Reviews (page 8 of 14)
So many hits on this album! I don’t listen to a ton of 80s music, but I do like Tears for Fears and I got to see them in concert once. Head Over Heels is my favorite song on this record.
Songs From the Big Chair is Tears for Fears' second album, and the work that pushed the pair to world-wide fame. Tears for Fears made very well produced synth-pop, and their work dominated the pop charts in the 80's. This album includes two of the band's biggest hits: "Shout" and "Everybody wants to Rule the Word." The later has become one of the canonical songs: it's a tune that has had such enduring popularity that everyone in the world may recognize the chorus.
never actually listened to the combination of Broken and Head over Heels before now, I have a whole lot more appreciation for both songs as a singular entity now
Really well done - I must listen to it again at some point because I've been suffering poor connectivity issues where I'm at here. This really is a great example of what an album should be; there's such a distinct sonic texture to this album, and it feels cohesive and well done. There's a melancholic mystery and mystique to it, and yet, a palpable sense of wonder. I guess I could associate with deep, warm ocean shades of black and blue with fairy pink and white. I adore Listen. Everybody Wants to Rule The World and Shout is great too, and I love the jazzier songs like The Working Hour. Musicality: 9/10 Exceptional execution with masterful skill and artistry. Lyricism: 8/10 Strong, thoughtful, and engaging lyrics. Earnestly, Everybody Rules the World is the biggest contributor here - though the others aren't slackers. That's a 10/10. Production Quality: 9/10 Near-perfect; flawlessly mixed and produced. Artistic Expression: 9/10 Highly innovative and groundbreaking, with a powerful artistic voice. Cohesiveness and Flow: 7/10 Very cohesive, with a well-thought-out structure. Replay Value: 7/10 High; many tracks are enjoyable to revisit. Total: 8.2/10
A terrific album that covers all the bases and I'm sure still helps pay the bills.
A really impressive array of tunes that became part of everyday life
Have liked this ever since it came out. Hadn't listened to it for some time so was very glad to listen to it again. Have added their albums I don't own to favorites for future listening.
a couple classics. Those perms are hilarious. very 80's. 3 stars basically for some banging singles/haristyles.
4/5 - landmark but still not really my cup of tea
Luxurious mullets? Hilariously bad knitwear? Layer upon layer of synth? I'm not sure, but I might have landed back in the early 80s. Which, in the case of this album, is no bad thing. This was always on heavy rotation in our house thanks to my two older brothers, so one I feel I know well. The big hits are there, but "Head over Heels" was always (and remains) my favourite - glossy, luscious, over the top production with soaring vocals - a thing of beauty.
Quite fun.
Let’s begin by not discussing the two big hits. They stand alone, and are too big for me to see them in the context of an entire album. They also sound like they might be the work of a “singles” band, although past research tells me that’s not really the case. Anyway, I’m going to judge this album based on the other 6 tracks. Yes, 6!!! These songs are long, but for an album released in the CD era, I expected there to be maybe 12 tracks. Perhaps that’s a sign that there’s no filler? Let’s see… Oh geez! This is cheese! I mean that the FM synthesis is all over it. The same goes for the rhythms. They’re really enjoying themselves playing with programmed South American inspired beats, that’s for sure. I wonder what part of England these two Pommies lived in? Was it a mecca for West Indians? Then we have the smoky bar-room jazz (ish) “I Believe”. Not bad, but not my style. If they’d sold this song to a diva of the times, it might have found a lucrative home. Finally! “Broken” is fire! I love the production and there’s an actual guitar front and centre, leading to, oh… I know this song! I didn’t realise from the name that “Head Over Heels” was also a big hit. OK, I guess the album as a whole can be judged with the inclusion of the hits, as they make up over a third of the album. But… that pesky DX7 is back, along with some random samples, covering for the fact that “Listen” is an incomplete song. A decent album, but I’d rather play their “Best of”.
Amazing 4.5/5 Standout tracks: - Shout (of course) - Everybody Wants To Rule The World (of course) - Head Over Heels / Broken - Mothers Talk <3 <3
Okay did not know Tears for Fears had so many great songs in one album. Aside from the big ones I loved The Working Hour and Head Over Heels/Broken
I forgot how much I like this album. I'm 11 again and singing Head over Heels off key in a most sincere way. However I really like Listen the more I hear it. Nostalgia!!
Liked that!
I enjoyed this! Even though I liked the Tears for Fears songs I knew already it would never have occurred to me to listen to one of their albums. On an unrelated note, I think my dad said he met one of these guys in a smoking area one time. I should ask him about that...
a great pop album from the heady days at North Staff Poly
The rise of synth pop and its changing sounds.
All time great synthpop tracks mixed in with enjoyable deep cuts makes this a well rounded album. One of the final huge hits of the 80s before adult contemporary had a death grip on the decade.
Good album. This album is a more sophisticated and restrained than the typical synth-pop, 80s hits. The production is very dialed, lending to a nice atmosphere throughout the album. There are two big classic hits here with "Shout" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World." I like this one, and it is probably at the apex of where 80s synth-pop can reach for me. ****
Great album
This has some good songs on it. It's insane to me that they didn't really go further.
An absolute gem that encapsulates the 80s mood
What to say about this one. Listened to the full thing on a flight and then listened to each of the singles a bunch more times to round out the flight time. The singles are standouts on the album. I liked the whole back half better than the front half. A very solid 4.
The hits are hits but w
damned good!
i think everybody wants to rule the world is one of the best songs ever written, and i was happy to learn that it sits on an album worthy of it. this is THEE new wave album as far as i'm concerned, it couldn't get any better than this
Beautiful. I can sit quietly and listen to all these songs in my mind.
