Annie Lennox On The Origins of Eurythmics' 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)' | The Big Interview
Annie Lennox talks with Dan Rather about how the hit group @Eurythmicstv came to be, the creative and technical process behind making the standout single "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," and more on The Big Interview!
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#annielennox #eurythmics #sweetdreams
Annie, in my opinion, has not gotten her due. Her voice is one of the most iconic voices in history and deserves more recognition than I think she's gotten. She is an F'ing legend!
Agreed
I agree! Thank you for not saying she’s under rated, the most over used word these days.
@@wyganter her solo stuff was amazing though...
yeah shes awesome. right up there with sinead and kate bush
@@tjwash5118 Your comment is underrated.
Annie still looks and sounds great.
She is a beautiful soul.
I was just gonna say the same thing. 😁👍
Seriously! Such amazing bone structure, beautiful skin, and has an elegance to her that’s rare to find
How pandering...of course, she doesn't. Never did, actually.
She does. But just to clarify, it appears that this interview was filmed in 2014.
"Love is a Stranger" and "Here Comes the Rain Again" are also excellent. They made the mid-80s more magical.
'Why...y.y.y.y.y.y.Y"
❤ thank you for the reminder!
Both great songs!! I was at a music festival and it was in danger of being shut down due to smoke from a nearby forest fire and amazingly it started pouring rain on the make or break night... one of the djs started playing a remix of here comes the rain.. what a moment!
Those are two awesome songs. Trendsetters in the 80s for sure.
Who am I to disagree?
Dave is a musical genius, Annie was the perfect partner in crime
👍👍
Annie is pretty genius too!
They were a couple too
@@danimartin818 Annie is genius. I agree.
lets be honest dave has always been superior to preachy annie
How modest of Annie... People didn't simply identify with the song, we fell under the spell of her voice. 🤩
This woman has aged beautifully, the industry needs to look at that. As for the song, it may resonate, but it's her voice, and how she sings it that makes people want to pay attention. She has very unique vocals, and lets face it, we tend to like unique things.
As a musician, I have to say that this woman is one of if not the best vocalists I've ever heard. The amount of emotion she can make you feel through her lyrics and her tone is unmatched imo. I am almost brought to tears every time I hear "why". Thank you Annie!
Exactly, "Why"! I was reading the comments to see if someone had mentioned it. It's a masterpiece and, as a woman, I can say it's so accurate!
I too am often brought to tears by Annie Lennox's Voice! The Hurting Time,Pavement Cracks, Loneliness, Here Cones The Rain Again, COLD,The Gift,....
Agree, when I hear "Why" and also "I will always love you" by Whitney Houston, I almost can't help myself to take a pause at what I'm doing or at least shut my thought process down a little bit for a moment and just listen till it ends.
Beautiful, intelligent woman, musical genius, phenomenal singer, still adorable in every respectful way.
I'm old enough to remember seeing this video debut on MTV, you know back when Music Television was about music. In the states the song was different and unique. It was super catchy, and had very easy to remember lyrics. The lyrics were just edgy enough to be provocative without being offensive. And the name of the band was also interesting. Annie's orange hair also stood out and made the band visually compelling to a degree as well.
I remember those days well. I was a freshman in HS when MTV started out and brought all of these new bands to the front. I was not wild about the orange hair, but Annie's beauty and talent were undeniable.
This video is one of the earliest memories I have of MTV. That and Dire Straits!
Sweet Dreams does not get old. Neither does the video. You can’t say that about many songs or videos. It’s all so purely executed with such confidence and conviction. I think this is one of the main reasons that it stands the test of time. It also has something to do with being a unique and great song and of course Annie’s voice is undeniable. Musically, I believe the secret to the Eurythmics as well as Yaz is: Truly hooky and interesting electronic music combined with incredibly rich and soulful voices. It’s a juxtaposition that’s absolutely magic!
Yes! Electronic instrumentation with soulful human vocals is definitely a winning combo. Sweet Dreams, Touch, and the criminally overlooked "1984" all have this. That said, I love "Would I Lie to You?" from Be Yourself Tonight even though that saw them moving away a little from synth instrumentation.
