Slow Motion (Ultravox song)

"Slow Motion" is a song by new wave and synthpop band Ultravox, and the first single from the then-forthcoming Systems of Romance album, released on 11 August 1978, with a limited edition clear/opaque 12-inch single released on the same date.^[1] It subsequently spent four weeks on the UK Singles Chart in March-April 1981, peaking at no. 33^[2], after being reissued by Island Records on 7-inch and cassette single formats in March 1981.

"Slow Motion" was an important influence to Gary Numan who would have commercial success with electronic pop the following year. Numan said of the song: “This was a fantastic fusion of different elements and set a standard I then tried very, very hard to reach with "Are "Friends" Electric?" and "Cars". I was trying to be as good as Ultravox."^[3]

"Slow Motion" was the material of a changing band. It was the first single featuring Robin Simon as guitarist (replacing Stevie Shears) and also the first under the new name "Ultravox", without the exclamation mark. New sounds were provided by synthesizers and electric drums.^[4]

The song was performed live on Old Grey Whistle Test in early 1978, before the release of the single and the Systems of Romance album. It was performed by the band during their first tour with Midge Ure in 1979.^[5]

1. "Slow Motion" – 3:27
2. "Dislocation" – 2:55

Released by Island Records on 2 March 1981^[6][7][8]

1. "Slow Motion"
2. "Quiet Men" (7-inch single version)

1. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" (Ha! Ha! Ha! album version alternate mix)

Released the same day as the 3-track EP

1. "Quiet Men" (7-inch single version)
2. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" (ROckWrok single version)

1. "Slow Motion"
2. "Dislocation"

Released a week later on 9 March 1981

1. "Slow Motion"
2. "Hiroshima Mon Amour" (Ha! Ha! Ha! album version alternate mix)
3. "Quiet Men" (7-inch single version)
4. "Dislocation"

B-side is blank to enable personal recording