Ох да, наш любимый дынька дарко, в котором звучала песня из этого альбома. В дискографии группы считается самым значимым, хотя звучание на 4 вродь пойдёт (даже с натяжкой). Есть цепляющие песни, безусловно, но лично мне, в основном, было слушать чут чут скучно.
A bit of filler, otherwise good hits
Great album. Liked the hits as a child, so biased, but still enjoyed myself now.
Classic 80s, great vibes.
I wanna sit in the Big Chair
4.8 Este álbum es espectacular. Broken - Head over heels/broken es otra cosa. Temazos.
Head Over Heels rules the world
I really loved listening to this album. I knew so many of the deeper cuts, making me realize perhaps they aren’t that deep!
A very 80's album with some absolute bangers. The middle does drag a little though
3.5 rounded up. It reminds me a lot of Depeche Mode, if not quite as good. Synths, reverb, and a dark sound are usually a winning formula for me.
Some anthems on here
I forgot how good this album was. Seems like a mix of very catchy and somewhat inventive music.
Shout- I've never really been a fan of this song, however, it is nostalgic. It's not a bad song, it's just not that great. I'll just go with this is a good song. It reminds me of being an angsty teen and wanting to scream into my pillow. The Working Hour- the saxophone is scaring me. I have come to the conclusion that I do not like the saxophone. This is a dramatic bittersweet song. It seems pretty mediocre, but it's not bad. Everbody Wants To Rule The World- this is such an iconic and nostalgic song. I can't even say anything bad about it. This is a good, upbeat song. I feel empowered listening to this. Mothers Talk- this is a catchy, heavy, and nostalgic song. It sounds upbeat, yet when you listen to the lyrics, it doesn't seem so happy anymore. This is a good song. I Believe- this is a slow and haunting song. This is also a mediocre song. It starts off slow and it ends slow. The saxophone is not helping, either. This is my least favorite track off the album. Broken- by itself, it is still a good song. It is catchy. It feels weird listening to it, though, because it is the final part of Head Over Heels. Head Over Heels- this is a nostalgic song. The bass does it justice. Although I never really liked it as a kid, it is better than I remember it being. This is not the best track off of the album, however, it is still good. Listen- it starts off with a sweet melody. I feel like I'm in a movie listening to this, specifically Heathers. It doesn't have many words and instead relies on sound effects. I have mixed emotions for this song. Overall- this album is definetly worth the listen. It is easy to forget how good some of these songs are after you haven't heard them in a of couple years. It feels so nostalgic and it captures the sound of the 80s. 4/5
Love it. Great album.
Hermosísimo, muy actual.
B+ Shout 4 The Working Hour 4 Everybody Wants To Rule The World 4 Mothers Talk 4 I Believe 4 Broken 3 Head Over Heels / Broken 5 Listen 3 WOW this was a shocker. I'm an 80s slut at heart.
This was literally a PERFECT ALBUM for the times when it was released. Different, ultra creative, bone rattling music that you could understand the lyrics of and feel heart-moved. Still, to me it's pop and even though it's overplayed I'll give it 4 stars.
unexpactably enjoyed a lot couple of simular tracks, but mostly unusual 4 bri'ish rock sound
good
There’s three songs on this record that are among my absolute favorites. The rest range from good to forgettable. But I still vibe with the record overall. 4/5
Solid older people tunes
Atmospheric. Take me to the 80s.
Zou dit uit de 80's komen
I love Tears for Fears. There are a couple week spots on this album, but not many. Head over Heels and Everybody Wants to Rule the World, are all timers.
Not bad. Electropop fun. I would listen again.
I love this album and every song on it...but it's too short. That's my only complaint. However, for that reason, I prefer "The Hurting" over this album. However, this is an album I will go back to over and over, regularly, throughout my entire life.
Cool and atmospheric. Definitely 80s. Kind of musical and experimental too. Liked it.
Intelligent progressive pop. It doesn’t always excite but it’s a quality production.
Hits a tricky sweet spot between almost ambient synth atmospherics, and singalong anthems.
Highlights: The Working Hour, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Head Over Heels, Listen. In a nutshell: a synth-pop new-wave staple. Lyrically and sonically mature compared to previous album The Hurting. Tacking a live track (Broken) after Head Over Heels didn't feel right. Mel Collins (the saxophonist from the Rolling Stones track Miss You) makes an appearance. Overall: 8/10
Shout is a classic, album opens with a wave of sound and nostalgia for 80s nostalgia that I used to listen to in the early 2000s. Subwoofer in the back seat times.
A ton of huge hits on one album. You can taste the 80's pop.
This reminds me of the New Gold Dream Simple Minds album due to the 80's vibes and standout hits that I'd heard of before. Everybody Wants to Rule the World is definitely the best song for me by a mile, but upon subsequent listens the rest of the album is a little boring but still pretty good.
I’m not sure if I’m biased because yesterday was so bad, but this was quite good. 8/10
8/10 - Tears For Fears has a very interesting style of making music that I quite enjoy. Obviously Everybody wants to rule the world is well known for being a great song but the other songs on the album were pretty good and enjoyed Listen quite a bit as well.
One of those albums that just sounds super 80s, but it also works very well here. Bunch of really good songs, good album, and I really cannot decide whether to give this a 4 or a 5.
perfect for feeling shit days
"Shout", "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", and "Head Over Heels" are the stand out tracks. The rest is certainly worth a listen, especially "Mothers Talk" which like much of the album is surprisingly experimental and yet also sounding like the most typical mid-80s pop ever. 3.7 stars rounded up.
Enjoyed this.
Fun album, very mellow, with classics like Shout and Head Over Heels.
Classic 80s. Dance on!
Above average 80s pop album with all of the recognizable radio hits.
Fantastic album. These guys will always be great to listen to
Belline alcune canzoni
This was a roller-coaster! Before even listening to a single track I was so looking forward to the nostalgic anthems "Shout" "Head over heels" and of course "Everybody wants to rule the World". Those tracks did disappoint, but as I listened to the other tracks, my interest started to wane. and I began to think I had misplaced my faith in this being a BANGER of an album. I listened to it another few times, and with each listen, the unfamiliar tracks grew on me! The production of this album is awesome. It sounds so fresh for an album that was put together in 1985! I am sure my score is still influenced by nostalgia and memories of listening to this with my first girlfriend, but this album has been such good fun to listen to that I have to give it a 4. One for each of the anthems above and the other star for the mullet sported by Roland Orzaba.
Great 80s memories. Never listened to the album before. Not too long with some great songs.
Sounds very fresh by also sounding very 80’s
Loved it but…
This is a tough one. There are some incredible, 5-star bangers on this album, like Shout, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, and Head Over Heels. Those songs stand the test of time, and are Exhibit A as to why New Wave hit so big in 80s pop culture. Then there are songs like I Believe and Listen that sound a bit dated I think this is a very good CD. Even songs like The Working Hour (which starts slow but grows into itself) and Mother's Talk are pretty decent. I've never identified myself as a person who likes 80s music - in fact, quite the opposite - but I like this album. So here, again, is the limitation of the 5 star system with no half stars. This album is miles better than some of the recent albums that I've given 3 stars, like Jerry Lee Lewis Live, Genesis The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, or They Were Wrong, So We Drowned, by Liars. On the flip side, I'm not sure I can say it's close to as good as any of the albums I've gives 4 stars, Like Public Enemy Fear of A Black Planet, DJ Shadow Endtroducing, or The Sugarcubes Life's Too Good. Where does that leave me, when I want to rank it 3.5 stars? Ultimately, I've decided to give it 4 stars. Not because it's an album that I'm going to put in my normal rotation, but because it was a phenomenal album in its time, it's an excellent time capsule of the best the New Wave movement had to offer, and, overall, the songs hold up pretty well 40 years later.
- "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" are classics. 10/10. As for the others: - "The Working Hour": pretty catchy, though not totally gripping me personally at the moment. I'll give it time, but as for the first impression: 8/10. - "Mothers Talk": Damn, this is funky. Pretty solid, though definitely doesn't reach the heights that "Shout" and "Everybody..." do. 7/10 - "I Believe": Pretty boring, but the performance was pretty great, so I'm giving it a 7/10, though it is for sure the weakest track so far. - "Broken": Holy shit this song just kicks into high gear. 8/10. - "Head Over Heels": I've heard this before, but I forgot how it sounded, so I put it here, but now that I remember it, I can give it a score: 9/10. - "Listen": Pretty interesting, I liked the ambient-adjacent portions where it was just these atmospheric chords and sound effects filling space. The rest of it sounds pretty good so far. Okay, now I'm at the end and the song was kind of boring. Kind of just felt like the same motif for four minutes before evaporating and just ending the album pretty weakly. 7/10. Overall, the album was good, just had some lame moments. From the way people hype up this album, I guess I was just expecting more "Shout" and "Everybody..."-level prog-synth-pop perfection. It was fine though. Final score: 8/10
Tears For Fears just makes beautiful music.
Brought back memories of fun times - I’d forgotten about them! Great album.
Very easy to listen to.
Favorite Tracks: Head Over Heels / Broken Shout Everybody Wants To Rule The World
This was pretty awesome
Really enjoyed this, real GTA vice city chainsaw some people music. Last track a lovely psychedelic dream
relisten. ironic, legendary showstopping.
Enjoyable, strong songs mixed with some mildly undeveloped gems.
I got this album when it came out and it got *a lot* of play on my high school turntable. It was fun to blast it and sing along on my way to work this morning.
Everyyyybodyyyy wants to rule the worrrrld
The 80s Party hits
Some absolute classic pop bangers on this one, but people forget that the deep cuts are often just as powerful. That said, some of the deep cuts are also rather forgettable. Less \"Listen\" and \"Working Hour\" and more \"Mothers Talk\" and \"Head Over Heels\", please.
Pochi altri con un sound così originale nel loro genere.
Тыкаю я значит, думаю услышать лирику бардовскую под акустическую гитару. А тут БАХ, сразу со старта знакомый и МЕГА балдёжный трек. Я думал shout поют дикий шмот!!! А это они! Окей, плюс реп Весь альбом приятный, много известных песен, а вот название группы я на удивление слышу впервые. Из чего вытекает однозначный лойс. Это не дипишмот уровень, да, но заслужено
good songs, some dragged a bit but the overall experience was great.
much more fond of their debut album. but that being said, this is a very solid album and obviously had some big hits. I just preferred the hurting much more.
So many hits! That big chair goated
Ahhh the 80’s a time of vibes and innovation. I love how most of the songs on this album seem like a jam session. I think I might’ve enjoyed the instrumentation more than the lyrics (except on the classic songs of course). They made 8 songs feel a whole lot longer. In all, I enjoyed this listen.
Obviously the singles were all really strong songs. The rest of the album has some high points, but largely without the benefit of nostalgia helping this sound is just super dated.
This was, remarkably excellent. I know I've listened to it when I was much younger and didn't like it. Tastes change.
I had forgotten how good this album was, even today there are tracks on the other sound very modern and relevant.
very good album, great production, classic songs in here (everybody wants to rule the world, head over heels/broken, etc..). favourite song either the working hour or listen
Some powerful, gripping tunes that were so integral to the 1980s era. Some other songs that are wishy washy and fluffy. Still, a great album.
