Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is iconic for many reasons, not least its haunting synth riff. For decades, music enthusiasts and synth aficionados have debated the exact instruments Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart used to create this 80s masterpiece. While the Oberheim OB-X might spring to mind for such a rich and powerful sound, the reality, as revealed by Stewart himself and corroborated by vintage gear lists, is a more nuanced and perhaps surprising combination.
Initially, the assumption that a mighty Oberheim OB-X fueled the “Sweet Dreams” sound is understandable. The OB-X, pictured below, was a top-tier synthesizer of the era, known for its massive sound and presence, perfectly fitting the track’s bold sonic landscape.
However, digging deeper into interviews and studio equipment lists from the time unveils a different story. Dave Stewart, in a 1984 keyboard magazine interview, highlighted the Roland SH-09 as a beloved and reliable instrument, almost like a “Old Faithful”. He specifically mentioned using the SH-09, along with the Roland CSQ-100 sequencer, extensively on the “Sweet Dreams” album, including tracks like “This Is The House”. Intriguingly, the OB-X is absent from these contemporary accounts.
Further supporting this, a gear list published in “One Two Testing” magazine in February 1984, detailing Eurythmics’ equipment, included a Roland SH-09, SH-101, and Juno-60, alongside other instruments like the Drumatix (TR-606) and Oberheim DMX drum machine, but again, no mention of the OB-X. This points towards a Roland-centric synth setup for the core sounds of “Sweet Dreams”.
Adding another layer of sonic texture, Stewart also revealed that a Farfisa Compact organ contributed significantly to the “synth-sounds” on the record. This unexpected element likely added a unique and slightly gritty character to the overall synth mix, moving beyond purely synthesized tones.
Therefore, while the grandeur of the “Sweet Dreams” synth sound might initially evoke images of an Oberheim OB-X, the evidence suggests a more intriguing combination of Roland synthesizers, particularly the SH-09 and Juno-60, possibly even a Juno-6, alongside the quirky tones of a Farfisa organ. This blend of accessible and workhorse synths, combined with creative experimentation, likely contributed to the unique and enduring sonic signature of Eurythmics’ iconic hit song.
