![songs from the big chair [deluxe edition] [import]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000A2H9CK.01.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)
| 1. Shout | |||
| 2. The Working Hour | |||
| 3. Everybody Wants To Rule The World | |||
| 4. Mothers Talk | |||
| 5. I Believe | |||
| 6. Broken | |||
| 7. Head Over Heels/Broken (Live) | |||
| 8. Listen | |||
| 9. The Working Hour (Piano Version) | |||
| 10. The Marauders | |||
| 11. Empire Building | |||
| 12. The Big Chair | |||
| 13. Pharaohs | |||
| 14. When In Love With A Blind Man | |||
| 15. Sea Song | |||
| 16. Broken Revisited | |||
| 17. The Way You Are (7" Version) | |||
| 18. Mothers Talk (7" Version) | |||
| 19. Shout (7" Version) | |||
| 20. Everybody Wants To Rule The World (7" Version) | |||
|
See all 28 tracks on this disc
| |||
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
2005 Digitally Remastered from the Original Master Tapes.includes A Second Disc of 14 Period Rarities. The 24 Page Booklet also Contains Some Highly Informative Sleevenotes Including an Interview with Roland and Curt Written by Uncut Editor Paul Lester.
Other favs of mine on the cd "Head over Heels", "Listen" and "I Believe". Also of note the remix for Shout is almost 2 minutes longer than the original version and makes the song that much better as well. As if that would even be possible. Also enjoyed "Mothers Talk" remix as well brings the song into a different light. I didnt however care for the other bonus tracks 9 through 13, something just felt seriously off with those songs. But that aside this cd still gets a 5 star rating from me..why? It does what most artists can't do bring you very quality music at no comprise to the artist making it in this case Tears for Fears. You guys own!!
scratch on the cover. Shameful. Didnt the person who put this
cd in the box notice it ? I cant believe they sent me this CD like this.
Maybee in the future you should look at the condition of the stuff
when you send it to me !
Anyway, on to CD itself. SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR BY TEARS FOR FEARS.
This album contains their three big hits. EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE
WORLD, SHOUT, AND HEAD OVER HEELS. Those three are the ones that made this
group a household name. THE WORKING HOUR is a great song. Very emotional.
I also liked MOTHERS TALK and BROKEN. Both those songs are rockers.
I BELIEVE is a nice ballad. LISTEN is above average. 8 songs on this
album, plus additional bonus songs. Among the bonus tracks, THE MAURADERS
is a catchy tune, the remix' of SHOUT and BROKEN are cool. THE BIG CHAIR
is a waste. Its just noise and a bunch of sounds.
This is a great album, Very enjoyable. If you are a Tears For Fears
die hard fan or a new fan, buy this. It has their three biggest hits.
AND AMAZON, DONT SEND ME CD'S WITH BIG SCRATCHES ON THEM. IF SOMETHING HAS
A BIG SCRATCH, GET ME A CD THAT DOESNT !
with the 2006 deluxe edition, this great album becomes greater, with additional tracks ranging from the mundane yet fantastic b-sides, to the hard-to-find 12" remixes and dub versions.
while i can categorically say that the 1999 uk release (with bonus tracks) actually sound better than this release, this is an essential to any tff fan.
if you have collected (like me) the their first three "expanded and digitially remastered editions" released in 1999 with bonus tracks, plus the b-side compilation "saturnine, martial and lunatic" plus the japan release "best of remixes" you will still miss a lot if you dont buy this deluxe reissue such as "shout dub version" "head over heels preacher mix" "working hour piano version" and "mothers talk single version" - all available for the first time in this disc.
furthermore, this digitally enhance the "beat of the drum mix" of mothers talk originally released only in japan. the digital remastering brought out the strings and effects all put into the 9-minute remix of the classic tff track!
a big bonus is the packaging of the reissue, plus the wealth of information included in the sleeves.
the minus point would be the exclusion of the uk remixes of shout and everybody wants.. and the single version of "everybody wants to RUN the world."
like they said, you just cant have them all!
with the release of the deluxe edition of songs from the big chair, i cant help reminisce my teenage years when this album was so popular. however, i believe this album is still is...
happy listening!
Without a doubt Tears For Fears are a great 80's band and actually one of the 80's greatest bands. Songs from the Big Chair is (supposedly) their best album. So that must be the reason why the Deluxe Edition was released. Most of Tears For Fears best and most memorable songs are all here. Such songs like the classic trademark 'Shout' as the album's first track, the brilliantly contructed 'The Working Hour', the excellent written 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' which is TFF's best song in my opinion, the very catchy 'Mothers Talk', 'Broken' and the superb 80's classic 'Head Over Heels' which is surprisingly recorded live while finishing with the end of 'Broken'. These particular songs are what stand out for me on this album. Ever since I got this Deluxe Edition album, I have been unable to stop listening to it. The songs are just so catchy, so rythmic, they sound great and they still live up to todays standards.
But............ there are just too many repeated, remixed and extended songs on this 2 disc Deluxe Edition album that seems to weigh down the already great tracks on the first CD. However, some and only some of the extended tracks on this album are an actual improvement. They still sound good but overall, the songs DO clash with each other and it all sounds a bit too repetative.
Still, this is a great 80's album with great songs and it won't be long before you get sick of this album from listening to it way too much.
"Songs from The Big Chair" is Tears for Fears' (TFF) sophomore release and exhibits some of the group's best music. This CD gets deep into the matter that makes up TFF. From angst to love to a deep understanding of life and the things that make up life, "Big Chair" is a testament to the feelings we as human beings experience throughout our lives. Several different musical styles are exhibited, from pop synth to jazz, to rock, to ambient, and even pop/synth/classical with a little tint of operatic counterpoint in "Listen."
While many listeners concentrate on TFF's hit songs, listening to the music "within" the music brings to the surface many tonal colors and nuances that are clearly not evident in the radio-edit versions of these works. This extra music adds to the flavor of the moment and colors the songs in various shades of light and dark that serve to enhance the emotions stimulated therein. This is especially evident in the songs "Shout," "The Working Hour," "I Believe," "Head Over Heels" and "Listen."
"Songs from The Big Chair" is considered by many to be the album that most defines TFF's music. It is both open and expressive, exhibitionist and extroverted, while at the same time personal and introspective. While other artists have successfully exploited these feelings in their music, Tears for Fears does it in a way that uniquely defines them.
of "Miami Vice", "Friday Night Videos", "Wiseguy" and
other 80's pop identifiers that make me wax nostalgic!
This album was everywhere in 1985!
"Shout", "Head Over Heels" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"
still stand the test of time almost 22 yrs later!
It sold like 11 million worldwide to date..
so one can't go wrong here!
Songs like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" made it big, but the entire album from beginning to end hooks you and doesn't let go. There's a mystical, haunting thread that runs through the entire thing. "I Believe" is one of the most beautiful songs every produced. While that tune is a world away from the harsh "Mother's Talk" there's still that same haunting background melody going just bellow the surface in both songs.
I could say more, but I think everyone should buy this album, so you can listen for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
This edition offers up extended mixes of "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as bonus tracks, but they are hardly necessary to justify having this album in your music collection. I still listen to "Songs From the Big Chair" about once a month and there is always a touch of regret that Tears for Fears self-destructed. The group produced a rather unique blend of synth-pop that made it stand out from most of what was going on in 1985 and the lyrics would have made for nice essay questions on a psychoanalysis exam:
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
Who would have thought that Arthur Janov's primal scream theory would result in deep lyrics? But then the group's name comes from that same source and the whole idea was much more in evidence on their debut album "Hurting" ("Mad World" from that album is reworked to great effect by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules at the end of the cult film "Donnie Darko," which also used "Head Over Heels" to make Tears for Fears the official group of the film). Such ideas are still in evidence on this album, but if "Hurting" is about emotional pain then "Songs From the Big Chair" is moving on to the healing process. This is not exactly a concept album, but the songs do fit together in a way that suggests a definite sense of direction. But then when they start singing about four leaf clovers and do a techno-rap song like "Mother's Talk" you are just going to lose people who are going to go back to the melodies and not bother to figure out the words and dive for deeper meanings.
