Watch The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams/Live From Heaven

The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams/Live from Heaven is a concert film that captures the visual and musical brilliance of one of the most influential bands of the 1980s, The Eurythmics. Directed by Chris Ashbrook and released in 1987, the film was shot on location at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in New Orleans, which doubles as a theatrical stage for the band’s electrifying performance.

The film features more than a dozen of The Eurythmics' most popular songs, including Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This), Love Is A Stranger, and Who's That Girl?. The band's essential sound is a clever blend of synthesizer-driven electro-pop, art-rock experimentation, and soulful, emotionally charged lyrics. This blend of styles gives the band's music a unique feel, which is both danceable and introspective. The film succeeds in capturing the essence of The Eurythmics' music, while providing the viewer with an immersive concert experience.

At the onset of the movie, a dramatic opening sequence features swirling images of lead singer Annie Lennox, keyboardist and producer Dave Stewart, and their bandmates on stage, which sets the tone for what's to come. The band's striking technical prowess, combined with Lennox's theatrical stage presence, immediately captures the viewer's attention.

Throughout the film, Lennox's vocal range proves to be masterful, as she performs songs with a full range of expression, from soft and haunting to powerful and soulful. Her distinctive androgynous look is both playful and powerful, and she relishes in the attention of her audience as she confronts them with her enigmatic stage presence.

The band's performance style is visually arresting, with choreographed dance routines, smoke machines, and dazzling light displays on and off the stage. Their style is indicative of the '80s pop aesthetic, with its use of fashion, music videos and marketing being an essential part of the band's artistic identity. The stage design featured in the film is characterized by striking light displays, which evoke a mood that is simultaneously atmospheric and otherworldly.

One of the highlights of the film is the performance of the song Sexcrime (1984). The track is a haunting commentary on the relationship between sex, power, and society. The song's rhythmic drum beat, coupled with Lennox's seductive vocals, create a mesmerizing, hypnotic atmosphere that captures the viewer's attention long after the song has ended. The song is one of Stewart's productions, and it serves as a testament to his expertise as a producer and composer.

The film also features a standout performance by Lennox of the ballad This City Never Sleeps. The song is about the loneliness and isolation that both fascinates and disturbs a city's inhabitants at night. Lennox's performance is alluring, and it showcases her ability to convey complex emotions through her voice. She hits every note with precision and passion, and it's a moving, soulful moment that stands out in the film's lineup of hits.

Elsewhere in the concert, the duo performs the song There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart), which is a buoyant, upbeat number that contrasts the darker, more somber tracks. The song's catchy synth-driven melody, coupled with Lennox and Stewart's playful vocal harmonies, makes it a fan favorite and a joy to watch.

Overall, The Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams/Live from Heaven is a captivating concert film that showcases the band's unique blend of storytelling, music, and theater. The film's visuals, combined with the band's music, create a mood that is both enigmatic and alluring, and the concert footage is thrilling to watch. Anyone who loves '80s pop or is a fan of The Eurythmics will appreciate this film and should give it a watch.