Revenge cover

Released 40 years ago

Revenge

Eurythmics · 1986

44 min · 10 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of blue-eyed soul and new wave, layered with rich harmonies and driving rhythms that evoke both urgency and intimacy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Missionary Man Start here — This track stands out for its compelling blend of rock and soul, featuring powerful vocals and a strong narrative about love and manipulation. Its infectious chorus and driving beat make it a defining moment of the album.
  • →
    Thorn in My Side — With its introspective lyrics and anthemic sound, this song captures themes of frustration and resilience. The combination of catchy melodies and poignant storytelling illustrates Eurythmics' knack for emotional depth.
  • →
    The Miracle of Love — This track is notable for its lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the duo. It embodies a sense of hope and redemption amidst personal struggle.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Revenge showcases strong songwriting and production but lacks the lasting impact of their peak works.

What we noticed

  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the interaction between the lead and backing vocals.
  • The album closes with a ballad that contrasts the preceding upbeat tracks, creating a dynamic shift in mood.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • thoughtful lyrical reflections
  • mid-tempo groove enjoyment

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Secured Eurythmics' mainstream presence with hit singles and solidified their reputation.
Themes
love and manipulation· personal struggle· frustration and resilience
Career context
Released in 1986, Revenge was Eurythmics' fifth studio album, following the success of their previous release, Be Yourself Tonight. At this point, the duo had solidified their reputation for blending pop sensibilities with innovative production techniques, drawing from diverse influences to create a distinctive sound.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· Duran Duran· The Human League

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Thorn in My Side

    The narrator shifts from expressing pain to defiantly declaring independence from emotional turmoil.

    This transition marks a pivotal moment in the song, emphasizing personal agency and strength against adversity.

Tracklist

  • 1 Missionary Man Start here 4:28
  • 2 Thorn in My Side 4:14
  • 3 When Tomorrow Comes 4:31
  • 4 The Last Time 4:14
  • 5 The Miracle of Love 5:05
  • 6 Let's Go! 4:13
  • 7 Take Your Pain Away 4:36
  • 8 A Little of You 3:56
  • 9 In This Town 3:43
  • 10 I Remember You 5:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata