Revelation cover

Revelation

Ultravox · 1993

45 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of synth-driven melodies and introspective lyrics that reaffirms Ultravox's place in the new wave landscape.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I Am Alive — The opening track sets an urgent tone with driving rhythms and uplifting vocals, encapsulating the band's signature blend of emotion and electronic sound.
  • →
    Systems of Love — This track features a lush soundscape and poignant lyrics that explore themes of connection and vulnerability, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
  • →
    True Believer — Its anthemic chorus and soaring melodies highlight the band's knack for crafting memorable hooks while addressing themes of faith and commitment.

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 synth-driven melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout moments.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks establish a consistent mid-tempo pace with layered synths and rhythmic percussion, creating an energetic opening.
  • Several tracks feature a call-and-response vocal arrangement, enhancing the lyrical themes of connection and introspection.
  • The album closes with 'The New Frontier,' which introduces a slower tempo and a more reflective tone, providing a contrast to the earlier tracks.
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 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
  • uplifting themes of renewal
  • introspective listening for connection
  • vibrant melodies for focused sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • preferring high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
In 1993, Ultravox was releasing Revelation as their seventh studio album, marking a time of reinvention following their previous work, 1991's 'Ha! Ha! Ha!'. At this point, the band was navigating shifting musical trends while trying to maintain their identity within an evolving music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Gary Numan· Kraftwerk· Depeche Mode
New to Ultravox? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • The Closer I Get to You

    The emotional weight crescendos with a shift from reflective verses to a powerful declaration of deep affection.

    This progression elevates the song's emotional stakes, turning what begins as introspection into a heartfelt affirmation.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 I Am Alive 4:56
  • 2 Revelation 4:05
  • 3 Systems of Love 4:32
  • 4 Perfecting the Art of Common Ground 5:17
  • 5 The Great Outdoors 4:12
  • 6 The Closer I Get to You 4:13
  • 7 No Turning Back 4:21
  • 8 True Believer 4:56
  • 9 Unified 4:27
  • 10 The New Frontier 4:43

What to play next

Rare, Vol. 1
Listen next

Rare, Vol. 1

1993
U-Vox
Go back to

U-Vox

1986
Full Ultravox discography Where to start with Ultravox Artists like Ultravox
new wave synth-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata