This 1985 Song Maybe the GREATEST #3 Hit EVER, But What The HELL Does It Mean? | Professor of Rock
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Following on the heels of two gigantic #1 Hot 100 hits in 1985, today’s featured song the 80s classic Head Over Heels, written by iconic synth rock pioneer Roland Orzabal and sung with his partner Curt Smith of Tears for Fears, was in line to make it three in row…but would it happen? Ambitious and anthemic, this song boasts some highly intelligent lyrics that take many listens to unriddle. It came From a record that was named after a bad TV movie. Songs from the Big Chair with a music video that defined the 80s. It’s one of the most under-appreciated songs of the neon decade. So good a cult movie Donnie Darko based an entire sequence on the song and filmed it without knowing if they’d even get the song rights. We solve this mysterious 80s song riddle next.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you ever found solace in a game of pong or tried at least 1000 times to beat Mike Tyson in Punch depending on what generation you came from You’ll dig this channel of pure music Nostalgia. make sure that you subscribe below right now and check the box so that you always get our latest interviews and stories We also have a patreon you'll want to check out. We just put a full unreleased documentary up there. It’s great stuff that you’ll enjoy.
So, it’s time for another edition of #1 in Our Hearts. This show honors songs that were so unbelievably great, they absolutely should've been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. But for whatever reason, be it radio play, lack of marketing, label support or just sheer stupidity, the song came up short. On previous episodes, we have covered Just Like Heaven by the Cure, True by Spandau Ballet, and In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel.
Today we are giving you the story behind Head Over Heels, a #1 near miss from Tears for Fears’ seminal 1985 album Songs from the Big Chair and for my money it might be their greatest song.
You know, of all the synth-pop sensations to come out of the Second British Invasion, Tears For Fears are one of the few left standing.
Over the course of the past 40 years, there may only be seven studio albums under the Tears for Fears banner, but the quality of their catalog is a massive cut above the rest. And it’s safe to say that the iconic duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith have risen to become global superstars. With the recent release of their latest record The Tipping Point, a brilliant modern offering, it’s clear that these two statesmen of synthesized rock have transcended the decade they towered over…
Their voice today is just as critical as it has ever been. So with today’s episode, I want to honor their legacy, especially since Head Over Heels is one of my favorite songs in their brilliant catalog. Just for a quick primer, Smith and Orzabal both grew up in Bath, England and became friends in their early teen years. Both boys came from broken homes, with Curt flirting with juvenile delinquency as a result. Roland, however, turned to books to alleviate his trauma. And at 17 he discovered psychologist Arthur Janov's primal scream therapy. Orzabal turned Smith on to Janov as well. That would become a common thematic element early on.
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest song from the 2nd British Invasion?
"Last Chance on the Stairway" by Duran Duran.
Joy Division: Love Will Tear Us Apart
...Duran Duran may have a word with you, for asking this question, Prof.!! ..ha-HAA!! "...duh-duh-duh-DUH-DUH-DUH..The RE-FLEX!! ...fle-fle-fle-fle-FLEX!"
Joe Jackson "Steppin' Out"
th-cam.com/video/PJwt2dxx9yg/w-d-xo.html
Fields of Fire by Big Country
I'm glad you spotlighted this song. While "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" and "Shout" were their #1 hits, "Head Over Heels" has always been my favorite Tears For Fears song.
....mine, was "I Believe"....but the WHOLE Album, was just NUTS! ....Me Best Bed has FIVE re-issues, I kid you NOT....and, he won't GIMME any of 'em! ...ha-HAA!!
Mine too.
Agreed! It's so captivating. I love they used it in Donnie Darko. There's a live version on youtube I believe they're in Germany or Switzerland from back in the 80s and the quality is really good. Im so impressed how they sound live. Stellar musicians.
@@RBS_it's crazy right?
The lovely, almost wordless "Listen" is my favorite album track and even beats "Shout" IMO.
Tears For Fears should have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame long time ago,what a timeless group and its songs,full of meaning and messeges
that Hall doesn't mean anything. Tupac and Biggie are in it. Apparently his music is rock😂
the hurting was my absolute favourite record back then. more so than songs from the big chair. such a great band.
They've been eligible for a while. But now they seem to want to nominate more recent acts as soon as they reach eligibility, and this makes it more difficult for artists from the 50s to the 80s to get in. But I fully agree with you.
Yes. They changed our ears. Such great writing, melody, groove and lyrics
NEWS FLASH: Because YOU like them is not a valid RnRHoF criterion.
Very little of the MTV era is worthy of the Hall of Fame. Tears for Fears is no exception. They were good but not great.
Not sure if this is an insult or compliment, but almost every time I get about 5-10 minutes in any video released by this guy I have to pause it and go and listen to the song and the band he’s talking about. He just unlocks the memories and it’s a rare episode I don’t have to pause a few times.
I do it right before watching.
Tears For Fears does nothing for me either 😂
I do too!!
Yes! I had forgotten "I believe" and listening to the first seconds of the song in this video (probably for the first time in decades) made me realized how much I love the song. Precious music and memories.
Same
So much nostalgia and meaningful memories listening to these Tears for Fears tapes in the mid 80s....I miss those times, that version of me, and the simplicity and beauty of life at that time. A melancholy tear is shed when listening to these songs still today. Thanks for the history behind these masterpieces.
I was only just a baby but I feel longing for those times too. I grew up in the 90s and life was amazing and I miss 90s me. I miss my family and my childhood..
Head over Heels and EWTRTW never gets old for me. Every time Heels starts, it immediately takes me back. Every time.
