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.