The Eurythmics did not merely tap into the synthesized pop sounds of the 1980s -- they helped to define those sounds. They combined robotic beats with techno-oceanic undercurrents, sensual lyrics with savvy electric guitar riffs. The resulting sound seems, at least...
[more]The Eurythmics did not merely tap into the synthesized pop sounds of the 1980s -- they helped to define those sounds. They combined robotic beats with techno-oceanic undercurrents, sensual lyrics with savvy electric guitar riffs. The resulting sound seems, at least in retrospect, to capture the essence of the 1980s. In a time when pop was beginning its uncomfortable relationship with the synthesizer (and all kinds of unfortunate fusions were emerging) the Eurythmics managed to strike a perfect balance: they brought the cold, contrived electronic sound of pop together with the raw energy and emotion of rock 'n' roll.
The Eurythmics came together in the early 1980s. Annie Lennox was a student at the Royal Academy of Music when she met Dave Steward, who had just broken up his folk-rock band Longdancer. The two quickly struck up an intimate relationship and formed the Tourists with Pete Coombes. In two years the band put out three successful albums in England. But with the dissolution of Steward and Lennox's relationship in 1980, the Tourists met an end. However, Lennox and Steward decided to continue their musical partnership as the Eurythmics -- their first album, "In the Garden," came out in 1981. The album was well reviewed, but failed to elicit a significant response from Britain's pop music fans.
It wasn't until 1983, with their release of "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," that the Eurythmics both came into popular acclaim and defined their sound. The album was heavily produced and relied mostly on synthesizers for its foundation. However, Steward's meticulous guitar and violin work, combined with Lennox's deep, velvety voice, gave their music an earthy, visceral quality that escaped the sterilized affect of so many early-1980s pop bands. The album was helped enormously by the video for "Sweet Dreams" -- Lennox's sexy, bold, and androgynous style added another layer of bizarre sensuality to the music.
As the metallic electro of the '80s began to exhaust its allure, the Eurythmics transitioned into a tougher, more heartfelt music solidly based in rock 'n' roll. In 1985 they recorded "Be Yourself Tonight," an R&B-tinged album that boasts a duet with Aretha Franklin and a collaboration with Stevie Wonder.
After waning in popularity in the late 1980s, the Eurythmics took an extended hiatus -- Steward went heavily into producing, while Lennox pursued her solo career. After almost a decade of separation, however, the Eurythmics reunited to record 1999's "Peace," an emotive album that displays the bands full evolution from synthesized pop to soulful, nuanced rock 'n' roll.
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