5 Reasons Why Eurythmics Should Be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Although synonymous with the sounds and styles of the '80s, Eurythmics would have been popular in any decade. The band were nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2018, and we've got five reasons why they deserve to be inducted.

Their roots date back to 1977 when a trio called the Catch signed to the independent label Logo Records. That trio consisted of guitarists Pete Coombes and Dave Stewart and singer Annie Lennox. Though the trio were based out of London, the single ("Borderline" b/w "Black Blood") had more in common with the sounds of soul-inspired disco so popular in the U.S. at the time. The single and the band came and left without a trace.

Within months of folding up shop, the Catch would add members and revamp their style. Influenced by the nascent new wave scene, they changed their name to the Tourists and released a smattering of great singles and three solid albums in more of a power pop style. Their cover of the Dusty Springfield classic "I Only Want to Be With You" broke big in the U.K., hitting the Top Five.

By 1980 the band had fallen apart. Lennox and Stewart, who were also romantically involved, found the Tourists' style too confining and were happy to move on to explore different musical avenues. That included a strong interest in electronic music as the duo wanted to try to marry pop music with a more esoteric approach. Thus, Eurythmics were born with Stewart and Lennox as the core.

Released in late 1981, their debut album, In The Garden, was produced by legendary German producer Conny Plank who was known for his work with such experimental German acts as Can, Neu!, Ash Ra Tempel and Kraftwerk. The record included appearances by members of Can as well as Blondie drummer Clem Burke.

Focusing and refining their style, the duo hit major success with their follow-up, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), in 1983. The title track was released as a single and initially showed little sign of life. That all changed when MTV began running the video. Annie's semi-androgynous look set amidst the very modern/futuristic/surrealist concept of the video was perfect for the era. The single became a worldwide smash, reaching the Top 10 in many countries.

The band would build upon their approach over the years and pile up more and more hits such as "Here Comes the Rain Again,"  "Missionary Man," and "Would I Lie to You?" Even as they would move away from the electronic style, they never lost their edge or identity, which was essentially down to the soulful vocals of Lennox.

Ultimately the powers-that-be will decide if Eurythmics belong in the Hall of Fame. But, in the meantime, here are a handful of checkmarks to put in their plus column.