Shears was replaced by Robin Simon in 1978, but after Systems Of Romance ad garnered disappointing sales, Island dropped the act, with both Simon and Foxx (who many felt was the main creative force behind the band) leaving to pursue solo careers.

Ultravox was put on hold while the remaining members took stock. On a ojourn with Visage, Currie met Midge Ure (b. James Ure, 10 October 1953, Cambuslang, Lanarkshire, Scotland; lead vocals, guitar), a former member of Slik and the Rich Kids. The duo found a compatibility of ideas and decided to revive Ultravox as a more pop-orientated quartet with Cross and Currie. Having departed from Island, the band signed to Chrysalis Records. Their new direction brought minor chart success with "Sleepwalk" and "Passing Strangers". It was not until the magnificent "Vienna" was released that Ultravox found the success that had eluded them for so long. Held at the UK number 2 spot in January and February of 1981 by Joe Dolce's inane "Shaddap You Face" and hits from the recently murdered John Lennon, the song's moody and eerie atmosphere was enhanced by an enigmatic video that paid homage to Carol Reed's The Third Man. A string of hits followed during the next three years, including "All Stood Still", "The Thin Wall" and "The Voice" (1981), "Reap The Wild Wind" and "Hymn" (1982), "Visions In Blue" and "We Came To Dance" (1983), "Dancing With Tears In My Eyes" and "Love's Great Adventure" (1984). Ure's anguished, melodramatic style blended well with the high-energy pop of their contemporaries, Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet, the leaders of the UK's New Romantic scene.