Unlike predecessor History of Modern (2010), which was compiled remotely via the Internet, English Electric saw OMD co-founders Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys write and record in person, with the aim of recreating their artistic chemistry in years past.

McCluskey said of the album's songwriting content, "My wife and I separated, then ultimately divorced, and my two youngest children went to live in America with her, so I was left at home for English Electric with nothing else to do but write about the pain.

[11] For Record Store Day 2013, a 500-copy limited edition 10-inch picture disc EP of "The Future Will Be Silent" was made available, which includes an exclusive non-album track titled "Time Burns".

[17] In comparing English Electric to its predecessor, Thomas H. Green of The Arts Desk wrote, "...History of Modern, tipped its hat to all OMD's musical incarnations and was a mixed bag, if occasionally pleasing.

noted, "English Electric brings to mind the effort Orbital put forth in 2012 (Wonky), which recalled that UK group's glory days while looking to the future... this album shows a band at the top of their game.

"[29] Irish Times journalist Tony Clayton-Lea felt the record borrows from Kraftwerk, but said, "What drags it out of the homage/pastiche area is the song craft, which is so ridiculously accomplished that you have no option but to whistle from start to finish.

"[21] American indie rock musician Telekinesis wrote, "OMD... have reached back to their milestone that was Dazzle Ships, and made an absolutely gorgeous record that picks up where that one left off.

[32] Mark Lindores of Classic Pop later said, "English Electric emerges as a collection that immediately ranks in the upper echelons of OMD's discography... the crisp synths, driving bass and eclectic electronics all accentuate their superb songwriting.