TEARS FOR FEARS - ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART / STANDING ON THE CORNER OF THE THIRD WORLD

Released: February 19, 1990

Charted:  UK: #36    US: #89 

"Advice for the Young at Heart" is a song from the 1989 album "The Seeds of Love." Written by Roland Orzabal and Nicky Holland, it features Curt Smith on lead vocals, which is unique as he sang solo only on this track from the album. The song was released as the third single in February 1990. While the album version was mixed by David Bascombe, the single version was mixed by Bob Clearmountain, and this single mix was later included in the 2020 deluxe edition of "The Seeds of Love."

Orzabal described "Advice for the Young at Heart" as a reflection on the desire to mature and move forward in life, letting go of the past. The song expresses an awareness of aging and the realization that certain aspects of oneself may not change with time.

The music video was directed by Andy Morahan and filmed in Florida. It prominently features scenes from a wedding intercut with footage of the band performing.

"Standing on the Corner of the Third World" is a song from the album "The Seeds of Love." It reflects Roland Orzabal's therapy experiences and addresses the band's concerns about political issues. Oleta Adams was approached by Curt Smith and Orzabal two years before they recorded the song in 1987. Oleta sing and played piano on the track.

"Standing on the Corner of the Third World" explores themes of leaving behind troubles and challenges that one wishes would disappear. He uses the concept of the Third World as a metaphor for a place filled with problems, sorrow, and neglect. Orzabal describes it as a symbol of everyone's dumping ground, barren and exploited, yet in need of attention. The lyric "Rolling and controlling all the basements and the backroads of our lives" reflects how difficulties and unpleasant aspects of life are often pushed aside or hidden away.

The deluxe edition of "The Seeds of Love" includes a live jam version of this song which was released as the lead single for this edition. Roland Orzabal recalled the sessions that led to this nine-minute version, highlighting the presence of Oleta Adams, Manu Katche on drums, and Pino Palladino on bass. Orzabal described the sessions as magical, influenced by his primal therapy period when he would undergo therapy sessions and return in an emotionally open state. This particular song emerged from that introspective and expressive period.

 

TEARS FOR FEARS - PALE SHELTER

Estrenada: 9 d'abril de 1982

Llistes: Regne Unit: #5

"Pale Shelter", escrita per Roland Orzabal i cantada per Curt Smith, va ser originalment llançada com el seu segon senzill a principis de 1982, però no va aconseguir èxit a les llistes del Regne Unit. Més tard, es va convertir en un èxit dins dels vint millors a Canadà i es va reeditar al Regne Unit el 1985, arribant al top 75. La versió més coneguda és un reenregistrament de 1983, que va esdevenir el tercer èxit dins del Top 5 a les llistes del Regne Unit, arribant al número 5. Va ser inclosa a l'àlbum debut de Tears for Fears, "The Hurting".

"Pale Shelter" es va llançar inicialment el 1982 com a single només al Regne Unit en formats de single i maxi-single. El single contenia la gravació original de la cançó, mentre que el maxi-single incloïa una versió ampliada i la cara B "The Prisoner", que mostrava experiments inicials de la banda amb sintetitzadors i samplers. El 1983, després de l'èxit de "Mad World" i "Change", es va llançar una versió reenregistrada al Regne Unit i Europa en diversos formats, incloent picture discs i vinils de colors. La reedició incloïa una versió lleugerament editada en single i una versió ampliada en maxi-single. Totes les edicions contenien la cara B "We Are Broken".

En les notes del disc per a la reedició de "The Hurting" el 1999, Roland Orzabal va explicar que "Pale Shelter" és "una mena de cançó d'amor, tot i que més referida als pares que no,pas a una noia". Va descriure com es va desenvolupar la cançó, explicant que va passar setmanes tocant repetidament dos acords. Una matinada, es va despertar amb la melodia i la lletra totalment formades al cap. Després, en passar les pàgines d'un llibre d'art, va trobar "Pale Shelter" de Henry Moore, que sentia que condensava perfectament l'essència de la cançó.

Curt Smith va explicar en una entrevista el 2013 amb The Quietus que la decisió sobre qui cantaria una cançó determinada sovint depenia del to i l'estil requerits. La veu més fosca i melancòlica de Smith s'adaptava millor a les cançons més suaus, mentre que la veu de Roland Orzabal, caracteritzada com més alta i contundent, era triada per a les cançons que requereixien més potència i força. Smith va citar exemples com "Mad World", "Pale Shelter" i "Change", on l'estat d'ànim i la profunditat emocional de les cançons coincidien bé amb el seu estil vocal.

TEARS FOR FEARS - PALE SHELTER

Released: April 9, 1982

Charted:  UK: #5 

"Pale Shelter", written by Roland Orzabal and sung by Curt Smith, was originally released as their second single in early 1982 but didn't achieve chart success in the UK. It later became a top 20 hit in Canada and was reissued in the UK in 1985, reaching the top 75. The more well-known version is a re-recording from 1983, which became the band's third top 5 chart hit in the UK, peaking at number 5. It was included on Tears for Fears' debut album "The Hurting”.

"Pale Shelter" initially released in 1982 as a UK-only single in both 7" and 12" formats. The 7" featured the original recording of the song, while the 12" included an extended version and the B-side "The Prisoner," showcasing early synthesizer and sampling experiments. In 1983, after the success of "Mad World" and "Change," a re-recorded version was released in the UK and Europe in various formats, including picture discs and colored vinyl. The reissue included a slightly edited 7" version and an extended 12" version, with all editions featuring the B-side "We Are Broken." 

In the liner notes for the 1999 re-release of "The Hurting," Roland Orzabal explained that "Pale Shelter" is "kind of a love song, though more referring to one's parents than to a girl." He described how the song came together, saying he spent weeks playing two chords repeatedly. One morning, he woke up with the tune and lyrics fully formed in his mind. Later, while flipping through an art book, he stumbled upon "Pale Shelter" by Henry Moore, which he felt neatly condense the essence of the song.

Curt Smith explained in a 2013 interview with The Quietus that the decision on who would sing a particular song often depended on the tone and style required. Smith's darker and more melancholic voice suited softer songs, while Roland Orzabal's voice, characterized as louder and more assertive, was chosen for songs that required belting and making a strong point. Smith noted examples like "Mad World," "Pale Shelter," and "Change," where the mood and emotional depth of the songs aligned well with his vocal style.

 

TEARS FOR FEARS - SHOUT

Estrenada: 23 de novembre de 1984

Llistes: Regne Unit: #4   EUA: #1 (3 setmanes)

"Shout" és una cançó de l'àlbum "Songs from the Big Chair", llançada com a segon single el novembre de 1984. Els membres principals Roland Orzabal i Ian Stanley en van ser els autors. El single va assolir un èxit significatiu, arribant al número 4 a la llista de singles del Regne Unit i encapçalant el Billboard Hot 100 als Estats Units durant tres setmanes a partir del 3 d'agost de 1985.

Tears for Fears van ser influïts pels principis de la teràpia primal de l'psicòleg nord-americà Arthur Janov, que implica confrontar els temors a través del crit. El grup va derivar el seu nom del llibre de Janov "Prisoners Of Pain". Roland Orzabal, el cantant principal, va descriure "Shout" com "una cançó senzilla de protesta". Orzabal va compondre inicialment la tornada repetitiva en un petit sintetitzador i una drum machine a la seva sala d'estar. Originalment pensada com una pista d'àlbum, el productor Chris Hughes i Stanley van creure que tenia potencial d'èxit global.

"Shout" va marcar una ruptura per Tears for Fears amb els seus acords potents, percussió contundent, un solo de baix sintetitzat i un riff de sintetitzador que sona com una veu, juntament amb un inhabitual solo de guitarra. La cara B, "The Big Chair", inclou samplers de diàleg de la pel·lícula "Sybil", interpretada per Sally Field i William Prince, que també va inspirar el títol de l'àlbum. Aquesta cançó destaca en el catàleg de Tears for Fears com una de les poques en què Curt Smith comparteix crèdit d'escriptura.

El vídeo promocional de "Shout", filmat a finals de 1984 i dirigit per Nigel Dick, inclou escenes de Roland Orzabal i Curt Smith a Durdle Door a Dorset, Anglaterra, juntament amb imatges en un estudi on tot el grup, incloent-hi Ian Stanley i Manny Elias, interpreta la cançó enmig d'una multitud de familiars i amics.

TEARS FOR FEARS - SHOUT

Released: November 23, 1984

Charted:  UK: #4    US: #1 (3 weeks)

"Shout" is a track from the album "Songs from the Big Chair", released as the second single on November 1984. Frontman Roland Orzabal and keyboardist Ian Stanley wrote it. The single achieved significant success, reaching No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the US for three weeks starting on August 3, 1985.

Tears for Fears were influenced by the principles of American psychologist Arthur Janov's Primal Therapy, which involves confronting fears through shouting and screaming. The band derived their name from Janov's book 'Prisoners Of Pain'. Roland Orzabal, the lead singer, characterized it as "a simple song about protest." Orzabal initially composed the repetitive chorus on a small synthesizer and drum machine in his front room. Originally intended as an album track, producer Chris Hughes and Stanley believed it had global hit potential."

"Shout" marked a departure for Tears for Fears with its power chords, heavy percussion, synth bass solo, and vocal-sounding synth riff, along with a rare guitar solo. The B-side, "The Big Chair," features dialogue samples from the film "Sybil," performed by Sally Field and William Prince, which also inspired the album title. This song is notable as one of the few where Curt Smith shares a writing credit in the Tears for Fears catalog.

The promotional video for "Shout," filmed in late 1984 and directed by Nigel Dick, includes scenes of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith at Durdle Door in Dorset, England, along with footage in a studio where the full band, including Ian Stanley and Manny Elias, performs the song amidst a crowd of family and friends.