I couldn’t agree more. Yaz had that combination of Vince Clarke’s icy synth made warm by Alison Moyet’s bluesy vocals. But then that’s also true of Soft Cell, which combined Marc Almond’s theatrical voice with Dave Ball’s “dirty” synthesizer sound.
Real class is timeless.
Isnt she Scottish
Annie was before her time’ Eurythmics still holds up to this day and always will’ they are such a rad band 🙌
absolutely. her energy is such a clear magic
Sweet Dreams is such a unique and timeless tune.That early 80s UK pop explosion of talented acts writing their own material was an absolute joy to witness and has sadly never been repeated.
All these years, I had no idea that she's Scottish. The Eurythmics are great, but Annie's looks and beautiful talent just made it. I love her solo work, even my girls love her music. I hope she comes out with another album. It's nice to see her live on the screen again.
shes Scottish and she is British as well
I still remember the first time I saw the video for Sweet Dreams back in '83. I was home from school watching MTV. Both the song, and Annie, were mesmerizing. She had so much swagger in that video you really couldn't take your eyes off her. Here was a a woman dressed like a man, who looked like a white Grace Jones, yet sounded more like Aretha Franklin. Annie was truly an iconoclast. ❤
Great description! Such great music and what a magnificent video!
Same❤
This 💯!
Thank you so much for your love and passion. You are amazing, love you.
Exactly. The woman has always fascinated me. I have wanted to look like her and channel her.... performative energy my whole life. I feel like she kinda represents my 'brand' of feminity which is edgy and powerful.
I can still remember the first time I heard this song in 1983 as a 14-year-old, it was the music that spoke to me like none other, It represented the future, it excited me in a way I couldn't comprehend, me and my friends went wild over it and the entire album
The Eurythmics were so far ahead of their time. My teenage daughter (born in 2007) heard this in the car, loved it immediately and asked if it was new. I told her nope, it was made 40 years ago. This song changed everything in popular music in the early 80’s. It was like nothing most people had heard at the time. It swept away the 70’s influence/boomer vibe that was still present in pop music up through 1982 and ushered in a whole new sound that came to define the 80’s. It’s crazy how after being played so much for so many decades, this song is still enjoyable and still feels fresh.
same, my son (2006) had exactly the same reaction. Also in the car :)
i am a year younger but i used to listen to my moms CDs when i was really young this song has still stuck with me till this day i still play it often
A lot in the eighties were ahead of their time.
Her voice is so melodic. Just hearing speak sounds like song to me! 😊
Dave is a genius, no doubt about it, but it was Annie's unique, powerful, and haunting vocals that really put them on the map.
Can we take a moment to celebrate how wonderful Scottish women of rock are…three of my faves are Annie, Shirley Manson of Garbage and Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins. Creativity and authenticity off the charts with these women. Absolutely nothing fake or pretentious about them.
The song is a hit also because of its vibrant authentic message. The fact that it was born of real pain and frustration but at the same time riding on the wings of real talent and a love for nusic. That song is just like a mantra, it gives you the strength to carry on and the desire to celebrate.
the music world not be the same without this song... hands down !!! everybody knows it !!! and what is fascinating about this story is the there is a saying that your best work always comes out in your lowest moment !! so you can imagine how low she felt that day and born was this absolutely mind boggling piece of work!!!
"Hold your head up"...she was talking to herself and she wasn't kidding. You are correct. The song is a mantra.
Her voice so good it makes you travel back in time
Annie is the queen. She looks absolutely phenomenal. Her voice is still amazing as it always has been. I only wish she would record more. ❤
Thanks James for your love, time and passion. You are also special too
When I first saw Annie Lennox in the Sweet Dreams video, she looked so cold and distant , even a bit frightening... But then when you hear her being interviewed like she is here... she seems so down to earth...so real...I've always had such a profound crush on her...
One of the most incredible singers I’ve seen perform live.
You're lucky!
Thanks Alpen , you are amazing
Daaaaaaaamn. She ages like fine wine. Love the Eurythmics.
