Love Is a Stranger

"Love Is a Stranger" stands out for its blend of electronic rhythms and lyrics that explore the complexity of love. The song, which sits at the heart of the album *Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)*, features a production that mixes synthesizers and programmed percussion, creating an intriguing soundscape. Annie Lennox’s voice, with its distinctive emotive delivery, intertwines with Dave Stewart’s vocal effects, which add a bold and provocative touch. The lyrics reflect the duality between love and hate, a concept Lennox sought to capture by uniting opposites in her writing.

The creation of "Love Is a Stranger" took place approximately nine months before its initial release in October 1982. During its first run on the charts, the song did not achieve significant impact, but its re-release in 1983, following the success of "Sweet Dreams", propelled it to the top 20 in several countries, reaching number six in the United Kingdom. The production was carried out in an eight-track studio in Chalk Farm, where Stewart used a Roland synthesizer alongside a drum machine to shape the song’s foundation. The recording was done quickly, and Lennox’s vocals were captured in a single take, contributing to the track’s freshness.

The music video, directed by Mike Brady, also sparked controversy in the United States due to Lennox’s androgynous image, as she shed a blonde wig to reveal her red hair. This act led to confusion about her gender identity, prompting MTV to censor parts of the video in its broadcast. Despite the controversies, "Love Is a Stranger" became a classic of the duo, showcasing their ability to challenge norms and explore complex themes through their music.