Sweet Dreams

Eurythmics: Annie Lennox (vocals, keyboards); David A. Stewart (guitar, keyboards).
Additional personnel includes: Green Gartside (vocals).
Eurythmics: Dave Stewart, Annie Lennox.
Additional personnel: Vic Martin (keyboards); Dean Garcia (bass); Pete Phipps (drums); Maggie Ryder, Gill O'Donovan, Susie O'List (background vocals).
1983's SWEET DREAMS (ARE MADE OF THIS) is actually Eurythmics' second album, but 1981's Krautrock-influenced IN THE GARDEN was never released in the US and made minimal waves in the rest of the world. Thanks to two striking videos and some canny self-promotion on the part of androgynous singer Annie Lennox, this was certainly not the case with this much-improved follow-up.
The hypnotic drone of the title track and the ticking, pressurized "Love Is A Stranger," were enormous radio and video hits around the world, but much of the album belies the synth-pop tag those songs earned. Dave Stewart plays bluesy slide throughout, and the respectful cover of Sam and Dave's "Wrap It Up" gives Lennox a chance to showcase her soulful growl which would, on subsequent albums, replace the chilly soprano featured here.