Annie Lennox, a name synonymous with powerful vocals, striking visuals, and a genre-bending musical journey, has captivated audiences for decades. From her groundbreaking work with Eurythmics to her acclaimed solo career, Lennox has consistently delivered music that is both innovative and deeply emotional. This list delves into 30 of her greatest songs, exploring the breadth and depth of her artistry, perfect for both longtime fans and new listeners eager to discover the magic of Annie Lennox Songs.
30. Downtown Lights (1995)
From her album Medusa, a collection of covers, Lennox’s rendition of The Blue Nile’s “Downtown Lights” is a standout. While Medusa features iconic songs by Bob Marley and Al Green, this track reveals Lennox’s ability to truly inhabit a song. The source material is undeniably strong, but Lennox’s vocal performance elevates it, particularly in the emotionally charged climax – “I’m tired of crying on the stairs!” – which resonates with raw intensity.
29. Parnassius Apollo (2019)
In a bold move that defied expectations, Lennox’s most recent original material, Lepidoptera, consisted entirely of sparse piano instrumentals. “Parnassius Apollo” exemplifies this ambient direction, drawing comparisons to Brian Eno’s work rather than her signature pop sound. Filled with space and silence, the track creates a sense of chilly calm, showcasing Lennox’s willingness to explore unconventional musical territories and demonstrating the breadth of Annie Lennox songs beyond vocals.
28. I’ve Got a Life (2005) (Eurythmics)
Eurythmics’ 1999 reunion album Peace was met with mixed reviews, but the new track “I’ve Got a Life,” added to their 2005 greatest hits collection, proved their creative spark was far from extinguished. This song blends Lennox’s rich, soulful vocals with grinding synths, hinting at contemporary influences like Goldfrapp. It’s a powerful reminder of the innovative sound that defined Eurythmics and a welcome addition to the canon of Annie Lennox songs.
27. Adrian (1985) (Eurythmics)
Often overshadowed by the hit singles from Be Yourself Tonight, “Adrian” is a hidden gem within the album. Featuring chiming 12-string guitars over a synthesized bassline, the song provides a delicate backdrop for Lennox’s tender vocals. The addition of Elvis Costello’s distinctive harmonies adds another layer of richness, making “Adrian” a minor triumph and a testament to the depth of Eurythmics’ album tracks.
26. So Good to Be Back Home Again (1979) (The Tourists)
Predominantly driven by guitarist and songwriter Peet Coombes, The Tourists struggled to define their post-punk identity. “So Good to Be Back Home Again,” their biggest original hit, leans into 60s revivalist powerpop. Compact and energetic, this song, while not showcasing Lennox’s signature style fully formed, is a buoyant and enjoyable early entry in her discography, offering a glimpse into the beginnings of Annie Lennox songs.
25. All the Young (People of Today) (1981) (Eurythmics)
Eurythmics’ debut album In the Garden was an exploratory phase for the duo. Amidst the experimental tracks, “All the Young (People of Today)” stands out as a gem. With eerily detached vocals and atmospheric electronic pop, it foreshadows the sound they would develop in their next two albums. This track is a fascinating early example of the innovative electronic soundscapes that would become a hallmark of Annie Lennox songs with Eurythmics.
24. Right by Your Side (1983) (Eurythmics)
A significant stylistic shift from their synthpop beginnings, “Right by Your Side” signaled Eurythmics’ willingness to experiment. Dabbling in a unique blend of mock-calypso and African pop, the concept might seem questionable on paper. However, driven by Lennox’s infectiously exuberant vocal performance, it transforms into four minutes of pure, joy-inducing euphoria, showcasing the versatility of Annie Lennox songs.
23. Paint a Rumour (1983) (Eurythmics)
Closing out the Touch album, “Paint a Rumour” is a wonderfully unsettling piece of musical weirdness. A relentless mid-tempo synth rhythm, punctuated by fidgety bass and jittery horns reminiscent of Talking Heads’ Remain in Light, creates a disorienting atmosphere. Lennox’s multi-tracked vocals, creating a warped call-and-response effect, add to the song’s unsettling yet captivating nature, marking it as a unique entry among Annie Lennox songs.
Alt text: Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart on tour in San Francisco, 1983, showcasing Eurythmics’ early US performances.
22. Ghosts in My Machine (2007)
“Ghosts in My Machine” from Songs of Mass Destruction opens with a piano riff reminiscent of The Velvelettes’ “He Was Really Saying Somethin’,” yet the song quickly diverges into a much darker territory. Weary and despondent, the track’s mood is amplified by Lennox’s powerful vocals, proving her ability to convincingly deliver the blues. This song highlights the emotional depth and range within Annie Lennox songs.
