The Carnival of the Animals century, with one piano always maintaining a bouncy eighth-note rhythm. Although the melody is relatively simple, the supporting harmonies are ornamented in the style that is typical of Saint-Saëns' compositions for piano; dazzling scales, glissandi and trills. Many of the previous movements are quoted here from the introduction, the lion, the donkeys, hens, and kangaroos. The work ends with a series of six "Hee Haws" from the donkeys, as if to say that the donkey has the last laugh, before the final strong group of C major chords. As the title suggests, the work follows a zoological program and progresses
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (album) appraisal for "Pitchfork", Scott Plagenhoef opined: ""Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark"'s original release was highlighted by the exquisite 'Electricity' and the brooding 'The Messerschmit Twins'... the elegant 'Messages' stands out next to the record's often sparse, minimalist soundscapes." Ned Raggett in AllMusic said: "OMD's first full album won as much attention for its brilliant die-cut cover -- another example of Peter Saville's cutting-edge way around design -- as for its music, and its music is wonderful... "Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark" is just like the band that made it -- perfectly of its time and easily transcending it." "Trouser Press"