Missionary Man (song)

Last updated

"Missionary Man"
Eurythmics MissionaryMan.jpg
Single by Eurythmics
from the album Revenge
B-side "The Last Time" (live)
ReleasedJuly 1986
Genre Rock [1]
Length4:26
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) David A. Stewart
Eurythmics singles chronology
"The Miracle of Love"
(1986)
"Missionary Man"
(1986)
"Beethoven (I Love to Listen To)"
(1987)
Music video
"Missionary Man" on YouTube

"Missionary Man" is a song by British pop duo Eurythmics from their fifth studio album, Revenge (1986). The song features Jimmy Zavala on harmonica and Joniece Jamison on backing vocals.

Contents

In the band's native United Kingdom, it was the fourth single to be taken from the album and peaked at number 31 on the UK Singles Chart. It was more successful in the United States, where it was the first single to be taken from the album and peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 (their last main US top-20 entry to date). It also made the top 10 of the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play chart, and it received extensive airplay on American rock radio, reaching number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, Eurythmics' only song to top this chart. The single also peaked at number nine in Australia, where it was released as the album's second single.

"Missionary Man" earned Eurythmics a 1986 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. [2] The video received heavy airplay on MTV and received five nominations at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards.

Background

Upon the single's July 1986 US release, the song was described as being inspired in part by Lennox's 1984–1985 marriage to devout Hare Krishna Radha Raman. When discussing the song's inspiration and meaning, Lennox stated "Obviously, there is a personal meaning in [Missionary Man] for me, because of my past history. But I also think that there are a great deal of people in the media, in the form of politicians or religious speakers or philosophical people, people who are generally trying to have some power over other people, who I just don't trust." [3]

Music video

Directed by Willy Smax, [4] the music video for "Missionary Man" features stop-animation techniques similar to those used in Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer" video from earlier in 1986. The video received heavy play from MTV and received five nominations at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards. [5]

Track listings

A. "Missionary Man" (7-inch version) – 3:50
B. "The Last Time" (live at The Roxy in Los Angeles)
A. "Missionary Man" (extended version) – 6:55
B. "The Last Time" (live at The Roxy in Los Angeles)
A. "Missionary Man" (7-inch version) – 3:50
B. "Take Your Pain Away" (LP version) – 4:37
A. "Missionary Man" (extended version) – 6:55
B. "Take Your Pain Away" (LP version) – 4:37

Charts

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Missionary Man"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesJuly 1986
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • 12-inch vinyl
RCA
United Kingdom16 February 1987 [20]

Cover versions

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurythmics</span> British music duo

Eurythmics were a British pop duo formed in 1980, consisting of Scottish vocalist Annie Lennox and English musician and producer Dave Stewart. They were both previously in the Tourists, a band that broke up in 1980. They released their first studio album, In the Garden, in 1981 to little success, but achieved global acclaim with their second album, Sweet Dreams (1983). The title track became a worldwide hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart, and number one in Canada and the US Billboard Hot 100. Eurythmics went on to release a string of hit singles and albums, including "Love Is a Stranger", "There Must Be an Angel " and "Here Comes the Rain Again", before splitting in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disarm</span> 1994 single by The Smashing Pumpkins

"Disarm" is a song by American alternative rock band the Smashing Pumpkins, written by vocalist and guitarist Billy Corgan. It was the third single from their second album, Siamese Dream (1993), and became a top-20 hit in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">When I Think of You</span> 1986 single by Janet Jackson

"When I Think of You" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her third studio album, Control (1986). It was released on July 28, 1986, as the album's third single. Composed by songwriters and record producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the song is about a person who finds relief and fun in a lover. It was Jackson's first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100, and also peaked at number 10 in the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Don't Dream It's Over</span> 1986 single by Crowded House

"Don't Dream It's Over" is a song by rock band Crowded House, recorded for their 1986 self-titled debut studio album. The song was composed and written by New Zealand frontman Neil Finn and released in October 1986 as the fourth single from the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Touch Me (I Want Your Body)</span> 1986 song performed by Samantha Fox

"Touch Me (I Want Your Body)" is a song by the English pop singer Samantha Fox from her debut studio album, Touch Me (1986).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nine Inch Nails discography</span> Discography of industrial metal band Nine Inch Nails

American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails have released 11 studio albums, one live album, three remix albums, two compilation albums, six extended plays, 20 singles, 10 promotional singles, four video albums and 31 music videos. Nine Inch Nails has also contributed to numerous film soundtracks as well as the soundtrack to the video game Quake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Love Is a Stranger</span> 1982 single by Eurythmics

"Love Is a Stranger" is a song by the British pop duo Eurythmics. It is the opening track off their second album, Sweet Dreams . Originally released in late 1982, the single peaked outside the top 50 in the UK, but it was re-released in 1983, reaching the top 20 in several countries, including number six in the UK. The single was re-released again in 1991, to promote Eurythmics' Greatest Hits album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Invisible Touch (song)</span> 1986 single by Genesis

"Invisible Touch" is the title track and first single from the 1986 studio album of the same name by the English rock band Genesis. The song is a group composition which featured lyrics written by drummer and lead vocalist Phil Collins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves</span> 1985 single by Eurythmics and Aretha Franklin

"Sisters Are Doin' It for Themselves" is a song by British pop duo Eurythmics and American singer Aretha Franklin. A modern feminist anthem, it was written by Eurythmics members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart and featured on both Eurythmics' Be Yourself Tonight (1985) and Franklin's Who's Zoomin' Who? (1985) albums. The duo originally intended to perform with Tina Turner, who was unavailable at the time and so they flew to Detroit and recorded with Franklin instead. The track also features three of Tom Petty's Heartbreakers: Stan Lynch on drums, Benmont Tench on organ, and Mike Campbell on lead guitar, plus session bassist Nathan East.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Need You Tonight</span> 1987 single by INXS

"Need You Tonight" is a song by the Australian rock band INXS, released as the first single from their 1987 album, Kick, as well as the fourth song on the album. It is the only INXS single to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also achieved their highest charting position in the United Kingdom, where the song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart; however, this peak was only reached after a re-release of the single in November 1988. On its first run on the UK charts in October 1987, it stalled at No. 58. It was one of the last songs recorded for the album, yet it would arguably become the band's signature song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)</span> 1983 single by Eurythmics

"Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" is a song by British synth-pop duo Eurythmics. It was released as the fourth and final single from their second album of the same name in January 1983. It was their breakthrough hit, establishing the duo worldwide. It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in March 1983, and number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 six months later; it was their first single released in the US.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Power of Love (Jennifer Rush song)</span> 1984 single by Jennifer Rush

"The Power of Love" is a pop song co-written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Jennifer Rush in 1984. It was released in December 1984 by CBS Records as the fifth single from her debut album, Jennifer Rush (1984), and has since been covered by Air Supply, Laura Branigan, and Celine Dion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Would I Lie to You? (Eurythmics song)</span> 1985 single by Eurythmics

"Would I Lie to You?" is a song written and performed by British pop duo Eurythmics. Released on 9 April 1985 as the lead single from the band's fourth studio album, Be Yourself Tonight (1985), the song was the first by the duo to feature their change in musical direction from a predominantly synthpop style to rock and rhythm and blues. The song, and its accompanying album, featured a full backing band and relied less on electronic programming.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)</span> 1985 single by Eurythmics

"There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)" is a song by the British musical duo Eurythmics, released as the second single from their fifth studio album, Be Yourself Tonight (1985). It features a harmonica solo by American musician Stevie Wonder. The song became a worldwide success; most notably in Ireland, Norway and the United Kingdom, where it remains the duo's only chart-topper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">It's Alright (Baby's Coming Back)</span> 1985 single by Eurythmics

"It's Alright (Baby's Coming Back)" is a song written and recorded by the British pop music duo Eurythmics. It was released as the fourth and final single from their 1985 album Be Yourself Tonight. The song was produced by Dave Stewart, and the song's brass arrangement was devised by Michael Kamen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thorn in My Side</span> 1986 single by Eurythmics

"Thorn in My Side" is a song by British pop music duo Eurythmics. It was released as the second single from the duo's fifth studio album, Revenge (1986). Written by band members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, the song is a cast-off to an unfaithful lover. "Thorn in My Side" was produced by Stewart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beethoven (I Love to Listen To)</span> 1987 single by Eurythmics

"Beethoven (I Love to Listen To)" is a song by British pop duo Eurythmics, released on 12 October 1987 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Savage (1987).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Need a Man (Eurythmics song)</span> 1988 single by Eurythmics

"I Need a Man" is a song recorded by British pop music duo Eurythmics. It was written by band members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart and produced by Stewart. Taken from their sixth album, Savage (1987), the song was released in May 1988 by RCA Records as the third single in the UK and the first single in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart</span> 1988 single by Eurythmics

"You Have Placed a Chill in My Heart" is a song by British pop duo Eurythmics. It was written by group members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, and appears on the duo's sixth studio album, Savage (1987). The song was released in May 1988 by RCA as the fourth and final single from the album in the United Kingdom and as the second in the United States. In the first, it was the only single from the album to reach the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 16. The music video for the song was directed by Sophie Muller.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angel (Eurythmics song)</span> 1990 single by Eurythmics

"Angel" is a song by British pop duo Eurythmics from their seventh studio album, We Too Are One (1989). It was written by band members Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart and produced by Stewart and Jimmy Iovine. The song was released as the album's fourth UK single on 23 April 1990, and would be the duo's final single for almost a decade. It was also released as the second single from the album in the United States.

References

  1. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. Eurythmics - Greatest Hits (1991) Review at AllMusic. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  2. "Winners: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal". Grammy.com. Retrieved 21 November 2018.
  3. Van Matre, Lynn (20 July 1986). "Eurythmics: They Express Themselves Through the Way They Look". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  4. "New Video Clips". Billboard . Vol. 98, no. 27. 5 July 1986. p. 52.
  5. "MTV Video Music Awards: MTV VMAs 1987". Awards and Shows. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  6. Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 105. ISBN   0-646-11917-6.
  7. "Eurythmics – Missionary Man" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  8. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 0728." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  9. "European Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 4, no. 11. 21 March 1987. p. 18. OCLC   29800226 via World Radio History.
  10. "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Missionary Man". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  11. "Eurythmics – Missionary Man" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  12. "Eurythmics – Missionary Man". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  13. "Eurythmics: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 9 November 2016.
  14. "Eurythmics Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  15. "Eurythmics Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  16. "Eurythmics Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  17. "Eurythmics Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 February 2020.
  18. "Cash Box Top 100 Singles – Week ending October 18, 1986". Cash Box . Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  19. "Top 100 Singles of '86". RPM. Vol. 45, no. 14. 27 December 1986. p. 5. ISSN   0033-7064 via Library and Archives Canada.
  20. "New Singles". Music Week . 14 February 1987. p. 11.
  21. "New Ghost Ep 'Popestar' Due This Friday; Listen To 'Square Hammer' Song". Blabbermouth.net . 12 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.