TFF is the most underrated band of all time. They are the only band I can listen to hours and days at a time & never tire of their music. So complex, ethereal & pure genius. Saw them on their Seeds of Love tour decades ago. Took my daughter a few years ago to see them when they opened for Hall & Oates. We didn't stay to see Hall & Oates 😂 & TFF still sounded amazing!
Whoever underrated them just because you didn't know about them doesn't mean they are underrated I have loved this band since they put out their first album they are definitely not underrated by me and this is over 40 years that I have loved this band
Woman in Chains is probably one of my favorite songs of all time of any genre. It gives me shivers. Tears for Fears were and still are unbelievable writers.
AMEN as much as I talk about not missing Curt on Elemental, I DO AGREE that Woman in Chains is BRILLIANT, which he is a part of Seeing Gail Ann Dorsey play and sing it on Tears 93 tour WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF MY LIFE I WILL NEVER FORGET
The whole album "Elemental" is outstanding. I used to listen to it on repeat for hours, and it's still superb to this day. Roland is a truly gifted writer and musician.
OH SAME!!! When it came out, I just could not let a day pass by without listening to it through and through... maybe six months that was the only thing on my walkman!!! (Yep, it was from back in the walkman era!!)
I have been on a personal campaign to get them inducted. Once the Cure and Depeche Mode and Roxy Music got in, I have been hoping that this would kick the door open for all the long overlooked New Wave, Indie, bands from the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. TFF, the Smiths, Joy Division/New Order, Pet Shop Boys and bands of this era.
They ignored new wave bands until dm and the cure were inducted. How can they overlook the big fat sound of tears for fears, duran duran, pet shop boys, kraftwerk!!!
I'm 73, been around rock since before the Beatles, and there's just something about TFF and Roland's music that just grabs me and won't let go. All his songs, all of them different from the next, are inventive, thoughtful, melodic, and you just don't want them to end.
Nice to see some love for Mr. Pessimist. Superbly emotionally vulnerable track. It's a shame its buried so deep in the TFF canon, Songs From the Big Chair is obviously the highlight, but even for Elemental it's one of the least popular songs. One of my top 10 across their entire discography.
Roland has another masterpiece here. He did the high pitched scream at the end himself. ( what range Roland has). He said in an interview that the elephant sounds were from a computer program he used. His main writing partner at this time was Alan Griffiths. They were a great pair. Roland uses everything he finds interesting in his music, and is always learning and exploring. He’s definitely a genius and his music is timeless and elegant. He’s the real deal. And he can’t be defined in one style. He’s everywhere and so flexible, so adaptable but also so innovative. Definitely my favorite artist ever.
An excellently written comment, I felt like a kindred spirit reading this. RIP Alan Griffiths, he worked on Raoul as well. What an incredible band of people gathered to realise Roland’s work. Such an incredibly rich song and album. 100% agree. Such emotion in Roland’s voice. A musical experience that is pure.
I love that Tears for fears Mark II with alan griffiths. It was the begiining of home studios (were still expensive at the time) and you can tell they were pushing the limits and spent a lot of time... Another great achievement with this team was the Emiliana torrini album "Love at the time of science" 1999.
no doubt. unfortunately he probably wont ever get the credit he deserves for his entire range of his discography, but he really is one of the best to ever do it
I've been revisiting Tears For Fears lately, and man, they were so different from most 80s pop music of the time. I've always really liked their stuff, but never realized how layered and complex their music was....and their melodies have ALWAYS been something special!
I think Elemental is one of the most underrated songs/albums of the 90s. The song is simply brilliant. Also I think Roland is one of the best composer and singer ever. His voice range is amazing.
Tears for Fears, Seal, Sting and Crowded House rekindled my hope for pop music.....I learned Everybody Rules the World over the pandemic but to me Sowing the Seeds of Love is a masterpiece. The vocal blend in Tears for Fears is perfection...
I agree with you, Sowing the Seeds is a masterpiece. When I saw the title of this YT video, I thought Rick was going to dissect Sowing the Seeds. It's all good though🙂
Every song on Sowing the Seeds is amazing. When I saw them live on that tour towards the end of the 80"s, They opened up with the slow "I believe" from songs from the big chair. Seen so many concerts in my life and that was the only one that opened with a slow song....Genius!!!
The fact that some have written them off as a synth pop Duo who had a few hits is totally ridiculous. Some of the best writing/production/recording in the industry
Yeah. Elemental is a massively underrated and overlooked album. Probably because it was the first one after Curt had gone and they fell out of favour after the Seeds of Love. But I think this has some of Roland’s best work on it, every song is so so strong and let’s not forget, a lot of what makes this so great is Roland’s voice, I mean, WHAT a voice that guy has. Excellent choice Rick.
Also, Popular Fatigue. The public gets tired of the familiar. Joe Jackson was never unpopular, but Beat Crazy came out in *January* of 1980 on the heels of his first two albums, both in 1979. After a break, he somehow had a Very Successful Tour with a 40's style jazz band that no one wanted or asked for & played mostly other people's songs. I could never figure that out.
Roland Orzabal always knew what he was doing. His work is epic, elegant, cinematic, deep. It makes you go to places and emotions, even if you don´t speak english. That album is a gem from song 1 to the end.
The WHOLE Elemental and Raoul and the Kings of Spain releases are insanely good. Roland has an extremely powerful voice. Alan Griffiths, who passed in 2017, also played a large part in both of those releases as wells.
I always thought they made catchy music but was never a massive fan but I recently went to see them live for the first time in Laval, Quebec and similar to when I first saw Springsteen 40 years ago in concert , they absolutely blew me away , they are incredible live and the songs they played off their new album “The Tipping Point” are absolute gems, so good that I instantly went to buy the new album after the show. If you get a chance don’t miss them in concert , I’ve been a hardcore concert goer for over 45 yrs , seen over a thousand shows and this was one that surpassed all my expectations…
J'ai découvert Tears For Fears il y a 4 ans avec Shout et l'an passée je me suis attaquée à toute leur discographie et même à leur premier groupe The Graduate et c'était la première fois que je ressentais autant les paroles d'un groupe et inutile de dire que depuis, c'est mon groupe préféré et j'étais également à la Place Bell le 30 Juin dernier. Quel spectacle! C'était phénoménal!
