Album Info
| Artist: | Tears For Fears |
| Album: | Songs From The Big Chair |
| Released: | Australasia, 1985 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Shout | 6:35 |
| Backing Vocals - Sandy McLelland | ||
| Drums - Chris Hughes | ||
| A2 | The Working Hour | 6:29 |
| Arranged By [Drums Arrangement] - Manny Elias | ||
| Drums, Arranged By [Saxophone Arrangement] - Jerry Marotta | ||
| Grand Piano - Andy Davis | ||
| Saxophone - Mel Collins | ||
| Saxophone [Saxophone Solos], Soloist - William Gregory | ||
| Written-By - Elias | ||
| A3 | Everybody Wants To Rule The World | 4:10 |
| Guitar [2nd Guitar Solo], Soloist - Neil Taylor | ||
| Written-By - Orzabal | ||
| A4 | Mothers Talk | 3:53 |
| Backing Vocals - Stevie Lange | ||
| B1 | I Believe | 4:53 |
| Grand Piano - Roland Orzabal | ||
| Saxophone - William Gregory | ||
| B2 | Broken | 2:33 |
| Guitar [Guitar Solo], Soloist - Neil Taylor | ||
| B3 | Head Over Heels | 5:00 |
| Backing Vocals - Annie McCaig, Marilyn Davis, Sandy McLelland | ||
| Grand Piano - Andy Davis | ||
| Written-By - Smith | ||
| B4 | Listen | 6:54 |
| Arranged By - Ian Stanley | ||
| Vocals [Operatic Vocal] - Marilyn David | ||
| Vocals [Vocal Stylings] - Roland Orzabal |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
Tears for Fears' "Songs from the Big Chair," released in 1985, is a monumental album in the landscape of 80s pop and rock music, showcasing the band's sophisticated approach to songwriting, production, and lyrical themes. The album, which includes some of the band's most iconic tracks like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," is noted for its intricate arrangements and the exploration of psychological and emotional themes, inspired in part by the primal therapy work of Arthur Janov.
"Shout," the album's lead single, is a powerful anthem characterized by its driving beat, anthemic chorus, and the dynamic interplay between Roland Orzabal's commanding vocals and the lush synthesizer landscapes. The song's message, encouraging the expression of pent-up frustrations and emotions, resonated widely with audiences, making it one of the defining tracks of the decade.
"Everybody Wants to Rule the World," another standout track, is a more subdued yet equally impactful song, featuring a catchy melody and introspective lyrics that reflect on the complexities of power and control. The song's breezy guitar riff and accessible pop sensibility helped it become one of the band's most successful singles, further cementing Tears for Fears' place in the pantheon of 80s music icons.
The album also delves into deeper emotional territory with tracks like "The Working Hour" and "I Believe," showcasing the band's ability to blend soulful melodies with introspective and philosophical lyrics. These songs, characterized by their sophisticated arrangements and emotional depth, highlight Tears for Fears' talent for crafting music that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant.
The production of "Songs from the Big Chair," led by Chris Hughes, is notable for its meticulous attention to detail and the innovative use of technology, combining synthesizers, guitars, and layered vocals to create a sound that is both expansive and intimate. The album's sonic richness and depth are a testament to the band's ambition and the production team's skill in realizing that vision.
Critically, "Songs from the Big Chair" was lauded for its ambitious scope, lyrical depth, and musical sophistication. The album's exploration of psychological themes, set against a backdrop of lush pop arrangements, set it apart from much of the mainstream music of the time, earning it a place as one of the decade's most influential works.
Commercially, the album was a massive success, achieving multi-platinum status and spawning several hit singles that dominated the charts worldwide. Its impact was further solidified by the innovative music videos that accompanied the singles, which became staples on MTV, helping to broaden the band's audience.
In retrospect, "Songs from the Big Chair" is seen as a landmark album of the 1980s, encapsulating the era's musical and cultural zeitgeist while also standing as a timeless work of art. Its blend of pop sensibility with deep, introspective content continues to influence artists and resonate with audiences, making it a seminal work in the Tears for Fears catalog and in the broader landscape of pop music.
