What makes The Island Years by Ultravox notable?

This album is notable for its compilation of tracks from Ultravox's earlier years, offering a comprehensive look at their contributions to the new wave scene. It serves as an essential document for understanding the band's impact on electronic music, particularly how they influenced subsequent synth-pop acts. The critical reception highlighted its significance in reviving interest in their catalog, asserting Ultravox's role as key figures in the genre. Released in 1999, 'The Island Years' marks a retrospective collection during Ultravox's later phase, showcasing their evolution from early synth pioneers to established artists. By this time, the band had undergone significant lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, having initially found success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with albums like 'Vienna'. This compilation reflects both their enduring legacy and the varied influences that shaped their sound over the years.

Who is The Island Years for?

The Island Years works well if you're into steady pacing for focused listening, vibrant emotional depth exploration and late-night reflective mood.

How many songs are on The Island Years?

The Island Years has 16 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

The Island Years

Ultravox · 1999

66 min · 16 tracks · new wave · synth-pop

A vibrant fusion of synth-pop and new wave, pulsing with emotional depth and intricate arrangements.

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Why this album works

This album is notable for its compilation of tracks from Ultravox's earlier years, offering a comprehensive look at their contributions to the new wave scene. It serves as an essential document for understanding the band's impact on electronic music, particularly how they influenced subsequent synth-pop acts. The critical reception highlighted its significance in reviving interest in their catalog, asserting Ultravox's role as key figures in the genre.

Best for: steady pacing for focused listening vibrant emotional depth exploration late-night reflective mood
Context: Released in 1999, 'The Island Years' marks a retrospective collection during Ultravox's later phase, showcasing their evolution from early synth pioneers to established artists. By this time, the band had undergone significant lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, having initially found success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with albums like 'Vienna'. This compilation reflects both their enduring legacy and the varied influences that shaped their sound over the years.
Stylistic neighbors: Duran Duran· Soft Cell· Modern Talking

Tracklist

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

1 Dangerous Rhythm 4:16
2 My Sex Standout 3:04
3 I Want to Be a Machine Standout 7:23
4 The Wild, the Beautiful & The Damned 5:54
5 Life at Rainbow's End (For All the Tax Exiles on Main Street) 3:45
6 Young Savage 2:59
7 Slip Away 4:17
8 RockWrok 3:35
9 Hiroshima Mon Amour Standout 5:11
10 Distant Smile 5:25
11 The Man Who Dies Everyday 4:12
12 While I'm Still Alive 3:16
13 Slow Motion 3:27
14 Quiet Men 4:07
15 Cross Fade 2:52
16 Just for a Moment 3:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

The Best of Ultravox

2003

Go back to

Extended Ultravox

1998

Full Ultravox discography Artists like Ultravox

new wave synth-pop