Every one of you who posted a comment on this video gets a big thank you and hug from me. We live in an isolated world full of people with no awareness of great music that isn’t automatic mainstream. I know I’m not alone in my love for this band and this album which I’ve listened to since it came out just like everything else they have done . All of you give yourself a Pat on the back for having taste that stands out . The fact Rick does a video like this says a lot about him as a music person
they were genius. One of my very favorite bands that I've long felt underrated. If you look at what they have done and the music they made they are easily one of the best - not just of the 80s- bands and musical writers.
I wholeheartedly endorse this post!!! I discovered recently that my 20 something son loves this band. My heart was bursting with pride. My daughter a few years younger bought us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins a couple years ago for Father's Day. I raised my kids right.
Rick, I've never chimed in, but I wanted to tell you, I've been watching your channel incessantly, and I appreciate what you do more than you will ever know. Your insights, your respect for songwriting, and your amazing humility you show on deference to the artists you interview amaze me. Thank you. You are a class action. You are void of everything ugly about our industry and a true musician. Just wanted to say thank you. I can always relate to what you have to say and how you say, or don't say it, when it comes to interviewing some absolute legends. Thank you brother. Trevor R Todd
That melancholy ache is losing his best friend. That is what this entire album is about. I bought this CD the day it came out in 1992. Unfortunately in 2013 I traded my car and 6 CDs were stuck in the CD player. All my TFF's CDs were in there. 😢
Tears for Fears come closest to the Beatles. So many sophisticated harmonies, perfect instrumentation. They have so many songs that give me goosebumps.
@@Green-eyedGirl19 Totally agree, now the dust has settled on The Beatles much of the stuff they did was absolute crap...or to be more precise pop crap. I wanna hold your hand , she loves you, All you need is love readily spring to mind. However, they did do so wonderful stuff...it was at best a 50...50 split.
yeah, but the testimony is how f'ing popular their hits and lesser hits are! regular nonmusician listners don't know anything about production, but they vote with their wallets , playlists and thumbs' ups.
I love "The Working Hour", a true masterpiece. The sax solo is fantastic and it is the only sax solo I know that (appears to) incorporate a section that sounds like a scale is being traversed that I think actually works musically. I hate those jazzy scale gymnastics on practically all jazz songs I know but in this solo it's just beautiful.
I was fortunate enough to see them 2 separate times this past summer on their tour. Roland and Curtis can still belt out those notes. Amazing talent. I'm 57 years old and blessed to have had them growing up and watching them age like fine wine.
I drove back from Seattle to Tennessee in fall of '93, by myself. Single woman, no cell phone, more than a bit nerve racking. Started with Elemental, then Big Chair, Elemental, Seeds of Love, Elemental, Big Chair, etc. Repeat for Four solid days! Roland's voice and that "thing" Rick is trying to describe kept me sane. Spent 20 minutes trying to find a weather report one afternoon and was crawling out of my skin by the time I heard one. Popped Elemental back in and within seconds it was like half a Xani and a glass of wine had kicked in. TFF is always described as "Pop", but they are so, so much more. As a non-musician blessed with excellent ears, to me TFF were the Beatles of the 80s.
Good music IS Good music ....and Tears for fear has that "Range" of sound and emotion that keep you going👍👍..The tipping point from their new album...as THEN is on point a good grove and message
I appreciate your dedication. The thing I like about the band is they have only put out 7 studio albums in 40 years. It shows you don’t have to pop out an album a year to be a “quality group”. The unique sound and production are what I enjoy. I was lucky to see them in Phoenix in 2017, opening for Hall & Oates. It was like seeing two separate concerts. Great!!! Over the next two days I will be driving 1,600 miles. I’ll be listening to 6 cd’s along the way. I need to pick up The Tipping Point to make it 7.
But WE found it, and rate it highly. Love this record. Only missed the magic Curt added to TFFs. Happy they rediscovered it and can't wait to see them live in August (on a Tuesday!) at Acrisure in Palm Desert, CA USA!!!!
I have literally seen possibly a good few thousand international acts over the last 25 years or so, Tears For Fears were probably the best live act I've ever seen. Spandau Ballet and Simple Minds opened for them. So so good. That reverb just absolutely washed over me. Gorgeous sounds.
Delighted to see you praise Tears For Fears, Rick, and so many people complimenting them. I’ve followed them since The Hurting and I know I’ll listen to them forever and never get sick. There’s so much sophistication going on that it’s always fresh, some nuance I never noticed, and suits all of my moods as well. And of course, guitar parts are always interesting in his songs. What a fantastic songwriter Roland Orzabal is. He will always be underrated.
I would call Tears for Fears an "ethereal" group. They are certainly one of my favorite bands of all-time. There's a certain complexity that their songs bring but yet they are still melodic at the same time. A band like Duran Duran also comes to mind with this style (think of "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone"). Other bands like Savage Garden (Australia) and Erasure (UK) come to mind as well.
TFF are the best pop band of the 80is and 90 s. Many people didn't realize it back then. When looking back it's obvious. I always loved them, but, it used to be pretty uncool to like them.
Their last Album after they got together Tipping Point is amazing. Not one bad song on it. It's a variety of songs from beginning to end and masterfully produced.
I agree! It's good from beginning to end. Even a couple of the songs that I felt were "lesser", have grown on me so much that I can't imagine the album without them. It's getting overlooked by some long-time fans!
I love the band, but I don't care that much for Curt's writing. Thankfully I have the SDE version with all three bonus tracks - Secret Location is cool and Let It All Evolve is peak Roland.
It makes me happy when other TFF songs get the appreciation and attention they deserve. The entire back catalogue is a masterpiece and yet they’re often only known for 3 or 4 hits. Roland is a musical genius and the world should know it!
My latest Tears for Fears favorite is Year of the Knife. The 80!a was a storm in music that gave birth to the whirlwind. Tears for fears are one of the eagles that ride those winds.
The two albums Roland Orzabal did without Curt Smith as Tears For Fears are so underappreciated. Elemental & Raoul and the Kings of Spain have some gems!!! ❤
yeah, definitely two great albums. So many listens, so many years... his solo album (that is arguably also a tff album), "Tomcats screaming outside" is also brilliant.
"Elemental" is probably the Tears For Fears album that has stuck with me the most over the years. The songwriting and production values are (as usual) through the roof and all these amazing songs have remained faithful companions during the past three decades.
