SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TEARS FOR FEARS – SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR (40th ANNIVERSARY)

TEARS FOR FEARS
SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR (40th ANNIVERSARY)
UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Songs From the Big Chair, released in 1985, was Tears for Fears’ second album. And during the mid-1980s, it took the world by storm. Now, to celebrate its 40th anniversary, a double album and a three-CD set have been assembled featuring an assortment of goodies for new and old fans. The album is, quite rightly, recognized as a classic album which not only sold truck loads, but produced many hit singles that reached saturation level on the radio in 1985-1986 and are still heard regularly on the radio, “Head Over Heels,” “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Mothers Talk” were songs that one could not only be heard on the radio, but the respective videos became iconic on all the video channels.

However, in the centre of the numbers and reviews is one brilliant album. I think the success took the duo, Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, by surprise as much as the rock world. I am not sure that anyone thought that an album with nods toward prog rock with songs about insecurities, depression and the end of the world would be chart toppers. But they did it with such catchy melodies and good dance beats. Whatever the reason, Songs from the Big Chair became a classic album, and rightfully so. It is extremely well produced and every song on the album is essential.

This new re-release is the most complete compilation of the album yet. Ten years ago, there was a box set, but this triple CD gathers together all the released versions of these songs. It is great to have “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” included, because that was originally a single only release variation of the “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” The single was a charity record and the theme song for Sport Aid, an off shoot of Live Aid. It is an interesting piece of Tears for Fears history. Elsewhere, one gets to hear “I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording).” which delivers as promised. It is a great version. That was another single release, and the original B-side “Sea Song” is also included. It is a wonderful, slow, melancholic track that would not have been out of place on the original album

With Songs from the Big Chair (40th Anniversary), fans can get a more complete view of the album. There are a number of versions of some songs, but each one is different enough to keep the listener interested. I was fascinated by the U.S. mixes/versions of some of the songs, such as “Mothers Talk” and “Shout,” for example. They are not radically different, but it is interesting to hear how record companies remixed a song for their market.

Songs from the Big Chair (40th Anniversary) is a well thought out and excellent new take on such a brilliant album. The album is there, in all its glory, but the bonus material gives the listener a chance to hear everything at the time, and how it all came together for Tears for Fears. Although many will say how different Songs from the Big Chair was from their debut album, The Hurting, to these ears, it is a continuation. Perhaps it was more accessible, but it really demonstrates how much the duo not only matured in two years but mastered the studio. Tears for Fears were one of the most interesting bands of the 1980s, Songs from the Big Chair (40th Anniversary) goes a long way to support that claim.

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