Universal [CD]

OMD are one of the most enduring of the eighties synth-pop bands. They managed not to go out of fashion by never being in fashion, but continued to produce quality albums and a surprising number of hit singles.

This is the third album since the split which saw Andy McCluskey continue the OMD name as basically a solo act. Universal is a return to form after the disappointing "Liberator", and produced the hit single "Walking on the Milkey Way". Universal is a more "organic" sounding album than some of OMD's earlier offerings. The lyrical themes are solid and varied, with some catchy tunes and a few surprises along the way.

For the most part, this album is far removed from the early eighties - it even has guitar in it (although the odd guitar also sneaked into earlier albums). There are however several hints at the roots of Andy's music such as "Very Close to Far Away" which was co-written with Paul Humphreys (the other half of the original duo).

The whole package exudes quality and shows no sign of the ideas drying up. It is a shame however that it seems likely that this will be the last OMD studio album.

This is one of those albums which doesn't really seem special on the first listen, but given a couple of plays, it may take root in your CD player...

This album seems to be sadly underrated by many, it's not your hardcore OMD but rather a very delicate mix of old OMD style and modern pop. Melodies and arrangements are among the best by OMD.

I purchased this album initially because I love the hit single "Walking On The Milky Way". (Released in 1996, this was OMD's last top-20 single to date). Prior to the purchase of this album I was only familiar with the Eighties "synthpop" OMD material (whih I must admit, I absolutely love!) Playing the CD for the first time in my car, I was immediately captivated by the opening chords to Track 1 - "Universal". The track then opens up to a lively, energetic lyric - best played loud!! I immediately fell in love with the track; I would certainly class it as a "feelgood" song (despite its relatively dire suggestion of there being no 'afterlife'!) Next comes 'Walking On The Milky Way' - which, as I alluded to earlier, is one of my favourites. The energetic track (featuring Hannah Clive on backing vocals) speaks of why youth should not be spent frivolously - and how, when young, we believe we are invincible (although at 24, I kinda' still believe I am!!) This song really takes its toll on my voice chords as I desperately try to sing along at the pace and range of Andy McCluskey (trust me - you don't want to hear me attempt it!!) Singing along to this track will probably be the cause of my death!! Moving on to "The Moon And The Sun" - this song calms the pace down significantly (a trend which is continued throughout "Very Close To Far Away" and "The Gospel Of St Jude"). Track 7 - ("That Was Then") is where my recaptivation occurs. The song is extremely cleverly written - it talks of that great point after the demise of a relationship whereby one sees things in perspective ("I would lie awake and cry at night - that was then, this is now!") This song is particularly relevant to one of my recent life experiences - which could explain why I like it so much. A similar story occurs with track 8 - "Too Late". Again; I can refer this to a real life situation (...it's too late for us to just be friends, Too late for anything but the end, So many dreams fell through our hands...") (This review is rapidly turning into a summary of my love life!) Very clever use of a piano here - it works well. Track 9 - "The Boy From The Chemist Is Here To See You" is a very typical 90's-style track (in the style of Blur, Pulp, possibly a dash of Oasis)- and it works well. Very well placed in 1996. Track 10 - "If You're Still In Love With Me" has excellent use of a violin, combined with great lyrics ("If you're still in love with me, Then why won't you just set me free?") One of my favourite songs on this album is the final track - 'Victory Waltz'. A beautiful, gentle love song - it talks of the bittersweet emtions involved with the demise of a relationship. When I first heard it I was literally speechless. I would seriously recommend it if, like me, you like the occasional dash of sentment! In summary, this album provides an excellent insight into the "non-synth" (post- Paul Humpheries) OMD, and contains a vast range of music styles. It will cater for most tastes out there, and is well worth the few pounds you can now pick it up for. So, should you buy it? Well, if you are an OMD fan, then yes. It is not like the early OMD material, but is a thought-provoking alternative. (To be fair to OMD, releasing a "synth-laden" album in 1996 would be a little like wearing shoulder pads whilst promoting it!) If you like "alternative-Nineties" pop (dare I say the word: Britpop?!) then yes. And if you have just split up with your girlfriend/ boyfriend, and are looking for some help gettig over it (in addition to a gentle boost to your self esteem) then what on Earth are you waiting for? Click the "Buy Now" button this minute! This album helped me to get over a particularly dark period in my life - and as such, it will always remain close to my heart. If I ever bump into Andy McCluskey (and hopefully one day I will), I will be sure to buy him a drink... ;)