The whole album is brilliant. Every song a gem. Amazing production, too. Each instrument has air around it to breathe. Perfectly balanced. Love this record.
I was BLOWN away you selected this one!! It is ABSOLUTELY one of my ALLLL time favorites!!! This entire album is sheer Exquisite GENIUS!!! THANK YOU!!!
I FUCKING love this song. The intro where you’re not fully sure where beat 1 is, the groove, the crunch, RO’s powerful vocals, the floaty melody, the turning point with “take another leap”… truly amazing. This entire album is super special.
Rick, you’ve brought the music we love- and the music we didn’t know we were going to love- front and center of our lives. You’ve done it beautifully, entertainingly, with great humor and such masterful musical precision. Music, and all of us, are so lucky to have you, man.
I played this cassette over and over back then. Probably more then the previous two albums. It is rare to hear anything about this album especially 30 years later. Rick Thank you for using your reach to showcase this song.
I use to love to play along with Elemental while warming up for a gig back in 93”. Started playing at age 5 which would have been 1970. Man, what a musical era we were blessed with!
Around minue 5:00, when the song starts, I began smiling. Honestly, I thought I was the ONLY one of my circle of friends (particularly the musicians, who know more about music than I), that appreciated this song, and this whole album. It is truly a masterpiece. And as a bassist, the bass line gets me HIGH, in every the sense of the word. The album is not only 'underrated', it was nearly ignored due the ongoing grunge and 'alternative' fever. For me, however, was a HUGE part of the soundtrack of my twenties. As for the "7th year YT itch", nevermind. You keep popping stuff like this, you'lll have AT LEAST one viewer.
I think I did a Rick Beato "Whoooo!" When he started the track! 😂 Seriously cannot overstate how big this record was for me. "Elemental" hasn't lost a bit of that shine it had, right from first play. ❤️
Personally, The Working Hour takes the cake for me. I love Elemental but Working hour is really something. Perfect song in every way. How it starts until how it ends…just perfection.
When Tears For Fears released their 2004 album "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending", one reviewer wrote "Lennon and McCartney are alive and well". High praise!
almost 30 years since the Elemental album was released ... I borrowed the CD from the public library that summer and transferred it to cassette tape. So many great songs on there, Break it Down Again, Fish Out of Water, Cold, Goodnight Song, Brian Wilson Said ... and of course, Elemental.
There are quite a few Tears for Fears songs that I REALLY love, but Goodnight Song is probably my favorite. They do a great job of writing sophisticated pop songs.
Your channel is by far my favorite music channel. The education you provide. The breakdowns. The QUALITY interviews geared toward music geeks like me. Exposure to interesting people like Ted Gioia...freakn love that guy!! This channel is quality content and great production. Always interesting and stokes my creative side. Here's to many more years of success on TH-cam!!
It's almost like Tears for Fears put out such amazing music you almost have to analyze all their music. One of my favorite bands out of the 80s. Their complex and diverse sound, a sound they could not be pigeon holed into, made them so interesting is what they came out with. This was a much more important band then they have been given credit for. They are almost under rated. And yet the sound they produced was some of the most interesting and amazing music of the 80s and early 90s.
For me, their masterpiece song is "The Working Hour." I think that song is extraordinary. I love their reunion album "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending," too. It feels like it picked up right where "Seeds of Love" left off.
As a huge music lover with absolutely no musical talent, Rick you enforce my musical choices of my life and make me feel as if I actually understand music I know what I love , and when Rick Loves it , I feel a kinship Thank you
One of the best albums made.Roland is one of the best,brilliant.Woman in chains,Head over heels,Elemental,God's mistake,Goodnight song, Year of the knife,Sowing the seeds,Famous last words,Swords and knifes, Advice for the young at heart, all so underplayed over the years.Roland and Curt are so underrated.
They are like the Beatles of the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2020s. Met them at the hammerSmith apollo in London. They were gracious and took pics. Fantastic guys and band!
I saw Tears for Fears in 2019, practically in my backyard. They were still incredibly good live. It was the last live show I saw before I was diagnosed with cancer the second time, in all likelihood the last live show of my life. A really good one. Another good track from Elemental is Break It Down Again. It's incredible how much of the Tears For Fears vibe Roland managed to preserve on Elemental despite Curt's departure.
I remember listening to this song over and over when that TFF solo album (Roland Orzabal) came out in 1993 while I was living the best years of my life in Paris and all around the world. Never sick of a super great song, as well. Thank you Nick for making me remembering those deep emotions I had felt when first playing that CD ; for so many years and still today.
Hello from Argentina, Rick! At last: somebody who loves this song! I have this album since 1994 and I love it from the beginning (this song) to the last. Is amazing. Tears for fears music creates a wonderful atmosphere. Now I'm listening The tipping point and this album is amazing, too. In elemental, Roland Orzabal was alone, and Gail Ann Dorsey played the bass guitar. Thank you for listening this beautiful song
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I vote for a Roland Orzabal / Rick Beato interview !
Absolutely. Plus Roland has new music to talk about!
I second this!
kurt should definitely be involved.
YES
count me in
Roland Orzabal is easily one of the most underrated pop songsmiths of all time. Greatly overlooked in most rock press. Brilliant composer.
I can’t understand it either.
Forget their monster songs everyone knows,the deep cuts is where it’s at with this brilliant band.
He truly is.
Who rated him bad?
@@djHypnotik3dc not rated bad - totally overlooked
yes!!!!!!!!!!! So right
Should be a series called “ Songs I Don’t Want To End”. Didn’t know this song and loved it. Thank you!!
Roland is a mad genius. To write such intricate and complex songs in such a melodic pop/rock format is insane.
i have all their albums (except the last one) and I couldn't agree with you more !!!
And that voice!
Almost Beatle level. Well said!
Well, those two sentences completely capture Roland's otherworldly talent! Beautifully said!
Roland is, was, and always will be a maggot.
Can we just stop everything and appreciate the absolutely powerfull and UNIQUE voice of Roland Orzabal??? What a singer!!!!
Yes, I totally agree!!!!! Love his powerful voice!!!!!
A true singer's singer.
Saw them last summer...FINALLY! He's still got it!
Always thought he had the most powerful voice and the spider in the shower will try to tell you that I do my best to replicate it!🕷️🕸️
Can we just just appreciate the musicality and mind that did such music as Roland
TFF is the most underrated band of all time. They are the only band I can listen to hours and days at a time & never tire of their music. So complex, ethereal & pure genius. Saw them on their Seeds of Love tour decades ago. Took my daughter a few years ago to see them when they opened for Hall & Oates. We didn't stay to see Hall & Oates 😂 & TFF still sounded amazing!
Whoever underrated them just because you didn't know about them doesn't mean they are underrated I have loved this band since they put out their first album they are definitely not underrated by me and this is over 40 years that I have loved this band
So happy to see Tears for Fears getting the love they deserve. Elemental is a BRILLIANT album.
Elemental only had Roland on there. Curt Smith wasn't part of the band at that time.
Love their music
For some reason, many musician artists do their best creations, at an age between 22 and 30. The peak is 26 to 28. This is also the case for TFF.
One of the few albums I can listen to start to finish and enjoy every second.
Fish Out Of Water about acurt Smith is a fantastic tune !! It's probably my favourite of the album...
Woman in Chains is probably one of my favorite songs of all time of any genre. It gives me shivers. Tears for Fears were and still are unbelievable writers.
AMEN
as much as I talk about not missing Curt on Elemental, I DO AGREE that Woman in Chains is BRILLIANT, which he is a part of
Seeing Gail Ann Dorsey play and sing it on Tears 93 tour WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF MY LIFE I WILL NEVER FORGET
Third that!😁
I concur. I saw them perform this song live in 2010 in Detroit Michigan….it nearly brought me to tears….
Bad man's song from that album is a masterpiece
I was so happy to hear that as part of this last tour. Carina Round did an amazing job with the Oleta Adams parts.
The whole album "Elemental" is outstanding. I used to listen to it on repeat for hours, and it's still superb to this day. Roland is a truly gifted writer and musician.
I had to search forever to find a copy after hearing about it here I, surprising considering hope popular the band is. Sensational album.
The whole album is so full of power !!!!
My favorite song it's Goodnight Song!
OH SAME!!! When it came out, I just could not let a day pass by without listening to it through and through... maybe six months that was the only thing on my walkman!!! (Yep, it was from back in the walkman era!!)
go get Raul and the Kings of Spain. Might be even better@@aussie_philosopher8079
Due time for Tears for Fears to enter the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame.
Past due 👍🏼
I have been on a personal campaign to get them inducted. Once the Cure and Depeche Mode and Roxy Music got in, I have been hoping that this would kick the door open for all the long overlooked New Wave, Indie, bands from the 70s, 80s, and early 90s. TFF, the Smiths, Joy Division/New Order, Pet Shop Boys and bands of this era.
I was shocked Depeche Mode hadn't already been in it already when they announced they had.... Nice that fletch got to see that before he died
They ignored new wave bands until dm and the cure were inducted. How can they overlook the big fat sound of tears for fears, duran duran, pet shop boys, kraftwerk!!!
His vocals. That power, so underappreciated.
I'm 73, been around rock since before the Beatles, and there's just something about TFF and Roland's music that just grabs me and won't let go. All his songs, all of them different from the next, are inventive, thoughtful, melodic, and you just don't want them to end.
Exactly!!!
One of the greatest bands that is not universally recognized as legendary. Their music is amazing, style, arrangements, lyrics, vocals all top notch.
The whole Elemental album is a masterpiece. Front to back. Mr Pessimist is incredible.
Yes.
Excellent touring musicians between Elemental and RATKOS 👍
That was such an underappreciated album
AMEN
I was very lucky to see Tears tour this album
No curt......I couldnt care less
Nice to see some love for Mr. Pessimist. Superbly emotionally vulnerable track. It's a shame its buried so deep in the TFF canon, Songs From the Big Chair is obviously the highlight, but even for Elemental it's one of the least popular songs. One of my top 10 across their entire discography.
You can’t listen to tears for fears and not be taken on a journey.. amazing music
I adore listening to Songs from the Big Chair on our drives down from the Midlands to Cornwall. It's just perfect.
A journey to the shithouse amirite?
👍😁
Can't wait to see these guys live ... August is getting close!
So true
The Working Hour is quite a beautiful song and very underrated. Hope it gets more appreciated
This is the working hour. We are paid by thise who learn from our mistakes.
I love this song.
It's my favorite of their songs and a top ten in my list of favorite songs overall. Everyone listens to shout. I have Working Hour on loop.
I agree
Favorite on songs from the big chair
The 1995 TFF album "Raoul and the Kings of Spain" is also a greatly underappreciated album.
Yes agree, did you know your father was an island, did you know your mother was the sea....
I love this album!
The B-Side "Until I Drown" is absolutely beautiful.
So underrated.
I recently get this album and I think the same you do
Roland has another masterpiece here. He did the high pitched scream at the end himself. ( what range Roland has). He said in an interview that the elephant sounds were from a computer program he used. His main writing partner at this time was Alan Griffiths. They were a great pair. Roland uses everything he finds interesting in his music, and is always learning and exploring. He’s definitely a genius and his music is timeless and elegant. He’s the real deal. And he can’t be defined in one style. He’s everywhere and so flexible, so adaptable but also so innovative. Definitely my favorite artist ever.
Amén 🙏 100% agree with every word that you have said!
He is amazing! Every song on every album is amazing. TFF are incredible in person, too. I have seen them 4x.
An excellently written comment, I felt like a kindred spirit reading this. RIP Alan Griffiths, he worked on Raoul as well. What an incredible band of people gathered to realise Roland’s work. Such an incredibly rich song and album. 100% agree. Such emotion in Roland’s voice. A musical experience that is pure.
I love that Tears for fears Mark II with alan griffiths. It was the begiining of home studios (were still expensive at the time) and you can tell they were pushing the limits and spent a lot of time... Another great achievement with this team was the Emiliana torrini album "Love at the time of science" 1999.
Roland getting together with Alan was definitely a match made in heaven. I was born in '89, damn how I wish I was born ten years earlier!
This was Roland after the break and he is nothing but a genius! His son is also very talented. I am so glad that Roland and Curtis are back together!
Roland Orzabal Is One Of The Greatest Musicians/Singer/Songwriters In Modern Music History. He Has It All. 👌
And he did this autodidactic as far as I know. The interesting thing, how mich did he know about music theory?
I prefer thinking, that he heard that music, and then created it. Music theory is more for analyzing, but not f so much for creating music, I guess.
Agree, except for the singing, he did study opera singing for 6 months or so, not much though.
Thoroughly agree
no doubt. unfortunately he probably wont ever get the credit he deserves for his entire range of his discography, but he really is one of the best to ever do it
Two of the greatest albums that no one has probably ever heard of: "Elemental" and "Raoul and The Kings of Spain" by Tears For Fears.
Absolutely!!!
The break in “Don’t drink the water” is epic!!!!
Both are fantastic.
I have both albums in my collection and I love them 🔥 🔥 🔥
Saw the tours for both these albums live in the 90s... two of the best shows I've been to
I've been revisiting Tears For Fears lately, and man, they were so different from most 80s pop music of the time. I've always really liked their stuff, but never realized how layered and complex their music was....and their melodies have ALWAYS been something special!
I think Elemental is one of the most underrated songs/albums of the 90s. The song is simply brilliant. Also I think Roland is one of the best composer and singer ever. His voice range is amazing.
Yep!
Absolutely right
His range on "Power" always gets me. And the lyric "Dressed to kill, we guessed you might..."
Absolutely correct
That's a bit of a stretch. It wouldn't even make it into the top 100 songs of the 90s.
Tears for Fears, Seal, Sting and Crowded House rekindled my hope for pop music.....I learned Everybody Rules the World over the pandemic but to me Sowing the Seeds of Love is a masterpiece. The vocal blend in Tears for Fears is perfection...
I agree with you, Sowing the Seeds is a masterpiece. When I saw the title of this YT video, I thought Rick was going to dissect Sowing the Seeds. It's all good though🙂
Every song on Sowing the Seeds is amazing. When I saw them live on that tour towards the end of the 80"s, They opened up with the slow "I believe" from songs from the big chair. Seen so many concerts in my life and that was the only one that opened with a slow song....Genius!!!
sowing the seeds of love is very beatle-esque. excellent tune!
Agree but Songs from the Big Chair is also so jazzy fantastic
Truth!
I just love how Rick Beato has all the know-how to break down a song to its utmost detail, but in his heart, he’s the ultimate fan!!
That’s a perfect way to describe his channel!
One of the greatest bands ever and criminally underappreciated
I absolutely love the entire Elemental album. Roland is an absolute musical genius.
Totally agree. Underrated album
I thought I was the only one who loved this amazing album....... Im so happy to hear how much its appreciated. Roland is a Genius !!
The fact that some have written them off as a synth pop
Duo who had a few hits is totally ridiculous. Some of the best writing/production/recording in the industry
Their entire catalog is amazing. I was fortunate to be alive during their peak.
Me too
Same here..
They’re amazing!
Yeah. Elemental is a massively underrated and overlooked album. Probably because it was the first one after Curt had gone and they fell out of favour after the Seeds of Love. But I think this has some of Roland’s best work on it, every song is so so strong and let’s not forget, a lot of what makes this so great is Roland’s voice, I mean, WHAT a voice that guy has. Excellent choice Rick.
His voice I would brag endlessly about !!! SOOOOO UNDERATED !!!!HIS RANGE JUST AMAZING !!!
Also, Popular Fatigue. The public gets tired of the familiar. Joe Jackson was never unpopular, but Beat Crazy came out in *January* of 1980 on the heels of his first two albums, both in 1979. After a break, he somehow had a Very Successful Tour with a 40's style jazz band that no one wanted or asked for & played mostly other people's songs.
I could never figure that out.
Roland Orzabal always knew what he was doing. His work is epic, elegant, cinematic, deep. It makes you go to places and emotions, even if you don´t speak english. That album is a gem from song 1 to the end.
The WHOLE Elemental and Raoul and the Kings of Spain releases are insanely good. Roland has an extremely powerful voice. Alan Griffiths, who passed in 2017, also played a large part in both of those releases as wells.
agree 100 percent- fantastic work
Raoul is a *criminally* overlooked album. It's one of my most frequently revisited/relistened-to 90s albums, and that covers some ground.
I love Elemental.
Ra-oul Ra-oul Ra-oul and the Kings of Spain...
Although I love TfF with Curt Smith, I totally agree with you on these two albums!
I always thought they made catchy music but was never a massive fan but I recently went to see them live for the first time in Laval, Quebec and similar to when I first saw Springsteen 40 years ago in concert , they absolutely blew me away , they are incredible live and the songs they played off their new album “The Tipping Point” are absolute gems, so good that I instantly went to buy the new album after the show. If you get a chance don’t miss them in concert , I’ve been a hardcore concert goer for over 45 yrs , seen over a thousand shows and this was one that surpassed all my expectations…
J'ai découvert Tears For Fears il y a 4 ans avec Shout et l'an passée je me suis attaquée à toute leur discographie et même à leur premier groupe The Graduate et c'était la première fois que je ressentais autant les paroles d'un groupe et inutile de dire que depuis, c'est mon groupe préféré et j'étais également à la Place Bell le 30 Juin dernier. Quel spectacle! C'était phénoménal!
Every one of you who posted a comment on this video gets a big thank you and hug from me. We live in an isolated world full of people with no awareness of great music that isn’t automatic mainstream. I know I’m not alone in my love for this band and this album which I’ve listened to since it came out just like everything else they have done . All of you give yourself a Pat on the back for having taste that stands out . The fact Rick does a video like this says a lot about him as a music person
they were genius. One of my very favorite bands that I've long felt underrated.
If you look at what they have done and the music they made they are easily one of the best - not just of the 80s- bands and musical writers.
You rule!
I cried the day they broke up!
I wholeheartedly endorse this post!!! I discovered recently that my 20 something son loves this band. My heart was bursting with pride. My daughter a few years younger bought us tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins a couple years ago for Father's Day. I raised my kids right.
Rick, I've never chimed in, but I wanted to tell you, I've been watching your channel incessantly, and I appreciate what you do more than you will ever know. Your insights, your respect for songwriting, and your amazing humility you show on deference to the artists you interview amaze me. Thank you. You are a class action. You are void of everything ugly about our industry and a true musician. Just wanted to say thank you. I can always relate to what you have to say and how you say, or don't say it, when it comes to interviewing some absolute legends. Thank you brother. Trevor R Todd
Seconded!
