Celebrating 40 Years of There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) – Eurythmics’ Only UK No. 1 Single
It’s remarkable to think that four decades have passed since There Must Be An Angel reached the top of the UK charts. Released in June 1985, it became Eurythmics’ only UK No. 1 single – a jubilant, gospel-infused track that remains one of their most celebrated works.
Written by Dave and Annie, the song is a euphoric blend of soul, pop, and gospel, with Annie’s vocal soaring above a rich arrangement. But what truly elevates the track is the harmonica solo – performed by none other than Stevie Wonder.
The Lyrics and Meaning – A Celestial Celebration of Love
At first listen, There Must Be An Angel sounds like a joyful, gospel-tinged celebration of love — and it is. But there’s more going on beneath the surface. The lyrics describe a kind of emotional and sensory overload, the feeling of being so overwhelmed by love that it feels like something divine must be at play. Annie sings of hearing an “orchestra of angels” and her heart going “boom” in an empty room — metaphors that capture the surreal, almost hallucinatory intensity of falling deeply in love.
The song plays with the idea of altered perception. Lines like “I must be hallucinating, watching angels celebrating” suggest that love can transport us to a different state of being — one where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It’s not just about romance, but about the way love can dislocate the senses and elevate the spirit. The repeated refrain “There must be an angel playing with my heart” becomes a kind of mantra — a way of trying to make sense of a feeling so powerful it defies logic.
Musically, the song mirrors this emotional journey. The lush orchestration, gospel choir, and Stevie Wonder’s harmonica solo all contribute to a sound that feels transcendent. As one analysis puts it, the song is “a complex tapestry of emotional highs and orchestral arrangement,” with Annie’s vocal performance acting as the emotional core.
© Steve Rapport
In interviews, Annie has described the song as “pure joy,” a deliberate contrast to some of the darker, more introspective material in Eurythmics’ catalogue. Dave Stewart once recalled that when they were working on the track, Annie said, “This could be great for Stevie Wonder,” and the idea of bringing him in added to the song’s sense of wonder and spontaneity.
Ultimately, There Must Be An Angel is about the kind of love that feels too good to be true — the kind that makes you believe in something bigger than yourself. Whether that’s an angel, fate, or just the magic of connection, the song captures it with both lyrical poetry and musical brilliance.
Stevie Wonder’s Session – Hair Beads in a Bag and Sea Shanties
The story of Stevie’s involvement is now part of Eurythmics folklore. The band had arranged for him to record the harmonica part, but on the day, he was running late. When he finally arrived, he brought not only his harmonica but also a bag to hold his hair beads so they wouldn’t rattle and be picked up by the microphones during the recording.
Before recording, Stevie reportedly sang sea shanties to lighten the mood. Then, in one take, he delivered the harmonica solo that would become one of the most memorable moments in Eurythmics’ discography.
The Music Video – Baroque Excess at New Wimbledon Theatre
The video was filmed at the New Wimbledon Theatre in London and directed by Eddie Arno and Mark Innocenti. It’s a theatrical, baroque-inspired production set in the court of Louis XIV. Dave plays the king, complete with powdered wig and regal attire, while Annie appears as a celestial angel performing for the court.
The cast includes a troupe of cherubs and courtiers, one of whom was Steven O’Donnell, later known for his work with Rik Mayall. The production was lavish, with elaborate costumes and a stage-within-a-stage concept. While the budget hasn’t been publicly disclosed, it’s thought to be around £100,000 the scale suggests it was one of their most ambitious video shoots.
Smash Hits magazine were on set, capturing behind-the-scenes moments and publishing spreads that fans still treasure.
Chart Facts – A Global Hit
There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) was released in June 1985 and quickly climbed the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 1 on 1st August. It held the top spot for two consecutive weeks, marking Eurythmics’ only UK No. 1 single. The song also resonated strongly across Europe, topping the charts in Ireland, Norway, and Finland, and securing Top 10 positions in Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Australia. In the United States, it reached No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, an impressive feat considering the American market’s often unpredictable reception to UK synth-pop acts at the time.
The single was the second release from the Be Yourself Tonight album, following the punchy Would I Lie to You?, and it showcased a more soulful, gospel-influenced direction for the duo. Decades later, the song continues to thrive on streaming platforms, with the official video surpassing 41 million views on YouTube and strong numbers on Spotify, proving its enduring appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Personnel and Credits
There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) was written by Annie Lennox and David A. Stewart, with production handled by Dave himself. The track features a standout harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder, whose contribution added a layer of soul and spontaneity to the recording. Backing vocals were provided by Angel Cross alongside a gospel choir, giving the song its uplifting, spiritual feel. The rhythm section included Olle Romö on drums and Dean Garcia on bass, while the lush string arrangements were crafted by the renowned composer Michael Kamen. Engineering duties were shared between Adam Williams and Don Smith, with Jay Willis assisting, and the final mix was completed by Dave and Adam. The entire track was recorded at The Church Studios in London, a space that became central to Eurythmics’ sound during this era.