Looking at the writing credits on these songs you would have said Tears for Fears was clearly Roland Orzabal's group, but by the time Curt Smith bolted they had produced only one more album in three years which had one decent song on it. So Tears of Fears does not exactly come under the heading of a One Hit Wonder, but they certainly only had the solid really great album. However, unlike other groups you might point to in similar circumstances from this same time period (e.g., A-Ha, Mr. Mister), this was the group I really thought had the musical talent to build on. In retrospect, I think it is clear that they did have the talent and Tears for Fears is arguably the most memorable "lost" group of that period.
"The Hurting" is almost like a therapy session on record. Some of the lyrics may be a little too introspective, but the hooks more than make up for it. Mad World is an amazing song (follow it up with great cover version in "Donnie Darko") and Pale Shelter remains a sturdy single.
"Songs From the Big Chair" contains this group's biggest hits. Shout is almost like an ode to primal scream therapy, and Everybody Wants to Rule the World may be the best single of the entire decade. Head Over Heels turns out to be part of a pretty cool song suite. There is no filler on this album with the possible exception of track 8 (the instumental last track of the original album which just doesn't really seem to go anywhere).
"The Seeds of Love" start to drop the synth-pop vibe for more Beatles-like sounds and late 80's pop values (which these guys actually do quite well). The title track and Woman In Chains are the singles here, but my favorite is Standing On The Corner Of The Third World, featuring Manu Katche on drums and some really cool worldbeat sounds.
The packaging on this set is a bit of a problem. The CD's seem to have trouble holding in their spots, and I had to exchange this set because of strange warping on the second disc. My next copy still had a few strange warped marks on it, but at least it plays ok. Additionaly, while you do get the CD booklets, this set leaves out the back covers. This unfortunately makes putting these discs in normal CD cases less desirable, as well as robbing the owner of the back cover art. Still, this is a pretty cheap way of getting these albums remastered with bonus tracks (as separate purchases it would cost $45-60).
"Songs from The Big Chair" is Tears for Fears' (TFF) sophomore release and exhibits some of the group's best music. This CD gets deep into the matter that makes up TFF. From angst to love to a deep understanding of life and the things that make up life, "Big Chair" is a testament to the feelings we as human beings experience throughout our lives. Several different musical styles are exhibited, from pop synth to jazz, to rock, to ambient, and even pop/synth/classical with a little tint of operatic counterpoint in "Listen."
While many listeners concentrate on TFF's hit songs, listening to the music "within" the music brings to the surface many tonal colors and nuances that are clearly not evident in the radio-edit versions of these works. This extra music adds to the flavor of the moment and colors the songs in various shades of light and dark that serve to enhance the emotions stimulated therein. This is especially evident in the songs "Shout," "The Working Hour," "I Believe," "Head Over Heels" and "Listen."
"Songs from The Big Chair" is considered by many to be the album that most defines TFF's music. It is both open and expressive, exhibitionist and extroverted, while at the same time personal and introspective. While other artists have successfully exploited these feelings in their music, Tears for Fears does it in a way that uniquely defines them.
of "Miami Vice", "Friday Night Videos", "Wiseguy" and
other 80's pop identifiers that make me wax nostalgic!
This album was everywhere in 1985!
"Shout", "Head Over Heels" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"
still stand the test of time almost 22 yrs later!
It sold like 11 million worldwide to date..
so one can't go wrong here!
