The Eurythmics: A Musical Biography

The Eurythmics are one of the most iconic bands of the 80s, known for their unique blend of synth-pop, new wave and rock. Comprised of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, the duo hit the scene in the late 70s and quickly became famous with their hits that explored social and personal issues. In this blog post, we're going to take a deep dive into the musical biography of Eurythmics, looking at their beginnings, most famous albums, songs, and the influences that shaped their distinctive sound. Whether you're already a fan or just getting into their music, you're sure to learn something new and get inspired to revisit their iconic tunes.

The beginnings of Eurythmics can be traced back to a small music scene in London, UK in the late 70s. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart had separately been working on their music and formed a friendship over their shared love for exploring new genres and experimenting with sounds. They started collaborating on various projects before officially forming Eurythmics in 1980. Their first album, In the Garden, released in 1981, was a more experimental and introspective work that didn't gain much commercial success. However, their follow-up album, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) would change everything. With its catchy synth-pop melodies and innovative music videos, the album quickly became a hit all over the world.

The success of Sweet Dreams marked the beginning of Eurythmics' domination of the charts in the 80s. They continued to create music that dealt with social issues, such as the gender inequalities that Lennox highlighted in hits like Sisters are Doing It For Themselves. They also released Would I Lie to You?, a rocking song that showcased their ability to blend rock and pop. In 1984, the duo released 1984 (For the Love of Big Brother), an album that was a soundtrack to the movie adaptation of George Orwell's famous novel. The album was a commercial success, and the song Sexcrime (1984) was a UK #1 hit.

Eurythmics' most famous song, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), cemented the duo as an international force in music. The song, with its iconic beat and Lennox's powerful vocals, has been covered and sampled countless times over the years. Other hits like Here Comes the Rain Again, Who's That Girl?, and There Must Be An Angel would become mainstays on the radio and in clubs. Their final album, We Too Are One, released in 1989, showcased a new maturity in their songwriting and blended elements of rock, blues, and pop. After the album tour, Eurythmics announced they were taking a break.

The musical style of Eurythmics was heavily influenced by the electronic and new wave music of the time but also incorporated elements of rock, soul, and pop. Lennox's powerful voice and Stewart's innovative guitar playing allowed the duo to experiment with sound and composition, making each new album unique and exciting. They were also known for their music videos, often collaborating with talented visual artists to create stunning and provocative works. Some of their influences included David Bowie, The Beatles, Kraftwerk, Motown, and Sly & The Family Stone.

Eurythmics left an indelible mark on music in the 80s, with their unique blend of synth-pop, rock, and social commentary. From their beginnings in London to their international fame, the duo showed incredible innovation and sensitivity throughout their career. Although they haven't produced new music for a while, the legacy of Eurythmics lives on, inspiring new generations of music lovers. So, go ahead, put on Sweet Dreams or any of their other hits, and enjoy the timeless music of Eurythmics.