Sleeve Artwork – A Pastel Departure
The sleeve for There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) marked a notable shift in visual tone for Eurythmics. Designed by Laurence Stevens, who had been responsible for much of the duo’s visual identity throughout the 1980s, the artwork broke away from his usual stark, minimalist aesthetic. Instead, it featured a soft, whimsical pastel illustration by artist Lindsey Loch.
The story goes that Annie Lennox came across Loch’s artwork and was immediately drawn to its dreamlike quality. She suggested it for the single’s cover, and Stevens adapted the piece for release. To complement the illustration, he added deliberately childlike, hand-drawn lettering – something quite different from the bold typography and photographic imagery that had defined earlier Eurythmics sleeves.
The result was a sleeve that felt light, ethereal, and slightly surreal – perfectly in tune with the song’s celestial theme. It stood out on record shop shelves at the time, and today it remains one of the most distinctive and collectible covers in their discography. The artwork also subtly hinted at the theatricality of the music video, creating a cohesive visual world around the single.
Memorabilia – Lyrics, Adverts, and Press
The release of There Must Be An Angel was accompanied by a wave of promotional material that has since become highly collectible. The song’s lyrics were printed in Smash Hits magazine, while RCA ran full-page adverts across the music press to promote the single’s release. Collectors today still seek out a range of memorabilia from this era, including original press releases promotional posters, and magazine clippings from titles like No.1, Smash Hits, and Record Mirror. Here’s a few items below from our archives!
Discography Highlights – Over 60 Editions and 15 Promos
Our discography page is a goldmine of releases, but here are a few standout editions:
- UK White Label 12″ Promo – Ultra-rare, no sleeve artwork, minimal label text
- Japanese 7″ (RPS-184) – Lyric insert in English and Japanese, unique sleeve
- French 12″ – “No.1 en Angleterre” printed directly on the sleeve
- German 12″ – Two label variants, one with a full stop after “Eurythmics.”
- Spanish 12″ – Features a Stevie Wonder hype sticker, one of two sleeve versions
- US Promo 12″ – Includes a special edit and instrumental version
These can all be viewed in the discography, but here’s a few more that might be of interest.
US 10″ Acetate Pressing
Mexican 7″ Promo
El Salvador 7″ Pressing
Zimbabwe 7″ Pressing
UK 12″ Whitelabel
Watch – Iconic Performances and Rare Moments
Over the years, There Must Be An Angel has been performed and reinterpreted in a variety of memorable ways, each capturing a different side of the song’s magic. An unforgettable performance is their Top of the Pops appearance from 1985. Dressed entirely in white, Annie and Dave delivered a performance that was both ethereal and commanding. It’s a moment that’s etched into the memory of fans who watched it live and continues to captivate new audiences online.
For those who want to experience the song in a live setting, the 1987 Revenge Tour performance from Sydney is a must-watch. Annie’s vocals are raw and powerful, and the band brings a rockier edge to the arrangement, giving the song a new kind of energy.
And then there’s the unexpected but stunning duet with Luciano Pavarotti. Performed at the Pavarotti & Friends concert in Modena in 2000, this version blends pop and classical in a way that only Annie Lennox and Pavarotti could pull off. It’s a rare gem that showcases the song’s versatility and emotional depth.
Cultural Impact – Covers and Legacy
Over the past four decades, There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) has continued to inspire artists across genres and generations. One of the most commercially successful covers came from German pop group No Angels, who released their version in 2001. Their take on the song was bright, polished, and radio-friendly, and it resonated strongly with European audiences—so much so that it reached No. 1 in Germany, giving the track a whole new lease of life for a younger audience.
Another notable reinterpretation came from Kylie Minogue, who performed the song during her Aphrodite: Les Folies tour in 2011. Her version was theatrical and euphoric, complete with elaborate staging and choreography, and it was later released as part of her official live concert DVD. Kylie also performed the song on The Voice UK, introducing it to a prime-time TV audience and reaffirming its place in the pop canon.
In a more left-field direction, Japanese producer Fantastic Plastic Machine sampled the song for a lounge-pop rework on his 1998 album Luxury. His version transformed the track into a dreamy, downtempo groove, showing just how adaptable the original composition is across musical styles.
The song has also appeared in films, adverts, and countless playlists over the years. With over 40 million views on YouTube for the official video alone, it’s clear that There Must Be An Angel continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
Final Thoughts
Forty years on, There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart) remains a shining example of Eurythmics’ creativity and brilliance. It’s more than just a chart-topping hit—it’s a piece of pop history that continues to inspire and uplift.
And I couldn’t think of a more perfect way to finish this piece with our dearly missed friend Brendan Holiday’s Annie Lennox doll that he made many years ago to celebrate Annie Lennox’s character from the video.
We miss you Brendan. So Much.
JOIN OUR FACEBOOK COMMUNITY HERE TO COMMENT ON OUR NEWS STORIES AND JOIN IN SHARING MEMORIES AND MORE.
Latest news from THE WORLD OF
eURYTHMICs, DAVE STEWART AND ANNIE LENNOX
