The Hurting and The Healing

 After leaving Graduate in 1981, Bath natives Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith started what is now known as the iconic pop duo “Tears for Fears,” which was almost named “History of Headaches.” The name “Tears for Fears” comes from the concept California native psychologist had of using tears as a replacement for fears which, is mentioned in Janov’s book “Prisoners of Pain.” Being a massive Tears for Fears fan it was only natural to buy a copy of Janov’s book which, also inspired Lennon’s song “Plastic Ono Band”, as well as, the song by Kayne West called  “Coldest Winter,” which is a cover of their song “Memories Fade” from “The Hurting”, which ended up reaching no. 3 in the UK. “The Hurting” by Tears for Fears which was released in 1983 can be described as an ’80s synth pop album that doesn’t receive nearly as much credit as it deserves. Most of the earlier work by Tears for Fears was inspired by the work of Arthur Janov, It also includes their hit song “Shout,” which is featured on their second album known as “Songs From the Big Chair.”

Like I mentioned in an earlier post 2022 was a rough year and somehow I found this album which, not only become my favorite but, it’s also become a bandaid for all this I was feeling and going through at the time. This album has been one that has saved my life countless times and keeps doing so. Songs like “Watch Me Bleed”, “Suffer the Children”, which features Orzabal’s late with Caroline, “Change”, and “Pale Shelter” are quite a few from this album that have resonated with so many of us since its release almost 40 years ago. The album itself tells a story of the pain of childhood, not being able to escape certain memories, and being a prisoner of one’s emotions is why this is an album many of listen when we are struggling with things that are difficult and hard to process. This album definitely complements their sixth album, which is known as “The Tipping Point” beautifully and has been coined the nickname “The Healing” by many Tears fans. “The Tipping Point” tells a story of loss, healing, and moving forward and was written after the passing of Orzabal’s wife in late 2017. From songs like “Rivers of Mercy”, “No Small Thing” , “End of Night”, and even the title track to name a short list of a few this album was simply what fans didn’t know they needed  they never stop creating albums and songs that resonate with us  songs that we can relate to. Songs that make us feel something. Every note, every line, and even Roland’s guitar playing is just sheer perfection. It’s what leaves fans like me hungry for more and they just keep giving it to us even if there may be a small gap here and there. They still always find a way to please their dedicated and loyal fan base. They definitely aren not you average musicians. These guys are perfectionists and absolute geniuses when it comes to songwriting, as well as, their playing styles. One of my favorite songs from “The Tipping Point” is part of the chorus of “No Small Thing” which, of course is that “Freedom is No Small Thing” and it truly isn’t or like “The Dreams in which I’m Dying are The best I’ve ever Had” from the song “Mad World” featured on “The Hurting.” Both of these two albums include deep heartfelt lyrics that are relatable and mean something different to each of us, which I’m sure is the way they intended it to be.

Both of these albums will always be the two albums I refer back to when life isn’t quite going as planned and lately it hasn’t been so, these two have been getting played quite a bit. Aside from this these two album are just my top two favorite albums of all time and definitely deserves more recognition. I can’t say enough how Tears for Fears surely don’t get enough credit for the songwriters and musicians they are. It’s taken them 40 years to become the people and musicians they are today. I think that deserves every ounce of credit and respect it can get. Without them and many other musicians that started around the same era music truly wouldn’t have evolved into what it is today. Many people don’t quite realize this and disregard the music from previous eras while not realizing most of the new stuff is either covers or inspired by the older artists. We all have our heroes and while these guys are mine they had heroes like “Simon & Garfunkel”, “Peter Gabriel”, “Blue Oyster Cult”, “and “King Crismon” to name a few. They are the bands and musicians who helped mold their music and their writing into what is today. 

Next time you listen to a song do a bit of research. You never know where the idea stems from and it’ll even help you discover a whole new world of music you never knew existed. I’m one of those who can’t listen to a song without knowing who wrote it, where the idea came from, and what the lyrics mean. Besides it’s always good to know exactly what you’re listening to. Remember knowledge is power and the best kind, as well as, the most useful.