Artist: Eurythmics Album: Savage

Year: 1987
Duration: 0:0-1

Savage: A Critic Review of Eurythmics’ Album with a Brief History of the Artist

Eurythmics, the British duo consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, became one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s with their unique blend of new wave, synth-pop, and rock. Their sixth studio album, Savage, released in 1987, was a departure from their earlier commercial successes, showcasing a darker, more experimental side of the duo's sound. In this review, we will take a closer look at this iconic album and see why it still holds relevance today.

Brief History of Eurythmics: Eurythmics formed in 1980 in London and released their debut album “In the Garden” in the same year. The duo started to gain worldwide recognition in 1983 with their third studio album, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”. The album spawned hit singles like “Sweet Dreams,” “Love is a Stranger,” and “Who's that Girl?” and lead the band to international superstardom. Throughout the 1980s, Eurythmics continued to produce hit singles and successful albums, with Savage being one of their most critically acclaimed records.

Genre of the Album: Savage is characterized by its unique blend of musical styles, incorporating elements of pop, rock, electronic music, and even some classical influences. The album's tracks are dark, introspective, and often political, dealing with issues like poverty, war, and existentialism. However, despite these heavy themes, Savage still manages to maintain a catchy, accessible sound, making it one of Eurythmics' most interesting, and commercially successful, works.

Best Songs of the Album: There are many standout tracks on Savage, but some of the most notable include “Beethoven (I Love to Listen To),” “I Need a Man,” and “Shame.” “Beethoven” is a haunting, electronic take on the famous classical composer's work, with Lennox's vocals adding a layer of emotional depth. “I Need a Man” is a funk-driven, synth-pop track that showcases Lennox's powerful voice, while “Shame” is a slow-burning, atmospheric ballad that builds to a powerful climax.

Innovative Parts of the Album: One of the most innovative parts of Savage is the way it uses sampling and sound effects to create a unique sonic landscape. For example, on the track “The King and Queen of America,” Eurythmics incorporate snippets of news reports and speeches to create a sense of political upheaval. They also use synths and other electronic instruments to create rich, layered soundscapes that are both futuristic and retro.

Critique of the Album: While Savage is undoubtedly a standout work in Eurythmics' discography, it also has some flaws. At times, the album can feel disjointed, with a lack of coherence between tracks. Some of the more experimental moments may not be to everyone's tastes, and the album can feel a bit dense and overwhelming on first listening. Overall, however, Savage is a bold and ambitious work that showcases Eurythmics at the height of their powers.

Eurythmics' Savage is a landmark album that still sounds fresh and innovative today. From Lennox's powerful vocals to Stewart's innovative production and sound design, every element of the album comes together to create a unique and compelling listening experience. While it may not be Eurythmics' most accessible work, Savage is undoubtedly one of their most interesting and rewarding albums.