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Systems of Romance

by Ultravox

Released: September 08, 1978

New wave, electro-punk

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Lineup Change.

The Album

It marked the last recording with original lead singer John Foxx and the first without guitarist Stevie Shears, who was replaced by Robin Simon. "Slow Motion" represents the band's new direction with its rich synthesizer parts and innovative production. "Dislocation" and "Just for a Moment" rely on treated ARP Odyssey sounds and feature experimental elements.

Inside the Recording

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

"Systems of Romance", released on September 8, 1978…

"Systems of Romance", released on September 8, 1978, is the third album by British new wave band Ultravox.

"When You Walk Through Me" displays psychedelic influences…

"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 features advanced production techniques for its…

The album features advanced production techniques for its time, including synthesizer bass and multi-effects guitar sounds.

"Quiet Men," inspired by John Foxx's alter ego…

"Quiet Men," inspired by John Foxx's alter ego, "The Quiet Man," uses a Roland TR-77 rhythm box instead of conventional drums.

The album's style and production had a significant…

The album's style and production had a significant influence on the development of electropop music.

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Essential Tracks

Slow Motion

"Slow Motion" represents the band's new direction with its rich synthesizer parts and innovative production.

Some Of Them

"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.

Quiet Men

"Quiet Men," inspired by John Foxx's alter ego, "The Quiet Man," uses a Roland TR-77 rhythm box instead of conventional drums.

Dislocation

"Dislocation" and "Just for a Moment" rely on treated ARP Odyssey sounds and feature experimental elements.

When You Walk Through Me

"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.

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Explore the Album

Ultravox - Systems of Romance

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Reception

Despite not being commercially successful, the album had a significant influence on the development of electropop music.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"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.