On Be Yourself Tonight, the
Eurythmics' most commercially successful and hit-laden album, the duo meticulously blended the new wave and electronic elements that dominated their previous sets with the harder straight-edged rock and soul that would dominate later sets, resulting in a nearly perfect pop album. This disc scored no less than four hit singles and kept them a mainstay on MTV's play lists during the channel's heyday. Fusing pop, soul, rock, electronic beats, and even gospel, this is arguably the duo's finest moment. The first hit, "Would I Lie to You," is a straightforward rocker, complete with great guitar licks, a soulful horn section, and
Annie Lennox sounding as vicious and vivacious as ever. The second single, which was a huge chart-topper in Europe, "There Must Be an Angel," is nothing short of shimmering beauty, with
Lennox providing truly angelic vocals and
Stevie Wonder adding an enchanting harmonica solo.
Aretha Franklin lends her powerhouse pipes for the duet "Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves," which has gone on to become an immortal feminist anthem. From the soulful electronic beats (a rarity) in "It's Alright (Baby's Coming Back)" to the beauty of the
Elvis Costello duet "Adrian" to the pain and longing of the sorrowful rocker "Better to Have Lost in Love (Than Never to Have Loved at All)," this album runs through a wide array of musical styles, with each song standing tall on its own two feet. This disc is, without a doubt, one of the best pop/rock albums from the 1980s and one of the grandest, most creative albums delivered by the ever-appealing and innovative duo of
Annie Lennox and
Dave Stewart. A true classic. [This reissue of the album includes five bonus tracks, including a live version of "Conditioned Soul."] ~ Jose F. Promis