Moyet wrote "Nobody's Diary" around the age of 16, at a time when she was playing in bands in the South East Essex area.[2] It was one of the last songs to be recorded for You and Me Both. Vince Clarke recalled in 2008: "It immediately stood out to be the track that should be released as a single."[3]
The single's cover—designed by Steven Appleby with the sleeve produced by Acrobat Design—depicts a "rather hip young man in a bathtub [who] seems to have forgotten to turn off the water, so intent is he on his private thoughts."[6]
Mute Records released an additional second and limited edition 12-inch single of the song in the UK with "Situation" on the flip side. "Situation" appears on the U.S. version of the band's previous album Upstairs at Eric's (although it was added to the UK track list in later pressings).
Sire Records released "Nobody's Diary" in the United States with You and Me Both album track "State Farm" as a double A-side. "State Farm" was not included on the UK version of You and Me Both. The double A-side hit number one on the US Hot Dance Club Play chart in July 1983.[7]
Reception
Upon release, Simon Tebbutt of Record Mirror described the song as "more restrained" than some of Yazoo's previous work, but also "a sneaker and grabber that goes for the jugular".[8]Neil Tennant, writing for Smash Hits, commented: "Strong on emotion and weak on melody but the combination of ringing synths and bluesy singing is still a winner."[9] Debbi Voller of Number One wrote: "It sounds like all the rest, and yet, it doesn't! Somehow they keep coming up with enough hit variations on their theme. Can't fail."[10]
In 1985, the 12" single version was described by The Absolute Sound as "[typifying] all the neat features of 12 inch 45 rpm. The sound is glorious. [The song] is quite wonderful. The musical textures are fascinating. The sound is open, and the soundstage is huge. The bass is tight."[6]
In CMJ's 1999 New Music Report (coinciding with the release of the group's greatest hits compilation), "Nobody's Diary" was described as "[a] poignant offering, rife with emotional fervor that remains fresh and undated despite the limiting musical technology of the time."[11]
"Nobody's Diary" was remastered as part of the 2008 In Your Room Yazoo box set and released as a separate EP to promote it.[31] The 2008 release featured a slew of new remixes, including one by Vince Clarke's current Erasure partner Andy Bell.[32]
"Nobody's Diary" was reissued by Mute Records in the UK on 12 May 2008. It is available in 12" vinyl and digital download formats. An exclusive remix of the song is available online directly through Mute's online shop.