I was very excited to see this one pop up. I think Everybody Wants to Rule the World is one of the greatest songs of all time, I love it; but I haven’t listened to this album before and, if I’m honest, I can’t name another Tears for Fears song. Let’s go. I’ve heard Shout before and it’s awesome. What a great opener. EWTRTW is still incredible, it’s one of the first songs that comes to mind for “best song of the 80’s” and it’s one of a handful of songs on my “Perfect Songs” playlist. Head Over Heels is a song I’ve seen listed as some people’s favorite Tears for Fears song, and it’s certainly a good one. Listen is a very good closer as well. I wish I could give this 4.5 stars. It’s an amazing sounding record, it’s firmly 80’s but doesn’t sound near as dated as other projects of its time. I think it’s incredible highs make the other tracks less interesting, even if there isn’t a bad song on the album.
Shout, shout, let it all out!
I already heard two or three songs from this album a lot of times but to listen to the whole album was really nice
4.5
Nice 80s Album. I've listen to them in the 80s
8/10
classic, very nostalgic for me since i grew up listening to it
a classic
It’s a pretty good album. Easy to write off as bubblegum, but there’s more to it.
Un 4 ... no me ha encantado el álbum del todo. Aunque está muy bien.
This is some pretty high-tier synthpop, 8 tracks in a tight 40 minutes. 3 of those tracks are stone-cold classics that everyone has probably heard, but the deeper cuts aren't too bad either. Super catchy, the classic synth sounds always get me.
I just love music and its beautiful variety.
I do love these boys. Such an interesting time for music. Is it disco? Is it funk? Is it prog rock? A great amalgamation of genres. Makes me wish I hadn't been so mired in heavy metal at the time so I could have appreciated new wave at the time instead of 10 years later.
All good tracks, some with jazz influence. I enjoyed this album about as well as any of the dozen or so I've listened to.
Erg lekker albumpje. Niet zo goed als hun album ‘The Seeds of Love’, maar zeer zeker 4 dikke sterren waard
Great pop classic.
Really more like 4.7 stars from me
one of the biggest surprises for me so far from this project - I did not expect to like this as much as I did! That in spite of the fact that I had never really thought about the fact that "Shout" is fucking six and a half minutes long before!
i played way too much DJ Hero back in the day so anything with Shout gets my vote
Great album, certainly of its time but holds up very well. So easy to get lost in. Fav track: Listen Light 4.5
Bangers for days. Produced really well, has less of that frustrating 80s reverb than some. Had a great time hearing these songs in album sequence. Fave track: Shout
Packed with hits and a great flow between tracks. This is just a cohesive pop album that really shines when the right elements are concentrated. Some tracks better than others, but when it’s there, it’s there all the way. A strong three and a half. Fave track: Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Well done 80s pop.
listened to again its a good album
Pretty decent, familiar with the big songs. Would probably listen again.
This is pretty quintessential 80s music. Some boring tracks on the album but it’s saved by the big hits.
Man oh man, Songs From The Big Chair was actually a pretty dang great album. I like how the rock and pop elements melded together to create some massive ear candy. The singing and lyrics were great too. I would complain about the length of some of the songs but they sounded so good that it didn't become too much of an issue for me. Its a great album that will please anyone who listens to it Best Song: Shout Worst Song: I Believe
80s bangers
This is a pleasant surprise. Tears for Fears is a highly successful, popular, new wave group, and their album "Songs from the Big Chair" is equally so. With singles including "Shout," "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," and "Head over Heels," this album has received positive reviews and stood the test of time. As a side note, Curt Smith looks good with a pineapple.
Highlights: Shout, Everyone Wants To Rule The World, Listen
Beautifully lush and ethereal synthpop/new wave from one of the greatest groups to ever do it. For me, the quintessential album of 80s synthy new wave. Incredible mixing, comforting soundscapes. Unfortunately it suffers from the fact that the hits are leagues ahead of some of the other songs on the album. Overall still a great record, just wish all of the songs were as good as the bigger hits. Undeniable classic. Would revisit but most likely just the hits.
SHOUT, SHOUT, LET IT ALL OUT 🗣 The hits from this album fucking HIT, but the other tracks definitely leave something to be desired imo. Fav tracks: Shout (the best one) The Working Hour Everybody Wants To Rule The World Head Over Heels / Broken Listen (great closer) Least favs: Mother's Talk
Featuring that o' so classic overblown sound typical of 80s synth-pop acts, this record is rather distinct thanks to its surprisingly dynamic soundscapes with tracks such as The Working Hour and Head Over Heels / Broken while also being complimented by the heavenly vocals of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. The back half of the record is a bit weaker with tracks like the slow and somewhat boring I Believe and Broken not really feeling like the most necessary interlude track for Head Over Heels / Broken. Great listen overall, and one of the finest synth-pop/pop-rock records of its era. shoutouts to that saxophone on The Working Hour EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD
I forgot how much I like tears for fear. I always think of the psych episode where they lip sync shout😁
Very happy to have heard this the whole way through for the first time. Classic.
So, hey, it turns out the songs on here that aren't "Everyone Wants To Rule The World" or "Shout" are pretty dang good, too. And unless something else comes along, this might be the most 80's album I'll hear, so all around it's a real solid package.
An awesome slice of 80s synthpop. Listen is a definite highlight.
Shout, Everybody wants to rule the World are top notch songs from the 80s in my book! Great Album, Great Lenght and truly one of them good examples from the 80s sound and influence
Excellent music that is the most quintessentially 80s sound you can get. The songs all overstay there welcome for me. I like a long song but these all get a bit repetitive by the end. Great album.
