"(What) In the Name of Love" by Naked Eyes

Song#:  2013
Date:  08/11/1984
Debut:  73
Peak:  39
Weeks:  12
Genre:  Pop, Blue-Eyed Soul



Pop Bits:  This UK duo of Rob Fisher and Pete Byrne had success right out of the gate when their self-titled debut album spawned the #8 hit remake "Always Something There to Remind Me." It was followed up by two other Top 40 entries, which allowed the album to get to #32. For their follow-up LP Fuel for the Fire, the duo retained their producer Tony Mansfield for the majority of the tracks, but they brought in star producer/remixer Arthur Baker to helm a couple of tracks including this first single. The results were not good with the song peaking at a low #35 at Dance and barely making the Pop Top 40. Their label was less than impressed and as a result they declined to issue a follow-up single. The album faded away quickly as did Naked Eyes.

ReduxReview:  Yes, this song is not as strong as "Always" or "Promises Promises," but it was another choice track from the duo and I thought it would do much better than it's lowly #39 peak. These guys could write a solid pop tune and shade it so very well in Fairlight colors. They were a product of their time and most likely would have had a short career span anyway, but I thought it would last longer than this last chart song.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  Double Shot!  1) Naked Eyes never toured. The equipment they used to create their music was state-of-the-art (such as the Fairlight sampler), but none of it could be transported and used for live shows. The technology at the time just didn't allow for equipment like this to be boxed up and moved from location to location. Their successful sound relied on this equipment and it was impossible to replicate it for audiences in a live setting. So they opted not to tour.  2) After the duo split, each member continued on in music. Rob Fisher had success as a songwriter and also got on the Pop chart in 1987 in a new duo called Climie Fisher. Their hit "Love Changes (Everything)" made it to #23 in the US and #2 in the UK. Sadly, Fisher died in 1999 after undergoing cancer surgery. Pete Byrne turned to session work and performed with many artists. He later resurrected the Naked Eyes name for tours and an album. This was after the death of Fisher.

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