Top tracks — play these first
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Reap the Wild Wind — This track exemplifies Ultravox’s signature sound with its sweeping synths and anthemic chorus, making it one of their most recognizable hits.
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Hymn — With its rich orchestration and emotional intensity, 'Hymn' stands out as a powerful ballad that showcases the band’s lyrical maturity and melodic craftsmanship.
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Visions in Blue — 'Visions in Blue' combines haunting vocals with layered synth textures, embodying the atmospheric depth that defines much of Quartet's sound.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong synth melodies and thoughtful lyrics, though it has some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The first five tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the subsequent tracks introduce varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several songs feature layered synths that create a rich textural backdrop, particularly in 'Reap the Wild Wind' and 'Visions in Blue'.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 mid-tempo progression
- ethereal soundscapes for reflection
- cinematic ambiance for focus
- melodic hooks for sing-alongs
- danceable rhythms with depth
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of rapid intensity
- prefer standalone singles only
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 15, 1982, Quartet was Ultravox's fifth studio album and marked a significant point in their career as they sought to solidify their status after the commercial success of their previous album, Rage in Eden. The band was transitioning into a more polished sound that embraced mainstream appeal while retaining their avant-garde roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Gary Numan· Kraftwerk· Depeche Mode
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Hymn
The moment shifts from a contemplative tone to a fervent declaration about hope and resilience amid uncertainty.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Reap the Wild Wind 3:50
- 2 Serenade 5:09
- 3 Mine for Life 4:45
- 4 Hymn 5:50
- 5 Visions in Blue 4:40
- 6 When the Scream Subsides 4:17
- 7 We Came to Dance 4:14
- 8 Cut and Run 4:19
- 9 The Song (We Go) 4:06
- 10 Hosanna (In Excelsis Deo) 4:23
- 11 Monument 3:18
- 12 Break Your Back 3:28
- 13 Overlook 4:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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