The bass line in that song never gets the love it deserves, it's awesome.
ICONIC BASS 🔊👌✨🙌👏😎🔊 LINE!!!
Absolutely!!
It’s such a good feeling when it starts. Nostalgia overload. ♥️
@@suzymarshall4898 Yes not many songs give you the chills like that. Takes me back to the 80s every time with random Eighties memories. I always liked the song, but liked it even more after it was used on Donnie Darko. One of those songs where the opening is seared into your mind.
@@uncledonnie7556 absolutely 👍
As a musician, music buff, and child of the 70’s / 80’s, I LOVE YOUR SHOWS! You always hit the nail right on the head.
...I'm a child of ALL THREE DECADES, and Prof. shocks ME, with the nail -hittin'! ....He EDUCATES, and I'm all for it.... ; )
Thanks Ron!
Thanks RBS!
I was a heavy metal dude in high school and wouldn’t get caught dead listening to Tears for Fears. At 55, I fell in love with this song and Tears for Fears. These guys are the epitome of artists/musicians.
I think there are a lot guys like you and I who feel that way.
I still listen to a lot of the music that I was into in my youth, but mostly the blues oriented and folk based stuff. Most of the metal that I thought was cool back then, just sounds ridiculous to me today, but I now have an appreciation for a lot of the new wave and synth-rock music like this that I didn’t like at all back then.
Bible. I had to chuckle reading your comment, in 85 I was 4 years into married life and a new mother I was into Pop and New Age music and now a few days from being 67 I am finding myself rather enjoy Heavy Metal. The old Metal over the newer stuff.
Old metal for sure! I’m fifty seven and I liked all kinds of music; T4F was and still is a favorite band that still lifts me up! Cheers!
I see to buy the metal shirt like Metallica, Iron Maiden, poison, those were the days
I he assad ya I'm 57 and I find myself listen to music and watching tv show I would have never done in the 80s it's a trip.
Amazing song and incredible album! I remember the summer of '85 vividly and being 6-7 years old at my aunt's swimming pool with the radio playing Tears for Fears, Prince, The Police, Crowded House, Big Country, Howard Jones, A-Ha, Duran Duran, Wang Chung, INXS, Joe Jackson, Huey Lewis & the News, Phil Collins, and so many more. It was a great time to grow up/be a kid and an amazing time to be alive. Life was so good! Amazing music, movies, tv shows, etc.. I'd give anything to go back to 1980-1989! The greatest decade!
Yes! I have many of the same great memories. I was a young mother growing up with my children listening to the great music of the 80s.
Roland Orzibal is a musical genius! One of the best Male vocalists ever!
Agreed. I think Curt Smith's voice us actually better, but Roland does so much more with his voice. He doesn't just sing; he performs, even when it's just the audio.
I love both of their voices.
Roland's vocals are amazing.
Decade-defining - he's a voice indelibly linked to the 80s in my mind.
Lol
Tears for Fears takes me to 1984-1986, when I was in high school Southern California. Then I joined the Marines and jammed to TFF while stationed in Spain. Thank God for the juke box in the E Club. I'm 55 and still loving the 80s
Was in my 20s but loved the 80's...
Wow I'm 56 remember this song in high school in nj
Same. Loved this album in H.S., and listened to it while in the Army Infantry, 88-91. Brings back a lot of memories.
Songs from the big chair is timeless, it sounds as good and as relevant as it did in 1985.
Agreed!
I saw a person wearing a Songs from the Big Chair shirt the other day. 👕
Forever 🎵🎶
One of the best albums you can go back and listen to start to finish and then start over again and not get sick or burned out from it. ❤️❤️
@@ProfessorofRock are you from the north east?
My favorite band of all time. 1st time I saw them was in 1985 and have seen them 5 times, ending with the tipping point world tour part 2 in Atlantic city in june 2023. They never disappoint.
Saw them in AC too and in Philadelphia before that.
Awesome 👌
How were they live? I can’t even imagine.
Yes in 1985 I was going to there sold out show in Costa Mesa CA had an xtra ticket I wantes to unload b4 I went in and sold it to Pez and Mark O'toole from Frankie who just happenned to roll up!
"Head over Heels" was the perfect song to set the school montage to in "Donnie Darko." The camera pans over each character who poses some relevance to the story, without a single cut, introducing us to them without a single word being uttered, and we feel like we know them already.
Love that scene.
Donnie Darko immortalized the song.
The song I always think of from that movie is "Mad World"-Michael Andrews featuring Gary Jules.
In the 80's. You would go to peoples houses and regardless of their music taste, looking through their record collection you would find this album so often. It's an absolute classic of the 80's. The songs are still strong today and I still play the album.
records were the best i miss them
Yep, 10 million albums sold, diamond status!
There’s just something about Tears For Fears that makes you want to sing their songs at the top of your lungs!
Absolutely. It makes me want to just shout. Shout, and... let it all out. 😄
Always during karaoke. 👍
Tears for fears is one of the unsung heroes for people my age....its insane how good they were and no one really knows their name
Their songs are kind of anthemic so yes, singing them at the top of your voice is definitely required
Yes!
I was born in 84, but my dad was a radio DJ, so i ALWAYS had music playing as a kid. My dad bought me my first keyboard when i was 15, and i taught myself how to play the intro by ear. This album is TOP TIER 80s album. The whole thing, start to finish. TFF was a huge influence on me, and now fast forward 2024, i do vocals, keys, and drums in a band and we're working on oud secind album. All heavily influenced by the 80s, and personally, i give a huge credit of my love of songwriting to TFF. They are just amazing. Love it.