21. Heaven (1987) (Eurythmics)
“Heaven,” from the Savage album, is a welcome surprise, demonstrating that late-80s Eurythmics still embraced musical curveballs. With an electronic dancefloor focus, it suggests an engagement with the burgeoning house music scene. Even with minimal lyrics, Lennox’s commanding vocal presence dominates the track, solidifying her position as a vocal powerhouse within Annie Lennox songs.
20. It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back) (1985) (Eurythmics)
Eurythmics’ career trajectory mirrored the evolution of British pop in the 80s, moving from androgyny and electronics towards traditionalism, rock guitars, and classic soul influences. While some of their initial edge might have been lost in this transition, songwriting quality remained strong. “It’s Alright (Baby’s Coming Back)” exemplifies this, sounding like a song that soul icon Aretha Franklin would have been proud to record in the late 60s, showcasing the timeless appeal of Annie Lennox songs.
19. The Saddest Song I’ve Got (2003)
Lennox’s third solo album, Bare, was an intensely personal and emotionally demanding work, reflecting the raw experience of divorce. “The Saddest Song I’ve Got” captures her at a breaking point, seeking reassurance while on the verge of letting go. Set against a backdrop of calm electronics, the song lives up to its title, offering a poignant and vulnerable moment within Annie Lennox songs.
18. Julia (1984) (Eurythmics)
Eurythmics’ soundtrack for Michael Radford’s film adaptation of 1984 marked their last foray into truly exploratory and atmospheric territory. On “Julia,” they stripped their sound down to its essence, featuring Lennox’s vocal supported by subtle synth and piano textures, and her voice processed through a vocoder. The result is icily beautiful and haunting, a unique piece amongst Annie Lennox songs.
Alt text: Annie Lennox captivating audience at London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony, highlighting her enduring performance presence.
17. Dark Road (2007)
Despite her current artistic freedom, Lennox retains a sharp commercial instinct. “Dark Road” is an epic, arena-ready ballad, complete with chiming guitars and an emotive vocal performance. Remarkably, it builds suspense by delaying the drum and chorus surge until well past the two-minute mark. When the full force of the song hits, it is undeniably spectacular, demonstrating Lennox’s mastery of crafting powerful and resonant Annie Lennox songs.
16. Here Comes the Rain Again (1983) (Eurythmics)
Featuring the late Michael Kamen’s lavish string arrangement, “Here Comes the Rain Again” signaled Eurythmics’ ambitions extending beyond synth-pop. The string arrangement, including a pizzicato section echoing Buddy Holly’s “Raining in My Heart,” adds a layer of classic elegance. The song’s power lies in its emotional arc, moving from melancholic verses to hopeful choruses, making it a timeless addition to Annie Lennox songs.
15. When Tomorrow Comes (1986) (Eurythmics)
The Revenge album showcased Eurythmics’ mid-80s shift towards stadium-sized pop-rock. A departure from their earlier electronic sound, “When Tomorrow Comes” is nonetheless a compelling and potent song. Lennox’s vocals are fantastic – powerful yet serene amidst distorted guitars and saxophone, proving her adaptability across genres within Annie Lennox songs.
14. There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart) (1985) (Eurythmics)
Even with a catalog of hits, “There Must Be an Angel (Playing With My Heart)” stands as Eurythmics’ most iconic song in the collective memory. Despite its ubiquity, Lennox’s soaring and dynamic vocal performance remains astonishing, making it a cornerstone of Annie Lennox songs.
13. Why (1992)
From the late 80s onwards, Lennox’s consistent presence at the Brit Awards became somewhat of a running joke. However, this industry recognition often overshadowed her genuine vocal brilliance. On “Why,” from her debut solo album Diva, her voice is powerful yet poised, emotional yet restrained. This track is a definitive showcase of her incredible vocal control and artistry within Annie Lennox songs.
12. No More ‘I Love You’s’ (1995)
Originally by The Lover Speaks, “No More ‘I Love You’s’” was a mannered 1986 pop song. Lennox’s version, from Medusa, is less stylized and more deeply poignant. Her vocal performance transitions seamlessly from airy to heartbreaking, adding a layer of emotional depth that surpasses the original, and establishing it as a signature Annie Lennox song.
Alt text: Annie Lennox in a striking portrait from 1985, capturing her iconic androgynous style during the Eurythmics peak.
11. Who’s That Girl (1983) (Eurythmics)
“Who’s That Girl” was significantly boosted, and perhaps even overshadowed, by its groundbreaking video, featuring Lennox in male drag interacting with her female persona. Stripped of its visuals, the song itself remains fantastic – understated yet affecting, with melancholic verses leading into a darkly suspicious chorus. It’s a testament to the songwriting and Lennox’s vocal delivery that transcends its iconic video, solidifying its place among notable Annie Lennox songs.
