“Vienna” was released as a single in January 1981 with “Passionate Reply” on the B-side as the third single from Ultravox’ fouth studio album of the same name.. The song was written by Ultravox members Midge Ure, Chris Cross, Warren Cann, and Billy Currie, and produced by renowned producer Conny Plank.
“Vienna” is considered one of Ultravox’s most iconic and well-known songs. It reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and also charted in several other countries. The lyrics of “Vienna” describe a sense of isolation and disillusionment, with the titular city serving as a metaphor for a place of impossible dreams and unfulfilled desires. The song’s music video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, is also well-regarded for its artistic and cinematic qualities, featuring atmospheric shots of Vienna and a memorable slow-motion sequence of Ure playing a piano on a deserted street. “Vienna” has been cited as a significant influence on the new wave and synth-pop genres, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic of 1980s music.