Mad World is their best song for me.
"The dreams in which I'm dying
Are the best I've ever had."
One of the best lyric lines ever!
Great lyrics and melody, but I have to admit to liking the covers and acoustic takes better than the original. It relied too much on the drum machine and synthesizer, and sounds dated, IMO.
You might like a line from Dark Sarah 's Dance with the Dragon, " We will die another day, another way", the quintessential gothic metal lyric. But I like yours, too.
The Working Hour is a brilliant track , should have been released as a single .
I'm thinking that they used a cover of Mad World in a scene set in the morgue on CSI, and while I don't quite recall the circumstances of the scene, it was a perfect choice.
YES!
As an 80’s kid, I agree, “Head Over Heels” is my favorite Tears for Fears song. Also, every time I hear it it reminds me of the movie “Donnie Darko” which is another plus.
best scene in that movie.
why is he saying it is one of.... it is literally one of the best songs in history.... everything they touched.... they are top 3 bands in history along side beegees and queen..... everyone knows this
That was Mad World
@@djkenny1202Memories Fade to round out the top three
Same here
This album was the highlight of my 1985. I turned 18 years of age; a cliched pained teenager, who listened to radio Luxembourg under the covers at night: I was addicted to this decade of electronica and big hair. A lot of it banal, but then this album dropped and I was transfixed by every single track on it. I still am! Possibly my favourite album of all time.
Head over Heels gave me goosebumps and although I didn’t get the theme - you have encapsulated it perfectly, by the way - I knew it was layered in a way that made it completely stand-out from other music of the time.
As for The Working Hour, possibly my favourite track of the album, but then how can you single out one song on this work of art?
A protest at authority, a finger at the leaders in the corporate space. Just sublime and so meaningful.
Live Aid was a significant event of the year. This album spoiled us for choice ❤️
Their music was so unbelievably mature and sophisticated for their young ages then. It blew my mind. The songs you never heard on Mtv or the radio were pure genius. Masterpieces. They have always been my favorite band of all time. Roland's TFF albums are amazing. But they are best together.
Excellent point. i keep thinking the same thing again and again.
I heard them on the radio. College radio, where they played Great songs, B4 they got on top 40 charts. My kids were teens & preteens. I'd sing along with the latest New songs!! They'd say, "Mom!! How do you Know this song already ???!!!" 😂😂😂
Dude,. The Working Hour is the most overlooked, and arguably, the best piece of music on the album... I realize this is a big statement considering the other great songs on the album. Looking back, it's hard to understand how such young guys could create such an artistically mature song.
👌👌👌👌👌
Absolutely stunning song ❤
Absolutely agree with you friend! Nobody ever talked about that song except in passing! Underrated to the max!
I love that song! The arrangement is amazing!
I love The Working Hour! It made me want to become a sax player. 🎷
"Shout", "Head over Heels", and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" have been part of my A-list 80s soundtrack since I was a kid. They will always be there.
Shout and Rule the world are monster tracks, unforgettable songs
Songs from the Big Chair, to me, has not one filler song on it. A masterpiece.
EXACTLY 💯
Absurdly false. The hits are awesome, and the non-hits are godawful bad. It's like the hits were ghostwritten or something.
The Hurting is even better
@@paulchandler9241 I have to agree. The three hits were fantastic to all be on the same album, and they made the band's career. There was one more decent song on the album, but the rest really was quite like filler IMO.
The Working Hour is beautiful
Quality over quantity. The way each of their albums evolved from the last is a true testament to their greatness.
I agree Good call.
I totally agree, also!
When music MADE you want to listen.
Without question, Woman in Chains is one of the group’s greatest songs. It's absolute mastery by Roland, Curt, & Oleta.
Yes, can we get a back story on this song??? I’d love to hear what prompted them to write such a masterpiece.
Oleta Adams voice is mesmerizing
@@latoyatyson4685
Orzabal spoke about the song in a 1990 Washington Post interview: "When I sing 'Woman in Chains,' I'm singing about the oppression of women around the world, but I'm also singing about the repression of the female anima within myself, and I'm also singing about my mother. At the end when I sing, 'Free her,' I'm also saying, 'Free me.'"
roland and curt met oleta in kansas city. i was at the TFF show in kc last weekend, and roland had a good story about meeting her.
for me it was always Start Of The Breakdown
There was a time in my life where the world revolved around Songs From the Big Chair. Every single on every format, every B-side, every poster, shirt, VHS, all things TFF ruled my life 😂
ALL of us at some point had to be completely enamored with these two handsome dudes. And I’m Gen Z!
One highlight of my life was going to Tears For Fears with my 10 year old son this year. He sang every word of EWTRTW 5ft from the stage.
The Hurting. An essential album. Not a bad song on that phenomenal album. Pure genius. Haunting, melancholy, empathetic, divine sadness. Brilliant.
Agreed
My favorite album, period!
@@peggyweber6845 yes. Up there in my top 3 for sure!
Agree. As one of the earlier takers, I feel a lot of ownership for this album. The rest of the public can go head over heels with the later albums, The Hurting stays with me. Kinda like U2, Sunday Bloody Sunday (War) was the best, the rest.....yall can have it.
@Nilo Baranda
it's a sad affair,
When there's no one there.
He calls out in the night
And it's so unfair,
At least it seems that way
When you gave him life
And all this time he's been getting you down,
You ought pick him up when there's no one around
Convince him
Just talk to him....
Suffer the children.
