In 1982, Robinson penned the song "War Baby" about divisions between East and West Germany, and recorded his first solo album "North by Northwest" with producer Richard Mazda. "War Baby" peaked at No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart and at No. 1 in the UK Indie Chart for three weeks, reviving his career. His following single, "Listen to the Radio: Atmospherics", co-written with Peter Gabriel, peaked at No. 39 in the UK Singles Chart, and provided him further income when it was covered by Pukka Orchestra in 1984. The Pukkas' version was a top 20 hit in Canada under the title "Listen to the Radio".