Solidified. Also featured all the Tears for Fears songs I know!!
Very clean, rich production. Extremely satisfying. Tears for Fears have always seemed more ambitious than their pop peers to me, and you can really feel them stretching their creativity on this release. It's not my favorite of their albums, but it's very strong, and has a couple of absolute top-tier songs.
I like learning who the artists are for songs I know (Shout, Everyone Wants to Rule The World, and Head Over Heels). Can't really tell if it's just this artist, but I think I might like New Wave.
Lovely
I could go for some popcorn
Good
Damn... this is a good album. Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and probably one of my favorite 80's songs -- Head Over Heels / Broken! I think this one, as an album, is probably up there with the best of this era.
Exquisite album.
pleasant
There's something about Head Over Heels that I like. I don't know why or what it is, but I couldn't help but add it to my starred playlist. The full album is a little too 80s for me, but considering the almost 1.5 billion listens to Everybody Wants to Rule the World on Spotify, I think most people can say they at least like one of their songs.
Throwback to my high school days
Great 80’s album
Great 80’s album
Really enjoyed the music
some pretty banging songs alongside some mindless repetition
Good 👍
Head over heals greatest song ever
Excellent album.
Heard of the artist, and some of the songs (Shout and Everybody wants to rule the world). Rock album from 1985. Added a couple songs to library. Low 4.
I was pleased to see this appear and haven’t listened to it for decades! Better than I remember. There’s a real rich fullness to the sound and the songs are just great. A very high 4
This is peak 80s. The hits are wonderful but the rest of the songs don’t really stand out.
To me this is an 80s classic. A top 10 pop album from that era for me.
Big big fan of tears for fears. I was familiar with their but hits but the rest of the songs really tied the album together in a very good way. Really good album. Not something so predictable, and that’s what I liked about it. There was variety and it made it good and interesting.
Listening conjures immediate images/flashbacks to high school halls, shopping malls, basement bars, backs of cars, etc. etc. 3 massive singles that are still popular and even though they reek of 80s production and sound (the cavernously-reverbed saxophone REALLY screams 80s in the most cheesy way) they might even sound better today - really among the best of the best of the 80s so-called synth bands but this one hit a little deeper and seemed a little less...light/airy. There's some sneaky cool guitar work on this album; especially love that outro solo on Everybody Wants To Rule the World. "Broken" wouldn't have been out of place as a Yes-90125 outtake. I like/appreciate this a lot more now than I did then; not quite all-time status as there are a few meh slowdowns ("I Believe" is mediocre) but it's a real strong entry. 8/10 4 stars
I wasn't sure to expect from this album going into it having only really been aware of a couple of songs from tears for fears and all 3 happen to be on this album. Overall this is a solid album and the only songs I didn't care for were I believe and listen. Vocally this album is fantastic and most of the songs instrumentals were really solid as well.
Die meiste Zeit solider Pop Rock. Highlight und wohl bekanntester Song ist "Shout".
4 great track and only the closer as a low spot. Concise and well produced classic
Great hits!
Classic 80s sounds
Um ótimo álbum, repleto de hits atemporais!
I always did like Tears for Fears... 4 stars.
How to make good music in the 80s
dobar albumcic
i like it, vecina pjesama top, par okej
Hmm...okay. Looks like the 2 songs I know from this band are on this album lol. I forgot how much I like "Shout". I'm usually not a fan of longer songs, but the melodies and the instrumentation is so good on this. Ugh "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" is so freaking good. Oooooooh cool transition between tracks 5 and 6. I love that the album opens with "Shout" and closes with "Listen". I don't know if that was on purpose, but I'm choosing to believe it was. 4/5 This is really good.
Love it
Liked this one more than the first time I’d heard it. I listened to their first album for the first time and think I like that one more than this. But still a solid 4 Rating: 4.0
Classic. 5/5: Everybody Wants to Rule the World, Shout, Head Over Heals, Mother's Talk, I Believe. 4/5: The Working Hour, Rating: 4.5
Some good ones on here and pretty easy album to listen to.
Ethereal upbeat rock pop
Song from the High Chair" offers a nostalgic journey through a familiar sonic landscape. With its blend of New Wave melodies and Progressive Pop rhythms, the album taps into a sound that was prevalent during its time. While not groundbreaking, it's a comfortable listen, reminiscent of the era's musical charm. Even though is not groundbreaking, it does not mean that it does not have more than one classic new wave song in its track list. The album's strength lies in its first half, where each track exudes a captivating energy, drawing listeners in with infectious hooks and memorable refrains. However, as the album progresses, there's a noticeable dip in momentum. The latter tracks lack the same spark and cohesion found in the earlier ones, leaving the listener yearning for the vibrancy that characterized the beginning of the journey. Overall, "Song from the High Chair" serves as a pleasant reminder of a bygone musical era, offering moments of delight and familiarity, particularly in its strong opening tracks. While the latter half may not shine as brightly, the album still manages to leave a lasting impression with its nostalgic charm. At its peak it presents it self as the pinnacle of New Age, but at its lows it comes out like any other New Age album relevant in that time period. 8/10
Better than I remembered it
8/10
Synthesizer pop, pleasant, but can be repetitive
New wave. I like synth. Both hard one and soft ones are great
Nossa esse eu gostei da vibe, algumas musicas ja ouvi em filmes e tals. Ouviria ele com certeza em outros momentos gosto da voz deles e a calma que as musicas me passam.
Alternate track listing: 1. One of the best songs ever written 2. Banger 3. One of the best songs ever written 4. Banger 5. I Believe 6. Banger 7. One of the best songs ever written 8. Not quite a banger but I’ll give it to em Two dudes who look kind of like each other and sound kind of like each other decided to come together and make one of the best albums of the 80s. Very strong 4; it might have been a 5 if I Believe wasn’t on it.
