Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) [Vinyl LP]

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.