Fragile

Listening to Fragile, it's a mystery as to why Ure isn't commissioned to write more film and TV music, because there is a cinematic scope to much of what's on offer here and he's clearly a talented composer, performer and sound engineer. But, overall Fragile sounds too concerned with the technology of making music, and not enough with the emotion of singing and telling stories. That's strange, because on his live recordings just the opposite is true, and you've only got to listen to the recently released Breathe Again CD to hear what a strong vocal Ure can turn in.Here, his voice is tucked away and flattened by the electronic landscape he moulds around the songs. Much of it could be eighties synth pop re-mastered, but here and there are glimpses of what the album could have been - soaring melodies and rhythms that, with a bit of paring back, could have been really powerful. It's up there with Move Me - which I thought was a good album, and certainly a three and a half star rather than four star album. But the sheer power of Ure live is not re-captured in the slightly empty and over-engineered sound he has produced here.

After the triumphant return of Ultravox with the fantastic Brilliant Midge returns with a new long awaited solo offering. I have to say Fragile has exceeded all of my expectation's and without doubt is Midge's finest solo release ever. Every track is quality but special mentions must go to tracks such as the very Ultravoxy, Are We Connected, the different but wonderful Star crossed and the first single from the album the truly fantastic Become, an absolute belter of a track and probably the best single release Midge has made. However the track that steals the show is the haunting and amazing Dark dark night, in my opinion this is Midge Ure's finest solo moment, a truly stunning track! If I had any criticisms it would be the lack of upbeat tracks which I would rather have had on there instead of the Instrumentals, and as has been mentioned already in another review the vocals are a bit whispery at times, Midge's voice is best when he is giving it everything. Tbh this is just nit picking and my own personal preferences, not real criticism. I deliberately waited to review this album as I didn't want to do an instant fanboy writeup and a month on from first listening to it I love it more than I did at the outset. Buy it, give it a chance and you will see this is long lasting masterpiece!

waited a while for some new solo material from midge and this cd doesn't dissapoint from start to finish each track is beautiful.midge fans will love this and newcomers should take a listen i am sure you will enjoy,well done midge on a superb album 10/10.

a long, long wait but definitely worth it. highlights are the title track and star crossed. the album harks back to the set up of the gift with its mixture of vocals and instrumentals. for anyone who wants a solid easy to listen album in order to relax to this is it. don't expect Ultravox as that is far more "rock pop". the sad thing is this album will not be heard by the masses and that is the ultimate shame. from a man who was to eighties pop what Gary Barlow is to now, Midge deserves so much credit as a leading light to what musicians can be and achieve. the music press seem to hate acts who can achieve success on there own and don't need the press to be stars (puppets). have been a fan of both Ultravox and Midge since 1984 and i'm still amazed that they still receive such negative press when so many other acts have clearly been influenced by them. i hope there are many more albums to come...

Really can't believe I am giving Midge only 3 stars I am a big big fan and was really excited to see he'd released a new CD not what I was hoping for yes I Survived brilliant To Become also great but the rest Midges voice seems to be lost with overly loud music was he singing outside. Midge has a voice which needs to be heard it gets lost in the mixing of this album which was a big disappointment to me.Apart from the two tracks mentioned Starcrossed is also good but the rest is very dreary depressing really was hoping for something a bit more upbeat like Heart after the reforming of Utlravox and the(excuse the punn) brilliant Brilliant album I was expecting maybe too much. But hey I still love his music and would of bought it anyway.

A very nice piece of music , I like the arrangements its different and not a collection of songs as such but each track stands out , more of a theme runs through the album it has a very ethereal quality and sounds particularly good through headphones , I suppose you could describe the music as atmospheric with very heart felt lyrics , Vocal style Midge sings in a low key .Played this four times so far , great late at night through headphones .

The album contains beautiful seemingly heartfelt lyrics put to great music.Midge Ure's voice is as timeless & perfect as ever. The music sings to you in its own independent right.Fragile may have been some time in the making but it's crafted to perfection & was well worth the wait.The album shows a great deal of maturity & years of experience from a musical master.Whether an existing fan or someone new to Midges music this album will not disappoint.

Good work from a real talent. Just love the track Become. I wish i could create stuff like that.