"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 were "hot dance club favourites among the gay community on the Americanwest coast."
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
In 1994, "Whispering Your Name" was released by English singer Alison Moyet as the second single from her fourth studio albumEssex. It was produced by Ian Broudie. "Whispering Your Name" became Moyet's eighth single to enter the Top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, peaking at #18. It remained in the Top 100 for seven weeks. 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.
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. 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.
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.
Critical reception
Upon release, Billboard said: "Images of Yaz will twirl in your head upon impact of this percolating pop/NRG ditty from the eternally underrated belter's new Essex collection. Her voice is in excellent shape and put to good use with a song that is instantly memorable. Producer Ian Broudie fleshes the track out with a synth-savvy arrangement that skirts the lines dividing modern pop radio and nightclubs." Music & Media wrote: "Like the Bangles before her, Moyet dips into the back catalogue of Jules Shear for a tailor-made pop song with a back to Yazoo-roots synth flavour." Lennox Herald wrote: "Great voice who is deserving of chart success but seems to be a touch unlucky recently in her choice of material. This track, however, might just do the business."
