Tears for Fears Top 10 List

Whenever the music of the 1980’s is mentioned, Tears For Fears always seems to be one of the first bands that enters the conversation. Rightly so, since their album Songs From The Big Chair yielded the two mega-hits “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” and “Shout”. However, Tears For Fears have released several albums throughout the years which stylistically explored many areas beyond the synth-pop genre that some would argue was “the 80’s”. Hence, here’s an introduction via a top 10 list of favorites. This list just scratches the surface. They’re a very dynamic band.

10. Broken

This song is from their second album, Songs From The Big Chair, released in 1985. When this song intros, you’ll think it’s going to be a very dance/new wave track. However, you’ll be surprised when the guitar comes in and creates much more of a dramatic rocking vibe. In fact, the instrumental section keeps going for probably about half the song before Roland Orzabal, the passionate lead singer, delivers the first vocals to the track. Most who hear this song will probably be reminded of their first album, The Hurting, from 1983, which featured darker, more angsty material.

9. Break It Down Again

This song was from the CD Elemental, which interestingly Curt Smith, one half of Tears For Fears was not present on. However, that didn’t stop this song from becoming a hit, and for good reason: It’s a very catchy song! It’s generally cheery, which was something of a surprise. It’s complete with lyrics that can be both amusing and thought provoking as well.

8. Everybody Want’s To Rule The World

Talk to just about any Tears For Fears fan, and they’d probably tell you this is the song that got them into listening to this band. Probably their most recognized hit aside from Shout, it could be characterized as “light new wave”. Some favorite lyrics include “Welcome to your life. There’s no turning back”; the song contains some thoughtful and philosophical lyrics indeed. This is something that characterizes many of their songs, and here we can see it in full force. Also of note, this song was what made Curt Smith’s mellow voice instantly recognizable to so many fans.

7. Closest Thing To Heaven

This song is from their 2004 CD Everybody Loves A Happy Ending, which showcases a definite Beatles influence, (in some ways similar to their CD The Seeds Of Love), but with more of an emotional feel. Closest Thing To Heaven is definitely one of the standout tracks. It’s a jump into mellow psycadelia, featuring moody piano and lyrics straight from the heart, as Orzabal sings “Look the world right in the eye, evil countries that are making billions.” Clearly here, they’re not afraid to speak their minds. Interestingly, the tune features a drum roll very similar to the drum roll on the hit “Sowing The Seeds Of Love.

6. Size Of Sorrow

Another from Everybody Loves A Happy Ending. Most listeners will probably be fooled by the intro. The way that the beat comes in, it sounds like the vocals come in on the off-beat, but they’re actually right on time; it’s just the way you perceive the beat at first. This song will stick in your head like glue, but you’ll love every minute of it. It has a slow pace to it, and some nice guitar work.

5. Badman’s Song

If this song were played for a friend who didn’t know it was Tears For Fears, they probably wouldn’t know it was, at least for a while. Badman’s Song is from their acclaimed album The Seeds Of Love.
It’s an excellent combination of gospel and jazz, opening with lively drums and piano. Quite a turn of style by a band that only four years earlier released the song “Shout”. This song also features the soaring vocals of singer Oleta Adams.

4. Ladybird

One of their more recent songs from just a few years ago. Featuring acoustic guitar, It has a mysterious, dreamy, moody feel to it. It almost sounds like something that could have been written by a songwriter such a Duncan Sheik. It also features some fantastic lyrical content. “The hope and the glory of life ever after. The sound and the fury, the cloak and the dagger. Introspection at it’s best!

3. Sowing The Seeds Of Love

Released in 1989, this song seemed very out of place, having a very Beatles influenced sound to it. Yet despite that, it still rose to near the top of the charts. Why? Because it’s a very innovative song! It’s very psychedelic and features an interesting vocal effect, called a vocoder, in several sections. In fact, the verse sections may also remind some of Elton John. Definately a multi faceted and creative song, almost too good for radio.

2. Year Of The Knife

When your hear the intro drum beat and guitar, you’ll instantly think “Elvis”. Indeed, Year Of The Knife is an interesting combination of influences, from gospel, to early rock, but with a very dramatic overtone to it. You’ve just got to hear it! It’s serves as the climax of their Seeds Of Love album, an album that many fans have called a masterpiece, and this is one of the crowning jewels for sure.

1. Secret World

Secret World is from their 2004 CD Everybody Loves A Happy Ending. It’s really the best song on the CD. For anyone who thinks good music is dead, just listen to the verse, and you’ll almost swear you’re hearing Paul McCartney! This influence is especially evident in the second verse, which is played by orchestral instruments. Yes, for this song, an orchestral was used in the background, and the effect is worth it. This song tops the list because it’s a great combination of beautiful melodies, great sound, and has a nice pace to it. Songwriting perfection!