Search - David Byrne :: Look Into the Eyeball

All 'Humans' Should Own This

J. Oliveira | California | 07/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have never really been a big fan of David Byrne, or Talking Heads for that matter, but a while back I saw an appearance of Byrne performing "Like Humans Do" on David Letterman and was very intrigued. I decided to buy it because I wanted something different in my collection. It definitely is different. Each song on this album displays a different sound. The album's opener "UB Jesus" pulls you into 'Eyeball' with odd lyrics and fantastic use of backing vocals. "Like Humans Do", the song that originally reeled me in, is amazing on this album. It is very colorful and melodic - as are a lot of songs on this album, including (especially) "Desconocido Soy", a Spanish-sung tune that allows you to enjoy the song even if you don't know what is being said! "The Accident" is a dark, eerie song with an amazing vocal hook. This album is overall incredible. If you want something new, different, and fun - get this!"

An example for all aging rock stars to follow...

ewomack | MN USA | 10/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"David Byrne built heavily on his previous release "Feelings" and topped it in many ways on "Look Into The Eyeball". This album contains solid material throughout and is probably Byrne's most consistent solo album. Its range spans the breadth of "Feelings", but without that album's somewhat forced eclecticism. One could call "Look Into The Eyeball" "Feelings Improved" (not to knock "Feelings", because it was also a great album). Whereas "Feelings" represented a major improvement over Byrne's self-titled 1994 album, "Look Into The Eyeball" represents yet another leap forward. The lesson here: Byrne seems to be improving with age. Or, at the very least, age has not affected Byrne's output whatsoever.



This album ranges from danceable to beautiful to toungue in cheek to happy to disturbing to funny. "U.B. Jesus" is funny, profound, disturbing, and danceable: "Jesus can kill 'ya if you don't get along." The song explores the contemporary phenomenon of making Jesus "cool" and "hip" and the impossibility of living up to the standards set by him: "Maybe I'm gonna fry in Hell, but I feel good when I burn myself." Danceable, funny, and disturbing all in one song. "The Revolution" and "The Accident" are amongst Byrne's most beautiful songs. "The Great Intoxication" and "The Moment of Conception" amongst his most driving. Byrne also finally sings a song completely in Español: "Desconocido Soy" (or "Unknown I am"). Lastly, we all know people such as the subject of "Everyone's In Love With You"; basically, someone who just attracts people for incomprehensible reasons. Byrne runs the gamut of his usual themes on this album, and even adds a few new ones to the mix.



Will this remain Byrne's final album released by Luaka Bop? Hard to say. Byrne no longer runs the label, and his 2004 release, "Grown Backwards" was released on Nonesuch. Time will tell.



Probably the most surprising thing about "Look Into the Eyeball" is the stark contrast between it and its successor. No clues exist anywhere as to the direction Byrne took on "Grown Backwards" three years later (though some were present on "Lead Us Not Into Temptation" from 2003). Both albums give testament to Byrne's musical diversity, ability, and inventiveness. Check them both out."

Look Into the Eyeball sure tastes yummy

Paul | Providence | 05/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A brief review: It's been four years since David Byrne's last commercially released album, and your patience has been rewarded. Look Into the Eyeball is simply excellent. It's songs vary stylistically, but are consistent in quality. The album starts in dark tones with "U.B. Jesus." This is one of the album's highlights. Haunting strings seamlessly melt into the groove. The driving rhythm gives way to the pretty, but melancholy strings of "The Revolution." Yet, Tracks 4-7 are this album's highest point, starting with "Like Humans Do," LItE's first single, which makes sense as this is the catchiest song on the album. "Broken Things" is darker, as the title would imply, but the dark groove make this track the most reminiscent of David's Talking Heads work. "The Accident" is LItE's most unique track. It could easily come from a Broadway musical, but at the same time, it reminds me of Sgt. Pepper's. "Desconocido Soy," is my favorite song on LItE. Although I haven't a clue as to what it's about (the lyrics are in Spanish), it's got the most infectious groove, and Nru's voice provides an excellent contrast to Mr. Byrne's. Look Into the Eyeball tastes like no other album I know of, and I sure do like it. It's delicious. Highly recommended."