Their song I wouldn't ever want to stop is 'Everybody wants to rule the world', I'm 63 an still mesmerized by it, puts me in a musical trance
One of the greatest songs and albums of the 1980's. Very few songs come close. "Boys of Summer" comes to mind.
Yes
I have never failed to listen to that song to the finish when it comes on
There's just a delicious melancholy ache throughout the album. the production, his voice, the musicianship. Pure brilliance.
That melancholy ache is losing his best friend. That is what this entire album is about. I bought this CD the day it came out in 1992. Unfortunately in 2013 I traded my car and 6 CDs were stuck in the CD player. All my TFF's CDs were in there. 😢
I thought I was alone in my appreciation of this album. Definitely my fave.
My fave, too!!
Tears for Fears come closest to the Beatles. So many sophisticated harmonies, perfect instrumentation. They have so many songs that give me goosebumps.
They are musically superior to the Beatles, and I am a Beatles fan. So were The Bee Gees.
Tears for Fears are awesome. I would put The Magnetic Fields as closest thing to Beatles songwriting.
@@nickming8027I agree. The Beatles were overrated.
I once heard that they were inspired by The Beatles, and with that, a lot of the harmonies made more sense.
@@Green-eyedGirl19 Totally agree, now the dust has settled on The Beatles much of the stuff they did was absolute crap...or to be more precise pop crap. I wanna hold your hand , she loves you, All you need is love readily spring to mind. However, they did do so wonderful stuff...it was at best a 50...50 split.
What is sadly hardly mentioned is how amazingly well produced and engineered TFF albums are.
yeah, but the testimony is how f'ing popular their hits and lesser hits are! regular nonmusician listners don't know anything about production, but they vote with their wallets , playlists and thumbs' ups.
yeah i also salute to Ian Stanley for his contribution in the production and engineering of the first 3 albums.
Exactly. Beautiful music period but engineered like no other
Roland is a genius songwriter. “The Working Hour” is truly a beautiful song.
I keep going back to that track. It really soars
@@justindaley2460 Same. It's my go to song as well.
I love "The Working Hour", a true masterpiece. The sax solo is fantastic and it is the only sax solo I know that (appears to) incorporate a section that sounds like a scale is being traversed that I think actually works musically. I hate those jazzy scale gymnastics on practically all jazz songs I know but in this solo it's just beautiful.
Probably my favorite track on that album.
Easily my favorite from Songs from the Big Chair, and that album was a masterpiece
I was fortunate enough to see them 2 separate times this past summer on their tour. Roland and Curtis can still belt out those notes. Amazing talent. I'm 57 years old and blessed to have had them growing up and watching them age like fine wine.
It would be amazing if you could do an interview with Roland and Curt!!
Yessss!
Yes please
Yes, please I think Roland and Curt would be very keen, too
yeeeeeesssss
Agreed!!!
I drove back from Seattle to Tennessee in fall of '93, by myself. Single woman, no cell phone, more than a bit nerve racking. Started with Elemental, then Big Chair, Elemental, Seeds of Love, Elemental, Big Chair, etc. Repeat for Four solid days! Roland's voice and that "thing" Rick is trying to describe kept me sane. Spent 20 minutes trying to find a weather report one afternoon and was crawling out of my skin by the time I heard one. Popped Elemental back in and within seconds it was like half a Xani and a glass of wine had kicked in. TFF is always described as "Pop", but they are so, so much more. As a non-musician blessed with excellent ears, to me TFF were the Beatles of the 80s.
Hear, hear! Well said. Beatles of the 80s (and 90s, etc)
Good music IS Good music ....and Tears for fear has that "Range" of sound and emotion that keep you going👍👍..The tipping point from their new album...as THEN is on point a good grove and message
The Hurting?
@@franklee1205 Love the Tipping Point album, and song.
I appreciate your dedication. The thing I like about the band is they have only put out 7 studio albums in 40 years. It shows you don’t have to pop out an album a year to be a “quality group”. The unique sound and production are what I enjoy. I was lucky to see them in Phoenix in 2017, opening for Hall & Oates. It was like seeing two separate concerts. Great!!! Over the next two days I will be driving 1,600 miles. I’ll be listening to 6 cd’s along the way. I need to pick up The Tipping Point to make it 7.
I didn’t think anyone knew this album, let alone would break it down and appreciate it the way I do. Love it!
Me too!!!! Shocked.
Same. I’ve always loved this album
Every song on this album is amazing. Straight up. I’ve always thought this album to be severely underrated.
But WE found it, and rate it highly. Love this record. Only missed the magic Curt added to TFFs. Happy they rediscovered it and can't wait to see them live in August (on a Tuesday!) at Acrisure in Palm Desert, CA USA!!!!
Might be the best TFF album (even without Curt). EVERY song it great AND unique.
I wish I had a nickel for ever time I listened to this album.. I could retire.
I have literally seen possibly a good few thousand international acts over the last 25 years or so, Tears For Fears were probably the best live act I've ever seen. Spandau Ballet and Simple Minds opened for them. So so good. That reverb just absolutely washed over me. Gorgeous sounds.
AWESOME!!!! Spandau and Simple Minds.
I love Tears for Fears, but I thought they were weak in concert. I think of them as a studio band
To me, songs such as this are plugged in to the Divine. To the eternal. They tap into something that is beyond words. Pure love, pure emotion.
No kidding. Good evaluation. I totally get it.
Indeed, that is the perfect word IMHO Divine ❤
Yes! Channeled brilliance! ♥️
Delighted to see you praise Tears For Fears, Rick, and so many people complimenting them. I’ve followed them since The Hurting and I know I’ll listen to them forever and never get sick. There’s so much sophistication going on that it’s always fresh, some nuance I never noticed, and suits all of my moods as well. And of course, guitar parts are always interesting in his songs. What a fantastic songwriter Roland Orzabal is. He will always be underrated.
I would call Tears for Fears an "ethereal" group. They are certainly one of my favorite bands of all-time. There's a certain complexity that their songs bring but yet they are still melodic at the same time. A band like Duran Duran also comes to mind with this style (think of "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone"). Other bands like Savage Garden (Australia) and Erasure (UK) come to mind as well.
