Eurythmics

In The Garden

The Ground is Soft in the Garden

Review Score:

(8/10)
Before Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart took on the title of the Eurythmics, they were key figures in a band called the Tourists. "In the Garden" (their first album as the Eurythmics) is a clear stride away from the power pop sound of the Tourists, and it also serves as a bridge to the sound that would make them famous.

"In the Garden" may not be as polished and brilliant as their breakthrough album "Sweet Dreams," but it contains the elements of creativity and songcrafting that they would perfect on that next album. What it also contains is the spirit of two people setting out on their own. Here, Annie and Dave merge their punk roots with the emerging new wave sound. Instead of sounding like many of their contemporaries, however, they create something very unique and very English.

The songs on the album are all gratifying in their own right. The first two songs, "English Summer" and "Belinda," are the closest works to potential singles or "hits." They both have great hooks and strong melody. After this, songs like "Caveman Head," "Take Me to Your Heart" and "She's Invisible Now" bring in the sweet melancholy of their signature sound, while giving them the license to be quirky and dark. By the end, "Revenge" leaves the listener with a sense of beauty, finely mixed with sadness and even unease. But, the most interesting element here is that Annie's voice acts as a supplement to the music, instead of supporting her usually central voice. The decision to subdue Annie's glassy, ethereal vocals (ala the Cocteau Twins) may be dissapointing for many listeners (because, let's face it, Annie's voice helped carry the Eurythmics to super stardom), but the music and lyrics here are very introspective and moody, so the cloudy vocals work.

Overall, "In the Garden" is a very enjoyable album. It may not be the best of what they would do, but it's a fascinating start for one of the most eclectic, lasting bands of the 80s.

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