When I think back to my childhood growing up in a peaceful town of Staten Island, one of my favorite 80’s groups were Tears For Fears.
As a kid, I recognized the unique talent of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith early on. Of course, my introduction to them was with their classic hit, “Everybody Wants To Rule The World.” Who didn’t love that song? There was so much passion and conviction in how it was sung and played.
Here we are all this time later and they’ve returned to release a new album The Tipping Point. We’re in 2022! Only you wouldn’t know it by how remarkable they sound playing the old hits from almost 40 years ago. I definitely feel nostalgic hearing Curt Smith deliver the lyrics and Roland Orzabal play the guitar and synthesize like a harmony.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d honestly think I time machined back to 1985. A year of decadence where I’m instantly reminded of Tears For Fears, Back To The Future, Bryan Adams, Max Headroom, Spuds MacKenzie, MTV, The Goonies, Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Simple Minds, The Cars, The Police, Little League, bowling and Great Adventure.
While Simple Minds had the memorable hit song, “Don’t You Forget About Me,” featured in The Breakfast Club, Tears For Fears had “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” featured at the epic conclusion of Real Genius. A very overlooked 80’s movie about students experimenting with science along with a foolish teacher. I will always love the ending and laugh at it. If you’ve seen it, you know why. If you haven’t, I highly recommend it. Plus it’s one of Val Kilmer’s first roles.
“Mad World” actually came out before “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” and “Shout,” which remains a popular anthem for social outcasts in high school. The more I’ve listened to Tears For Fears over the years, the better I came to appreciate the introduction of their music. It had a catchy new wave pop rock sound that made them distinct. Something I noticed about that era with other bands such as The Cars, Depeche Mode, The Cure and Simple Minds. You can easily list others.
The debut album The Hurting came out in March 1983. “Mad World” is another one of those songs where you can really feel what they’re saying in the lyrics. Their delivery isn’t as depressing as Gary Jules’ cover. But it can be interpreted that way.
The dreams in which I’m dying are the best I’ve ever had
I find it hard to tell you ’cause I find it hard to take
When people run in circles, it’s a very very…
Mad World
Mad World
Mad World
Mad World
The words are very meaningful. I feel like most of us can relate. I’ve been there. Being the new kid on the block, I was picked on for no reason at all. I didn’t let it get me. You had to be tough. Eventually, I got respect. Whether it’s that or in school, that’s a part of childhood that still exists. I’m glad there’s more stigma attached to anxiety and depression. It can stem from bullying or other complicated situations. Bullying is even worse now due to social media. We need to stay on top of it. Kids are mean. Cliques exist. They’re toxic.
I also love “Pale Shelter” from that album. It has that distinct sound that makes their music stand out. I also recommend “Change,” to anyone. It’s also very good. What it comes down to is Tears For Fears are great. You can listen to other tracks back to the late 80’s including from The Seeds of Love album and appreciate it. “Woman In Chains,” is a great song that’s very different from most of their stuff.
Ironically, Curt and Roland split up following the 1990 tour of that third album. While big hits highlighted the second album Songs from the Big Chair including the catchy “Head Over Heels” and “I Believe,” their music holds up. That’s why they can return now and stay relevant. Even better, new fans can discover their music and unique sound, realizing that it’s very complete compared to some of the artificially computerized, manufactured crap that’s available. I’m not suggesting all music now is bad. It’s just changed.
“As a band, we came from the programmed pop era of the early ’80s and we had inherited a sense of structure that permeated almost all our music. The way we were working was becoming too sterile. We wanted to do something more colourful, something that sounded big and warm. You cannot get that from machines. You only get that with real musicians and real players.”-Curt Smith
It’s interesting that another popular act Duran Duran has also returned with a new album. They still sound unbelievable. They have their own distinct sound and songs that fans love. Of course, another great English act like Tears For Fears who make you think anything is possible. Even now.
Curt and his daughter Diva performed that cover of “Mad World” during the pandemic. Great stuff. It’s phenomenal. This is something we’ve seen a lot of since March 2020. Taylor Momsen being one of my favorite current lead singers with her powerful voice shining through during the release of The Pretty Reckless album Death by Rock and Roll delivering on its promise last year. Combined with her great covers of Chris Cornell, it really helped.
I would definitely say that’s the positive of social media. When you can have musicians bringing great songs to you on Instagram or other free platforms where fans can tip the artists. Those are the kind of quality people I follow. They genuinely care about mental health and what’s happening currently in Ukraine. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
The one thing I come away thinking about the self-titled album track, “The Tipping Point”, is how fresh it sounds. The harmony between Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal is still there. They have a remarkable chemistry that stands the test of time.
It’s a very good song that delivers. I like the words too. This is a bit different from their old stuff. It’s a very haunting song and you can feel it in the lyrics. The video fits. Most fans are extremely happy and excited to have them back. Their music is needed now.
Welcome back Tears For Fears. We’ve missed you! ✨💜⭐
HITTING BACK 