Whispering Your Name

"Whispering Your Name" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Jules Shear. It was originally performed by Ignatius Jones in 1983, however Shear also recorded the song, which was issued as a single within months of Jones' recording and included on his 1983 album Watch Dog. It has been covered numerous times, including a charting version by Alison Moyet in 1994.

Ignatius Jones version

"Whispering Your Name" was issued as a single in Australia by Ignatius Jones in March 1983. The single peaked at exactly #100 on the Australian chart, but this and Jones' previous single ("Like A Ghost") were "hot dance club favourites among the gay community on the American west coast."[1]

Jules Shear version

Shear's original version was produced by Todd Rundgren, and was issued as a single in May, 1983 and included on Shear's 1983 album Watch Dog. The same album included the original version of "All Through The Night", which was later a hit for Cyndi Lauper. Shear later recorded an acoustic version of "Whispering Your Name" for his 1991 CD Unplug This.

Alison Moyet version

"Whispering Your Name"
Single by Alison Moyet
from the album Essex
B-side F.O.S.
Released 28 February 1994
Format 12" single, CD single
Genre Pop, Rock
Length 3:49
Label Columbia
Writer(s) Jules Shear
Producer(s) Ian Broudie
Alison Moyet singles chronology
"Falling"
(1993)		 "Whispering Your Name"
(1994)		 "Getting into Something"
(1994)

In 1994, "Whispering Your Name" was released by English singer Alison Moyet as the second single from her fourth studio album Essex. It was produced by Ian Broudie.

"Whispering Your Name" became Moyet's eighth single to enter the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, but also her last to date, peaking at #18. It remained in the Top 100 for seven weeks.[2]

A promotional video was filmed for the single and featured an appearance from Dawn French. Moyet also performed the song live on the UK music show Top of the Pops.[3]

Background

In order for the Essex album to be released at all, CBS/Columbia insisted that certain Essex tracks were to be re-recorded and re-produced, and that there be additional material remixed to create a more 'commercial' package. "Whispering Your Name" was originally an acoustic ballad before being turned into an upbeat dance single. This was due to the lead single "Falling" failing to live up to the label's expectations. The original version of "Whispering Your Name" was placed on the Essex album.[4]

A remix of "Whispering Your Name" was created by Vince Clarke who was part of the early 1980s duo Yazoo with Moyet. This was the closest thing to a Yazoo reunion until their Reconnected tour in 2008.[5]

Music Video

The video shows Moyet in a room with a white background when French's character appears and starts jumping around and acting up in front of the camera before kissing Moyet, smudging her lipstick. French's character then accidentally knocks Moyet unconscious, so she starts to sing the song. Moyet starts to regain consciousness but is knocked out again when the microphone falls on her head. After miming to the remainder of the song, French faints and Moyet gets up and drags her away.

Formats

12" Single
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Extended Mix)" - 4:57
  2. "Whispering Your Name (Vince Clarke Remix)" - 3:42
  3. "Hoodoo (Remix)" - 7:41
  4. "Back Where I Belong (Soft Mix)" - 5:32
12" Single (UK promo)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Extended Mix)" - 4:57
  2. "Whispering Your Name (Dub)" -
CD Single (Europe)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Single Mix)" - 3:49
  2. "F.O.S." - 4:16
CD Single (Europe)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Single Mix)" - 3:49
  2. "Whispering Your Name (Album Version)" - 3:28
  3. "Whispering Your Name (Vince Clarke Remix)" - 3:42
  4. "Hoodoo (Remix)" - 7:41
  5. "Wishing You Were Here (Live)" - 3:49
  6. "Rise (Live)" - 3:06
CD Single (CD #2)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Extended Mix)" - 4:57
  2. "Whispering Your Name (Vince Clarke Remix)" - 3:42
  3. "Hoodoo (Remix)" - 7:41
  4. "Back Where I Belong (Soft Mix)" - 5:32
CD Single (UK)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Single Mix)" - 3:51
  2. "Rise (Live)" - 3:08
  3. "Wishing You Were Here (Live)" - 3:50
  4. "Rock And Roll (Live)" - 2:14
CD Single (America)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Single Mix)" - 3:47
  2. "Whispering Your Name (Extended Mix)" - 4:57
  3. "Another Living Day" - 3:44
  4. "Rock And Roll (Live)" - 2:12
  5. "F.O.S." - 4:16
CD Single (American promo)
  1. "Whispering Your Name (Original Version)" - 3:26
  2. "Whispering Your Name (Single Version)" - 3:47
  3. "Whispering Your Name (Extended Single Mix)" - 4:57
  4. "Whispering Your Name (Vince Clarke Remix)" - 3:41

Chart performance

Chart (1994) Peak
position
Belgian Singles Chart 26
French Singles Chart 8
German Singles Chart[6] 75
Japanese Singles Chart 43
UK Singles Chart[7] 18

Personnel

References

  1. ↑ McFarlane, Ian (1999). "Encyclopedia entry for 'Jimmy and the Boys'". Encyclopedia of Australian Rock and Pop. St Leonards, NSW: Allen & Unwin. ISBN 1-86448-768-2.
  2. ↑ http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12673/alison-moyet/
  3. ↑ "Alison Moyet Whispering Your Name". YouTube. 2007-02-25. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  4. ↑ "Essex | Alisonmoyet.com – The Official Alison Moyet Site". Alisonmoyet.com. 2010-04-05. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  5. ↑ "Essex | Alisonmoyet.com – The Official Alison Moyet Site". Alisonmoyet.com. 2010-04-05. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  6. ↑ "Die ganze Musik im Internet: Charts, News, Neuerscheinungen, Tickets, Genres, Genresuche, Genrelexikon, Künstler-Suche, Musik-Suche, Track-Suche, Ticket-Suche". musicline.de. Retrieved 2012-01-12.
  7. ↑ http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12673/alison-moyet/
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