Eurythmics: Synth-Pop Pioneers and Soulful Innovators
Eurythmics. Formation and Background
Eurythmics was formed in 1980 by:
- Annie Lennox – Vocals, keyboards
- Dave Stewart – Guitars, synthesizers, production
The pair had previously played together in the new wave band The Tourists, but left to pursue a more experimental and electronic direction. With no initial commercial support, they self-financed their debut and gradually rose to international fame through a combination of synth wizardry, emotional depth, and striking visuals.
Eurythmics. Breakthrough: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1983)
✦ Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1983)
Their second album became a massive success, with its title track becoming one of the most iconic songs of the decade.
Key tracks:
- “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” – Haunting synth lines and Lennox’s androgynous look made this an MTV and global sensation
- “Love Is a Stranger” – Seductive and eerie
- “I Could Give You (A Mirror)”
This album established Eurythmics as pioneers of synth-pop, with an edge of gothic minimalism and soul.
Eurythmics. Diverse Output and Continued Success (1983–1990)
Eurythmics evolved rapidly beyond electronic music, embracing soul, rock, and orchestral pop, while Lennox emerged as a powerful feminist icon.
✦ Touch (1983)
- “Here Comes the Rain Again” – A lush, melancholic hit
- “Who’s That Girl?” – Moody and mysterious
- “Right by Your Side” – Caribbean-influenced pop
✦ Be Yourself Tonight (1985)
A more soulful and rock-influenced sound.
Highlights:
- “Would I Lie to You?” – Funky and aggressive
- “There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)” – UK #1, with Stevie Wonder on harmonica
- “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves” – Feminist anthem with Aretha Franklin
✦ Revenge (1986)
- “When Tomorrow Comes”
- “Thorn in My Side”
- Continued success with a more arena-rock aesthetic
✦ Savage (1987)
Experimental and conceptual, featuring darker themes and a return to electronic textures.
✦ We Too Are One (1989)
Included:
- “Don’t Ask Me Why”
- “The King and Queen of America”
After this, the duo went on an extended hiatus.
Eurythmics. Hiatus, Solo Work, and Reunion (1990–2005)
- Annie Lennox launched a successful solo career with Diva (1992), including hits like “Why” and “Walking on Broken Glass”
- Dave Stewart became a prolific producer and collaborator (Tom Petty, Mick Jagger, Shakespears Sister)
✦ Peace (1999) – Reunion album
Reflected themes of social justice, healing, and maturity
Included:
- “I Saved the World Today” – A gorgeous ballad
- “17 Again” – Nostalgic yet forward-looking
They briefly toured and remained close creative collaborators.
Eurythmics. Legacy and Influence
Eurythmics are celebrated for:
- Fusing synth-pop with soul, rock, and avant-garde elements
- Inventive music videos and strong visual identity
- Pushing gender norms and androgyny in pop culture (Lennox’s suits and buzzcut were revolutionary)
Influence seen in:
- Florence + The Machine
- Lady Gaga
- Lorde
- Goldfrapp
- The Weeknd’s retro aesthetic
Achievements:
- Over 75 million records sold worldwide
- Numerous Brit, Grammy, and MTV awards
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022
- Consistently ranked among the greatest duos in rock/pop history
Interesting Facts
- “Sweet Dreams” was recorded in a home studio above a picture framing shop
- Annie Lennox trained at the Royal Academy of Music in London
- Their videos were early staples of MTV, blending art and pop
- Their name is derived from a 1940s education system called “Eurhythmics,” focused on movement and rhythm