Everybody wants to rule the world is the exact song i think of when i think of 80s music. & it fucking slaps! Shout is also an absolute ripper too god damn. This is a pretty good fucking album. I knew EWTRTW but never listened to any others on the album. I’m glad i have this album saved now.
Love this album. One of my favorite songs of all time is on here. Unfortunately half the songs are forgettable
I've never heard of anything than the three big singles and wow, this is kinda boring? Like, it's very pretentious and that should lead to ambitious stuff, but it mostly leads to really long musical solos that kinda make me sleepy. The singles are really good, though. I think the problem is the songs are too long. Like, a lot of them keep going on and on, and it's kinda boring.
Majestic. Listened to the hits multiple times then went and watched Donnie Darko. Star knocked off because the non hits aren’t quite up there. Harsh, I know
Standout track: Broken
Favorite is “everybody wants to rule the world”, of course. The whole album has a lovely 1980s synth groove plus bleak lyrics thing going on, which I’m into.
Very much enjoyed.
I just listened to Dare by The Human League, which was synth laden but weak. This is just a few years later, synth laden but backed by some proper talent (and proper guitars). And far better song writing. Hit songs are just fantastic and the production is top notch.
атмосферно и вкусненько но хиты делают свое дело
алкоальбом: берешь виски, медика туда и немножечко перчика. уф
Gran clasico de los 80.
Liked it overall.
Classic 80’s. Fantastic album
Rating 9/10 Just a few absolute classic songs on this album, even the songs that don't pop out as much as the singles are great Top tracks: Shout, Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Head Over Heels
This was killer! Had the couple of big singles which I was familiar with but the rest was great too.
Loved this album back in the day and still love it now. Short, but excellent. Handful of bangers too.
Classic 80’s album. Makes me think of John Hughes movies.
listened 2x at night + 1x during day -. powerful short album. 4.4/5
Wow! I had this album when it was released. I remember the big 3 but had little recollection of the rest of the album. Those are 3 of the most iconic songs of the mid 80’s. The rest of the album is melancholy with a lot of sax and slow rock. I guess they are sort of the forerunners of Coldplay or Keanu. Arena rock driven by piano/synthesizer, Overall, I can see exactly why this became an iconic album of the time. I could stand another few listens.
Felt like they had 8 songs and flipped coins to choose order, but good and a couple great songs.
done 7/10
3 bangers. This was pretty solid.
a 50% rate of songs still played daily on 80s radio isn't too bad, I guess!
Good album
This album is awesome, on of the best 1980s record, "Songs From The Big Chair" includes 3 song definently that defines 1980s, i would ranked then in top 200 of that decade. I don't know what rating i want to give this album, on one hand i really want to give this album only 4/5, but i think it is very low and on the other hand i want to give it 5/5, but thinking it's too high. Favourite song(s): "Shout", "The Working Hour", "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", "Broken", "Head over Heels / Broken". I think if "Listen" wasn't be on the record, that would be definetly very solid 5/5, but i would stop with 4.8/5, very good album, highly recomended to listen.
This album is all the great parts of 80s pop condensed into 42 minutes. That being said, it is still 80s pop so I can't give it a 5.
There's a reason why this band has some of the biggest hits of the 1980s. I've never listened to the whole album. While I feel the songs run a bit long, the production is A+. Shout will live forever.
Very surprising how well this album flows. I totally assumed it was gonna be another "one hit wonder" 80s pop slog, but it was great. Wish there were more tracks with sax solos, but that's like every album with sax for me.
This album came out my senior year in High School and was a huge hit. Instead of fading away like a good number of albums, this music is still relevant today and sounds just as good today as it did as an 18 year old kid. To this day, whenever I hear Shout, I think of one of my last party's with all the high school crew, hammered at 3 in the morning and thinking I'm heading off to college. Funny how time flies.....Get it? My favorite song off the album, Head Over Heels. This entire album is solid and I had forgotten hits like The Working Hour and Mothers Talk. Just a great sound and listen Besides the high school memories, my beautiful Mindy loves these guys. They are at the Hollywood Bowl August 2nd and maybe this would be a nice surprise for her. Anyway, thanks for the memories and great album that is just as good today as it was in 1985. 4
It doesn't get much more 80s than Tears for Fears. Along with Duran Duran, T4F are one of those bands that I heard all the time growing up but never realized it was all the same band. At face value the seem like another whatever 80s pop duo a la WHAM! and they kind of are tbh. A lot of nostalgic and legendary stuff on here, it's a shame they never had many hits beyond this album to my knowledge. 4
4.5 One of those albums where it’s not just a listening, it’s an experience. This is really among new wave at its best, and the soundscape created by these two sensitive British bois (one of which I’ve always thought looks like Jon Cryer) is one of the most immersive and captivating I’ve heard. Shout is an all-time great opener, the kind that makes it immediately clear you’re in for an incredible listening ahead. It’s one of the best songs on the album, and I always find myself mouthing the words and mimicking the boys’ hand motions from the music video whenever I listen (it’s a cheesy, but kind of awesome video). The Working Hour is a different, but welcome jazzy change-up from there, segueing into the megahit Everybody Wants to Rule the World. In my opinion, it’s not the best nor even the second best song on the album, but it’s a fantastic tune, and the “There's a room where the light won't find you” bridge is insane. The actual best song here though is easily Head Over Heels, which is absolutely amazing by its own merits, but its fusion and reprise with Broken elevates it to brilliant. It’s hard to say if my love of the movie Donnie Darko is at least partially responsible for my adoration of the song, but it probably doesn’t hurt (the sequence the song is used in is among my favorite of any movie ever). Unfortunately, not all of the songs here are quite as strong as the ones I’ve mentioned - and by not all, I really mean I Believe. I Believe, in my opinion, is kind of boring and also probably largely responsible for my final score being short of a 5 - it’s really the only miss for me here. It definitely doesn’t ruin the listening for me by any means, but it’s also hard to point to the album as perfect with its inclusion - though I was almost convinced of a 5 again with the closer, Listen. Holy cow, what an epic track to bookend the album. So yeah, I really enjoyed this one. It’s not my first time hearing the album, but it was a great reminder of how fantastic it really is. Borderline a 5 for me, but at the end of the day, it just doesn’t QUITE stack up to my other 5/5 albums. Still, it’s damn close.
