Passing Strangers

For the duet by Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan, see Passing Strangers (1957 song).

"Passing Strangers"
Single by Ultravox
from the album Vienna
B-side
Released10 October 1980
RecordedFebruary 1980
StudioRAK, London
GenrePost-punk, electronic, new wave
Length3:48
LabelChrysalis Records
Songwriter(s)Warren Cann, Chris Cross, Billy Currie, Midge Ure
Producer(s)Ultravox and Conny Plank
Ultravox singles chronology
"Sleepwalk"
(1980) 		"Passing Strangers"
(1980) 		"Vienna"
(1981)

"Passing Strangers" is Ultravox's second single from Vienna, the band's first album with Midge Ure, released on Chrysalis Records on 10 October 1980.[1]

A fast-paced guitar track recalling early John Foxx-era Ultravox, Passing Strangers ultimately failed to live up to the top 30 success of its predecessor "Sleepwalk". It stalled at #57 in the UK charts despite having a music video (directed by Russell Mulcahy and featuring Barbie Wilde and Tok from Tik & Tok) and release on 12" format alongside the regular 7", both of which "Sleepwalk" lacked.[2] The video was shot in Beckton Gas Works, London.

The single contains two live b-sides; "Face To Face", an original Ultravox track that was never recorded in studio, and a live cover of the Brian Eno song "King's Lead Hat".[3] "Face to Face" was taken from a show in St Albans City Hall. The complete show was released on the 40th anniversary Vienna box-set 2020.[4]

Track listing

7" version

  1. "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
  2. "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04

12" version

  1. "Passing Strangers" – 3:48
  2. "Face to Face (Live 16 Aug 80 at St Albans City Hall)" – 6:04
  3. "King's Lead Hat (Live 17 Aug 80 at Lyceum)" – 4:06

References

  1. ^ "officialcharts". Official Charts. 1 August 2021.
  2. ^ Ultravox Rare 1 CD sleeve notes. Chrysalis Records 1993
  3. ^ "allmusic". AllMusic. 1 August 2021.
  4. ^ "vienna-40th-anniversary". 1 August 2021.


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