10. Pavement Cracks (2003)
The standout track from Bare, “Pavement Cracks,” begins with a Blue Nile-esque atmosphere – synth washes and downcast lyrics evoking rain-soaked city streets. It gradually builds momentum, evolving into a soul-inspired stomp reminiscent of Eurythmics’ more energetic tracks. A beautifully written song, it possesses an almost universal appeal, making it ripe for a high-profile cover version to propel it to even greater recognition within Annie Lennox songs.
9. This City Never Sleeps (1983) (Eurythmics)
“This City Never Sleeps” is perhaps the greatest example of Eurythmics’ early experimental tendencies. This evocative track paints a vivid picture of an urban landscape on a humid, sleepless summer night. Layers of Lennox’s vocals – some hypnotic and repetitive, others improvised – are woven over lethargic bass and howls of guitar feedback. The mood shifts seamlessly from drowsily sensual to brooding and ominous, showcasing the innovative sound design within Annie Lennox songs.
8. You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart (1987) (Eurythmics)
While commercially less successful than some of their other albums, Savage (1987) is arguably Eurythmics’ best, presenting a more edgy and electronic take on widescreen pop. “You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart,” its big ballad, is subtler and less overtly spectacular than their mid-80s blockbusters. However, it is also more charming and deeply affecting, highlighting the nuanced songwriting and vocal performance that define Annie Lennox songs.
7. Little Bird (1992)
Lennox’s solo career, while intermittent, launched with undeniable confidence with the Diva album. “Little Bird” perfectly encapsulates this swagger and strut. For those seeking an unexpected twist, N-Joi’s remix offers a diverting hardcore rave interpretation, further demonstrating the versatility and enduring appeal of Annie Lennox songs.
6. Shame (1987) (Eurythmics)
Thirty-five years later, in the age of Instagram, the lyrics of “Shame” seem strikingly prescient: “There’s a lifestyle, everybody wants it, but it don’t exist.” The song itself is exquisite – featuring an amazing chorus, Lennox’s vocal floating effortlessly above a machine funk backing, and a subtle Bowie influence in the middle eight. It’s a timeless commentary on superficiality and desire within the broader context of Annie Lennox songs.
Alt text: Annie Lennox powerfully performing at Freddie Mercury tribute concert, Wembley 1992, honoring a fellow music icon.
5. Walking on Broken Glass (1992)
Another highlight from Diva, “Walking on Broken Glass” is a perfectly crafted slice of pop-soul. The melody is incredibly effervescent, and Lennox’s vocal is commanding, almost masking the underlying melancholy of the lyrics: “I’m living in an empty room with all the windows smashed / I’ve got so little left to lose.” This juxtaposition of upbeat music and heartbroken lyrics is a hallmark of many compelling Annie Lennox songs.
4. Thorn in My Side (1986) (Eurythmics)
From its mock-girl group spoken-word intro, “Thorn in My Side” is simply spectacular. An outpouring of relationship frustration, set to a key-change-heavy melody that stacks earworm upon earworm. The undeniably 1986 production, complete with a duck-and-cover snare drum sound, might sound dated to some, but the sheer quality of the songwriting and Lennox’s performance transcends time, making it a standout among Annie Lennox songs.
3. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1983) (Eurythmics)
Remarkably, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” lacks a traditional chorus and features lyrics about commercial failure. Yet, it has become an enduring anthem, covered by artists ranging from Lorde to Marilyn Manson and sampled by numerous musicians across genres. No subsequent version has surpassed the original, which transformed hopelessness into an iconic 80s pop moment, and remains arguably the most recognizable of all Annie Lennox songs.
2. Love Song for a Vampire (1993)
Written for Francis Ford Coppola’s film Bram Stoker’s Dracula, “Love Song for a Vampire” became Annie Lennox’s finest solo single. A high-drama, gothic confection of ambient synths and booming drums supports a gorgeous, slightly folk-tinged melody. Even removed from its cinematic context, the lyrics function as a powerful and straightforward love song, showcasing Lennox’s ability to create captivating and versatile Annie Lennox songs.
1. Love Is a Stranger (1982) (Eurythmics)
While “Sweet Dreams” achieved greater mainstream penetration, “Love Is a Stranger” remains Eurythmics’ ultimate masterpiece. In under four minutes, its synth pulses and shimmers evoke sensuality, creepiness, iciness, and longing simultaneously. This is largely due to Lennox’s shapeshifting vocal performance, which announced her post-Tourists reinvention as dramatically as her iconic video moment where she removes a blonde wig to reveal her shaved, bright orange hair. Astonishingly, for a song that pushed pop boundaries 40 years ago, it sounds utterly timeless. Even contemporary electronic pop artists would aspire to create a single as potent and cool as “Love Is a Stranger,” solidifying its place as the greatest of all Annie Lennox songs.
Ranked: Annie Lennox’s 30 greatest songs – playlist Spotify
