"Suffer the Children" was Tears for Fears' debut single, released in October 1981. This song marks the beginning of Tears For Fears' journey after leaving previous band Graduate. The original single was produced by David Lord at Crescent Studios in Bath, England. Later, the song was re-recorded for inclusion on Tears for Fears' debut album "The Hurting" (1983), this time produced by Chris Hughes and Ross Cullum.
Roland Orzabal write the song, and was his first exploration into using sequencers and drum machines. The track showcases essential Tears For Fears elements such as a slowly building introduction, nostalgic synth sounds, and a notable guitar solo. This song set the stage for their distinctive sound and style as Tears For Fears.
"Suffer the Children" serves as a critique aimed at parents who neglect their children emotionally. Orzabal and Curt Smith, proponents of primal therapy developed by psychologist Arthur Janov, emphasized the nurture side of the nature vs. nurture debate. They believed that children are born innocent and their upbringing heavily influences their development, including their fears and behaviors. Orzabal expressed this sentiment in the liner notes of the 1999 remastered album, reflecting on the complexities of parenting and urging parents to reconsider their actions towards their children.
"Suffer the Children" was initially released as a single exclusively in the United Kingdom in 1981, available in both 7" and 12" formats. The 7" version featured the original recording of the song, while the 12" included remix and instrumental versions. Despite receiving airplay from influential Radio 1 DJs like John Peel and Peter Powell, the single did not chart. In 1985, following the success of Tears for Fears' second album "Songs from the Big Chair," Phonogram Records reissued the single with a new variation of the original picture sleeve. The reissue maintained the same formats and track listings as the 1981 release but achieved moderate success, narrowly missing the UK top 50. Notably, no music video was produced for "Suffer the Children."
TEARS FOR FEARS - CHANGE
Estrenada: 28 de gener de 1983
Llistes: Regne Unit: #4 EUA: #73
"Change" és una cançó escrita per Roland Orzabal i cantada pel baixista Curt Smith. Inicialment llançada com el quart single de la banda, es va convertir en el segon èxit del seu àlbum debut "The Hurting" i en el segon èxit dins del Top 5 del Regne Unit després de "Mad World". També va ser el primer single de Tears for Fears que va entrar a les llistes dels Estats Units, debutant al Billboard Hot 100 l’agost de 1983. "Change" va aconseguir un èxit internacional significatiu, arribant al Top 40 en diversos països arreu del món.
La versió single replica la mescla que es troba a l'àlbum "The Hurting", tot i que en una forma lleugerament editada. En el maxi-single, una remescla estesa de la cançó ocupa un lloc destacat com a pista principal. Mentre que moltes còpies del maxi-single inclouen la mescla del single com una de les cares B, algunes presenten una gravació completament diferent. Aquesta mescla alternativa, etiquetada com la "Nova Versió", apareix a la versió en casset del Regne Unit de "The Hurting" com a pista extra.
L'àlbum debut de Tears for Fears és sovint destacat pel seu estil indie de synth-rock nou-romàntic, tot i que algunes pistes poden ser vistes com menys accessibles. "Change" es distingeix com la pista més enganxosa i orientada al pop de l'àlbum. La cançó es nota per la part hipnòtica de marimba que persisteix durant tota la cançó, contrastant amb el treball anterior de la banda a "The Hurting". Aquesta pista va marcar un gir cap a un so més enèrgic en comparació amb el seu material anterior. La seva tornada irresistible va contribuir al seu èxit al Regne Unit després de llançaments anteriors menys exitosos.
La lletra, que es centra en el comportament destructiu d'una persona estimada, es veu com menys absorvent en comparació amb altres cançons de "The Hurting" com "Mad World" o "Pale Shelter". "Change" explora temes de transformació personal, autoconeixement i les complexitats de les relacions. Les frases dibuixen la imatge d'una persona que ha canviat significativament, inicialment retractada com freda i distant, gairebé com una imatge estàtica. La repetició de "Quan ja és massa tard, ja és massa tard" suggereix una sensació d'oportunitats perdudes o de penediment, destacant com el narrador s’adona que el temps ha passat sense abordar qüestions o sentiments importants.
TEARS FOR FEARS - CHANGE
Released: January 28, 1983
Charted: UK: #4 US: #73
"Change" is a song written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith. Initially released as the band's fourth single, it became the second hit from their debut album “The Hurting” and their second UK Top 5 chart success after "Mad World". It also marked Tears for Fears' first charting single in the United States, entering the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1983. "Change" achieved significant international success, reaching the Top 40 in multiple countries around the world.
The 7" version mirrors the mix found on Tears for Fears' debut album, "The Hurting," albeit in a slightly edited form. On the 12" single, an extended remix of the song takes center stage as the lead track. While many copies of the 12" single include the 7" mix of the song as one of the B-sides, some feature an entirely different recording. This alternative mix, labeled the "New Version," appears on the UK cassette release of "The Hurting" as a bonus track.
Tears for Fears' debut album is often noted for its indie new romantic synth-rock style, though some tracks may be seen as less accessible. "Change" stands out as the most immediately catchy and pop-oriented track on the album. The song is noted for its hypnotic marimba part that persists throughout, contrasting with the band's earlier work on "The Hurting." This track marked a shift towards a more driving sound compared to their previous material. Its memorable chorus contributed to its success as Tears for Fears' first UK hit after earlier less successful releases.
The lyrics, focusing on the destructive behavior of a loved one, are seen as less self-absorbed compared to other songs on "The Hurting" like "Mad World" or "Pale Shelter." "Change" explores themes of personal transformation, self-awareness, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who has undergone significant change, portrayed initially as cool and distant, almost like a static image. The repetition of "When it's all too late, it's all too late" in the pre-chorus suggests a sense of missed opportunities or regrets, highlighting the narrator's realization that time has passed without addressing important questions or feelings.
4.7.24
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.