So THIS is the Tears for Fears album everyone is always referencing. The production is huge, the ballads are dramatic, the anthem choruses are ready to fill stadiums. In retrospect, it feels like the most quintessential 80s pop record, and the arrangements are pretty soulful. Fav tracks: Shout, Broken, Head Over Heels, Everybody wants to rule the world
At least 3 out of the 8 songs on this album are major hits. “Shout” “Everybody Wants To Rule the World” “Head Over Heels” I also really liked “Mothers Talk”, it was very catchy.
man sometimes things do be happening and I'm head over heels. Love that song
It has a great 80’s vibe, atmospheric, emotional. A few songs slightly overstay their welcome, but I bet they’ll grow on me with more listens.
Everybody wants to rule the world. They very nearly did.
Such a big album when it came out back in the day. 3 big hits w/Shout, Everybody wants to rule the world, and Head over heels. The rest of the album is ok. On the strength of those 3 songs it gets a 4...wish I could give it a 3.5
Two of the best songs from the 80s are on this album.
Classic 80s Brit pop
Iconic 80s band. This album has a few hit singles that defined the decade. I wasn't a big fan at the time and I still find most of their music to be meh. Giving 4 stars for the big hits.
Some monster hits, and surprisingly strong outside of "Shout" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World", such as "Mother's Talk" and "Head Over Heels". I was really into this, it has a bit of everything for everyone.
Some great Hits
One of my favorites
Its good guys
3-5
great music - only downside is most songs are a tad too long with prolonged and repetitive outros. fav: mothers talk insane bass line
What can I say? This is some decent late 80s Brit pop.
broken to head over heels transition and then that buildup with the keys and drums is amazing. ofc shout and rule the world are fantastic songs. I believe and listen accordingly calm things down and really balance the album out in terms of energy. Listen is a great closer. The use of synths is done very well. One thing I do wish is that the vocals stood out a little bit more, they do feel a little back with all the other instruments. Sometimes, the album doesn't punch as hard as it could be. Everything seems balanced and in doing so it loses a bit of power. However, the instrumentation, melodies and ideas are still outstanding. I haven't clicked much with mother and the working hour though. It's a strong 3 to a light 4.
Finally I get to hear what the other songs sound like on this album besides the big three (Shout, Everybody Wants to Rule the World, and Head Over Heels). On first listen, they were kind of forgettable. I think Mothers Talk and Broken were the best. The last track, Listen was kind of dull. I really liked the extra /Broken part of Head Over Heels which isn't present in the single. A low 4/5 over all.
Still enjoyable after almost 40 years. I won't be there in another 40 years but I challenge the actual trap/rap/other shit musical scene to produce today something that could last the same.
A really good album from a band with very few albums. I always enjoyed this record
pretty good, haven't head any of the other songs besides the classic ones
Some big hitters on this album
Notable tracks: Everybody Wants To Rule The World, Head Over Heels / Broken, Shout
A chill album
Oh ya this rules. A fun 80’s time
Great 80's pop. More sophisticated than I remember. Very interesting sounds and songs. Loved it.
Hits are exceptional. Breath synth work. I actually find myself liking Head Over Heels more than Everybody Wants to Rule the World.
Digg
Are they brothers or are they lovers? To this very day no one knows! All we do know is that this photo on the cover was a real choice and this album houses the best songs of Tears for Fears entire career.
Solid album
Love this album. It seems every song on this album is either a cultural touchstone or something I've never heard. What an album though. Seriously.
Liked
Shout
This album caught me by surprise. I knew the big songs (shout, ewtrtw) but "head over heals/broken" ended up being my favorite on the album. They did new wave well, however I think some moments here get a bit boring and feels very just bland. Those were just a few moments though and overall I can see why it has had such enormous staying power.
Cheesy, decadent pop - in a good way.
Very good.
Awesome arrangements. Great 80s synth pop. A lot of the songs do run too long though. One thing this project is teaching me is that I don't think very many songs should run over 5 minutes and most not even that.
Excellent
An epic 80s pop album. The singles are masterpieces and the album tracks, while good songs, stand in their shadow, as often happens when the record is full of hits. That said it’s still a very good whole.
Another one I enjoyed more than I expected. Actually think it's really really good, obviously a bit oversynthed but it's good beyond the two songs that almost everyone will know. Rest of the album is a fair bit less Magic FM than the two singles, a bit funkier in places, a couple of soulful ballads. Really nicely put together, flows really well and feels like a completed work. Didn't outstay its welcome either 4/5.
Sound of 80s. Good solid songs with multiple complex backtracks. I have enjoyed this one.
Classic
A solid, big-sounding 80s pop album worth revisiting. Some of the songs are a little too long. Massive chorus hooks, and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is an all-timer. Strong four.
Awesome album, I’ll have to listen to it more. Could well become 5 stars.