 

TEARS FOR FEARS - THE TIPPING POINT / BREAK THE MAN

THE TIPPING POINT

Released: October 7, 2021

"The Tipping Point" marks Tears for Fears' return to original music after a four-year hiatus, released as a single in October 2021. It serves as the lead single from their album of the same name, which debuted on 25 February 2022. Directed by Matt Mahurin, the song's video, released on 6 October 2021, notably features the band in their first promotional video appearance since 2005.

In the early 2010s, Roland Orzabal's wife, Caroline, battled alcohol-related dementia, and he dedicated five years to caring for her. She passed away in the summer of 2017. Reflecting on this experience, Orzabal penned a poignant song exploring his emotions. He recalls moments in Caroline's hospital room, contemplating the thin line between life and death as he observed other patients. The song, described as fiery yet intimate, delves into Orzabal's questioning of recognizing the "Tipping Point" – the moment someone transitions from life to death.

BREAK THE MAN

Released: January 13, 2022

“Break the Man” is the third single from the album "The Tipping Point" released on January 2022, one month before the release of the album. Curt Smith co-wrote the song with writer and producer Charlton Pettus.

"Break The Man" critiques toxic masculinity, influenced by Donald Trump's presidency and the #MeToo movement. The lyrics celebrate a strong woman who challenges and breaks down societal norms and gender stereotypes. Smith views this as a potential solution to many global issues, advocating for a more balanced relationship between men and women.

Curt Smith expressed a desire for female leadership that contrasts with traditional alpha male dominance, citing his admiration for the calm wisdom displayed by the strong women in his life, including his wife and daughters. Reflecting on the tumultuous presidency of Donald Trump, Smith criticized the emphasis on machismo and its negative consequences, suggesting that a more empathetic and inclusive leadership style from women could lead to a more harmonious society.

 

TEARS FOR FEARS - BREAK IT DOWN AGAIN (and some ELEMENTAL songs)

Released: May 17, 1993

Charted:  UK: #20   US: #25 

"Break It Down Again" was released in May 1993 as the lead single from the fourth studio album, “Elemental”. It was the second single released after Curt Smith's departure from the band. The song achieved moderate success, reaching number 20 in the United Kingdom and number 25 in the United States.

The music video directed by Dani Jacobs, features Roland Orzabal, Alan Griffiths, and Gail Ann Dorsey performing the song on the desert El Mirage Lake, California. This location is where the single's cover art and the “Elemental” album cover were also photographed.

"Bloodletting Go" is a b-side from the single "Break It Down Again," released during the “Elemental” era. It is highly regarded among fans as one of the best b-sides of the band, showcasing Roland Orzabal's creativity and a sense of freedom after Curt Smith's departure. The song is praised for its overall quality and musicality, capturing a moment where Orzabal's solo efforts during this period yielded some of the band's finest work. 

Many songs on “Elemental” album were influenced by Curt Smith's departure. Roland Orzabal explained to The Washington Post in 1993 that these songs, like "Break It Down Again" and "Fish Out of Water," reflect his emotional journey during that period. The song "Break It Down Again," much like the rest of “Elemental”, involved collaboration with peripheral band members Alan Griffiths and Tim Palmer, and featured backing vocals by John Baker, Orzabal's ex-Graduate bandmate.

"Fish Out of Water" is a song penned by Roland Orzabal and directed at Curt Smith, highlighting their strained relationship after Smith's departure from the band. In comparing "Fish Out of Water" to John Lennon's "How Do You Sleep?", Roland Orzabal draws a parallel to the intense critique Lennon directed at his former Beatles bandmate Paul McCartney. Lennon's song, released in 1971 on his "Imagine" album, was notable for its harsh lyrics and aimed directly at McCartney, reflecting their strained relationship post-Beatles breakup. Similarly, Orzabal's "Fish Out of Water" expresses pointed criticism towards his former Tears for Fears bandmate Curt Smith, highlighting personal and artistic tensions between them during that period. 

Orzabal likened the dynamic to parent-child conflict, with him urging Smith to mature and move on. The lyrics criticize Smith's lifestyle and choices, contrasting his self-image with reality. References to "Neptune's Kitchen," where Elemental was recorded, and Arthur Janov's book "The Primal Scream" add depth to the song's context, rooted in their shared history and influences. Smith later responded with "Sun King" on his own album, acknowledging the tension with amusement in hindsight.

"Brian Wilson Said" it's considered a tongue-in-cheek response to accusations that their previous single "Sowing the Seeds of Love" resembled The Beatles' "I Am the Walrus." The song starts with a nostalgic 1960s California sound reminiscent of The Beach Boys but evolves into a dreamy and beautiful piece as it progresses. Its placement after "Power" on the album enhances its thematic and sonic context.

"Goodnight Song" is a track from the 1993 album “Elemental”. While it was released as a single in North America and certain European countries, it did not see a release in the UK. Despite this, it achieved minor success in Canada. The song is noted for its beauty and a closing riff that evokes the feeling of being drawn back in like waves, creating a sense of longing for the fading song not to end.