Top tracks — play these first
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ROckwrok — The opening track encapsulates the album's energetic transition into synth-driven sounds, blending punk influences with avant-garde aesthetics.
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Fear in the Western World — This track showcases a darker lyrical narrative alongside mechanical rhythms, highlighting Ultravox's commentary on societal issues during the late 1970s.
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Hiroshima Mon Amour — Evoking powerful imagery through its lyrics, this track stands out for its emotional depth and remains one of the band's most enduring anthems.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's blend of dark melodies and synth-driven sound marks it as a significant entry in the new wave genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving synth lines layered with urgent vocals, establishing a tense atmosphere that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes, particularly 'Hiroshima Mon Amour,' which shifts from a steady beat to a more chaotic arrangement.
- The album closes with a haunting melody in 'While I’m Still Alive,' leaving an unresolved feeling that echoes the themes of existential dread.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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 exploration
- thoughtful listening for reflection
- evolving soundscapes with depth
- late-night introspective sessions
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1977, Ha!-Ha!-Ha! is Ultravox's second studio album and marks their transition from a prog rock sound to a more synth-driven approach. This album follows their self-titled debut, which set the stage for their burgeoning new wave identity, establishing them as key figures within the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gary Numan· Kraftwerk· Depeche Mode
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 ROckwrok 3:35
- 2 The Frozen Ones 4:06
- 3 Fear in the Western World 4:00
- 4 Distant Smile 5:21
- 5 The Man Who Dies Every Day 4:12
- 6 Artificial Life 5:00
- 7 While I’m Still Alive 3:16
- 8 Hiroshima Mon Amour 5:13
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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