Eurythmics

Eurythmics were a British music duo formed in 1980, featuring singer Annie Lennox and musician Dave Stewart. Previously, they were both members of the band The Tourists, which broke up in 1980. The duo decided to form Eurythmics while in Wagga Wagga, Australia, aiming for a flexible project free from artistic compromise, focusing on experimental electronic pop music. Their romantic relationship had ended around the same time The Tourists disbanded, but their musical collaboration continued.

Early Years and Breakthrough

Their debut album, "In the Garden" (1981), which blended psychedelic, krautrock, and electropop sounds, was a commercial failure. Undeterred, Lennox and Stewart set up a small 8-track studio in London to have more creative freedom. This led to their second album, "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" (1983), which brought them global fame. The title track became a massive international hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart and number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song's success was bolstered by a striking music video that showcased Lennox's androgynous image and orange crew-cut hair.

Height of Success

Throughout the 1980s, Eurythmics released a string of successful albums and singles. Their third album, "Touch" (1983), topped the UK albums chart and included the hit singles "Who's That Girl?" and "Here Comes the Rain Again". In 1985, they released "Be Yourself Tonight," which had a more rock-oriented sound and featured the hit "Would I Lie to You?" and a duet with Aretha Franklin, "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves." The single "There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)" from this album became their first and only UK number-one single. The 1986 album, "Revenge," continued this rock and pop/rock sound and was supported by a massive worldwide tour. They followed this with "Savage" in 1987 and "We Too Are One" in 1989, the latter reaching number one in the UK.

Musical Style and Image

Eurythmics were known for their innovative blend of synth-pop, new wave, and rock. Their sound often combined cold, European synthesizers with Lennox's soulful vocals. They were also highly regarded for their visually striking and often surreal music videos, which took full advantage of the burgeoning MTV era. Lennox's androgynous and theatrical image was a key component of their public identity, challenging gender norms of the time.

Hiatus, Solo Careers, and Reunions

After nearly a decade of intense recording and touring, Eurythmics went on an informal hiatus in 1990. During the 1990s, Lennox launched a successful solo career with her multi-platinum debut album "Diva" (1992), while Stewart became a sought-after record producer and songwriter. The duo reunited in the late 1990s to record the album "Peace" (1999), which was supported by their "Peacetour." They came together again in 2005 to release the single "I've Got a Life" as part of their "Ultimate Collection" compilation album. Eurythmics have had several one-off reunion performances since, including their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.

Legacy

Eurythmics have sold an estimated 75 million records worldwide. Their accolades include an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist in 1984, a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1987, and a Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 1999. They were also inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022.