OFF THE RECORD: 'Naked Eyes'

Off the Record is a music column featuring a new or vintage vinyl record each week.

Name: “Naked Eyes”

Artist: Various

Release date: 1982

Favorite track: “Always Something There to Remind Me”

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“Always Something There to Remind Me” was one of the first songs I ever heard … in my life.

When I was a child, I remember having three cassette tapes: Tears for Fears’ “Songs from the Big Chair,” Mariah Carey’s “Daydream” and Naked Eyes’ “Naked Eyes.” Don’t ask me why.

Although, it sort of makes sense, because Naked Eyes started with Pete Byrne and Rob Fisher, who were once in a band with members of Tears for Fears.

I listened to tracks such as Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and Naked Eyes’ “Always Something There to Remind Me” and thought those were the best songs I’d ever heard — they were the only songs I’d ever heard.

I remember this self-titled album fondly because it brings back memories of discovering music as a child. I think I knew, even then, music’s intense ability to bring emotions to the surface.

You might notice this album isn’t listed on Naked Eyes’ discography. That’s because this is the North America version of the U.K. release “Burning Bridges.” It’s mostly the same songs in a different order — minus “A Very Hard Act to Follow” and “The Time is Now.”

Listening to this record is nostalgic and brings a smile to my face every time.

MUSIC

Nothing beats an attempt at mimicking the keyboard notes in the introduction of “Always Something There to Remind Me.” It’s iconic.

Although the song was originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1963, it didn’t gain fame until Naked Eyes hit the world with this killer synth-pop version. It’s unbelievably catchy and relatable.

My love of this song resurfaced in college when a friend played it on his keyboard so I could belt out the lyrics. It was a blast.

Well, how can I forget you, girl?

When there is always something there to remind me

Always something there to remind me

I was born to love her, and I will never be free

You’ll always be a part of me

— “Always Something There to Remind Me”

“Voices in My Head” is an upbeat cross between a Talking Heads song and Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me.” It’s paranoia you can dance to.

“I Could Show You How” foreshadows the indie-pop music you hear today. It so transparently points out the resurgence of 1980s synthesizer-heavy songs and sultry, borderline husky vocals.

Many are familiar with “Fortune and Fame,” but it’s not my favorite. It lingers in the gray area between a ballad and a pop anthem for far too long.

“Could Be” is a cool track featuring the saxophone. It’s paranoid, melancholy and dynamic — it’s everything “Fortune and Fame” should’ve been. It’s a little dark, vaguely reminding me of Marilyn Manson. This is a hidden hit.

Could be, it is my mistake

Could be, that I'm here too late

Could be, there's a hole in my wonderful world

— “Could Be”

“When the Lights Go Out” is my second favorite track. It’s perfectly paced ‘80s pop bliss.

For being an album title, “Promises, Promises” does little for me. No hard feelings; there are plenty of tracks on this record that do.

DESIGN

This album cover perfectly reflects the era — colorful and abstract. It’s not as flamboyant as others I’ve seen from the 1980s, but the graphics still adequately reflect the time period.

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