Album Information:

About Tears For Fears:

Tears For Fears is an English band formed in the early 1980s. The band consisted of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, who were both born in Bath, England. They initially formed a band called Graduate, but when they weren't successful, they decided to create Tears For Fears. They released their debut album, 'The Hurting,' in 1983, which was a huge success in the UK.

Their second album, 'Songs From The Big Chair,' was released in 1985 and was a commercial success worldwide. The album featured hit singles like 'Shout,' 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World,' and 'Head Over Heels.' These songs are still popular today and have been covered by artists like Lorde and Miley Cyrus.

The band's third album, 'The Seeds Of Love,' was released in 1989 and featured a more experimental sound. The album took four years to record and featured guest musicians like Oleta Adams, Phil Collins, and Pino Palladino.

After the release of 'The Seeds Of Love,' Curt Smith left the band to pursue a solo career, and Roland Orzabal continued as Tears For Fears. The band went on hiatus for several years until they reunited in 2000. They released their fourth album, 'Everybody Loves A Happy Ending,' in 2004 and went on a successful tour.

Tears For Fears has influenced many artists over the years, and their music continues to be popular. They have sold over 30 million albums worldwide and have been nominated for several awards, including the Grammy Awards.

About the album Songs From The Big Chair:

Songs From The Big Chair is the second studio album by British band Tears For Fears, released in 1985. The album was an instant success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and the US, and staying in the top position for weeks.

The album opens with 'Shout', an anthemic synth-pop classic that dominates the whole album. The song's rhythm is fuelled by a simple electronic beat, and the lyrics that seem to speak directly to the individual listener. 'The Working Hour' follows, a mid-tempo ballad with a lush arrangement featuring strings, piano and a subtle guitar solo.

'Everybody Wants to Rule The World' is the album's biggest hit and a staple of 80s pop anthems. The track's memorable synth hook, along with Roland Orzabal's emotive vocals and the driving rhythm section, makes it an iconic song of its time. 'Mothers Talk' is another highlight, driven by a funky bassline and featuring striking harmonies.

'Head Over Heels' is a richly orchestrated ballad dominated by a dreamy synth sound, while 'I Believe' is a track with a powerful message of hope backed by soaring choruses and Orzabal's impassioned vocals. 'Broken' is a poignant instrumentals with an elaborate piano theme.

The album finishes on a high note with 'Listen', a sweeping ballad with a beautiful arrangement that rests on electronic piano, horns and soaring strings. The song features a stunning chorus that adds to the album's already impressive conclusion.

Songs From The Big Chair is one of the quintessential albums of the 1980s, a pop masterpiece that retains its cultural and musical relevance to this day. It is an album that showcases Tears For Fears' impressive musicianship and songwriting skills, while simultaneously capturing the mood and spirit of the decade. Whether you're a fan of 80s pop or simply great music, Songs From The Big Chair is a must-have.

Members:

Tears For Fears is primarily made up of two key members: Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.

Roland Orzabal:

Roland Orzabal was born on August 22, 1961, in Havant, England. He was interested in music from a young age, learning to play guitar and piano as a teenager. He formed Tears For Fears in 1981 with Curt Smith, and the band quickly gained popularity with their unique synth-pop sound. Orzabal was the primary songwriter for the group, and he also played guitar, keyboards, and sang lead vocals on many of their songs. He was known for his introspective lyrics and thoughtful songwriting. Orzabal has continued to work in the music industry, releasing solo albums and collaborating with other musicians. He is also a producer and songwriter, working with artists like Oleta Adams.

Curt Smith:

Curt Smith was born on June 24, 1961, in Bath, England. He first met Roland Orzabal in the early 1980s while they were both working as session musicians. They quickly formed Tears For Fears and had their first hit single with 'Mad World' in 1982. Smith played bass guitar and sang backing vocals for the band, and he also wrote some of their songs. He was known for his smooth vocal style and melodic bass lines. After Tears For Fears disbanded in 1990, Smith released several solo albums and collaborated with other musicians. He also reunited with Orzabal for the Tears For Fears album 'Everybody Loves a Happy Ending' in 2004, and the band continued to tour and record together.

