Sleepwalk (song)

"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.[1]

This article is about the Ultravox song. For the Santo & Johnny instrumental, see Sleep Walk. For other uses, see Sleepwalker (disambiguation).

"Sleepwalk"
Single by Ultravox
from the album Vienna
B-side	"Waiting"
Released	16 June 1980
Recorded	February 1980 at RAK Studios
Genre	New wave post-punk electronic
Length	3:10
Label	Chrysalis CHS 2241
Songwriter(s)	Midge Ure Chris Cross Warren Cann Billy Currie
Producer(s)	Conny Plank Ultravox
Ultravox singles chronology
"Quiet Men" (1978) "Sleepwalk" (1980) "Passing Strangers" (1981)

"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.[2]

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.

The 12" release does not contain an extended version of the song, or a third/additional song,[3] in fact it is simply a double A-sided promo single, with only "Sleepwalk" on each side.

Track listing

1. "Sleepwalk" – 3:10
2. "Waiting" – 3:51

References

1. Sleepwalk Official Charts
2. Warren Cann interview by Jonas Wårstad