Пацаны записались на терапию и запилили охуенный альбом 8/10
This along with some other albums have made me realize I don't dislike new wave as a genre; I just dislike the uncomfortable levels of "quirkiness" of bands like Talking Heads and The B-52s for me. I had heard the big hits of this album because they are some of my mom's favorite songs as someone who grew up in the 80's. That being said it was a good surprise to see that many of the deep cuts on this album were able to stand up to the singles. That being said the two massive singles on this album are some of my favorite of the 80's and definitely stand up to the test of time. I like all the songs on here and what really stands out throughout the albums is the very full sounding instrumentation. On "Shout" for instance near the end of the songs you have that massively full soundscape with the drum and guitar riffs, the bass line, the backing vocals and the layered synths all fill your headphones at the same time and it creates a very attractive musical experience. In that way it kinda reminded me of My Bloody Valentine and shoegaze as a whole which I really like. The other great aspect of the instrumentation on this album is their understand of movement when it comes to instrumentation because throughout the album rarely does the instrumentation on a song feel stagnant which can be a huge issue for me. Not only is it not stagnant it often ramps up in big crescendos with more instruments being added in and overall it create a great soundscape and really allows the longer songs to not feel all that long. I think my favorite tracks are "Shout", "Head Over Heels", "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" and "Broken" and while those are just the singles for the most part this is an album where the general public was right in choosing the hits. The three hits of this album are absolute bangers and should be in your constant rotation if they are not. I like the other songs as well and think that this was truly a surprisingly good album in a genre that in the past I have shown not that much affection for. Solid 9/10.
Great Album, their finest
It is a classic 80s' synth pop album. Shout and Everybody wants to rule the world are timeless songs. Unskippable. The rest of album creates a wonderful whole.
If I was turning 30 in 1985 I definitely would be down with them. It's a shame they have some poppy songs because songs like "listen" is where it's at.
When you've sung some of these songs as indie lullabies to your child, you're likely to rate the album highly. I promise to listen with the least amount of bias possible before I give this record its flowers. Not every track is perfect, but a good number of them are.
decent instrumentals and vocals
Þvílikt band með 80s æðislegheitum sem ég elska. Byrjar á algjörri neglu. Ég veit ekki alveg af hverju ég hlusta ekki oftar á Tears for Fears. Þetta hefur hingað til bara verið útvarpshlustun en nú verður breyting á
Skemmtilegur 80's fílingur með smá framtíðarvæbi. Heilt yfir vel hlustanleg plata með góðu hljóði.
first time listening have heard shout everybody wants to rule the world head over heals
good, but a little dated.
Very 80s, good background music, relaxing but haunting
Canon 80’s album, 80’s theme/soundtrack, progressive to its movement
Shout is a 5 Everybody wants is a 7 but the rest is more like 2-3 -> 4
Some known bangers. But the ones I didn't know were just OK
First listen to this album. Very nice sound
Never understood the appeal for this band or album. But they are great artistically.
Singles zijn erg goed, net als de terugkerende motiefjes. Als album niet hetzelfde niveau
I feel like this album is maybe a 3.5 for me but I'm just loving the 80s tunes these days so I'll round up. The super-hits are fantastic but there is a lot of filler that kind of bored me.
Every beginning is an end, and every end is a beginning The album reminded me of 80’s cop movies like lethal weapon
4.5
This album has stood the test of time exceptionally well.
Glassy production. Sounds gorgeous - very 80s though. I don’t necessarily think the 80s were a terrible time for music… but certainly not great. I still have my favorite Smiths, Depeche Mode albums etc etc. A little cheesy, product of the times. Still just plain good pop music and recognizable songs.
Felt like I was in a John Hughes film or something with similarly 80s vibes. A bunch of songs I recognised and liked, a few new ones that were fun to listen to. A couple of bores. Overall vibed it.
2 fav tracks, verder gewoon lekker
Really enjoyed this. The production is amazing.
Great
Couple awesome songs, others were very long/melancholy.
Can definitely see why this is considered great. Love the guitar work and synth-pop sound that so poignantly defines the 80s. Honorable mention to the bass lines that carry the groove through the whole album. Was surprised that I didn’t dig the horns, found the sax to be a little tacky. The timeless hits from this album totally slap and are always gonna be bangers. Thought the album had decent pacing and a strong finish.
4.5 Album. Listen was the weakest track to me.
👍 I like it.
Shout - 8/10 The Working Hour - 7.5/10 Everybody Wants to Rule the World - 10/10 Mothers Talk - 7.5/10 I Believe - 7/10 Broken - 8.5/10 Heads Over Heels - 8/10 Listen - 8.5/10 TOTAL - 65/80
Good album i had previously heard of tears for fears before but only for their hit song Everybody wants to rule to the world But this album was good as a synth pop album
I used to make fun of these guys a lot. Two goofy looking dudes in music videos singing with their mouths open wide and their lips flapping around. I used to do an impersonation that always got a laugh from my friends. But you know what? They were actually pretty darn talented. My favorite song by them, Mad World, is not on this album, but this album is filled with interesting, well produced, synth-pop classics. I almost feel like these guys were more akin to progressive rock than the typical new wave stuff going on at the time. Well done, fellas, and I'm sorry for making fun of you. 4 stars.
Songs from the Big Chair usually has some HUGE 80s pop anthems. Shout, Everyone Wants to Rule the World, Head Over Heels/Broken are massive. The stuff in between are growers. 8.0/10
Je me doutais que ça allait être bon, mais pas à ce point là. Jee suis vraiment resté surpris de comment tout l'album est bon, chaque pièce a son identité propre tout en restant super cohésif. Il y a peut-être une pièce qui m'a un peu moins impressionné, mais pour le reste c'est un solide album. 9/10
Classic 80's sound.