Other notable members of Tears For Fears include:

Ian Stanley:

Ian Stanley was born on February 28, 1957, in Warrington, England. He joined Tears For Fears in 1982 as a keyboardist and co-writer, and he contributed to some of the band's biggest hits, including 'Shout' and 'Everybody Wants to Rule The World.' Stanley left the band in 1989 to pursue a career as a producer and songwriter.

Manny Elias:

Manny Elias was born on March 12, 1959, in Alexandria, Egypt. He joined Tears For Fears as a drummer in 1982 and played on some of their most famous recordings, including 'Shout' and 'Everybody Wants to Rule The World.' He left the band in 1990 to pursue other projects.

Track List for Songs From The Big Chair:

1. Shout (6:33)
The album's lead single and opening track, 'Shout' features a memorable chorus and an anthemic sound. The lyrics imply a call for people to speak up and not remain silent to the injustices in the world.

2. The Working Hour (6:30)
A slower-paced track compared to the album's opener, 'The Working Hour' has a moody, atmospheric feel. The lyrics tackle themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence.

3. Everybody Wants to Rule the World (4:11)
Perhaps the band's most famous song, 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' is an upbeat pop hit that features a catchy melody and a memorable chorus. Lyrically, the song speaks to the idea of people wanting power and control.

4. Mothers Talk (5:04)
With a groovy bassline and funk-inspired instrumentation, 'Mothers Talk' is a track that is hard to sit still to. The lyrics address the idea of communication breakdowns and the difficulties of motherhood.

5. I Believe (4:54)
Featuring a gospel-style backing chorus, 'I Believe' is a deeply emotional track that discusses the struggles of faith and hope.

6. Broken (2:38)
The shortest track on the album, 'Broken' is a brief instrumental interlude that features ambient sounds and a hazy atmosphere.

7. Head Over Heels (5:02)
One of the album's most romantic tracks, 'Head Over Heels' is a love song that features gentle instrumentation and dreamy vocals.

8. Broken (Live) (4:17)
A live version of the album's brief instrumental interlude, this track features a similar soundscape to the original but with a live, energetic flair.

9. Listen (6:54)
The album's closing track, 'Listen' is an epic ballad driven by a soaring chorus and uplifting lyrics about the power of music. It showcases the band's anthemic sound and brings the album to a triumphant close.

Discography for Tears For Fears:

Sure, here is the complete discography for Tears for Fears in chronological order:

**Albums:**

1. The Hurting (1983)
2. Songs from the Big Chair (1985)
3. The Seeds of Love (1989)
4. Elemental (1993)
5. Raoul and the Kings of Spain (1995)
6. Everybody Loves a Happy Ending (2004)
7. Rule the World: The Greatest Hits (2017)

**Singles:**

1. 'Suffer the Children' (1982)
2. 'Pale Shelter' (1982)
3. 'Mad World' (1982)
4. 'Change' (1983)
5. 'The Way You Are' (1983)
6. 'Mothers Talk' (1984)
7. 'Shout' (1984)
8. 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' (1985)
9. 'Head over Heels' (1985)
10. 'I Believe (a Soulful Re-Recording)' (1985)
11. 'Mother's Talk (U.S. Remix)' (1986)
12. 'The Seeds of Love' (1989)
13. 'Woman in Chains' (1989)
14. 'Advice for the Young at Heart' (1990)
15. 'Famous Last Words' (1990)
16. 'Laid So Low (Tears Roll Down)' (1992)
17. 'Break It Down Again' (1993)
18. 'Elemental' (1993)
19. 'Goodnight Song' (1993)
20. 'God's Mistake' (1995)
21. 'Raoul and the Kings of Spain' (1995)
22. 'Closest Thing to Heaven' (2004)

**Other Releases:**

1. Tears Roll Down (Greatest Hits 82–92) (1992)
2. Saturnine Martial & Lunatic (1996)
3. Secret World Live in Paris (2006)
4. Live from Santa Barbara (2011)
5. Scenes from the Big Chair (2014)

I hope that helps!