That is the word Rick was looking for! 👍🏻
TFF are the best pop band of the 80is and 90 s. Many people didn't realize it back then. When looking back it's obvious. I always loved them, but, it used to be pretty uncool to like them.
Completely agreed! Also just like Rick says, I would also put Seal in that group!
Elemental is such an underrated album by TFF. They should play more songs from this album in their live sets!
Their last Album after they got together Tipping Point is amazing. Not one bad song on it. It's a variety of songs from beginning to end and masterfully produced.
I agree! It's good from beginning to end. Even a couple of the songs that I felt were "lesser", have grown on me so much that I can't imagine the album without them. It's getting overlooked by some long-time fans!
I love the band, but I don't care that much for Curt's writing. Thankfully I have the SDE version with all three bonus tracks - Secret Location is cool and Let It All Evolve is peak Roland.
Agreed, they matured incredibly well! I also love Happy Ending!
"Please be happy" is too sad for me. But amazing album, including the bonus tracks.
Agree!!!
It makes me happy when other TFF songs get the appreciation and attention they deserve. The entire back catalogue is a masterpiece and yet they’re often only known for 3 or 4 hits. Roland is a musical genius and the world should know it!
Yeah Roland Orzabal is unbelievably great voice and a genious in general regarding the way of putting together beautiful melodies!!!
right? I mean, even the b-sides are pretty good! and those are the reject materials from the album!
every roland and tff album oozes craftsmanship. Sewing the seeds of love is one of the most meticulously crafted albums of the 1980's
Roland’s voice is phenomenal. Elemental, Goodnight Song, Woman in Chains, and Closest Thing to Heaven are my absolute favorite TFF songs.
Swords and knives and famous last words are also an amazing display of his voice
On the Elemental album is a song called Mr Pessimist. My absolute favourite song of all time. The change ups are a work of genius.
My latest Tears for Fears favorite is Year of the Knife. The 80!a was a storm in music that gave birth to the whirlwind. Tears for fears are one of the eagles that ride those winds.
YES, Year of the Knife for sure! 👍
Love the intro but otherwise not one of my faves. Swords and Knives on the other hand 2:34 -4:38 in the song - unbelievable music ❤❤
The two albums Roland Orzabal did without Curt Smith as Tears For Fears are so underappreciated. Elemental & Raoul and the Kings of Spain have some gems!!! ❤
Don't forget Tomcat Screaming Outside, which came out under his own name...just as good as these two.
Absolutely agree. Very underappreciated. Raoul and the Kings of Spain is one of my favorites of all time!
Love both , and bought it, when it came out ...! WE
Totally agree!
yeah, definitely two great albums. So many listens, so many years... his solo album (that is arguably also a tff album), "Tomcats screaming outside" is also brilliant.
"Elemental" is probably the Tears For Fears album that has stuck with me the most over the years.
The songwriting and production values are (as usual) through the roof and all these amazing songs have remained faithful companions during the past three decades.
I agree, I can't help but think it's because it was basically Roland's solo record, Curt Smith wasn't involved.
My favourite by a country mile. The first 3 songs make it for me, the rest is just a big bonus. Cold is magnificent.
The whole album is brilliant. Every song a gem. Amazing production, too. Each instrument has air around it to breathe. Perfectly balanced. Love this record.
Their songs are timeless. Production has always been phenomenal in every era.
For those unfamiliar, this entire CD is seriously awesome.
Facts.
@GiacomoJimmi Forgive my ignorance, what is the name of the album? Yes , I know I could google it, but sometimes it's nice to hear from real people :)
Agree
@@thebillryan The album is called Elemental.
Absolutely!!! My fav TFF record.
I was BLOWN away you selected this one!! It is ABSOLUTELY one of my ALLLL time favorites!!! This entire album is sheer Exquisite GENIUS!!! THANK YOU!!!
Saw Tears and The Call at Red Rocks, one of my top 5 concerts of all time. Roland is a Genius.
That sound like one of the best concerts I've never heard of. When was it?
Good songwriter and possibly one of the most underrated voices.
I FUCKING love this song. The intro where you’re not fully sure where beat 1 is, the groove, the crunch, RO’s powerful vocals, the floaty melody, the turning point with “take another leap”… truly amazing. This entire album is super special.
Rick, you’ve brought the music we love- and the music we didn’t know we were going to love- front and center of our lives. You’ve done it beautifully, entertainingly, with great humor and such masterful musical precision. Music, and all of us, are so lucky to have you, man.
This song is a masterpiece... The harmonies... De intertwining of different styles... Orzabal's powerful voice is like a gale that blows your mind !
Roland Orzabal is such an underrated guitar player.... THEY SHOULD BE IN THE HALL OF FAME
Roland’s vocal range is stunning. He transitions easily and powerfully between octaves. Incredible voice.
And he’s STILL delivering that range. I was blown away by the recent TFF show in Las Colinas (Dallas).
When I watched them live in 2013, they played Year of the Knife and I was blown away.
Bing on CJ Vanston. He played keys for Tears tours. Played with Tina. Important players behind the stars
Also, Tears For Fears is one of my all-time favorites. Roland is an amazingly multi-talented musician - singer, composer, performer, everything.
I played this cassette over and over back then. Probably more then the previous two albums. It is rare to hear anything about this album especially 30 years later. Rick Thank you for using your reach to showcase this song.
I use to love to play along with Elemental while warming up for a gig back in 93”. Started playing at age 5 which would have been 1970. Man, what a musical era we were blessed with!
Around minue 5:00, when the song starts, I began smiling. Honestly, I thought I was the ONLY one of my circle of friends (particularly the musicians, who know more about music than I), that appreciated this song, and this whole album. It is truly a masterpiece. And as a bassist, the bass line gets me HIGH, in every the sense of the word. The album is not only 'underrated', it was nearly ignored due the ongoing grunge and 'alternative' fever. For me, however, was a HUGE part of the soundtrack of my twenties. As for the "7th year YT itch", nevermind. You keep popping stuff like this, you'lll have AT LEAST one viewer.
I think I did a Rick Beato "Whoooo!" When he started the track! 😂 Seriously cannot overstate how big this record was for me. "Elemental" hasn't lost a bit of that shine it had, right from first play. ❤️
Pleased to meet lovers of TFF!
Yeah man, that bassline gets me every time. In. The. Pocket!