Her solo albums are especially genius! I listened to “Bare” the other day from start to finish (for the first time in probably 15 years) and it was just stellar from start to finish! She has written some absolutely amazing songs!
I can almost say that Eurythmics was the 80s for me. I followed so many groups but Annie Lennox's voice is the sound that comes to me first. Her holiday album from a few years back still gives me chills every time I listen to it. Even though they are traditional carols, she has such raw, primal, pagan energy to celebrate the darkest time of the year and the rebirth of the world.
I was completing my PhD and had just been accepted into medical school, sweet dreams indeed. I remember dancing to this at a party the day I got the news. It encapsulated everything I had been working for all my life, and I was only 23. Love Annie Lennox.
no one came here hoping to hear all about you, how old you were, if you were in school, etc this isn't all about you though you think it is and everyone should be really interested in you
Yep. Perfect text/mantra Anybody can relate to this in infinite ways on infinite occasions
Not afraid to say i had a massive crush on this woman back in the day, she was stunning, still is.
Yep for sure.
Same!!
* shake hands *
She is still beautiful. Growing up there were a few female heros that made me feel like it was ok to be me. Grace, Tina, Annie, Cyndie....thanks ladies. Powerhouses!!!
The birth of home recording right here, and probably the most iconic synth-pop song. Always loved her work.
Not the most iconic, we had tons of them in those days but definitely great!
Sweet Dreams is four decades old and still sounds fresh.
I always thought it was, Sweet Dreams are Made of These. I love every song they have ever made.
Great music is great music. Like all other great music it’s timeless. Both Annie & David are musical geniuses….
Annie Lennox and Madonna, both powerful female icons of the 80's were comparable in many ways but now in 2023 there is only Annie, still strong, still powerful and still universally respected.
Annie is such a beautiful woman. She seems so caring, to life, people and to her art.
I remember first hearing Sweet Dreams and loved it because it felt futuristic in one sense and totally mysterious in another. The song transported me like into the pyramids of Egypt. It was and is all encompassing. It allows you to escape to another world. A fantasy. It never gets old. I didn't think about the lyrics at the time as much as how it made me feel. The rhythm and the beat. So exotic and other worldly. It was it's own thing and sound at the time as well. I had never heard anything like it and it was trance like mezmorizing and still is. They don't make them like they used to.
I always smile when I watch their old music videos. Annie was trying to look androgynous or masculine, but no one was fooled. She was stunning then and she’s still beautiful today.
For me, Sweet Dreams has kind of an eerie quality, yet has an extremely catchy vibe. This song has haunted me since I first heard it as 8 year old, and it still haunts me now, and I mean that in the best possible way🤗.
Annie Lennox, the most beautiful womens voice in the world ! Fan since I first heard her singing Sweet Dreams at age 14 ( 54 now ) .
The Eurythmics was a fantastic band Brilliant written tracks. So many great songs.
There are songs, films, books where you think "this must exist. It absolutely has to." Sweet Dreams is one of those songs.
She is stunning. The short hair suits her. Their music brought life to the 80s. I never say and dissected Sweet Dreams; now I will never hear it without hearing her story.
“No More I Love Yous” is still one of my favorites.
I believe it was Midge Ure who said: "Kids in bedrooms have better gear these days, than what we recorded with in expensive studio's"
She has been one of my favorites since the 80’s❤
I wish Dan rather would come back and do the news the right way.... honestly, factually and straight to the point
Those days are gone forever ….😮. Thanks corporate media!
I remember The Tourists. It was a fresh sound after all the Glam Rock bands. Annie’s voice is still mesmerising after all these years. The Eurhythmics concentrated Dave and Annie into such a powerful, undiluted stream of exceptional music.
Sweet Dreams was. the song of my life...Eurythmics..was my first Concert....Annie Lennox is my idol, her voice is brilliant " There must be an Angel"...timeless..❤
What a voice! The first time I heard the song I knew there was something special about Annie's voice. Truly an amazing and beautiful musician and singer!
...madonna!? ...THIS, is how you age, as a Music LEGEND...you look back, but you move FORWARD....Annie has NO REGRETS, and she looks stunning...and, like HERSELF.....