The lyrics, the melody. One of 10 perfect songs. When I'm sad or overwhelmed, I turn to this criminally underrated & nearly forgotten album and realize I'm not alone when I have emotional, spiritual, and psychological pain.
I'm glad there are people like you who appreciate this brilliant, overlooked masterpiece. Today's music is absolute garbage when you compare it to music like this. I turned my 18 year old son onto this. Better than a $300 session with a psychologist. Peace
The flood of nostalgia I get from this song is deep. I used to listen to this on my Walkman cassette player on the bus ride from school. Im most amazed that after all these years this song hasn't aged...it's truly one of the best pop songs ever recorded.
i had it on cassette in the late 90's, one of those yard sale pickups. i remember blasting in while i was watching dishes or just in my room. finally got the 99 remastered version on CD in the early 00's. have 3 copies right now - a 90's pressing of the original recording, the 99 remastered version and the 2014 reissue.
he forgot to mention they were and are great musicians.... roland is literally top 5-6 musician in history of rock/pop... this is not just a great band but the musician within are amazing
I saw them in concert last year in Charlotte, NC along with Garbage. It was an epic event! Curt and Roland sound just as good as they did back on SFTBC.
Saw their concert last year, too, kinda on a lark, not having listened to them since 1985's SFTBC. Perhaps one of my more favored shows in recent memory.
I was there in Charlotte too.
@@Brecamp Wonderful concert, but gawdawful hot...
I saw them last year at an outdoor concert in Denver. Cold and rainy. One of the best concerts I've been to.
I was at the same show!! They were INCREDIBLE!!
Hahaha I love that Roland said Head over Heels was “the simplest song in their whole catalog” 😂😂😂 The song has multiple counter melodies, it’s written in lydian and mixolydian mode (rare for pop music), it changes key several times without even being noticeable, and multi satisfying crescendos… and to Roland and Kurt, nothing gets simpler 😂😂 two bonafide GENIUSES
I think you're over complicating it because it really is a simple song. As for lydian and mixolydian, it sounds like you've been listening to too many Rick Beato song breakdowns. Rick is a great musician, but he's able to tear things completely apart, and therefor over-complicates things -- like he brought Sting in, and was going on about lydian modes etc., and Sting just essentially said to him "I don't know what you're talking about -- I just write the songs"
@@plane_guy6051 hahaha fair point. I absolutely do watch Rick’s videos, and think they’re great (at least the ones where he used to break songs down, not the ones that he makes every other week bragging about how big his channel is).
But ultimately, you’re misconstruing the point in my comment. I was simply pointing out that what may seem simple to a genius songwriter like Roland (and Sting too), is funny because 99.99% of music today, (and a large percentage even back then), showed little complexity at all by comparison. Throw out the Lydian and Mixolydian part; subtle key changes and countermelodies have become pretty much extinct in music in the last 20 years. And what seems simple to creative geniuses can still be seen by us regular folk as impressive beyond belief, that’s all.
There was a study done on music from 1955 to 2010 (running 500,000 songs through an AI) to find out if music is getting worse. It was, is. There is a steady decline in the overall complexity and diversity of music.
There’s a reason why songs like this are mind blowing to younger generations! I’ve heard them almost my entire life (born in 73) and I still discover things I hadn’t heard before…that is amazing to me!
My kids are 21 and 23, they are discovering 80’s synth, Nirvana, Tool…lots of 70’s/80’s/90’s bands. So are millions of others. It gives me hope of inspired musicians on the horizon 💛
@@thechops2000 you’re kids are amazing, awesome!! Thank you for raising them with great taste in music, it gives hope that great music may not be dead for long!!
Music theory has entered the chat! 😊
I was in... 4th grade. This whole album is so good. My dad was in radio and would take me to the record store every Friday to pick out a record to buy. I remember when this one came out. I could not wait to buy this record! My aunt was really into "Shout". She was about 22 at the time and we would sing that together at the top of our lungs. Lots of great memories with this record.
LOL Im on same boat. forced my dad to drive me across town just to buy this vinyl. OMG was so fkg pumped to get home. Checked out Shout Im like ok whats next then Saxophone rolls into track 2 Im like WTF is this crap...didnt like it but got used to it then The Working hr transformed into a masterpiece!! now in 2023 is when I realized the song "Listen" is not Roland but its Curt. I had no clue for 38 yrs lol
Sounds like a wonderful Dad you have! I hope you managed to keep all your records.
Tears for Fears immediately transports me back to being a kid in the 80s. Great decade!!
Indeed. Give anything to flip the tape and do it all over again 🤣
The MAGIC 🪄🎩 YEARS❤
Same! And the funny thing is that I was about 10 in the mid 80's and didnt necessarily like them back then, but absolutely love them now!
My best friend and I used to go to a local quarry that struck water and flooded. We'd see who had the guts to dive the deepest. Proof of the deepest dive was what we pulled from the bottom. This song was always playing from someone's boom box on the beach.
Best days of my life. Lots of bikinis too. Ladies didn't wax a lot back then either😏
Same. Great memories of my teenage years. ✌️
I have to say, of all the great songs by Tears For Fears, the one that I really enjoy is "Everybody Wants To Rule The World". Then to hear it in the Val Kilmer movie "Real Genius", just made the song even better.
Tears For Fears is a great talent. And after all these years, hearing them in concert recently, I am awe struck that their voices have not diminished at all.
Love this group!
Yes! "Real Genius" is an underrated movie, and I, too, will forever think of that movie when I hear "everybody wants to rule the world."
