Vienna (album)
by Ultravox
Released: July 11, 1980
New wave, synth-pop
Why This Album Matters
This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.
The Album
"Vienna" is the fourth studio album by British new wave band Ultravox, released in July 1980. It marked a shift from punk to a more electronic and art rock sound which blended both mainstream and avant-garde sensibilities. The album was the first for the new line-up of Ultravox which included Midge Ure (vocals, guitar), Billy Currie (keyboards, violin), Chris Cross (bass), and Warren Cann (drums).
Interesting Facts
Led by the UK Top 40 single, "Sleepwalk"…
Led by the UK Top 40 single, "Sleepwalk", the album heralded Ultravox's commercial breakthrough and the arrival of a new musical era.
Despite not reaching the number one spot, "Vienna"…
Despite not reaching the number one spot, "Vienna" gained iconic status and was later recognized as one of the greatest songs of the 1980s.
Overall, the album showcases Ultravox's exploration of a…
Overall, the album showcases Ultravox's exploration of a range of styles, from its pop and rock foundations to its instrumental pieces rooted in classical music tradition and synthesizer experimentation.
Essential Tracks
Sleepwalk
Led by the UK Top 40 single, "Sleepwalk", the album heralded Ultravox's commercial breakthrough and the arrival of a new musical era.
Explore the Album
Ultravox - Vienna (album)
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Reception
However, the title track "Vienna" was the real standout hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart.
Legacy
It is widely regarded as an important and influential album that helped shape the synth-pop genre and the emergence of the New Romantic scene in the early 1980s.
The Complete Album Story
"Vienna" is the fourth studio album by British new wave band Ultravox, released in July 1980. The album was the first for the new line-up of Ultravox which included Midge Ure (vocals, guitar), Billy Currie (keyboards, violin), Chris Cross (bass), and Warren Cann (drums). It marked a shift from punk to a more electronic and art rock sound which blended both mainstream and avant-garde sensibilities.
Led by the UK Top 40 single, "Sleepwalk", the album heralded Ultravox's commercial breakthrough and the arrival of a new musical era. However, the title track "Vienna" was the real standout hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart. Despite not reaching the number one spot, "Vienna" gained iconic status and was later recognized as one of the greatest songs of the 1980s.
Overall, the album showcases Ultravox's exploration of a range of styles, from its pop and rock foundations to its instrumental pieces rooted in classical music tradition and synthesizer experimentation. It is widely regarded as an important and influential album that helped shape the synth-pop genre and the emergence of the New Romantic scene in the early 1980s.
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