STEVE BRAUN

AppleMark

WHEN I SEE YOUR EYES

Released 04 October 1985

COMMENTARY

AND RATING

CREDITS AND

INFORMATION

SONG

LYRICS

CLICK THE HIGHLIGHTED SONGS TO HEAR A SAMPLE

NU 12,7 inch vinyl 45 r.p.m.

NUM 12,12 inch vinyl 45 r.p.m.

Numan Music, 1985

Steve Braun's Universe

UNI-S1, 7 inch vinyl 45 r.p.m.

Universe Records, 1982

6:36 When I See Your Eyes (Extended Mix)

A

Out To Play [early version] 3:21

§1 2:52 When I See Your Eyes (Radio Mix)

B

Red Light Districts [early version] 3:40

§2 3:30 Out To Play

EXCLUSIVE BONUS TRACK

When I See Your Eyes [Special Mix] 3:21

all tracks written by Steve Braun

0,1, Produced by Gary Numan

2, Produced by Steve Braun

Steve Braun, Vocals and Keyboards

Ian Ritchie, Saxophone

Tessa Niles, Backing Vocals

Special thanks to The Waveteam

Mixed by Tim Summerhayes

Recorded at Rock City Studios, Shepperton, Middlesex, England

Marketed and Distributed by Precision Records & Tapes Ltd.

Written and

Produced by Steve Braun

Vocals, Steve Braun

Track A: All instruments, Steve Braun

Track B: Keyboards, Steve Braun

Track B: Saxophone, Ian Ritchie

Track B: Drums, Keith Walters

Universe Music

Universe Records

P.O. Box 80

Crawley, West Sussex

U.K.

Ratings (1-5)
A	4
B §1	3
B §2	1
overall	8 / 15

LAST UPDATED ON 14 FEBRUARY 2004

Comments: By the latter portion of the 80s, one of the legacies of New Wave was a return to the high-energy and disco house music. As a song intended to cater to the 1985 disco dance scene, the energetic "When I See Your Eyes" was clearly a winner. With his musical roots squarely planted in the traditions of Gary Numan's Pleasure Principle synth rock, Braun does a better job than most in hybridizing the genre of Italian disco--even better than Massimo Carpani, who "disco-fied" Numan in his Italian remix of "Pump Me Up." (See the commentary on Caroline Munro for further information.) Unquestionably, "When I See Your Eyes" bears some resemblance to the faster compositions of Gary Numan's album, The Fury, which is no surprise since Numan produced Braun's song and used the talents of Ian Herron and Mike Smith of The Waveteam to imbue it with its signature programming. Steve Braun incorporates some of his own electronic instruments into the mix, as well, but the real strength of the song is its tremendous chorus that makes everything else in the song an anticipatory segue. When the chorus boomed forth, club-goers responded by switching into high-gear dance mode, making the track everything a good disco tune should be. Furthermore, Steve Braun's voice is in perfect form. Using a vocal style that seems closely patterned after Bryan Ferry's, Braun shows a masterful control of pitch, timing and melody, again best showcased in the song's chorus. Another quite excellent feature is Tessa Niles; her supporting vocals alongside Ian Ritchie's saxophone add a New Wave Jazz sound in the style of Mad Max Thunderdome. In fact, one of the most impressive segments of the song is Ritchie's saxophone improvisation shadowed by Tessa Niles's voice. These kinds of creative and powerfully performed elements more than compensate for the typical insipidity of pop dance lyrics in "When I See Your Eyes." (The 7" radio mix has slightly different lyrics to the extended mix.) For an exclusive listen to a special mix of "When I See Your Eyes," CLICK HERE.

For fans of Braun and Numan alike, the flip-side track, "Out To Play," demonstrates by contrast the role that Gary Numan filled in his A-side productions. While it is unclear how much involvement there is from The Waveteam on this track, Braun appears to have gone solo as producer and artist on vocals, keyboards, and drum machines, and with far less dramatic effect. For example, a rougher, much edgier version of "Out To Play" was released in 1982, on "Steve Braun's Universe." (See "Credits and Information," above.) This version does not contain an unnecessary synth keyboard instrumental that drags the lyrical momentum of the song about midway through the Numa version. Even here, however, the mellow fervor of Braun's voice should be given its due, since it consistently rescues the song in other places. The lyrics of "Out To Play" are considerably more thoughtful than the lyrics of "When I See Your Eyes"; in fact, the music seems composed actually to showcase the song's lyrical qualities. As with the production, though, the cynicism of these lyrics is more successfully engendered by the 1982 version on "Steve Braun's Universe," due once again to its raw and impulsive sound. "Out To Play" was a fine demonstration of Braun's range of songwriting abilities, even though it was obviously an earlier effort and could not adequately compete with the tremendous strength of its A-side.

As a performer, Braun was gradually amassing the reputation of a perfectionist among his peers. Though he never opened for a Gary Numan performance as other Numa acts had, he often enjoyed the prestige of a supporting act for his own show. Braun's live performances typically offered a proven set list of eight or so songs with varying tempos (dance songs and their "cool down" companions) that included the A-sides of the two singles and "Red Light Districts" (from the B-side of his next single). Other original material from what he hoped to be his forthcoming album was performed; "Not Waiting Any Longer," one of the uptempo songs, was a particular crowd favorite. During the encore, he would repeat a performance of "When I See Your Eyes." Braun is also recalled for his signature scarf--a jaunty accessory that fans theorized was pinned down to his shirt because it never once moved! However, all foibles aside, Braun had a reputation for his genuine and gracious rapport with fans, and he is remembered by his Numa colleagues as being a very warm and friendly person.

To read further commentary about Steve Braun's next single, "Love Could Be So Good," click HERE. To find out more about his career and his time at Numa Records, visit "Several Shades of Braun" in the Steve Braun Lobby, or click HERE.

Much appreciation to Derek Wallin for providing descriptive details of Braun's performance. Also, I cannot thank Steve Brown enough for favoring me with his time and his generosity of spirit in sharing his information, his photos and his love for music. Anyone who would like to contribute additional information or photos of Steve Braun can reach me at Karl.Sherlock@gcccd.net. I will gladly acknowledge your input on this page.

LYRICS

WHEN I SEE YOUR EYES

I could love you in a thousand ways.

I've emotions that lean your way.

I could love you--for a thousand years.

When I'm with you I have no fears.

Chorus:

When I see your eyes

When I see your eyes . . . I fall in love.

[repeat]

(additional lyrics in the "Radio Mix")

When I see you I love your smile.

Let me see you stay for a while.

Chorus:

When I see your eyes

When I see your eyes . . . I fall in love.

I could love you in a thousand ways.

I've emotions that lean your way.

I could love you--for a thousand years.

When I'm with you I have no fears.

Chorus:

When I see your eyes

When I see your eyes . . . I fall in love.

[repeat]

OUT TO PLAY

The boys and the girls

come out to play,

with plenty to do

but nothing to say.

There's laughter in the air.

There's boredom on the breeze.

Everyone's out and

everything's easy.

Chorus:

The boys and the girls

come out to play.

The boys and the girls

come out to play.

Out to play. Out to play.

Out to play.

(Oh) They laugh but won't smile

when they joke all the time.

Suzie and the cohorts

are standing in line.

They're starting to feel

but they don't look too pleased.

Why should they care when

they've men here to tease.

Chorus:

The boys and the girls

come out to play.

The boys and the girls

come out to play.

The boys and the girls

come out to play.

The boys and the girls

come out to play.

Out to play. Out to play.

There's laughter in the air.

Out to play. Out to play.