Midge Ure - Answers to Nothing (Deluxe Version) (1988)

The second full-fledged solo outing for former Ultravox frontman Midge Ure is pretty much what one would expect. One difference is the more organic feel of the music, which might be attributable to the impressive array of players. Guests include Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki, Level 42 bassist/lead singer Mark King, Craig Armstrong, and members of UB40. There's a slight world music influence on songs like the title track and "Take Me Home," but it's all presented with polish and gloss. Kate Bush duets with Ure on "Sister and Brother." Lyrically, there seems to be a greater emphasis on the state of the world (perhaps as a result of his work with Band Aid), with the swirling plea "Dear God," a minor hit, being the most overt and successful result. Answers to Nothing is a pleasant, if not exactly memorable, slice of adult pop/rock.