I love this songs, I lovethis band, I love "Donnie Darko," and I love how well the lyrics actually kind of reference a number of events / the overarching plot of the movie. Reference is probably the wrong word, but if you've seen the movie it gives the song a whole new meaning.
Tears for Fears and Crowded House were to me 2 bands of the 80’s that still feel timely and beautiful now.
So happy they are touring..and I have tickets for both. I'm in heaven.
Crowded House need more love!
@@whitters1980 yes! Their albums are works of art. They are underrated.
YES! Two of my all time favorite bands. Crowded House and Neil Finn have genius lyrics and so many great songs that don't get near enough love.
@@thebigeasye77 thank you, it’s so good to hear from someone who agrees with me about Crowded House! I bought their first album and it was my top favorite summer album and takes me right back to that time. Crowded House is so underrated as is Neil Finn.
Another favorite from waaay back then is Big Country. They at least did get a lot of love and they deserved it as well. It’s sad about Stuart Adamson though.
I guess there are certain bands that define my younger years and despite the fluff music of the 80’s there were also some really great bands.
The use of Tear For Fear's song "Head Over Heels" in Donnie Darko is one of those movie scenes (sequences really) that stays in my mind. It speaks about Donnie Darko's life at that moment precisely without using a single word. All the people central to the plot appear and reveal themselves through the lyrics and music. The stop and fast motion of the sequence gives it a "playing it back in my mind" type of feeling that is haunting in the film. It's pure genius and it's one of the reasons (among many) I keep watching that film over and over, over the years since its' release.
And that sequence ends right at the lyric "Funny how....TIME FLIIIEEESSSS!" which is a HUGE bit of foreshadowing. Genius.
ew donnie darko lol
I always think of Donnie Darko when I hear this
great film and great soundtrack! joy division, duran duran, echo and the bunnymen and of course TFF
One of my favorite movies!
The way these guys harmonize with each other is insane. They're like Everly Brothers from another mother.
I'm so happy you point this out. As somebody else in this thread pointed out, Roland's solo TFF albums are great, missed the ones with Kurt are just that much more amazing. I love them together and really enjoy their voices meshing as one. Kurt has a brilliant voice. Him singing Everybody Wants To Rule The World is why I like the song. I felt his absence in the albums not featuring him.
I hear and see these songs and you talking about them. Makes me realize how much I really do miss the 80's. I was 20 in 1985 and I never realized or thought about those were the best years of my life.
I just love them- they had some amazing luck with movie soundtracks. Everybody Wants to Rule the World was the ending track to "Real Genius" that was a seminal 80's cult classic film. Every 80's top list has to have a Tear's track on it. One thing about them, even though they have synth pops hits, their songs are very deep and prolific. Their music was not typical mainstream pop of the time, they were rather provoking- inspiring reflection and catharsis. Thank you Professor for bringing this to us to today
A great scene!
One of the duos that DEFINED the 80s just as much as Hall and Oates.
Yeah, I loved that movie.
Whenever I see catch popcorn, I think of that scene and that song.
I know- any opportunity to talk about Real Genius (Val Kilmer) and the music in that film. A total 80's nerd fest on so many levels! There are some obscure songs and then the finale with the PopCorn! Some perfect film "Genius" going on for sure ;)
Tears for fears' songs are timeless. They never get rusted as other songs that got frozen in time. There is something about T4F that keeps their sounds alive.
Songs from the big chair was the first album I ever bought for myself. Some of my tastes at that age are questionable (at best) all these years later but not that one. It’s just as good today as it was then
They were mediocre ar best! Glad I never have to hear them Again!
Yep, it's called serfdom and slavery.
AND... Still my favorite group!!
@@40aterules I guess you're careful to avoid the radio. Their classics still get a lot of rotation.
I am 54, a very invested 80s child, and this song, more so the video, always stayed with me because of one particular scene. When the librarian ducks, the keyboard swings down, and the musician plays the bridge. I have always felt that was a very unique moment in music video history. Your explanation of the song's lyrics and the feelings behind them struck a very personal chord with me. I have always pursued unavailable women, and ended up with the same results, giving to the fact that I, aside from a disastrous 18 month marriage, have always been single. Thank you for bringing back a forgotten 80s classic.
46 years single.
For me, 'The Working Hour' live remains the most underrated, virtuous and sublime song / performance ever. The solid off- beat drum, the intro- build- up, the key changes, the keyboards, bass and voice all together producing a unique creation, and through it all this screaming, serenading saxophone .
I totally agree, for me the lyrics talk about socialism and its lies, but I haven't found any information about it.
Head Over Heels is simply great. Tears gave me hope for the 80’s that great music wasn’t lost.
I hear that. The best of 85
They’re sublime. So is the song.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I couldn’t agree more. It’s funny, this is the only site where I can’t wait to see what’s next. Always nice to look forward to.
@@markglabinski526 Professor is a true master in music nostalgia.
Synth and New Wave are both an absolute giant of music history. Defining artists that defined a genre that defined a decade, can't get better than that.
Absolutely agree!
British New Wave rocks!
It’s too bad that, as a young adult, I didn’t know the 80s would be as good as the world would get.
Those of us growing up in that decade thought this was how the world is supposed to be. Maybe it is...
Ditto
There was so much optimism heading into the 90s, that wasn't realized, even though technology gave us new stuff.
80s were the greatest time...every day was a party, the future was literally so bright we had to wear shades. But we took them off in the life sucks 90s.
The negativity of rap music took hold and never left. I thought it would be short lived. Never in my wildest dreams did I think such crap and music would thrive the way it has, but boy was I wrong!
I think “Sowing The Seeds of Love” is their absolute best. A masterpiece.
My 2nd favorite. Great song.
I called it the exact same thing.
It’s an alluring song.
Head over heels. Brilliant
That's my favourite too but I think, Everybody Wants to Rule the World is their best.
The Tipping Point is a MUST LISTEN!!!!! Music hasn't been this musically, lyrically, and sonically good in decades.
I just saw them on tour at MSG a few weeks ago for my birthday and they were AMAZING!!
Just saw them at Bethel Woods.. they were so incredible. They sounded great! Took me back to the 80’s. ❤
Saw them in St. Louis a couple of days ago. Have never seen a crowd more involved in a concert and having so much fun.
Agreed!
@@kellyanndevine262 The second they started playing Everybody Wants to Rule the World, I was transported right back to our kitchen in my 80s childhood.
I think when Curt and Roland had there breakup and went their separate ways it affected their album production. I remember staying up most of the night when I was in Seminary doing an Exegesis on I John 3 and in the early morning hours Everybody Wants to Rule the World came on and I was hooked. I have listened to Curt talk over the last few years and he has a lot going on mentally. Roland has gone through a lot of personal pain with the death of his first wife. They are a good band. They definitely have some unique songs.
they are still touring and his brother does good music too
What is a seminary and exgenisis?
@@vickywitton1008 Seriously? Seminary is a Graduate Level program the official Title is Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. It is a Graduate Level program for Ministers, Theologians, Christian Educators, Evangelist
I misspelled the word it should have been Exegesis. Where someone looks a the Historical, Critical, Interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. In my opinion what most pastors should do before they give a sermon. I was looking at possibly becoming a Pastor or a Christian educator. I chose instead to just work in my local church as a lay leader.
@@lockedin60 - exegesis includes analyzing word definitions and usage in Hebrew and Greek as well. For example, the angel in the bottomless pit in Revelation is named Abaddon in Hebrew, Apollyon in Greek, but that is only meaningful if you understand that both mean "the destroyer."
And that Christ never said to Mary Magdalene "Don't touch me" as rendered in KJV, but uses the form given in Greek as "Don't CONTINUE holding me" and explains why he has to go. Completely different meaning.
@@jamesredman1263 I haven't done much in Greek nor Hebrew the last 40 years so I forgot most of what I knew then.
Anytime this song comes on- anywhere- I *have* to stop and experience it in all its glory ❤
Tears For Fears is my favorite band. The Working Hour is my favorite song of all time. I listen to all of their albums front to back. Including Roland’s Elemental and Raoul and the Kings of Spain. I even bought Roland’s book haha. Head Over Heels is another personal favorite because i relate to the lyrics, and actually had a crush on my schools library aid and stayed after just to try to speak to her. I was fortunate to attend their LA show last year and it felt like an event that i can’t believe i witnessed. I hope they do another tour.
Kings of Spain album takes me to another world..sooo good to hear man..
Working hour always cheer me up when I'm sad
This band. THIS BAND! They were my guide, my totem, my anthem, in the ‘80s.
SO GOOD!
Well said.
I love this song as well as Sowing The Seeds of Love more than Shout and Everybody wants to rule the world. I was fortunate to finally see them live when they supported Spandau Ballet in Australia in 2010. It was a great show.
I was lucky enough to grow up in the 80's. Head over heels is still 1 of my favorite songs. I have had a thing for Tears for Fears since I first heard them over 35 years ago.
Pretty amazing band. Honestly, I was a metalhead, so I rarely listened to anything softer then rock, but I remember so many of their songs from my high school years, solid evidence of how powerful their music was. I think "Shout" and Everybody "Wants to Rule the World" are what sticks out the most to me. Very deep and thoughtful music, and I can appreciate that their investigation into deeper human struggles were more real and impactful than the "everything dies!" thread that encompassed most metal music. personal introspection instead of just rage rage raging.
I always thought Sowing the Seeds of Love sounded like a Beatles song. It's one of my favorites from a band that's pure genius and totally underrated. Intelligent lyrics and genius composition - they are completely unique!
To top it off, their music gets better with age.
@@Code.Name.V So true.
People keep saying that, but I never noticed that. Maybe I'll go listen to it on repeat and see if it comes to me.
One of the few songs I wish went on forever and ever because I cannot seem to get sick and tired of it!
@@ProfessorofRock When I read the per-description of this video and linked to the Beatles, Sowing the Seeds of Love was my thoughts too. Very much Beatles inspired! Regardless, great video, thanks!
Great job on the video and going in deep on the song. Love TFF, all I can say it was summer of "85" and it was my freshman year in high school! Great memories imprinted in me forever. 80"s Always!!
That was a great album. Level 42 was another great band from that era of British performers.
One of my favorites.
Adore Level 42❤
Saw them in concert in 2022 in Charlotte, NC and it was amazing! They killed it!
Very cool!
@Professor of Rock Garbage opened and did an amazing cover of Personal Jesus! It was just an amazing show!
They were promoting their new album, right?
I saw them in Atlanta on that tour. The whole audience stood and sang every song, including the new ones. It was probably my favorite concert of all time. I have been to many concerts. The energy of the audience made this a next level show!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yes, the Tipping Point album
First heard The Hurting before hearing any of the singles. I listened to it in its entirety every night that semester. It just clicked with my life at that time. Been a huge TFF fan ever since. Even got to see them last summer as they came through Chicago on their Tipping Point tour. They still got it 40 years later!
