Sleepwalk

Ultravox

About Sleepwalk

"Sleepwalk" is Ultravox's first single from their fourth album, Vienna, and their first with Midge Ure as frontman. It was Ultravox's first UK Top 30 chart hit, hitting number 29 in August 1980."Sleepwalk" was the first song the band recorded with Midge Ure in early 1980. Rather than offering a demo tape of several songs to Chrysalis Records the reformed band opted to do a "finished" version of "Sleepwalk" with producer Conny Plank, a recording that clinched the band's record deal with Chrysalis Records. The original version was later remixed for inclusion on the band's album Vienna. There is no difference between the album version and the single version. The lyrics to the song were written by Warren Cann. It was released as a single in June 1980. As well as the standard black vinyl, the 7 Inch was released as a limited clear vinyl. The single's B-side, "Waiting" is a more solemn, bass-laden affair in comparison to the faster synth work of the A-side. It now appears on the CD re-issue of Vienna as a bonus track, as well as various other Ultravox compilations. 


Year:
1984
3:13
88 

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Sleepwalk. 

Rolling and falling, I'm choking and calling,
Name after name after name.

Sleepwalk. 

Naked and bleeding, the streetlights stray by me,
Hurting my eyes with their glare.

Sleepwalk.

Helplessly breaking, exchanging my faces,
Destined, we had to collide.

Sleepwalk!

Taut on the outside, I'm crumpling and crawling,
Watching the day drag away.
Spiralling deeper, I can't feel my fingers,
Rip round my throat as I dream.

Dream!

Sleepwalk.

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Ultravox

Ultravox are a British New Wave rock band. They were one of the primary exponents of the British electronic pop music movement of the late 1970s/early 1980s. more »

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Written by: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS ALLEN, MIDGE URE, WARREN REGINALD CANN, WILLIAM CURRIE

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Genre
"Sleepwalk" is a song that falls into the genre of post-punk and new wave. This genre was popularized in the late 1970s and early 1980s and is characterized by its use of synthesizers and electronic music production techniques.
Record Label
The song "Sleepwalk" was released under the record label Chrysalis. Chrysalis is a British record label that was established in the 1960s and is known for signing artists such as Blondie and Billy Idol.
Album
"Sleepwalk" is a song from the album "Vienna" by select members of Ultravox and Midge Ure. The album is considered a landmark in the new wave genre and was released in 1980.
Performance
"Sleepwalk" was the lead single from the "Vienna" album and reached number 21 in the UK Singles chart upon release.
Songwriter
The song was written by the four members of Ultravox - Midge Ure, Billy Currie, Chris Cross, and Warren Cann.
Legacy
"Sleepwalk" has been credited with rejuvenating Ultravox's career, acting as a pivotal turning point for the band that previously had not had any big chart hits.
Music Video
"Sleepwalk", like many other Ultravox songs, features a distinct music video. Shot in black-and-white, the video perfectly captures the band's dark, atmospheric sound aesthetic.
Live performances
Ultravox included "Sleepwalk" in their setlist during their Monument tour, and its live version was also released, which received critical acclaim.
Reissue
"Sleepwalk" was reissued in 1981 and 1983, which indicated its popularity and significant fanbase.
Influence
"Sleepwalk" is widely regarded as a classic in the new wave genre for its use of synthesizers and electronic soundscapes. Many contemporary artists have described it as an influence on their own music.
Midge Ure's Innovations
As a part of Ultravox, Midge Ure was instrumental in shaping the band's sound, including a wholesale shift towards electronic instruments - which is prominently noticeable in "Sleepwalk".
Instrumentation
"Sleepwalk" adds workplace noises and implements a driving, repetitive beat, showcasing both Ure's and Ultravox's inventiveness.
Lyrics
While "Sleepwalk" has no clear narrative, its abstract lyrics reflect its title, presenting a dreamy, drifting feeling in both the vocals and instrumentals.

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