lambchops's Full Review: Greatest Hits by Eurythmics
After finishing my recent entry into the amazing Chicks Rock write-off, I was reminded of an eighties chick (and dude, too) that rocked and continues to rock on occasion today.
Annie Lennox was the face and voice of the Eurythmics. Her chameleon-like hair and beautifully style changed as often as the weather. Dave Stewart was the other facet of the Eurythmics. His smart musical stylings, and ear for good music were a perfect compliment to Lennox’s flamboyant ways. Both Stewart and Lennox were originally a part of The Tourists. After their romantic relationship fizzled, the two decided to combine forces once again. The result of their work was the duo’s 1981 debut effort In The Garden.
From the beginning, it was pretty obvious that the two had something special to offer to the musical landscape. Lennox’s looks were perfect in the new video age, and with vocals and Stewart’s musical expertise to back her up they were well on their way to stardom. The two finally broke through thanks to two albums released in quick succession during 1983. Both Sweet Dreams and Touch provided listeners with a great selection of songs. This selection included great tracks like ”Sweet Dreams” and ”Here Comes the Rain Again”.
After the Eurythmics released their two highly successful 1983 albums, the New Wave movement died. Instead of being tossed aside like many of the other look-alike, sound-alike bands, the English Eurythmics continued to make great music like that on 1985’s Be Yourself Tonight. After a few more great musical efforts, the Eurythmics went their separate ways. Lennox pursued her successful solo career while Stewart pursued other musical opportunities. The duo surprised listeners in 1999 by releasing an anticipated album entitled ”Peace”.
This Greatest Hits compilation was released by Arista in 1991. It contains all of the Eurythmics’ biggest hits. Sure there are some missing ‘favorites,’ but for people who are only moderate fans of the twosome, this is a great collection worthy of any music collection. Leading off this great CD is the duo’s biggest career success. ”Sweet Dreams (are made of this)” was a career highpoint. If you’ve heard just one Eurythmics track, it is this one. Surprisingly enough, shock rockers Marilyn Manson even remade this track (a move that spurred their career). Anyway, this is probably one of my favorite songs from the Lennox and Stewart. It’s a catchy, winsome, and classic track. ”Sweet Dreams” is one of the most enduring examples of New Wave music. How could you possibly forget the lyrics:
Sweet dreams are made of this
Who am I to disagree?
I travel the world
And the seven seas--
Everybody's looking for something.
Another song I really like is ”Missionary Man”. This isn’t a traditional pop song. Rather, Lennox flexes her vocal skills to create an emotional and bluesy sound. As compared to many of the other included tracks here, this much groovier and stronger sounding. Among the other traditional instruments included here, there’s also the addition of a harmonica. Despite the fact that it wasn’t as widely appreciated upon it’s release, I maintain that of the fourteen tracks here, this is in the top five. ”Missionary Man” was originally part of 1986’s Revenge.
Also of note is the popular, although very eighties”Here Comes The Rain Again”. I still get quite a bit of joy from the melodic synthesizers and Lennox’s smooth vocals. Yet, somehow the song seems more dated than some of the other selections. The same can be said for the synthesizer-ridden ”Who’s That Girl”. If there were just fewer programmable instruments, this would be a much more interesting and colorful track.
”Would I Lie To You” is a classic, driving and wonderfully fun track. It’s got great trumpets, drums, and rock sensibility. Lennox sounds like a queen with her strong vocals. Without a doubt, this track will continue to be an eighties classic for years to come. It’s nearly timeless and should appeal to many listeners whether they’ll admit to it or not. You don’t remember it? Well maybe this’ll help:
Would I lie to you?
Would I lie to you honey?
Now would I say something that wasn't true?
I'm asking you sugar
Would I lie to you?
”Thorn In My Side” also translates well today. Stewart plays a gorgeous almost-acoustic guitar behind Lennox’s equally perfect vocals. Sure, it’s a typical New Wave track, but what the track lacks in synthesizers it makes up for in energy and just plain great melodies.
I have little to say bad about this collection. Sure, some of the tracks don’t translate well today because of the nature of synthesizer-infused New Wave music. But, if you can’t appreciate Lennox and Stewart for their obvious talent you’re a lost cause. I’d never say that this is the ‘best’ album in the world, but so far as buying greatest hits collections, this is a sure bet. If you enjoy Eurythmics even moderately, you may be interested in this album. If you recognize at least five of these songs, you may be interested in this album. Therefore, I fully recommend it. As I already mentioned, some of these tracks really don’t sound as good today as they did ten or fifteen years ago. Great music will always sound great, therefore some of these songs are mediocre and nothing more than novel for today’s listeners. With that said, I give this Greatest Hits collection from 1991 4/5 stars.
Track Listing:
1. Sweet Dreams (are made of this) Sweet Dreams – 1983
2. When Tomorrow Comes Revenge – 1986
3. Here Comes the Rain Again Touch – 1983
4. Who’s That Girl? Touch – 1983
5. Would I Lie To You? Be Yourself Tonight – 1985
6. Sisters are Doin’ It for Themselves Be Yourself Tonight – 1985
7. There Must Be and Angel (playing with my heart) Be Yourself Tonight – 1985
8. Missionary Man Revenge – 1986
9. Don’t Ask Me Why We Too Are One – 1989
10. I Need a Man Savage – 1987
11. Love Is a Stranger Sweet Dreams – 1983
12. Thorn in My Side Revenge – 1986
13. The King & Queen of America We Too Are One – 1989
14. Angel We Too Are One – 1989
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