NORMAN GREENBAUM / DOCTOR AND THE MEDICS / GARETH GATES - SPIRIT IN THE SKY

Versió de Norman Greenbaum Publicada: desembre de 1969

Llistes: Regne Unit: #1 (2 setmanes)  EUA: #3 

Versió Doctor and the Medics Publicada: 28 d'abril de 1986

Llistes: Regne Unit: #1 (3 setmanes)   EUA: #69 

Versió de Gareth Gates Publicada: 10 de març de 2003

Llistes: Regne Unit:#1 (2 setmanes)

"Spirit in the Sky" de Norman Greenbaum és una cançó clàssica de rock que va gaudir d'una immensa popularitat després del seu llançament el 1969. El seu ritme i tornada contagiosos van contribuir al seu èxit a les llistes de vendes, arribant al primer lloc en diversos països com el Regne Unit, Austràlia i Canadà. Als Estats Units, va assolir el número 3 al Billboard Hot 100, convertint-se en disc d'or i venent milions de còpies.

"Spirit in the Sky" de Norman Greenbaum s'inspira en diverses influències musicals, incloent-hi la música country i el blues tradicional del sud. La idea original va sorgir d'una cançó sobre un predicador interpretada pel cantant de country Porter Wagoner. Malgrat el seu origen jueu, Greenbaum va optar per utilitzar "Jesus" a la lletra creient que seria més comercialment atractiu per a un himne religiós de rock. Mentre la música va trigar mesos a finalitzar-se, la lletra van arribar-li relativament ràpid.

"Spirit in the Sky" té la distinció única d'arribar al número u al Regne Unit tres vegades per tres artistes diferents. La versió original de Norman Greenbaum va liderar les llistes el 1970, seguida per Doctor and the Medics el 1986, i Gareth Gates i The Kumars el 2003.

La versió de Doctor and the Medics va aconseguir un èxit significatiu, liderant la UK Singles Chart durant tres setmanes al juny de 1986. A Nova Zelanda, la cançó va arribar al número 2 a les llistes de RIANZ Singles Chart, mentre que al Canadà va ocupar el primer lloc durant una setmana i va ser un dels singles més venuts de 1986. La British Phonographic Industry (BPI) va certificar la cançó amb disc de plata, en reconeixement de les seves vendes al Regne Unit, mentre que la Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) li va atorgar l'estatus de platí.

Clive Jackson, el cantant principal de Doctor & The Medics, va reconèixer la seva admiració per la cançó de Norman Greenbaum, tot reconeixent el seu estil distintiu com a "hippy dippy". Tot i anticipar que el seu èxit podria ser efímer, van gaudir del moment i van celebrar la popularitat de la cançó.

En un gir interessant, Norman Greenbaum es va trobar inesperadament novament al primer pla després que "Spirit in the Sky" tornés a ressorgir en popularitat. En aquell moment, gestionava un bar d’hamburgueses i va ser acomiadat a causa de l'arribada d'una gran quantitat de trucades telefòniques per preguntar per la ressurrecció de la cançó.

La versió del 2003 va ser un esforç caritatiu per a la fundació Comic Relief del Regne Unit, coneguda per les seves activitats de recaptació de fons poc convencionals destinades a recolzar persones desfavorides al Regne Unit i a l'Àfrica. Gareth Gates, acompanyat de The Kumars, una família de comèdia britànica-asiàtica, va gravar la versió. Durant la interpretació de Gates, The Kumars van intercalar comentaris còmics, afegint un gir humorístic amb temàtica cristiana a la cançó.

La col·laboració va destacar la ironia d'una família hindú cantant una cançó amb temàtica cristiana, incorporant sitars i elements de producció asiàtics a la música. El vídeo musical que l'acompanyava seguia un tema bollywoodenc. Meera Syal, interpretant a la Dària Shushil Ummi Kumar, va proporcionar les veus de suport no acreditades per a la cançó.

NORMAN GREENBAUM / DOCTOR AND THE MEDICS / GARETH GATES - SPIRIT IN THE SKY

Norman Greenbaum version Released: December 1969

Charted: UK:#1 ( 2 weeks) US: #3 

Doctor and the Medics version Released: April 28, 1986

Charted: UK: #1 ( 3 weeks) US: #69 

Gareth Gates version Released: March 10, 2003

Charted: UK:#1 ( 2 weeks) 

"Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum is a classic rock song that enjoyed immense popularity upon its release in 1969. The track's infectious groove and catchy chorus contributed to its success on the charts, reaching the top spot in multiple countries including the UK, Australia, and Canada. In the US, it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a gold record and selling millions of copies.

Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" draws inspiration from various musical influences, including country music and traditional southern blues. The original idea stemmed from a song about a preacher by country singer Porter Wagoner. Despite his Jewish background, Greenbaum opted to use "Jesus" in the song's lyrics, believing it would be more commercially appealing for a religious rock anthem. While the music took months to finalize, the lyrics came to him relatively quickly. 

"Spirit in the Sky" holds the unique distinction of reaching number one in the UK three times by three different acts. Norman Greenbaum's original version topped the charts in 1970, followed by Doctor and the Medics in 1986, and Gareth Gates and The Kumars in 2003.

Doctor and the Medics' rendition achieved significant success, topping the UK Singles Chart for three weeks in June 1986. In New Zealand, the song reached No. 2 on the RIANZ Singles Chart, while in Canada, it claimed the No. 1 spot for a week and was among the top-selling singles of 1986. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) certified the song silver, denoting its sales achievement in the UK, while the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) awarded it platinum status.

Clive Jackson, lead singer of Doctor & The Medics, acknowledged their admiration for Norman Greenbaum's song while also recognizing its distinctive style as "hippy dippy." Despite their anticipation that their success might be short-lived, they enjoyed the moment and celebrated the song's popularity.

In an interesting twist, Norman Greenbaum found himself unexpectedly thrust back into the limelight after "Spirit in the Sky" resurged in popularity. He was managing a hamburger bar at the time and was let go due to the influx of phone calls inquiring about the song's resurgence. 

The 2003 version was a charitable endeavor for the UK Comic Relief charity, known for its unconventional fundraising activities aimed at supporting disadvantaged individuals in the UK and Africa. Gareth Gates, accompanied by The Kumars, a fictional British-Asian comedy family, recorded the rendition. During Gates' performance, The Kumars interjected with comedic commentary, adding a humorous twist to the Christian-themed song.

The collaboration highlighted the irony of a Hindu family singing a Christian-themed song, incorporating sitars and Asian production elements into the music. The accompanying music video followed a Hollywood theme, further enhancing the creative juxtaposition. Meera Syal, portraying Granny Shushil Ummi Kumar, provided uncredited backing vocals for the song.

 

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.