Eurythmics: We Too Are One (1989)

In hindsight, it's obvious that the band could not continue after this record. Ten years later, they released the adult contemporary, Peace, but We Too Are One should have been the last record. Don't Ask Me Why (not the Billy Joel song) is a pleasant enough tune, but it was clear that the early synth sound was never coming back and that they would never recapture past glories. All good things must pass. Annie set out on her solo career, but I was not interested in that at all, and I only know the songs that might have made it to the radio.

PS. I did not pay $10.99 for this record.

Eurythmics: Savage (1987)

I had lost pretty much all interest in the Eurythmics by this point. Savage is a weak record. On this, Allmusic agrees with me, arguing that this record confirmed the band's decline. I don't mind some of the tracks. For example, Beethoven (I Love to Listen To) and, maybe Heaven, are not too bad. By this time, Annie Lennox was bigger than the band itself and it seemed clear that she was  heading for solo territory, but maybe that is hindsight talking.

Eurythmics: Be Yourself Tonight (1985)

For me, the classic Eurythmics period ended with this record. There are "hits" on this record that are middle-of-the-road and boring, like Would I Lie to You?, Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves, and It's Alright - (Baby's Coming Back). The only song that really interests me is There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), and that is pushing it. If they were looking for a commercial record filled with pop songs, they succeeded. It works as background music or for when your parents come over for dinner and you want something not too offensive.

Eurythmics: Touch (1983)

Here Comes the Rain Again is a great song with a really great video. This is another band that seemed to thrive in the MTV world. They were able to craft compelling videos, which probably helped with records sales and attracting fans.

Some of the remainder of the record I find to be a little pedestrian. Who's That Girl? does little for me and neither does Right By Your Side. One gets the nagging feeling that the band was fleeing for more commercial territory and abandoning the early sound. This scenario has been played out with so many bands, it's almost as though this is inevitable.

Eurythmics: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) (1983)

I remember listening to an interview with Annie Lennox in which she emphasized that the band's name was Eurythmics, not The Eurythmics. I suppose it is a subtle difference, but, it sounds a bit awkward without the definite article. And, I find myself referring to the band as The Eurythmics rather than the preferred name. Oh well.

This record is best known for two tracks in particular, Love is a Stranger and the title track. The title track was played very often after it was released. It's probably safe to say that I heard Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) far too many times. If you add to this the fact that my friend sang it loudly every time it came on the radio, it made it worse. Still, the song has aged well, and I still believe it to be a good song. And, I can still appreciate Love is a Stranger.