"Systems of Romance", released on September 8, 1978, is the third album by British new wave band Ultravox. It marked the last recording with original lead singer John Foxx and the first without guitarist Stevie Shears, who was replaced by Robin Simon. Despite not being commercially successful, the album had a significant influence on the development of electropop music.
Systems of Romance, co-produced by Conny Plank and Dave Hutchins, was notable for its extensive use of electronics, marking a shift from Ultravox's earlier glam and punk influences to a more new wave sound inspired by Kraftwerk. The album features advanced production techniques for its time, including synthesizer bass and multi-effects guitar sounds.
"Slow Motion" represents the band's new direction with its rich synthesizer parts and innovative production. "Quiet Men," inspired by John Foxx's alter ego, "The Quiet Man," uses a Roland TR-77 rhythm box instead of conventional drums. "Dislocation" and "Just for a Moment" rely on treated ARP Odyssey sounds and feature experimental elements. "When You Walk Through Me" displays psychedelic influences, with a beat reminiscent of The Beatles' "Tomorrow Never Knows." "Some of Them" reflects the band's previous hard rock sound.
The album's style and production had a significant influence on the development of electropop music.
