Making Contact cover

Making Contact

UFO · 1983

39 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A blend of hard rock grit and melodic hooks with a touch of spacey atmosphere that defines UFO's distinctive sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blinded by a Lie Start here — The lead single features an infectious chorus and showcases the band's ability to blend hard rock energy with catchy melodies, making it a standout track.
  • →
    When It's Time to Rock — This track embodies the album's theme of empowerment and celebration of rock music, combining driving rhythms with anthemic lyrics that resonate with live audiences.
  • →
    Diesel in the Dust — The song stands out through its narrative lyrics and dynamic instrumentation, encapsulating the band's signature sound while exploring themes of resilience.

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 showcases solid songwriting and production but lacks significant impact or uniqueness in the hard rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong single, 'Blinded by a Lie,' which sets a mid-tempo pace that is maintained through the first half.
  • Tracks feature layered guitar harmonies and prominent melodic hooks, particularly in the choruses, creating a cohesive sound.
  • The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, introducing a more reflective mood that contrasts with the earlier energy.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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 energy
  • melodic hooks for sing-alongs
  • great for road trip playlists
  • solid background for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced instant gratification
  • seek deep, complex narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Represents a solid entry in UFO's catalog but lacks significant commercial impact.
Career context
Released in February 1983, Making Contact was UFO's ninth studio album, showcasing their attempt to regain commercial success after the mixed reception of their previous album, Mechanix. This record featured a new lineup, including guitarist Paul Chapman, as they sought to redefine their sound in an evolving rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Hawkwind· Blue Öyster Cult· Deep Purple

Tracklist

  • 1 Blinded by a Lie Start here 3:58
  • 2 Diesel in the Dust 4:30
  • 3 A Fool for Love 3:57
  • 4 You and Me 3:20
  • 5 When It's Time to Rock 5:27
  • 6 The Way the Wild Wind Blows 4:15
  • 7 Call My Name 3:15
  • 8 All Over You 4:24
  • 9 No Getaway 3:32
  • 10 Push, It's Love 3:13

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata