What makes Answers to Nothing by Midge Ure notable?

The album features the notable track 'Dear God', which sparked significant discussion for its critical view on religion and society. Despite mixed reviews, Answers to Nothing demonstrated Ure's ability to tackle controversial subjects, marking a turning point in his career as a socially conscious artist. Released in 1988, Answers to Nothing was Midge Ure's second solo album following his successful debut, If I Was. At this point, Ure was transitioning from the commercial peak he reached with Ultravox, seeking to establish a distinct identity as a solo artist while exploring deeper themes in his songwriting.

Who is Answers to Nothing for?

Answers to Nothing works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, introspective lyrics for quiet evenings and atmospheric arrangements for deep thinking.

How many songs are on Answers to Nothing?

Answers to Nothing has 14 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

Answers to Nothing

Midge Ure · 1988

61 min · 14 tracks · rock music

A reflective blend of rock and pop that captures emotional vulnerability with lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dear God — This track stands out for its bold critique of religious dogma, combining catchy melodies with thought-provoking lyrics that challenge conventional beliefs.
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Take Me Home — A heartfelt ballad, this song showcases Ure's emotive vocal delivery and the longing for connection that resonates throughout the album.
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Sister and Brother — This track highlights familial bonds and emotional ties, exemplifying Ure's lyrical depth and the album's exploration of personal relationships.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and pop with lush arrangements but lacks standout cohesion and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a steady build in instrumentation, layering strings and synths before the tempo shifts with 'Dear God'.
'Dear God' employs a stark contrast in dynamics, starting softly and escalating to a powerful climax with vocal intensity.
Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, particularly strings and woodwinds, which add depth and emotional weight to the arrangements.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective moments
introspective lyrics for quiet evenings
atmospheric arrangements for deep thinking
contemplative soundscapes during solitude

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1988, Answers to Nothing was Midge Ure's second solo album following his successful debut, If I Was. At this point, Ure was transitioning from the commercial peak he reached with Ultravox, seeking to establish a distinct identity as a solo artist while exploring deeper themes in his songwriting.
Stylistic neighbors: Gary Numan· David Bowie· Simple Minds