Eyes Without a Face (song)

Last updated

I started to use "Eyes Without a Face" as a possible title/lyric/chorus for the song. I began to write words that, in some disguised form, spoke about my life in New York and a relationship gone wrong, on the edge of disintegrating into madness. Perhaps I was reflecting on my own touring infidelities. In a way, those [types of relationships] can leave you feeling soulless, especially if you're already in a relationship that you value but are degrading by looking elsewhere for additional sexual kicks. [7]

In the studio, Idol told guitarist Steve Stevens about the melody, lyrics and basic structure. Stevens fleshed it out with a revolving four-chord pattern (Emaj7–C#m–G#m–B). [8] Stevens then came up with a hard rock guitar riff in the middle of the song. Idol said he improvised some rap verses over the riff because "rap was everywhere in New York at the time, in all the discos and clubs, so it made sense after my croon to start talking streetwise over Steve's supersonic barrage of sound." [7]

Idol's then-girlfriend Perri Lister sings backing vocals during the chorus, repeating the French phrase "Les yeux sans visage" ("Eyes without a face"), the original title of the horror film.

Idol wanted a prominent bass guitar part reminiscent of reggae. He and Stevens had trouble with this part of the song until they met bassist Sal Cuevas, a New York musician best known for working in salsa music and Broadway bands, who performed the part to their satisfaction.

Critical reception

Cashbox said that the song is "more subdued" and "more sensitive" than Idol's previous single "Rebel Yell" and features "a silky acoustic guitar backdrop and a probing melodic bass line" by Puerto Rican New Yorker session bassist Sal Cuevas. [9]

Music video

The video was released in June 1984 and subsequently nominated for MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Editing" and "Best Cinematography". It was shot over an exhausting three-day period on a set with fog machines, lighting, and fire sources. Immediately after the shoot, Idol flew to perform in Arizona, where he discovered that his contact lenses had fused to his eyeballs, attributing it to the harsh video shoot and dry plane air. He was taken to a hospital where the lenses were removed and his eyes bandaged for three days, until his scraped corneas grew back. [10]

Personnel

Formats and track listings

  1. "Eyes Without a Face"
  2. "The Dead Next Door"
  1. "Eyes Without a Face"
  2. "The Dead Next Door"
  3. "Dancing with Myself"
  4. "Rebel Yell"

Charts

"Eyes Without a Face"
Eyes Without a Face by Billy Idol single cover.jpg
Cover of 12" vinyl single
Single by Billy Idol
from the album Rebel Yell
B-side "The Dead Next Door"
ReleasedApril 1984 (US)
4 June 1984 (UK) [1]
Studio
Genre
Length4:58 (album/video version)
4:08 (single version)
Label Chrysalis
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Keith Forsey
Billy Idol singles chronology
"Rebel Yell"
(1983)		"Eyes Without a Face"
(1984)		"Flesh for Fantasy"
(1984)
Audio sample

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil) [32] Gold30,000‡
Italy (FIMI) [33] Gold50,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ) [34] Platinum30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [35] Silver200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Rebel Yell</i> (album) 1983 studio album by Billy Idol

Rebel Yell is the second studio album by the English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 10 November 1983 by Chrysalis Records. After the release of his 1982 eponymous debut studio album, Idol continued his collaboration with producer Keith Forsey and multi-instrumentalist Steve Stevens. The album was recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York. Initially recording without a drummer, utilizing only the LinnDrum and Roland TR-808 drum machines, Forsey and Stevens later decided to hire Thommy Price to play drums on some of the songs. Musically, Rebel Yell is a new wave album with hard rock and other influences. The cover sleeve and images were shot by Brian Griffin. Idol got the idea of the album's title after attending a party with the Rolling Stones and drinking Rebel Yell bourbon whiskey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bette Davis Eyes</span> 1981 single by Kim Carnes

"Bette Davis Eyes" is a song written and composed by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon in 1974. It was recorded by DeShannon that year but made popular by Kim Carnes in 1981 when it spent nine non-consecutive weeks at the top of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It won the 1982 Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The music video was directed by Australian film director Russell Mulcahy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uptown Girl</span> 1983 single by Billy Joel

"Uptown Girl" is a song written and performed by American musician Billy Joel from his ninth studio album An Innocent Man (1983), released in September 1983 as the album's second single. The lyrics describe a working-class "downtown man" attempting to woo a wealthy "uptown girl". The 12" EP has the tracks "My Life", "Just the Way You Are" and "It's Still Rock and Roll to Me", whereas some 7" single versions featured "Careless Talk" as a B-side.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dirty Diana</span> 1988 single by Michael Jackson

"Dirty Diana" is a song by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. It is the ninth track on Jackson's seventh studio album, Bad (1987). The song was released by Epic Records on April 18, 1988, as the fifth single from the album. It presents a harder rock sound similar to "Beat It" from Thriller (1982) and a guitar solo played by Steve Stevens. "Dirty Diana" was written and co-produced by Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones. The song's lyrics pertain to groupies. "Dirty Diana" has a moderate tempo and is played in the key of G minor.