Annie and Dave wrote so many wonderful songs. Their music will live on across many generations
Scotland 🏴 is proud she's a great singer 😊
What a classy lady!💖
I had no idea Annie was Scottish! Her enunciation while singing is fantastic
What hooks me about Sweet Dreams are Annie's harmonies with herself. They're so perfect. I was checking out at the grocery store once, and Sweet Dreams came on the Muzak. The checker started singing the melody, and then I couldn't help but start singing the harmony. Badly I might add, but it's an infectious tune.
I love an interviewer who lets the interviewee speak. A Grand Job.
And dont forget how stunning she was.
For those wondering. This interview is from late 2013. Aired in 2014 on AXS.
One of the best voices out there!
The sweetest of Scottish Accenture because you can understand it! Love Annie❤
Beautiful lady, in _every_ sense. Not a national treasure, but a treasure to humanity.
I never realized how much of an AL fan I am till I listened to all her stuff together. Here comes the rain is still my fav
I was 19 when this song came out. Not only was it a synth-pop masterpiece, the timing of it couldn't have been better. Also, they way she looked got a lot of attention...at the same time as this song Boy George was very popular as well. It was all something different...it was "new wave" but in reality it was the first real "alternative" music moment...something had to replace disco.
Annie is such a beautiful and talented woman. Dave is a genius. A musical match made for perfection.
Annie Lennox is just adorable. What an artist!
Annie is an unbelievable singer, looks great at 60 something. And still smiles all the time
After all these years, I still shiver when I hear this song. Way back in the past (already 40 years from now), when I was 16, I was captivated by a song on MTV and I couldn't wait for the LP to appear in the store. And then, on a cheap turntable (after all, I'm from a country that is located in Central Europe and Southeast Europe), I lay on the floor between the speakers and absorbed with my soul and body every sigh and tone Annie produced with the infectious rhythm. I don't have the right words to describe the state I feel today when I listen to this masterpiece. ❤❤❤
Love is a stranger is the best song. I play over and over.😊
Don't mess with the missionary man😊
Remember when Sweet Dreams came out loved then and still love it now 😍 ❤
I saw her live Christchurch New Zealand in the early 80's. She came onstage wearing black leather pants and a red lace bra, signature cropped orange hair, shining a massive spotlight into the audience. A omg moment.
When a song has a statement like: sweet dreams are made of this without being specific about what 'this' is, the people who hear it can fill in the blanks to suit themselves. A perfect recipe for a successful song.
Theres no words to describe how important this song for me, how powerful it is, the thing is, in comparison with what Annie says about how people use it, in some cases for a victory for example, I have no clue or idea why is so important to me, what its that call me every time I heard a fraction of that incredible first beat that makes me want to hear it over and over again, I'm 20 and I "found" this song seeing "X-Men Apocalypse", for the people who have seen the movie, the moment when Quicksilver step and it showed the Massion, when that song started I can remember perfectly how my eyes got wide open, the shock of hearing that song, it was so powerful and I still nowadays don't know why is like that, there's no song I love more than this one, there's no song that I probably have listen more than this one, and without a doubt "Sweet Dream: Are Made of This" was the song how to call me for know the wonderful time of 80's and 90's, make me wish live on that time, a few weeks ago i just bought a Sony Walkman and order on Ebay the Sweet Dreams cassete, i feel so complete, so happy, hearing this song, and there's no possible way I could think be able to thank both Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart for this, what I would want to call "Piece of Haven" a timeless masterpiece....
Pure genius, sitting there right in front of the camera.
You can tell she's humble.. and Scottish 😍
When music was ground breaking, inspirational, creative.....LOVE ANNIE and all of her music!!!
It was a perfect storm. I grew up during the Sweet Dreams era. Annie's orange hair during the video age hit just perfectly. It was culture shock to mainstream America. It was more than just a song. It was a movement.
Sweet Dreams was the first foreign music I actually enjoyed listening when I was kid, in 1984. I Couldn't understand a single word back then but had the song playing in my head all the time. It's one of my favorite music since then.
