"Organisation" is the second studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 24 October 1980 by Dindisc. This marked the band's first collaboration with a producer, Mike Howlett, and the addition of Malcolm Holmes as the full-time drummer. The album is characterized by its dark, melancholic tone, setting it apart from other OMD releases.
The album received positive reviews and became OMD's first top-10 album in the UK, peaking at number six on the UK Albums Chart. "Enola Gay" was the only single released from the album, reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. Organisation was remastered and re-released in 2003 with several bonus tracks.
Most of Organisation was recorded at Ridge Farm in Rusper, with Mike Howlett's assistance. OMD wrote much of the album in June and July 1980, under pressure from Dindisc to release it before Christmas. The band initially recorded backing tracks at their Gramophone Suite in Liverpool before moving to Ridge Farm for vocals and additional instrumentation. This was the first time OMD worked with a producer, and Howlett's guidance proved valuable to the young band.
The album's darker tone was influenced by their connection with Joy Division, particularly after the suicide of frontman Ian Curtis during the writing period. McCluskey was the primary songwriter, while Holmes replaced the TEAC tape recorder used for previous recordings.
"Enola Gay" stood out as the sole single, contrasting with the album's overall downbeat atmosphere. The song was written alongside tracks for the band's debut album, while "The More I See You" evolved into a cover version after McCluskey unintentionally sang its lyrics over an original composition.
"Promise" features Humphreys' first lead vocal and is his first solo composition on an OMD album. "Stanlow," inspired by a local refinery, includes sounds sampled from machinery. The title of the album pays homage to a precursor band to Kraftwerk.
The album's cover art, designed by Peter Saville Associates, features a photograph of Marsco in the Isle of Skye. Despite featuring the hit "Enola Gay," Organisation is often seen as a "lost" classic, overshadowed by later releases. Nonetheless, it has been recognized as influential in the emergence of minimal wave music.
Critics have noted the album's significance, with various artists citing it as an influence, including Depeche Mode and Moby. Organisation is often regarded as OMD's best work by fans and critics alike, praised for its unique blend of music and art.