<i>Idol Songs: 11 of the Best</i> 1988 greatest hits album by Billy Idol

Idol Songs: 11 of the Best is a greatest hits album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 20 June 1988 by Chrysalis Records. It comprises all the singles released from his first three studio albums—Billy Idol, Rebel Yell and Whiplash Smile—as well as the live version of "Mony Mony" and re-recorded Generation X song "Dancing with Myself", both of which appeared on Idol's debut EP Don't Stop. A limited edition of the album contains two extra remixes, and another limited edition contains four extra remixes. The album reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and has been certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). In 2003, the album was reissued with a different title and cover as The Essential.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White Wedding (song)</span> 1982 single by Billy Idol

"White Wedding" is a song by Billy Idol that was released as the second single from his self-titled studio album in 1982. Although not Idol's highest-charting hit, it is often considered one of his most recognizable songs. In the US, it peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart on 27 November 1982, then reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 2 July 1983 after it was re-issued. In the UK, it reached No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart upon its re-release there on 1 July 1985, when it was re-issued to promote the Vital Idol remix album.

<i>Vital Idol</i> 1985 remix album by Billy Idol

Vital Idol is a remix album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on 31 May 1985 by Chrysalis Records. It contains remixed songs from his first two albums and the Don't Stop EP. The album was reissued in the United States with one extra track in September 1987, peaking at number 10 on the Billboard 200. The US release was supported by a non-album live single version of "Mony Mony".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)</span> 1984 single by Billy Ocean

"Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run)", initially released as "European Queen (No More Love on the Run)", is a 1984 song by Trinidadian-British singer Billy Ocean. Co-written and produced by Keith Diamond, it climbed to number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the Billboard Black Singles chart, and number six on the UK Singles Chart. The song won Ocean the 1985 Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, making him the first British artist to win in that category.

<i>No Time to Chill</i> 1998 studio album by Scooter

No Time to Chill is the fifth studio album by German band Scooter. It was released on 20 July 1998. It contains three singles, "How Much Is the Fish?", "We Are the Greatest/I Was Made for Lovin' You" and "Call Me Mañana". It is the first album featuring Axel Coon.

<i>Our Happy Hardcore</i> 1996 studio album by Scooter

Our Happy Hardcore is the second studio album by German dance group Scooter. The European release date for the album was 28 March 1996. Three singles were released from the album, starting with "Back in the U.K." in November 1995 and "Let Me Be Your Valentine" in February 1996. The final single, a cover version of the Billy Idol song "Rebel Yell", followed in May 1996. The mostly instrumental "Crank It Up" is notable for its use as the theme tune for the Bruno segments in Da Ali G Show.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foolin'</span> 1983 single by Def Leppard

"Foolin'" is a 1983 single by English heavy metal band Def Leppard from their diamond album Pyromania. When released as a single later that year, it reached #9 on the Mainstream Rock chart and #28 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rebel Yell (song)</span> 1983 song by Billy Idol

"Rebel Yell" is a song by English rock musician Billy Idol. It is the title track of his second album Rebel Yell (1983), and was released as the album's lead single in January 1984 by Chrysalis Records. Initially, it only reached No. 62 in the UK and No. 46 in the US upon its release. However, a 1985 re-issue proved to be a big hit, peaking at no. 6 in the UK. The song received wide critical acclaim and in 2009 was named the 79th best hard rock song of all time by VH1 based on a public vote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Streak (song)</span> 1974 single by Ray Stevens

"The Streak" is a country/novelty song written, produced, and sung by Ray Stevens. It was released in February 1974 as the lead single to his album Boogity Boogity. "The Streak" capitalized on the then-popular craze of streaking.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cradle of Love (Billy Idol song)</span> 1990 single by Billy Idol

"Cradle of Love" is a rock song written by Billy Idol and David Werner for Idol's 1990 fourth studio album Charmed Life. The song is the album's sixth track and was released as its first single. "Cradle of Love" became Idol's last top-10 hit in the United States, where it reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also Idol's first and only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. On the UK Single Chart, it stalled at No. 34.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Billy Idol</span> English singer and songwriter (born 1955)

William Michael Albert Broad, known professionally as Billy Idol, is an English punk singer, songwriter, musician and actor. He achieved fame in the 1970s emerging from the London punk rock scene as the lead singer of the group Generation X. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo career which led to international recognition and made Idol a lead artist during the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" in the US.

"To Be a Lover" is a song written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones originally as "I Forgot to Be Your Lover", but best known as a cover by Billy Idol on his third studio album Whiplash Smile (1986). As the album's lead single, it became Idol's second top ten hit in the US, peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet Sixteen (song)</span> 1987 single by Billy Idol

"Sweet Sixteen" is a song by British singer-songwriter Billy Idol, released in 1987 as the third single from his third studio album Whiplash Smile (1986). The song written by Idol and produced by Keith Forsey. "Sweet Sixteen" peaked at No. 20 in the US and No. 17 in the UK. It was also a hit across Europe and beyond.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Speed (Billy Idol song)</span> 1994 single by Billy Idol

"Speed" is a song by British singer-songwriter Billy Idol, originally included in the soundtrack of the eponymous film. It was written by himself and by guitarist Steve Stevens, and released in August 1994 as the film's main song through Arista Records worldwide and Chrysalis Records in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flesh for Fantasy</span> 1984 single by Billy Idol

"Flesh for Fantasy" is a song by Billy Idol, released in 1984 as the third single from his 1983 studio album Rebel Yell. It reached No. 5 in New Zealand, No. 11 in Germany, No. 20 in Switzerland, and No. 29 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catch My Fall</span> 1984 single by Billy Idol

"Catch My Fall" is a song by Billy Idol from his 1983 studio album Rebel Yell. It became the album's fourth and final single. It was written by Idol and produced by Keith Forsey.

References

  1. ↑ Strong, Martin Charles (1995). Great Rock Discography. Canongate Press. p. 404. ISBN   978-0-86241-541-9.
  2. ↑ Reesman, Bryan (15 November 2017). "Classic Tracks: Billy Idol's "Rebel Yell"". Mix . Archived from the original on 20 August 2019. Retrieved 19 August 2019.
  3. ↑ Schneider, Steven Jay (2007). 100 European Horror Films. British Film Institute. p. 83. ISBN   978-1-84457-164-2.
  4. ↑ Heller, Jason (19 August 2013). "New wave in the front, heavy metal in the back". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on 11 May 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  5. ↑ "Billy Idol – Awards". AllMusic . Archived from the original on 18 July 2016. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  6. ↑ Guarisco, Donald A. "Eyes Without a Face – Song Review". AllMusic . Archived from the original on 24 January 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  7. 1 2 3 Idol, Billy (2014). "23: Rebell Yell with a Cause". Dancing with Myself. Touchstone (Simon & Schuster). pp. 179–180. ISBN   978-1-4516-2850-0. Archived from the original on 7 March 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  8. ↑ Moore, Rick (29 June 2020). "Behind the Song : Billy Idol, "Eyes Without a Face"". American Songwriter . Archived from the original on 28 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
  9. ↑ "Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. 5 May 1984. p. 7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 May 2022. Retrieved 23 July 2022.
  10. ↑ Tannenbaum, Rob; Marks, Craig (2011). I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution . Penguin Books. p. 16. ISBN   978-1-1015-2641-5.
  11. ↑ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (Illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 147. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  12. ↑ "Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 6758." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  14. ↑ "European Top 50 Singles – compiled by Europarade – Week Ending 25.08.84". World Charts. Archived from the original on 16 August 2014.
  15. ↑ "Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  16. ↑ "Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  17. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Eyes Without A Face". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  18. ↑ "Classifiche". Musica e dischi (in Italian). Archived from the original on 1 December 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2022. Set "Tipo" on "Singoli". Then, in the "Artista" field, search "Billy Idol".
  19. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 33, 1984" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  20. ↑ "Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  21. ↑ "Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  22. ↑ "Billy Idol – Eyes Without A Face". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  23. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  24. ↑ "Billy Idol Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  25. ↑ "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending June 30, 1984". Cash Box . Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
  26. ↑ "National Top 100 Singles for 1984". Kent Music Report. 31 December 1984. Archived from the original on 8 January 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2022– via Imgur.
  27. ↑ "Top 100 Singles of 1984". RPM . Vol. 41, no. 17. 5 January 1985. Archived from the original on 3 April 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  28. ↑ "Top Selling Singles of 1984". Official NZ Music Charts.com. Recorded Music New Zealand Limited. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  29. ↑ "Top 100 Hits for 1984". The Longbored Surfer. Archived from the original on 23 August 2013. Retrieved 3 May 2016.
  30. ↑ "The Cash Box Year-End Charts: 1984". Cash Box . Archived from the original on 30 September 2012.
  31. ↑ "Jahrescharts – 1984" (in German). Offiziellecharts.de. GfK Entertainment. Archived from the original on 9 May 2015.
  32. ↑ "Brazilian single certifications – Billy Idol – Eyes Without a Face" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil . Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  33. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Billy Idol – Eyes Without a Face" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 16 September 2024. Select "2024" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Eyes Without a Face" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  34. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Billy Idol – Eyes Without a Face". Radioscope. Retrieved 18 December 2024.Type Eyes Without a Face in the "Search:" field.
  35. ↑ "British single certifications – Billy Idol – Eyes Without a Face". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 10 November 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.