For anyone who hasn't heard it yet, the new T4F album is tremendous. Always amazes me when songwriters can still create amazing songs after so many years while other legends creatively dry up.
Yes, it both amazing and seems to connect with their music from the 80's. I really like Everyone Loves a Happy Ending (2004) but it did kind of seem disconnected from their previous sound despite the return of Curt Smith.
Agreed. It’s a great listen.
As a side note, the amount of advertisements this guy puts in his video is ridonculous. I’m going to try to avoid these videos from now on because of it. So greedy and obnoxious.
It definitely shows a sophistication in pop songwriting above a lot of their compatriots during that time. It’s a great track but “Shout” has one of my favorite guitar solos of all time: succinct and wistful and supports the song without overshadowing it. “Mothers Talk” is a great underrated song too. When Orzabal made his comeback in 1992, “Breaking Down Again” has a special place for 12 year old me, too.
I love Songs From The Big Chair! My favorite song of all time is from this album, The Working Hour. It's been my favorite song for about 38 years!❤
The U.S. Top 40 didn't stop me from appreciating the early '80s Tears for Fears. The early '80s where my high school years, I was lucky to live in an area where there was two "new wave"/alternative/modern music radio stations-not NY or LA-that gave us UK bands long before they hit the Top 40 and that is usually when my friends and I got tired of them.
Love Curt and Roland, these guys are still amazing live over four decades later..
just saw them in nyc it was amazing 🎉
Agreed; was also at the MSG show last week and they were indeed on another level
Every single song from "Songs from the Big Chair" is solid, still holds up very well today. I saw them live right after "Songs" came out, they were phenomenal.
They still are. They sound as good as ever.
"....this is the working HOURRRR....." ...I say that everytime me Z-OOM meetings happen! ...ha-HAA!! ...even after all those Years ago.....
It’s one of the greatest albums of all time, no doubt.
I always loved the part in that video that shows Ian Stanley playing the synth solo with one finger. For some reason he is never mentioned, even though he was a full-fledged member and songwriter for Tears for Fears' first three albums.
Agree! He just looks like some casual library nerd there. 😂
Over and over, never got tired of this album.
This is my favorite album by Tears for Fears. I was a brand new father and the only way I could get my daughter to go to sleep was by holding her and listening to Everybody Wants to Rule the World and Head over Heels. Very special time and place. At her wedding our Father/Daughter dance was Everybody wants to Rule the World.
All their songs are awesome. Best time to be young with all the great music 💗 no autotune. Lyrics also tell a story. The horrible thing about love is we tend to look for the same childhood pain our parents gave us. Instead of overcoming our suffering we find a person to trigger us to relive the same pain.
Yes, and we do it unconsciously as described in the book "A New Earth" written by Eckhart Tolle.
Until watching your videos, I never realized just how many 80's songs I never actually knew the lyrics to, I just sort of mumbled along during the verses and sang the part of the choruses I could make out. Somebody tell me I'm not alone. 😂
I just found out yesterday that Annie Lennox was singing “hold your head up, keep your head up” and not “hold me hither, keep me hither” in Sweet Dreams.
My friend thought the one line in Pale Shelter was “you give me cold ham!!!”
This brilliant song is the only song I have ever listened to more than 10, 000 times. Generally people get bored from listening to the same song too many times and I am just one of those people; however Tears For Fears can be played over and over and over but it will always be great music to my ears.
It's easy to forget how many amazing songs these guys put together, and how they absolutely hold up.
Right!
Can’t say enough about TFF and their trademark sound. Talent always rises to the top and so much great music, like theirs, is borne from adversity and pain. Reading books provides a strong foundation for writing lyrics, too. Nice tribute to Patsy Cline in the album rack-it’s been 60 years now. As the t-shirt says, you’ve got the beat, Adam!
Ha! Love Patsy Cline!
@@ProfessorofRock Same! It's interesting to me how certain country acts (usually from the past) appeal to rock lovers.
They were the masters of songs about complex situations. And good call Robster, it has been 60 years since the country music died!
I am a Depeche Mode die hard. They could do no wrong back in the 80's-still love the band. Ask me what the best album to come out of that period I, without hesitation, will say Songs from the Big Chair. These guys are so incredibly talented, influential, and beyond underrated to the point its tragic. As soon as someone mentions Donnie Darko this song cues up in my head.
Sowing the Seeds, less play time or recognition, is also a Monster track.
That British invasion of the 80s music world was mind blowing... British bands like Tears for Fears composed haunting melodies with such intelligent lyrics.
Was just thinking today that the British Invasion didn't end with the Beatles, it was just the beginning!
There were so many British bands that came over and truly deserved recognition. Many of them back then, I didn't know were British. There's some that had great music, but for whatever reason didn't get the play time, my guess is that they didn't tour in the US long enough. Like Echo and the Bunnymen, they did Many fantastic songs.
And are playing great music still today.
Fantastic words on one of the best bands of the 80s by far. My personal favourite has to be " THE WORKING HOUR " The sax along with the power house of Orzabal's vocals...Just wow live or vinyl he just blows my mind. The hurting too as a record gets better & better the more i play it . Amazing band.
Agreed.. TOTALLY . Not much appraise is given to The Working Hour. I experience this one with the most power and motion.
My favourite by them ; it’s amazing
Big chair is my fav record of all time. There has been no other artist or band that has laid out my life in front of me like they do. It’s unreal.
A-Men. Everyone should have an album they can say the same thing about. It's a beautiful thing!
This song coming on the radio hot on the heels of "Shout" and "EWTRTH" made this band legendary.
