In 1983, the Eurythmics rose to global fame with their hit single Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) from their album of the same name. The song’s success can be attributed to its catchy synth-pop sound, Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals, and Dave Stewart’s masterful production which used the rather rare Movement Systems Drum Computer.
Despite being recorded in a small project studio, the song’s production quality was top-notch. Dave Stewart’s use of the Klark Teknik DN50 spring reverb added depth and character to the track, proving that expensive gear is not always necessary to create a hit record. For vocals they used a beyerdynamic ‘pencil’ microphone, which was more than likely a beyerdynamic M 201 which works well on voclas as well as instruments. The Eurythmics’ talent and creativity shone through in every aspect of the song, from the iconic synth riff to Lennox’s haunting vocal delivery.
For the drums, Stewart used an early version of the Movement Systems Drum Computer, and very rare drum machine that few remember today. It even made an appearance in the video for Sweet Dreams. (We have linked the later model below)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and reached the second spot in the UK, cementing the Eurythmics’ status as global superstars. The song’s success was a turning point in the band’s career, and they went on to release many more hits throughout the 1980s and beyond.
The song’s influence can still be felt today, with its memorable hook and iconic synth sound being sampled and referenced in countless songs across genres. The Eurythmics’ legacy as innovators in the world of pop music is secure, and Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) remains one of the most beloved songs of the 1980s.