Album Essentials: Annie Lennox "Diva" (1992)

By Dave Swanson - Summit FM Contributor

Many moons ago, there was a combo known as the Tourists. They were a stellar power pop/new wave-styled band led by pop maestro/ace songwriter Peet Coombs. They released two very fine albums at the tail end of the 1970s, and they were gone. No massive success, just a modest hit single, a cover of the Dusty Springfield gem 'I Only Want to Be With You.' The band dissolved, and for the most part, leader Coombs was never heard from again. Two other members, however, were in the process of making themselves a worldwide sensation.

Guitarist Dave Stewart and singer Annie Lennox moved forward to form Eurythmics, releasing their debut LP, 'In the Garden', in 1981. Produced by famed German producer Conny Plank, best known for his work with countless underground rock acts from Germany in the 1970s, the album was not a hit, but it did provide a solid springboard. By the release of the second album, the world was ready, and so were Eurythmics.

Issued in 1983, 'Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This' became a worldwide phenomenon as the title track became a number one hit, the video causing a sensation, and the album bringing in an audience for a new era. Eurythmics kept building on that success throughout the decade, hit upon hit, until finally, by decade's end, the internal tensions and general music biz stress had gotten the best of them. It was initially announced as a hiatus, but for Lennox and Stewart, it was a much-needed break from the world they had built.

Stewart carried on doing various studio projects and session work while Lennox was gearing up for her next step, a bit tentatively. "For two years I didn't do anything," she said in a 1992 interview. Then I thought, after all, I'm a musician, I'm a singer, I'm able to write songs. It sort of affirms who I am. It's caught up with my identity, my sense of self."

The result would be her solo debut, 'Diva,' issued in April 1992.

The album went a long way in forging new paths for Lennox as a confident leader in song and life. The first single, 'Why,' was released a month before the LP. It managed to achieve the top 20 around the world. The following singles, 'Walking on Broken Glass' and 'Little Bird', would follow the same basic pattern. While none were huge hits, they all provided a perfect introduction to Annie as a solo artist and are all classics in her catalog. She put heart and soul in the spotlight, maintaining and expanding on her identity when she could have easily become a cliché. Her merger of modern production and vintage vibes, with her commanding soulful vocals, worked in Eurythmics and was fully displayed here.

Reflecting on her work with Stewart, she said, "When I was writing, when he wasn't there, I definitely understood how well that partnership worked, I mean I always did anyhow, so much so that I didn't even think I could write a record without Dave. That was just unthinkable." She soon dealt with that anxiety and produced 'Diva,' an album that rose to the occasion and helped establish her as a force for years. ‘Diva’ and Annie herself are certainly essential!