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
Lover Speaks (Main Performer), Joe Chiccarelli (Engineer), Joe Chiccarelli (Mixing), Joe Chiccarelli (Recording), Robert DeLaGarza (Engineer), Greg Edward (Engineer), Jimmy Iovine (Producer), Joe Borja (Engineer), Matt Mahurin (Photography), John Warwicker (Art Direction), John Warwicker (Design), Joseph Hughes (Arranger), Joseph Hughes (Composer)
Freeman and Hughes formed The Lover Speaks (deriving the name from Roland Barthes' book A Lover's Discourse: Fragments) in 1985, after working together in the punk outfit the Flys. Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics got the duo a recording contract with A&M Records and their self-titled debut including contributions from among others Stewart, June Miles-Kingston, Nils Lofgren and production by Jimmy Iovine was released the following year. Freeman's vocals received praise, but the album never took off. "No More "I Love You's"", the first single, fell off the UK chart after rising to #58. The band opened for the Eurythmics during the 1986 Revenge world tour and the following year Freeman and Hughes wrote and produced the duet "Sleep Like Breathing" with Alison Moyet, included on her album Raindancing.
They returned to the studio in 1988 and recorded another album, The Big Lie with Iovine, Stewart and Daniel Lanois sharing production - only to face A&M Records whom declined to release it. The duo then split; Freeman went on to release a few solo albums in the 1990s.