I Love her music! Her solo stuff is wonderful!
When Sweet Dreams came out in Italy, I was just a young girl who couldn't understand English but the song rhythm was irresistible, especially at the disco where we had to dance if the dj played it. Everybody was singing it but we could only sing "Sweet Dreams lallalala...". I think that Dave did an excellent job with the zanza zanza zan za za zanza zanza zan za za.
Love Annie, love Dave and really miss Eurythmics!
Oh My dear, sweet Annie~ the object of many teen fantasies~ She is such an iconic and important figure of musical history in the era of MTv and its impact of music, art, drama and storytelling. An amazing period of evolution and impact. Annie and Dave were the right people at the right time in the right place for musical art and expression in a new dawn. Another example of "timing is everything" ~ they set the standard for a set of specific moments in time.
I was riding back from guard duty in 1983 in the back of a duce 1/2 truck listening to this song playing from a little radio we had. Fell in love with this due at that moment.
About sweet dreams and resonating around the globe… they forget that it was the first time we heard her voice and were simply stunned by it and could not get enough of that.
I’m old enough to remember The Tourists. They toured Australia and were on Countdown. They sang ‘I only want to be with you.’ Annie has always been a favourite.
What a Charming woman
It's a complex mix of emotions delivered with honesty, confusion, yearning, skepticism, a bit of questioning hope and straight, laser beam seering attitude. The beat takes no prisoners and Annie shoots right through, and it is a mantra, bedazzled with tricky, clever little flourishes and persistent purpose. There, that explains it.
Annie Lennox is a gem...as a musician...as a woman...and as human.
Honest simplicity and a catchy hook…..but it is the voice that made it. Amazing what you can do when the music comes from a passion for music rather than profit……surrender is a powerful state of mind.
I adore her. She was such a big influence on my self-growth during my teens and twenties, especially. 🤩
She is a trailblazer ❤ absolute grace
Annie is such a beautiful lady. Voice of an angel. Her vocal range is amazing. I'm a fan for sure
Back in the 1980s, I can imagine being a musician and creating songs ... things were changing and technology was improving. Disco was on its death-bed and the punk scene was rising, new sounds were erupting. An interesting time for pop music. However, one of the down sides of this world had to have been being forced to make videos for MTV and for TV programs, instead of just either touring or making more songs or relaxing/recharging. Granted, some of that may have been good fun, coming up with concepts for videos and filming scenarios, wearing costumes, etc. And it was really part of the territory because without an MTV presence you probably didn't stand a chance for popularity, from summer of 1981 onward. Annie and Dave comprised one of my favorite bands of that era. That time was my high school and college period. So much good sonic stuff came out of that decade, and especially from England. Watching this interview is a pleasure, because Annie Lennox is so well spoken and she easily relates past experiences to the viewing audience. Who would have thought that lyrics about wanting the good things in life but not being able to get them would be a catalyst for stardom and wealth?
Fell in love with her the first time with Sweet Dreams. The 2nd time I fell was when she was on the academy awards and wore THE dress. Absolutely gorgeous.
I was a young teen back in the 1980s and even back then, we knew that Annie's voice and talent were something special. My favorite female vocalists of all time would be Annie Lennox, Maria Franz, Lisa Gerrard and Elizabeth Fraser, for their iconic voices and hypnotic music! 🤘🏻
Love Annie. Such an amazing vocalist and her magnificent face was so photogenic in many of her classic music videos from the 80s and 90s.
...Yes it was
The beauty of manifestation, it plays the long game. We never know what’s truly going to happen. If, we follow our hearts to create and send it out to the world, that ripple reaches further than our human minds could EVER dream for ourselves. That’s what Sweet Dreams has and will continue to do. ❤
Yes, even now!
So underrated. There are many people with great voices, then there are a few that know how to sing.
God bless this woman she is awesome a Queen 👑🥰🙏❤
Not everyone can pull off a close cropped, silver hair style, and be this beautiful with a minimal amount of makeup. With her bone structure she’ll be beautiful when she’s 100, and hopefully still touring!