Comments for Eurythmics, We Too Are One

It''s painful to say it, but this is undoubtedly the worst album Eurythmics recorded. This is hopefully attributable to an outside producer, as well as both Annie and Dave''s knowledge that this would be the last. To truly appreciate and understand this album, it is necessary to view the video also released, We Two Are One Too. Here, in their first and only "backstage" "exclusive" footage, Annie and Dave indulge in camp "pseudo-documentary" moments, PG nudity, fan idolatry, self-hatred, self-love, and love and hatred for each other. You never know whether the next moment will show loving partners mock-hating one another (My My Baby''s Gonna Cry), or hateful partners mock-loving one another (Revival). But the overall impression the video leaves is that Dave & Annie knew they were parting ways, and also knew of the media pressure about this, and perceptively responded with a video that shows their powerful hatred of "Eurythmics" at this point, without caving in to the expectation that they hated each other & that''s why they broke up. Pay attention to all the scenes in between the video clips, and you''ll see that they still enjoy working together, whether it''s Annie singing a traditional Scottish ballad (Tawathie) or Dave taking over the vocal line while Annie plays guitar under his guidance (How Long). As for the album, it''s overproduced and overwrought, with little emotional input. The standout song "Don''t Ask Me Why" sounds like it belongs somewhere else. The nadir of "Revival" makes more sense in its video, where we sense that they too know the song/video is hopeless dreck. A couple other strong songs try to surface (How Long, We Two, Sylvia), but the glossy production kills them. Too many songs (My My, King & Queen, Angel) are saved only by their video treatment; they don''t hold up well as songs. We Too Are One is a bitter mixed bag. Coming on the heels of Savage, it''s especially shocking, as the sound of a band with no apparent soul or love driving them. But as I said, the video makes this look almost intentional. I used to view this as their "contractual obligation album", but I see it more positively now. If this is how things really were, I''m glad they went their separate ways to chase their own dreams.

This stylish, slick album (cover photography by Jean Baptiste Mondino) is the last album of "new" Eurythmics music to be released as of this date (10/95); while the band have not officially broken up and each member pursues a solo career, there is no final word that this will prove to be the end of the partnership`s fountain of creativity. Tracks on this album run an odd gamut, with terrific singles ("Don`t Ask Me Why," "The King & Queen Of America," "(My My) Baby`s Gonna Cry," and "Revival") interspersed with deeply troubling/troubled pieces such as "Sylvia" and "How Long?" The album was released as they embarked on their final world tour, a tour which is partially documented in the video album "We Two Are One Too" and which culminated in a terrific and emotionally climactic concert in Rio de Janeiro. =mw=