Naked Eyes

Emerging as notable figures in the synth pop movement during the early 1980s, Naked Eyes originated in Britain during 1981. The lineup featured former schoolmates Pete Byrne handling vocals alongside Rob Fisher on keyboards. Their introduction to listeners arrived with the March 1983 release of the LP Burning Bridges, which appeared stateside a month afterward under a self-titled name after several tracks had been removed. Fronting the effort was a majestic cover of the Burt Bacharach-Hal David perennial "Always Something There to Remind Me," which became a hit across both sides of the Atlantic and climbed into the U.S. Top Ten largely because its video enjoyed heavy rotation on the fledgling MTV network. Stateside audiences next encountered "Promises, Promises" (distinct from the Bacharach/David composition), another major success that suggested a promising trajectory ahead. That outlook dimmed quickly, however, when 1984's Fuel for the Fire underperformed commercially and its sole single, "(What) In the Name of Love," managed only a marginal entry into the Top 40. The partnership dissolved shortly thereafter. Fisher reappeared in 1988 as half of the pop duo Climie Fisher. He passed away on August 25, 1999, from complications after stomach surgery.