Messages: Greatest Hits received favourable reviews. In his review for
The Quietus, John Doran wrote: "OMD are the only Liverpool band to come near to living up to the monolithic standards of productivity and creativity set in place by
the Beatles...this compilation is a reminder that Orchestral Manouevres in the Dark are not one of the best synth bands ever: they are one of the best bands ever." Doran did, however, voice a mild criticism that the CD component leans too heavily toward the group's later, more pop-oriented work, and specifically lamented the omission of 1980 single "
Red Frame/White Light" (although its accompanying music video features on the DVD).
AllMusic awarded the compilation 4.5 stars out of a possible 5.
Ian Peel in
Record Collector gave it 4 out of 5, and said: "Between them Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys are responsible for creating two brilliant, but very different, bands. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, the early 80's
Factory descendents who sampled blast furnaces and the
Stanlow oil refinery; and OMD, the late 80's stadium pop act... The main reason to buy this one is the bonus DVD." == Track listing ==