Released on November 14, 1983, Eurythmics’ Touch was the third studio record from Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart, and marked the duo’s ascent into pop royalty, boasting a rich tapestry of synth-pop brilliance and emotive songwriting. With hits like “Here Comes the Rain Again,” “Who’s That Girl?” and “Right by Your Side,” Touch solidified their reputation as innovative trailblazers. But behind the iconic tracks lies a treasure trove of lesser-known tidbits about this classic. Here are five facts that might just surprise you.
1. Speedy Recording, Timeless Impact
Remarkably, Touch was recorded and mixed in just three weeks at Eurythmics’ studio, The Church, in London. The album’s polished production belies its brisk timeline, a testament to the duo’s synergy and vision. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart tapped into a creative whirlwind, proving that lightning can indeed strike quickly in the studio.
2. “Here Comes the Rain Again” Was Born in the Clouds
The haunting melancholy of “Here Comes the Rain Again” has its roots in a literal gray day. Written while the duo stayed at New York’s Mayflower Hotel, the song began with Stewart playing moody chords on his Casio keyboard. Lennox glanced out at the overcast cityscape and delivered the now-iconic line, “Here comes the rain again.” The song’s lush string arrangement, crafted by Michael Kamen and recorded under challenging conditions at The Church, became a defining feature.
3. Annie Lennox’s Gender-Bending Brilliance
The music video for “Who’s That Girl?” was as groundbreaking as the song itself, with Lennox playing both a sultry lounge singer and an Elvis-inspired male character. The provocative visuals solidified her status as a gender-bending icon, challenging conventions of femininity and masculinity in pop culture. This dual performance also made Lennox one of MTV’s most talked-about stars in the early ‘80s.
4. “Right by Your Side” and the Caribbean Connection
With its sunny calypso vibe, “Right by Your Side” marked a stylistic departure for Eurythmics. The song’s marimba, synthesized steel drums, and horn section evoked tropical warmth, offering a sharp contrast to the brooding tones of their previous hits. This playful track showcased the duo’s versatility and willingness to push boundaries within the synth-pop genre.
5. A Remix Album Before It Was Trendy
Years ahead of the remix album craze, Eurythmics released Touch Dance in May 1984. Featuring extended and reimagined versions of tracks from Touch, it gave fans a fresh perspective on songs they thought they knew. It also underscored the duo’s forward-thinking approach to music production and engagement with emerging club culture.
Forty years on, Touch remains a cornerstone of Eurythmics’ legacy, blending raw emotion with sonic innovation. From its experimental production techniques to Annie Lennox’s magnetic persona, the album encapsulates a moment when pop dared to be intelligent, daring, and deeply human. Whether you’re discovering Touch for the first time or revisiting it with fresh ears, its magic is undeniable.
