The Collection (1984)

Much more that 'Vienna'

music albums

The Collection

If anyone is looking for all the Midge Ure era Ultravox hits in one place, then they need look no further than this excellent compilation. The tracks don't appear in chronological order but are the single versions in each case (most have longer album versions, which are well worth checking out) and covers the period from 1980-84. Ultravox were ever presents in the charts in this period with all but one of the tracks here making the UK top 30 ('Passing Strangers' being the one that missed out).

'Vienna' is the song most associated with Ultravox but every track here has something to offer. They all have that Ultravox synth-pop sound but no two of them are alike. 'The Voice', 'Reap the Wild Wind' and 'Hymn' are three of the highlights in a terrific run of singles.

The albums from 'Vienna' (1980) through to 'Lament' (1984) (as well as their 'b' sides) are all worth investigating but this singles compilation is a great place to start.