Origins And Formation
Eurythmics were a pioneering British new wave duo formed in London in 1980, consisting of Scottish vocalist Annie Lennox and English musician/producer Dave Stewart. The pair first met in 1975 and played together in the band The Tourists in the late 1970s. After The Tourists disbanded in 1980, Lennox and Stewart decided to continue as a duo, seeking greater creative freedom and a more experimental approach to pop music.
Breakthrough And Musical Style
Their debut album, In The Garden (1981), blended psychedelic, krautrock, and electropop influences but achieved limited commercial success. The breakthrough came with their second album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1983). The title track, driven by a haunting synth bassline and accompanied by a striking music video, became a global hit—reaching number one in the US and Canada, and number two in the UK. Annie Lennox’s commanding vocals, combined with Stewart’s innovative production, made Eurythmics stand out in the early MTV era.
Following this success, the duo released a string of hit singles and albums throughout the 1980s, including:
- “Love Is A Stranger”
- “Here Comes The Rain Again”
- “There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)” (their only UK number one)
- “Would I Lie To You?”
- “Sisters Are Doin’ It For Themselves” (a duet with Aretha Franklin)
Their music evolved from synth-heavy new wave to incorporate elements of R&B, rock, and soul, often featuring guest musicians and exploring new sonic territory with each album.
Later Years And Legacy
Eurythmics continued to release successful albums through the late 1980s, including Be Yourself Tonight (1985), Revenge (1986), Savage (1987), and We Too Are One (1989), the latter reaching number one in the UK. The duo informally split in 1990, with Lennox launching a highly successful solo career and Stewart becoming a sought-after producer.
They reunited in 1999 for the album Peace, and again in 2005 for the single “I’ve Got A Life” as part of the Ultimate Collection compilation. Eurythmics have sold an estimated 75 million records worldwide and are celebrated for their innovative sound, visual style, and lasting influence on pop and rock music.
Awards And Recognition
Eurythmics’ accolades include:
- MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist (1984)
- Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (1987)
- Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music (1999)
- Inductions into the UK Music Hall Of Fame (2005), Songwriters Hall Of Fame (2020), and Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame (2022)
Discography Highlights
| ALBUM | YEAR | NOTABLE SINGLES |
|---|---|---|
| In The Garden | 1981 | “Never Gonna Cry Again” |
| Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) | 1983 | “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”, “Love Is A Stranger” |
| Touch | 1983 | “Here Comes the Rain Again” |
| Be Yourself Tonight | 1985 | “Would I Lie To You?”, “There Must Be An Angel” |
| Revenge | 1986 | “Missionary Man” |
| Savage | 1987 | “I Need A Man”, “You Have Placed A Chill In My Heart” |
| We Too Are One | 1989 | “Don’t Ask Me Why” |
| Peace | 1999 | “I Saved The World Today” |
Influence
Eurythmics are widely credited with shaping the sound and style of 1980s pop and new wave, inspiring countless artists with their genre-blending music, striking visuals, and fearless experimentation. Annie Lennox’s powerful voice and bold image, in particular, became emblematic of the era.
