Systems of Romance cover

Systems of Romance

Released

Who knows how history might have gone if the John Foxx-led era of Ultravox was able to stick around for more releases after Systems of Romance, but given the multiple resulting projects that gained success in their own right as well as the veneration of the album among synthpop stars to follow, maybe the split was what needed to happen in the end. As it stands, Systems is a remarkable listen, Foxx’s at once precise and dreamily-delivered singing set against astonishing electronic-led arrangements on standouts like “Slow Motion” and “Quiet Men.”

Ned Raggett

Recommended by

Suggestions
Rhythm of Youth cover

Rhythm of Youth

Men Without Hats
Hyæna cover

Hyæna

Siouxsie & the Banshees
The Scream cover

The Scream

Siouxsie & the Banshees
Futurology cover

Futurology

Manic Street Preachers
Candleland cover

Candleland

Ian McCulloch
Organisation cover

Organisation

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark