The Lover Speaks - The Lover Speaks (1986)

The Lover Speaks to duet New Wave w składzie: David Freeman oraz Joseph Hughes plus zaproszeni muzycy i wokalistki. Stylistycznie często porównywani do The Human League, zapamiętani zostali jako kompozytorzy przeboju No More I Love You's z płyty wydanej w 1986.

In 1985 David Freeman formed The Lover Speaks with ex-Flys bass player Joseph (Joe) Hughes. They recorded a demo tape which they sent off to Dave Stewart, who then sent it to Chryssie Hynde and finally to 80s super-producer Jimmy Iovine. The duo were signed to Dave Stewart's Anxious Music Publishing that year, and to A&M Records, Los Angeles in 1986.

With producer Jimmy Iovine they recorded the self-titled debut The Lover Speaks, which contains the original version of No more "I love you's". After touring with The Eurythmics they returned to Los Angeles to record the follow-up album, which was never to be released. The Lover Speaks split in 1988.
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Like a classic automobile, they simply don't make albums like the Lover Speaks' self-titled debut from 1986 anymore. At first, the Lover Speaks may seem like a knock-off of the Human League. Singer David Freeman's baritone resembles Philip Oakey's deep croon, and whenever the backup vocals of June Miles Kingstone appear, the male/female harmonies of the Human League is instantly recalled. Musically and lyrically, however, the Lover Speaks easily separate themselves. The soaring, heartbreaking chorus of "No More 'I Love You''s" must've mesmerized Annie Lennox of the Eurythmics; she covered it in the early '90s. The original version by the Lover Speaks is a stunner -- stylishly crafted, soulful pop elevated by Freeman's booming voice. Like "No More 'I Love You''s," "Absent One," and "Love Is: 'I Gave You Everything'" surge with bruised emotions. But the pain in Freeman's voice is exhilarating, not depressing, to listen to; sad and bitter words pour beautifully from his mouth. "Every Lover's Sign" and "Never to Forget You" offer respite from all the melancholy confessions; however, it's the stinging ache in tracks such as "Face Me and Smile," a tale of infidelity, that linger after the album has finished spinning. In "No More 'I Love You''s" Freeman sings, "I used to have demons in my room at night/desire, despair, desire, so many monsters." All of his monsters are illustrated in The Lover Speaks, and every one is sharply rendered.
~ Michael Sutton, All Music Guide

1 Every Lover's Sign 
2 No More "I Love You's"
3 Never To Forget You
4 Face Me And Smile  
5 Absent One
6 Love Is: "I Gave You Everything"
7 "This Can't Go On!"  
8 Still Faking This Art Of Love
9 Tremble Dancing    
10 Of Tears