From their emergence in 1981 with the album In The Garden, Eurythmics, the iconic duo of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, redefined synth-pop throughout the 80s and 90s. Their innovative sound and electrifying performances produced a catalog of enduring hits. Here’s a guide to 13 essential Eurythmics Songs that showcase their brilliance.
13. I Saved The World Today (1999)
Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart Eurythmics I Saved The World Today music video
“I Saved The World Today,” the lead single from their 1999 album Peace, marked Eurythmics’ triumphant return to the UK charts after nearly a decade. This track peaked at No. 11 in the UK and, surprisingly, was not released as a single in the United States. It stands as a classic from their later period, recognized for its quality and impact. Notably, David Chase, the creator of The Sopranos, held the song in high regard, choosing it to conclude the 2000 episode ‘The Knight in White Satin Armor,’ further cementing its cultural relevance.
12. Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four) (1984)
The story of Eurythmics’ involvement with the film Nineteen Eighty-Four is marked by controversy. Virgin Films controversially replaced director Michael Radford’s preferred orchestral score with Eurythmics’ music (after David Bowie’s request was deemed too expensive). Ultimately, the film featured a blend of Radford’s orchestral compositions and Eurythmics’ more pop-oriented sound. From this soundtrack, Eurythmics released two songs: “Julia” and “Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty-Four).” The latter became a significant hit, reaching No. 4 in the UK charts in November 1984, showcasing their ability to create impactful music for diverse projects.
11. Right By Your Side (1983)
“Right By Your Side,” the second single from their third album Touch, represented a distinct sonic shift for Eurythmics. With its incorporation of calypso rhythms, steel drums, and marimba sounds, the song leaned towards a Kid Creole-esque vibe, a departure from their usual synth-pop style. Despite this stylistic exploration, the track retains a recognizable Eurythmics essence. This song demonstrates their versatility and willingness to experiment with different musical genres while maintaining their unique identity.
10. 17 Again (2000)
“17 Again” is a late-era Eurythmics gem that arguably deserved greater chart success than its No. 27 peak in early 2000. This song, softer in tone and easily mistaken for an Annie Lennox solo piece, is a reflective journey through their career. Lyrically, it touches upon themes of fleeting fame and media scrutiny, referencing “fake celebrities,” “vicious queens,” and “the stupid papers and the stupid magazines.” It even includes a nod to their iconic hit with the line “sweet dreams are made of anything that gets you in the scene,” adding a layer of self-awareness and nostalgia.
9. Who’s That Girl? (1983)
“Who’s That Girl?” is celebrated not only for its musical quality but also for its memorable music video. Annie Lennox stars in a dual role, embodying both a 1960s-inspired nightclub singer and a male audience member, complete with an Elvis Presley wig. The video is further enhanced by cameos from pop luminaries like Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston of Bucks Fizz, Kiki Dee, Marilyn, Hazel O’Connor, Kate Garner of Haysi Fantayzee, and all four members of Bananarama. This includes Stewart’s future wife Siobhan Fahey and Jacquie O’Sullivan, who would later join Bananarama, then a member of the Shillelagh Sisters. The star-studded video amplified the song’s appeal and cemented its place in pop culture.
8. Thorn In My Side (1986)
“Thorn In My Side” became Eurythmics’ final UK Top 10 single, reaching No. 5 in 1986. Dave Stewart described the song’s raw emotion, stating, “On Thorn In My Side Annie was channeling her anger and was so focused when she opened her mouth and delivered her cutting lyrics. It was icy cold yet burning with passion. She carried on and did the whole song in one single take.” The intensity of Lennox’s performance is palpable in the track. The music video also features a notable appearance by Blondie drummer Clem Burke, adding another layer of rock pedigree to the song.
7. Love Is A Stranger (1982)
“Love Is A Stranger,” the initial single from their breakthrough album Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This), marked Eurythmics’ first foray into hit territory. While their debut 7” single, “Never Gonna Cry Again,” stalled at No. 63, “Love Is A Stranger” paved the way for their future success. Its combination of austere vocals and warm synth textures became a signature Eurythmics sound. The music video, showcasing Annie Lennox in a variety of striking looks, became a template for their visually compelling promotional style, highlighting their innovative approach to both music and image.
6. It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back) (1986)
“It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back)” achieved success in the UK, reaching No. 12, but surprisingly underperformed in the US, charting at No. 78. Released as the fourth and final single from their 1985 album Be Yourself Tonight, the song earned Eurythmics an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song. This accolade recognized the songwriting and enduring quality of the track, even if its US chart performance didn’t fully reflect its artistic merit.
5. Missionary Man (1987)
“Missionary Man” is arguably one of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart’s finest creations. Despite its quality, the song strangely didn’t break the Top 30 in the UK. However, it resonated more strongly in the United States, reaching No. 14. As the fourth and final single from their fifth album Revenge, “Missionary Man” was reportedly inspired by Lennox’s brief marriage to Radha Raman, a devout Hare Krishna. Lennox explained, “Obviously, there is a personal meaning in [Missionary Man] for me, because of my past history. But I also think that there are a great deal of people in the media, in the form of politicians or religious speakers or philosophical people, people who are generally trying to have some power over other people, who I just don’t trust.” This depth of meaning and powerful delivery contributed to the song’s lasting impact.
4. Here Comes The Rain Again (1984)
“Here Comes The Rain Again” was conceived on a gloomy day while Eurythmics were staying at the Mayflower Hotel in New York City. Dave Stewart described the song as embodying “wandering in and out of melancholy, a dark beauty that sort of is like the rose that’s when it’s darkest unfolding and blood red just before the garden dies.” This poetic description captures the song’s emotional depth and atmospheric quality. Its blend of vulnerability and strength has made it a fan favorite and a standout track in their discography of eurythmics songs.
3. Would I Lie To You? (1985)
“Would I Lie To You?” marked a significant stylistic departure from Eurythmics’ signature synth-pop sound. This track leaned heavily into an old-time rhythm and blues/rock direction, reminiscent of Stax Records’ sound. Dave Stewart himself described it as “Stax-type R&B and Eurythmics,” highlighting its blend of classic R&B influences with their unique musical identity. This bold genre shift showcased their musical range and ability to innovate beyond synth-pop, proving their versatility as artists.
2. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (1983)
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This),” Eurythmics’ breakthrough hit, remains their second-highest charting song and one of the most recognizable eurythmics songs globally. Written in the aftermath of The Tourists’ breakup, Annie Lennox described the song’s genesis as an expression of vulnerability and despair: “Look at the state of us, how can it get worse? I was feeling very vulnerable. The song was an expression of how I felt: hopeless and nihilistic.” Despite its introspective lyrics, the song’s infectious synth riff and powerful vocals propelled it to international fame. According to Stewart, RCA initially lacked confidence in the song as a single. However, when a Cleveland radio DJ repeatedly played the album track, generating strong audience response, the label recognized its potential and released it, changing music history.
1. There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) (1985)
“There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart)” stands as Eurythmics’ sole UK chart-topper and a definitive No. 1 essential eurythmics song. Released as the second single from their fifth studio album, Be Yourself Tonight, its soaring melody and anthemic feel made it an instant classic. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Brittany Murphy, Fantastic Plastic Machine, Leningrad Cowboys, Luciano Pavarotti, Kylie Minogue, Jessica G. Pilnäs, and notably, German girl group No Angels, whose 2001 version topped charts in Austria and Germany. The original recording features Stevie Wonder on harmonica and string arrangements by Michael Kamen, known for his film scores for Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, and Licence To Kill. These collaborations and its inherent musical brilliance solidify its place as Eurythmics’ crowning achievement.
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