellent albums "Crush" and "Architecture & Morality" perhaps before looking at their other work.