Released in June 1985 with “Grown Up Girls” on the B-side as the second single from Eurythmics’ fifth studio album “Be Yourself Tonight,” “There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)” is one of the duo’s most beloved and commercially successful songs. Known for its soulful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals, the track became a defining hit of the mid-1980s and remains a classic in the Eurythmics’ discography.
Eurythmics, consisting of singer Annie Lennox and musician Dave Stewart, had already achieved global success with hits like “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” and “Here Comes the Rain Again.” However, with “Be Yourself Tonight,” the duo expanded their sound, incorporating more elements of rock, soul, and rhythm and blues into their music. “There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)” reflects this shift, blending pop with soulful influences.
The song was written by Lennox and Stewart and featured a notable collaboration with legendary musician Stevie Wonder, who played the harmonica on the track. The song’s heavenly theme, combined with Lennox’s emotive vocal performance and Wonder’s iconic harmonica, helped create a timeless pop classic that resonated with audiences worldwide.
“There Must Be an Angel” is characterized by its lush, orchestral arrangement and soulful melody. The song opens with gentle harp strings and builds into a grand, euphoric soundscape, featuring layered harmonies, gospel-inspired backing vocals, and a soaring lead vocal from Annie Lennox. Lennox’s voice, with its powerful range and emotional depth, is the centerpiece of the track, delivering the lyrics with both passion and grace. One of the most distinctive elements of the song is Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo, which adds a touch of magic to the already ethereal production. Wonder’s contribution elevates the song, giving it an added layer of authenticity and musical richness.
The lyrics of “There Must Be an Angel” revolve around the overwhelming feeling of love and infatuation, which the narrator describes as being so intense that it feels otherworldly. The recurring metaphor of an angel “playing with my heart” reflects the sense of wonder and disbelief that can accompany falling in love. The lyrics suggest that the feeling is so magical and surreal that it can only be explained by divine intervention.
“There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)” became Eurythmics’ first and only No. 1 single in the UK, where it topped the charts in July 1985. The song also enjoyed success in several other countries, further cementing the duo’s international reputation. The track’s mix of pop sensibility with soulful influences helped broaden Eurythmics’ appeal and showcased their versatility as artists.
The accompanying music video, directed by Eddie Arno and Markus Innocenti, was a whimsical and surreal visual interpretation of the song, featuring Lennox dressed as a rococo-era angel performing in a celestial court. The video’s imaginative and stylish presentation contributed to the song’s success and added to Eurythmics’ reputation for visually striking music videos. It was shot at New Wimbledon Theatre in London.
Over the years, “There Must Be an Angel” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of 1980s pop music playlists. Its blend of pop, soul, and gospel influences, combined with its joyful, uplifting message, has helped it endure as one of Eurythmics’ most cherished songs.