Yes, "Tears" were indeed 1985. Ask any of my neighbors. They had to hear the LP blaring in my room & resonating down the street, almost every day of the week. Oh, to rewind time, & live it with the knowledge of how precious every day & moment matters. It all goes so quickly. & Of Course, THANK YOU ","Tears for Fears". They were insanely talented.
Such a great album. Listening in the dark it had it all, from sweet and lyrical to defiant to distraught to playful to instrumentals... so good.
Good job on this Professor! I love TFF! I owned that album when it came out in the 90s. Back then it took only two or three songs to make me buy an album. It's a musical treasure. That musical suite still gives me chills. And I love the Donnie Darko movie. Cult classic and so fitting that they played TFF on that. Realizing now that the movie timeline was set in the 90s. Perfect fit.
Always loved this song as a kid, because my parents listened to them some, honestly, Donnie Darko re-sparked my love for it, and caused me to really get into TFF as a young adult.
Definitely one of my favorite songs. It immediately takes me back in time. Thank you for covering this one.
When tears 4 fears where buoyant I was struggling to survive with unemployment and trapped on a rough council estate in Leeds in England. I think Shout was the first blast before I escaped the estate by enrolling at a college and moving out to student land. It was a emotional rescue for me. Always liked this band because they music was heavier for the time and so said hello to another phase of my evolution. Good music.
"It's hard to be a man when there's a gun in your hand." There's something kind of unsettling about hearing this line in a romantic love ballad, yet it still works. 😂
True!
...methinks that was supposed to mean that the "Little Boy's" self destructiveness can take darker turns, but the "Four Leaf Clover" came just in TIME....
That’s true, especially today.
Long life fan of TFF. Thank you so much for making this! I had a wonderful friend who was also a life long fan. She passed away in the middle of last year. We both went to a concert together,my only one , her 3rd one. She was going to go to her 4th one, but i don't know if she made it. Thank you again😊❤
Hands down, Tears for Fears represents the 80s in a class of their own.
My personal favorite is Sowing the Seeds of Love.
It’s stellar production and Beatlesque tributes are magically woven into not just a great song, but a composition.
The song is a journey in its own right.
Tears for Fears will forever Rule The World
An absolutely beautiful song, so hopeful, happy and wholesome. It evokes all the warm and optimistic feelings of falling for someone. It's impossible not to smile when I hear this sweet song!
I saw them in concert while Curt Smith was away from the band. Jellyfish opened for them. To my amazement, after Jellyfish played, several people left, allowing me to move to the front row! Wonderful show!
I remember Roland describing the entomology of “Goodnight Song” as a song played to signal a show’s end. Then, he added “Quite like ‘Break it Down Again’”. His laugh after that was classic!
Their idiotic loss was your gain!
I know, right?
So many songs impacted my youth, yet I didn't appreciate them until I was older with children and understood the history and lore of those songs.
Brings me back. I loved TFF, along with my fave Depeche Mode. I had TFF records and just loved and still love their sound. I’m so lucky to have grown up in SoCal where their music was readily available. There’s never been music like it, and never will be. Thank you for keeping the best music alive.
😊😊 Any video about Tears For Fears is welcomed!! My favorite group ever.
Roland Orzabal is a beast when it comes to vocal performance.
I remember the first time I saw Donnie Darko, I got goosebumps when Head Over Heels started playing.
Roland Orzabal is an amazing singer. A great vocalist that doesn't get enough recognition for their singing style.
Donnie Darko made the song epic.
I love "Head Over Heels." I also have a special place in my heart for "Mother's Talk" and the 12" version of "The Way You Are." We played those three songs on repeat (along with Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and "The Best of New Order" CD) driving from Oakland, California to Taos, New Mexico when I was a kid. It never got tired. We listened to "The Best of Tower of Power" on the way back home. Great memories. My father had the patience of a saint because he didn't complain once when I kept repeating the intro to "Love Will Tear Us Apart." RIP, Pops.
From EastBay myself, we were lucky to see and hear a lot of new music that took months or more to hear in other parts of the US. I bought the import 12’ of Pale Shelter at Tower Records in the summer of 82 after hearing it on KFOG I believe. Bought the album in 83 shortly after released. Having stations like KFOG then The Quake which became Live 105 we were spoiled. I had cousins in the Midwest that begged me to send cassettes of what we were hearing.
The 2nd British Invasion sure brought us some cool music.
I was 8 and came about at the same time as my first big crush. It never happened, she knew and made me chase. From that moment i knew she would always be in my mind. The album came out in 85 what a magic year for music
"Sewing the Seeds of Love" is their best song. They were channeling the Beatles with that song. It is epic.
Yep. It sounds like it could have been on Magical Mystery Tour.
With a soupçon of Beach Boys Good Vibrations. So much SOUND 🌻
Love that song!! Totally my favorite.
It's sowing (planting) not sewing.
Thanks now I'm gonna have that song in my head all day now. 😊
I think "Woman In Chains" is their best song, but "Head Over Heels" is definitely one of their best.
It is a great song. If nothing else it made us aware of Oleta Adams.
Great song.
That's right!
Agreed best song… woman in chains
Both are fantastic songs.
Head Over Heels defined my Senior year in High School. It brings me right back to 1985 (as does OMD "So In Love" and Hooters "And We Danced")
I always thought they were such a great coupling of timid & strength, softness & hardness, romanticism & sex appeal but looking at them you'd think Curt would be all those first descriptions while Roland was the second but in reality it was flipped. They are absolutely brilliant and I would give anything to see them perform live.