Savage cover

Savage

Eurythmics · 1987

47 min · 12 tracks · new wave

A vibrant fusion of synth-pop and blue-eyed soul, laced with emotional depth and sharp lyrical wit.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Beethoven (I Love to Listen to) Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart — This track highlights the album's emotional core, combining haunting melodies with lyrics that explore themes of love and betrayal. Its atmospheric arrangement showcases Eurythmics' ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper emotional undertones.
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    I Need a Man — A provocative anthem featuring bold lyrics that challenge traditional gender roles and expectations, this track stands out for its infectious hook and energetic delivery. It encapsulates a sense of empowerment while addressing romantic desire.
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    Do You Want to Break Up? — This song captures the tension of a failing relationship through its dynamic production and candid lyrics. The interplay between Annie Lennox's vocal delivery and the synth-heavy backdrop creates an engaging sonic landscape.
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    Shame — With its stark honesty about societal judgment and personal struggles, this track resonates deeply. The combination of poignant lyrics and a driving beat makes it a reflective yet danceable highlight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends upbeat and introspective tracks with strong production but lacks overall cohesion.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with driving synths, while the second half shifts to slower tempos and more introspective themes.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the lyrical content.
  • The album's title track features a prominent use of electronic instrumentation, which contrasts with the more organic sounds in other songs.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • contemplative late-night vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Savage marks a shift to more personal and socially conscious themes, differing from earlier works.
Themes
1980s gender politics· emotional betrayal· societal judgment
Career context
Released on November 9, 1987, 'Savage' was Eurythmics' sixth studio album, following their commercially successful record 'Be Yourself Tonight.' At this stage in their career, the duo faced challenges in maintaining their chart presence as musical trends shifted towards grunge and hip-hop, making this album a pivotal moment in their artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors
Depeche Mode· Duran Duran· The Human League

Tracklist

  • 1 Beethoven (I Love to Listen to) Start here 4:50
  • 2 I've Got a Lover (Back in Japan) 4:27
  • 3 Do You Want to Break Up? 3:39
  • 4 You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart 3:52
  • 5 Shame 4:25
  • 6 Savage 4:10
  • 7 I Need a Man 4:23
  • 8 Put the Blame on Me 3:45
  • 9 Heaven 3:28
  • 10 Wide Eyed Girl 3:28
  • 11 I Need You 3:23
  • 12 Brand New Day 3:42

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata