Yazoo was a British new wave synth-pop duo that emerged after Vince Clarke left Depeche Mode. The second half of the duo was singer and composer Alison Moyet. Even though they existed for only 18 months, their two critically glorified albums had a huge impact on many similar artists who came after (for example, LCD Soundsystem). In 1983, they announced their breakup until reuniting 25 years later for the purpose of promoting box-set In Your Room. However, I will just cover those two years in the 80s when they were highly productive.
1981After writing first three singles and most of Depeche Mode's debut album, the main composer and founder of Yazoo left his mother band Depeche Mode not wanting to go on tour with them. By the end of the same month, he forms Yazoo (named after blues-country-jazz-roots label Yazzo Records) with Alison Moyet who was lead singer in The Vicars and The Screaming Abdabs.
1982Affer they signed up to Daniel Miller's Mute Records, their debut single, a ballad titled Only You, reached #2 on UK Charts right behind A Little Peace by German singer Nicole. Their next single was also an instant success, peaking at #3 on the British charts.
While they were having fun on short UK tour, their debut album Upstairs at Eric's debut at the second position of Official UK Album Charts, right behind soundtrack from Kids From Fame. The album remained on charts for impressive 63 weeks and it was marked by Clark's signature synth mastery mixed with American r'n'b, and Alison's deep soul vocal. Remixed by a cult French-American producer Francois Kevorkian, new version of Only You enters Billboard Hot 100 in United States. In order to prevent being mistken as another band with the same name, they changed their name for American market from Yazoo to Yaz. Their status across the pond was never as golden as it was in UK. The Other Side Of Love, a single that was not released on any albums, was also big hit in their country, reaching #13 on charts.
1983On the third ever Brit Awards Show, they win for Best New Artist. By promoting their sophomore album with Nobody's Diary, the only single written by Moyet, they reach third spot on UK Charts. During the same period, they noted how they plan to part ways after the album is released due to insurmountable differences.
Before forming Erasure with Andy Bell in 1985, Clarke will have a short-lived project with Feargal Sharkey called The Assembly, while Moyet will leap into a successful solo career. Released the day after Yazoo's officially split, their progressive sophomore You And Me Both will top UK Album Charts and stay there for impressive 35 weeks. If this didn't tease you enough, I don't know what will. Hey, do you know what time is it? It's time to stream Yazoo.