TFF got me in my 40's and haven't let me go and now I'm in my 60's
Completely agree. This album should be remastered and rereleased to this generation!
One of my all time albums. Thank you for acknowledging the genius of Roland Orzabal.
Personally, The Working Hour takes the cake for me. I love Elemental but Working hour is really something. Perfect song in every way. How it starts until how it ends…just perfection.
You're absolutely right!
Me too here
That's my fav Tears For Fears song.
My favorite too. They have so many amazing songs.
Same! You can just get lost soaring along
Woman in Chains is a masterpiece
Phil Collins on drums!
Best resolve in all of music at “so free her”!
Agreed
Yes! Woman in Chains and The Working Hour, pure magic.
'Masterpiece' is an overused word and never applies to pop music.
One of the greatest bands of all time just so smart that the average person can’t really handle them
After all these years, Tears for Fears still give me goosebumps. Favorite song: Mister Pessimist. That bass.
No joke, that song came on just as I was scrolling past your comment. Unreal bass line. Such an amazing album from start to finish.
@@cbh76 High five !
the middle guitar and piano parts in Brian Wilson Said is just sublime
Same here. A rare thing nowadays, today's music sucks
The one bit of bass from the fantastic Guy Pratt! ❤️
When Tears For Fears released their 2004 album "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending", one reviewer wrote "Lennon and McCartney are alive and well". High praise!
That's what my masseuse said.
@@The-Bankster 🤔
I was hoping the song Rick played was from this album
Long time fan, Roland is a genius. I do not like that album. Only clunker in their discography. Curt can pound salt after Elemental came out.
CRAP! album
ORZABAL'S VOICE WAS UNBELIEVABLE!!! NOW, WITH THE YEARS , IT'S JUST GREAT...
almost 30 years since the Elemental album was released ... I borrowed the CD from the public library that summer and transferred it to cassette tape. So many great songs on there, Break it Down Again, Fish Out of Water, Cold, Goodnight Song, Brian Wilson Said ... and of course, Elemental.
There are quite a few Tears for Fears songs that I REALLY love, but Goodnight Song is probably my favorite. They do a great job of writing sophisticated pop songs.
Yes it's such a great song!
It’s a fabulous song!!
Goodnight Song really seemed to give a musical answer (at that time) to what had happened to Roland and Curt. It is a beautiful and brilliant song
Raoul and the Kings of Spain is the masterpiece out of all of them (sorry curt). "Sketches of Pain", wow.
So great that you recognized this song and this record. It often gets overlooked in comparison to the earlier work. This entire record is brilliant.
Roland Orzabal is a remarkable talent.....Regards from Spain.....Raoul and The Kings
Yes... Here is a great Elemental... Bought this album in 1993... In Turkey... and CD is still alive...
Your channel is by far my favorite music channel. The education you provide. The breakdowns. The QUALITY interviews geared toward music geeks like me. Exposure to interesting people like Ted Gioia...freakn love that guy!! This channel is quality content and great production. Always interesting and stokes my creative side. Here's to many more years of success on TH-cam!!
It's almost like Tears for Fears put out such amazing music you almost have to analyze all their music.
One of my favorite bands out of the 80s.
Their complex and diverse sound, a sound they could not be pigeon holed into, made them so interesting is what they came out with.
This was a much more important band then they have been given credit for. They are almost under rated. And yet the sound they produced was some of the most interesting and amazing music of the 80s and early 90s.
"Goodnight Song" is the real gem on that great album.
YES! Also, the lengthy instrumental on Brian Wilson Said. Absolutely beautiful!
I adore that song ❤
For me, their masterpiece song is "The Working Hour." I think that song is extraordinary.
I love their reunion album "Everybody Loves a Happy Ending," too. It feels like it picked up right where "Seeds of Love" left off.
Same. They played it live about ten years ago. Saw them at the Wiltern in LA. I think I may have hurt some ears around me from screaming so loud.
I played Everybody Loves a Happy Ending daily for like, a year straight.
One of the greatest lyrics ever: "We are paid by those who learn by our mistakes."
As a huge music lover with absolutely no musical talent, Rick you enforce my musical choices of my life and make me feel as if I actually understand music
I know what I love , and when Rick Loves it , I feel a kinship
Thank you
One of the best albums made.Roland is one of the best,brilliant.Woman in chains,Head over heels,Elemental,God's mistake,Goodnight song, Year of the knife,Sowing the seeds,Famous last words,Swords and knifes, Advice for the young at heart, all so underplayed over the years.Roland and Curt are so underrated.
They are like the Beatles of the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and 2020s. Met them at the hammerSmith apollo in London. They were gracious and took pics. Fantastic guys and band!
I saw Tears for Fears in 2019, practically in my backyard. They were still incredibly good live. It was the last live show I saw before I was diagnosed with cancer the second time, in all likelihood the last live show of my life. A really good one. Another good track from Elemental is Break It Down Again. It's incredible how much of the Tears For Fears vibe Roland managed to preserve on Elemental despite Curt's departure.
dont give up man... you have supporters you don't even know.
Hope you are keeping up the good fight. All the best, man.❤
Never give up.
I too have great memories of seeing them in 2019. Hope you prevail, I've been through mine twice and still going.
All the best to you buddy ❤
I remember listening to this song over and over when that TFF solo album (Roland Orzabal) came out in 1993 while I was living the best years of my life in Paris and all around the world.
Never sick of a super great song, as well.
Thank you Nick for making me remembering those deep emotions I had felt when first playing that CD ; for so many years and still today.
Hello from Argentina, Rick! At last: somebody who loves this song! I have this album since 1994 and I love it from the beginning (this song) to the last. Is amazing. Tears for fears music creates a wonderful atmosphere. Now I'm listening The tipping point and this album is amazing, too. In elemental, Roland Orzabal was alone, and Gail Ann Dorsey played the bass guitar. Thank you for listening this beautiful song
I’ve listened to this album a million times. Truly a masterpiece and very underrated.
AMEN
Goodnight song!
A million times! me 2
Same. Love this album
I just saw Tears for Fears last Saturday, July 22, 2023 in Ridgefield, Washington... phenomenal show!! 👍👌👏❤️
Roland is my favourite composer in any genre. He's just brilliant as has an insane melodic and powerful voice
Yep, that voice! And boy does he use it 💖