History tells us that it was Midge Ure who turned the fortunes of Ultravox around; swiftly engineering the group away from an arty cult electro act to purveyors of sophisticated European pop. Yet whilst it's true Ure's arrival led to improved positions in the charts, 'Systems Of Romance' proves they had their pop heads on even in 1978. 'Slow Motion' features one of those trademark elongated, synth melodies that would shape their future and the emotive, powerful chorus to 'I Can't Stay Long' cries out "hit". Whilst the mercifully brief 'Someone Else's Clothes' and 'Some Of Them' sound simplistic now, it's fascinating to hear more considered fare such as the stark Kraftwerk-isms of 'Dislocation' and the vulnerable 'Just For A Moment'; surely one of frontman John Foxx's most compelling and moving performances in front of the mic. It was also to be his last album with the band; signalling the beginning of contrasting commercial and critical fortunes for Ultravox and their erstwhile frontman.