The first half sees a chill Billy Idol crooning a ballad, with no screaming nor squealing guitars in sight. The synths are dreamy and laid-back.
One of the best hooks of the decades, I've always loved the female vocals leading into the chorus. The angelic "les yeux sans visage" harmony literally translates the track’s name, and encouraged me to translate other pop singles of the day into French.
The second half is a complete 180 turn.
Kicking in around 2:25, the minute-plus breakdown features a Steve Stevens' guitar riff slashing through Billy's road trip bender lyrics about his nomadic bus tour reading murder books whilst trying to stay hip.
Billy returns to do his best Sinatra impression to wind up the power ballad.
Other favourites from 1984:
"It's My Life" - Talk Talk
"Wouldn't It Be Good" - Nik Kershaw
"Relax" - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Other favourites from 1984:
"It's My Life" - Talk Talk
"Wouldn't It Be Good" - Nik Kershaw
"Relax" - Frankie Goes to Hollywood
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