Eurythmics

Peace

A Legendary 1980s New Wave Group Makes PEACE

Review Score:

(10/10)
"Sweet dreams are made of this, who am I to disagree?" "Here come the rain again, falling on my head like a memory" "Now would I say something that wasn't true, am I asking you should I, would I lie to you?" "Don't mess with a missionary man"

The Eurythmics truly symbolized the idea of British cool in pop music during the 1980s. Songs like "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)", "Here Comes The Rain Again", "Would I Lie To You?" and "Missionary Man" all became hits thanks to Dave Stewart's pulsating, dance-floor ready musical arrangements and Annie Lennox's sweet, soulful voice.

Their hot streak cooled in 1989 with their acrimonious break-up. Dave Stewart continued to be a much-in-demand session musician and producer. Annie Lennox went on to a successful solo career with her albums DIVA (1992) and MEDUSA (1995). A decade after their last album WE TOO ARE ONE (1989), Lennox and Stewart have settled their differences and have released a new album, simply and appropriately entitled PEACE.

The album's title turns out to be appropriate with the wistful opening song, "17 Again". Lennox has never sounded better as she celebrates what it's like to be a Eurythmic again. There's even a tongue-in-cheek reference to their number one hit with the line "Sweet dreams are made of anything that gets you in the scene." Let us not forget the impromptu chorus of that song that's inserted into the song's final seconds.

Other songs that feature musical arrangements that caress the ears include the smash single "I Saved The World Today", the folk-based "Beautiful Child", and the heartbreakingly beautiful "Anything But Strong". Just like on her solo albums, Lennox shows her strengths as a vocalist who can emote with the best soul singers. It's no wonder I consider Annie Lennox one of my favorite female singers.

With 1985's "Would I Lie To You" and 1986's "Missionary Man", Lennox proved she was more than just a sweet ballad singer. Songs on PEACE that showcase Annie Lennox the rock goddess include "Power To The Meek" and "I Want It All". Even in her mid-forties, Lennox shows enough attitude to turn the whole riot-grrrl movement on its ear.

Although his voice isn't heard on the album, Dave Stewart gives each of the 11 songs on PEACE musical arrangements that give the listener an idea of what heaven must sound like. And if all the angels sound like Annie Lennox, I can't wait to go there.

With the huge glut of 1980s groups seeking a comeback in the grunged-out 1990s, only a few groups have managed to do that without compromising their principles. On PEACE, the Eurythmics have combined both their early new-wave sound with their later rock-based approach to great effect. Overall, at only 49 minutes, PEACE makes the decade since the last Eurythmics album seem like a short moment in time

Welcome back, Annie and Dave!

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