While not the ground breaking and influential work that Yazoo's Upstairs at Eric's was, You and Me Both nontheless contains as many hooks and bouncy tunes, combined with brooding, dark ballads, to make it an exceptional, and essential album. There are - thankfully, some might say - no experimental songs along the lines of "I Before E Except After C" ( from Upstairs...), just great pop songs. The opener "Nobody's Diary" is one of the finest songs vocalist Alison Moyet has ever written, as is the incredibly moving ballad "Ode to Boy". I noticed something in the sleeve notes of interest ( to me, at least ) - the songs are alternately written by Vince Clarke and Alison Moyet, with one, "State Farm", listed as co-written ( although I am inclined to believe Clarke simply wrote some lyrics and added a few extra synth lines, as State Farm is virtually the same song as

(Knocking for a)"Good Time" which appears on the other side of the album, and was written by Moyet alone.) And they are presented in a way that gives us one song by one writer, then the next by the other , and so on, all the way through. This, along with the brilliant cover art depicting two dalmation dogs looking ready to tear into each other, is somewhat telling of the conflict within the duo. Indeed, as they were recording this album, they had already decided to call it quits, and split very shortly after its release. Together for just 18 months as a duo, Yazoo managed to combine high art with pop splendor, chilly electronics with gospel/blues influenced vocals, garner rave reviews from critics, and sell boat loads of albums and singles ( in the UK at least - here in the US they remained a more underground sensation ). In retrospect, You and Me Both is a great "thank you and goodbye" from the best of the early-eighties synth-pop duos.

'You & Me Both' is a meatier affair than its predecessor, 1982's 'Upstairs at Eric's'. Part of the reason is the inclusion, this time around, of more songs written by Alison Moyet. The runaway success of the duo's first album has left many people with the impression that all of the songwriting was done by Vince Clarke. Moyet was credited only for her fantastic voice, but little else. This album redresses that balance and showcases six of her own compostions and also the gritty 'State Farm', which she co-wrote. Two of her songs, the UK hit 'Nobody's Diary' and the sensuous 'Ode To Boy' are by far the best tracks here. However, Vince Clarke's 'Mr Blue' is quite a stealthy charmer too. The moody anti-war song, 'Unmarked', the dramatic 'Anyone' and 'Softly Over' are also highlights on this darker second album. Only the bubbly 'Walk Away From Love' and the electro-funk of 'Sweet Thing' hark back to the bouncier 'Upstairs At Eric's'.

The release of 'You & Me Both' coincided with an announcement that Yaz was to split. Vince went on to become half of Erasure, who socred several huge European hits. Alison became one of the UK's most popular solo singers in the '80s and, in the '90s, evolved into a gritter, earthier artist. Her first two albums ('Alf' and 'Raindancing') are still available and will appeal to Yaz fans. Her fantastic third and fourth albums ('Hoodoo' and 'Essex') are hard to find but her excellent 'Singles' compilation will help fill in some gaps. Her long-awaited new album will be released in January 2001.

I find it hard to beleive people knocking this album. I do not see any weakness any of the songs written by Alison Moyet. Songs like "Sweet Thing" and "And On" are awesome. This album I'd say is a bit more moody and deep that Upstairs At Erics. I guess that spoils the mood for people who just want a dance album. The political and social messages of this album are strong and brillant... Examples are "Mr. Blue", "Unmarked", and "State Farm." A moody, poetic, brillant and charming synth album. The strenght of both their albums has made Yaz one of my favorite bands.

Remember the good days of music. Kids these days are getting into the 80's. You can see why when you listen too this. Im glad vince clark split up to create erasure. However I wish he would of made more yazoo music.

The second and final Yaz album isn't as well-known as their first, but it's actually a stronger, more consistent album. On "Walk Away From Love," Vince Clarke expanded upon the sound of his Depeche Mode hit "Just Can't Get Enough" to create a great sing-a-long track. Other highlights include the funky "State Farm," the hypnotic "Ode to Boy," "Mr. Blue" which recalls "Only You" from their first album, and my favorite "Nobody's Diary," a brilliant showcase for Alison Moyet's beautiful voice. All fans of 80's synth pop should add this to their collection.