REISSUE: Tears For Fears – Songs From The Big Chair (40th Anniversary)

 

English pop-rock band Tears For Fears released their brilliant sophomore album, Songs From The Big Chair 40 years ago and to celebrate the anniversary, Mercury Records/UMe has reissued the album as a special 2LP set.  Pressed onto transparent ruby red vinyl, the 2LP edition features an alternate album cover design and a second LP that compiles an alternate version of the album with different mixes and demo versions of the original album tracks.  At the same time, the album is out now on 1LP limited edition coke bottle clear vinyl.    

The duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith incorporated guitars to brighten up their dark synth-led sound on Songs From The Big Chair and it proved to be a massive mainstream hit boasted by two still inescapable number one singles, “Shout” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World”.  The album also includes the hit single “Head Over Heels” and standout tracks, “Mother’s Talk” and “The Working Hour”. 

For this 40^th anniversary edition, the original album is presented on the first two sides and the second LP houses the album made up of alternate, demo and single versions; with six of the eight tracks making their vinyl debut.  Side three opens with an alternative mix of “Shout” that is slightly stripped-down with different synth and drum patterns; the piano version of “The Working Hour” follows.  Next is an alternative single version of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” with peppy synthesized horns and an early mix of “Mother’s Talk”.  Side four includes the previously released fan favorite - a soulful re-recording of “I Believe”; a demo version of “Broken”, the Hughes-produced 7” edit of “Head Over Heels” and a version of the album closer “Listen” with a glimmering, clean intro.       

With its huge pop hooks and a layered sophisticated sound, Tears For Fears proved they were way ahead of their time with Songs From The Big Chair.  This 40^th anniversary edition with the addition of the alternate versions and original unused album cover is the definitive vinyl version of the landmark album.   

For more info: https://tearsforfears.komi.io/

Watch the newly-created fan-made video for “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” here: