Top tracks — play these first
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Reap the Wild Wind — This track stands out for its infectious melody and driving rhythm, showcasing Ultravox's mastery of combining electronic sounds with pop sensibilities.
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Vienna — Although originally from the previous album, its inclusion here reiterates Ultravox's signature sound and emotional resonance, making it a pivotal moment in their live performances.
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Hymn — Hymn captures the album's thematic depth with its soaring vocals and anthemic chorus, reflecting on themes of hope and existential introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Monument showcases strong melodies and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The first track sets a dramatic tone with layered synths that build into a sweeping melody, establishing the album's emotional landscape.
- Several tracks feature anthemic choruses that invite listener participation, particularly in 'Reap the Wild Wind' and 'Hymn'.
- The sequencing includes a notable shift in mood with 'Vienna', which revisits themes from their previous work while maintaining a cohesive sound.
- The album closes with 'Hymn', which features a gradual decrescendo, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- 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
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 emotional crescendos throughout
- evening drive with friends
- sing-along moments at home
- headphone exploration of melodies
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, upbeat songs
- seek standalone tracks only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Monument is Ultravox's fifth studio album, released in 1983, following their breakthrough record Vienna. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the synth-pop and new wave genres, building on previous successes while exploring more ambitious sonic territories.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gary Numan· Kraftwerk· Depeche Mode
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hymn
The lyrics shift from personal reflection to a collective call for unity and resilience amidst uncertainty.
This transition amplifies the emotional impact by moving from individual experience to a broader commentary on shared human struggles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Monument 3:15
- 2 Reap the Wild Wind 4:10
- 3 Visions in Blue 4:38
- 4 The Voice 6:51
- 5 Vienna 5:23
- 6 Passing Strangers 5:28
- 7 Mine for Life 4:25
- 8 Hymn 5:40
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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