Songs like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" made it big, but the entire album from beginning to end hooks you and doesn't let go. There's a mystical, haunting thread that runs through the entire thing. "I Believe" is one of the most beautiful songs every produced. While that tune is a world away from the harsh "Mother's Talk" there's still that same haunting background melody going just bellow the surface in both songs.
I could say more, but I think everyone should buy this album, so you can listen for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
This edition offers up extended mixes of "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as bonus tracks, but they are hardly necessary to justify having this album in your music collection. I still listen to "Songs From the Big Chair" about once a month and there is always a touch of regret that Tears for Fears self-destructed. The group produced a rather unique blend of synth-pop that made it stand out from most of what was going on in 1985 and the lyrics would have made for nice essay questions on a psychoanalysis exam:
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
Who would have thought that Arthur Janov's primal scream theory would result in deep lyrics? But then the group's name comes from that same source and the whole idea was much more in evidence on their debut album "Hurting" ("Mad World" from that album is reworked to great effect by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules at the end of the cult film "Donnie Darko," which also used "Head Over Heels" to make Tears for Fears the official group of the film). Such ideas are still in evidence on this album, but if "Hurting" is about emotional pain then "Songs From the Big Chair" is moving on to the healing process. This is not exactly a concept album, but the songs do fit together in a way that suggests a definite sense of direction. But then when they start singing about four leaf clovers and do a techno-rap song like "Mother's Talk" you are just going to lose people who are going to go back to the melodies and not bother to figure out the words and dive for deeper meanings.
Looking at the writing credits on these songs you would have said Tears for Fears was clearly Roland Orzabal's group, but by the time Curt Smith bolted they had produced only one more album in three years which had one decent song on it. So Tears of Fears does not exactly come under the heading of a One Hit Wonder, but they certainly only had the solid really great album. However, unlike other groups you might point to in similar circumstances from this same time period (e.g., A-Ha, Mr. Mister), this was the group I really thought had the musical talent to build on. In retrospect, I think it is clear that they did have the talent and Tears for Fears is arguably the most memorable "lost" group of that period.
The remastering isn't my only complaint, however. The tracklisting had the opportunity to be so much better. Like other 'Deluxe Edition' compilations this one is missing several rare gems. Where is the original UK 12" version of "Shout"? Again, we get the same old U.S. Remix, which can be found on numerous compilations. Where's the 12" version of "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"? We do, however, get the "Urban Remix" of this track. Where's "Everybody Wants To RUN The World"? It would have fit nicely on this release. There's room for these tracks!
On a positive note, we do get 7" versions of "Shout" and "Head Over Heels." The 7" version of "Shout" is simply the UK 7" edit, which clocks in at 4:43 but is incorrectly labeled as 4:03 on the back sleeve (which happens to be the playing time of the US 7" edit, not present here). The 7" version of "Head Over Heels" gives the listener to hear the track by itself, not combined with "Broken (Live)" on the album. I can't tell the difference between the 7" version of "Rule The World" and the album version. I'm not sure why it was included. It should have been replaced with the 12" version! "The Way You Are (7" version)" should have been placed at the end of disc one, making room for these missing mixes and tracks on disc two.
The only thing that merits a 4-star rating for this release is the packaging and booklet. I'm very pleased with the photos and overall glossy look of this 'Deluxe Edition'. The liner notes are a plus as well. The tracklisting on the back sleeve, however, is quite sloppy with incorrect playing times and some tracks without any listed times! Overall, it's still nicely presented.
I would have probably given this release a 4-star rating if the sound quality was excellent. At least I could have enjoyed the "rarities" on disc 2 more, but now Universal has left me wanting more from the recordings. I guess I'll have to go back to my 1999 remaster and 2003 'Ultimate Collection' release to hear some of these Tears For Fears gems in better quality. Perhaps a 30th anniversary release will be bring us more?
Glad it's gotten this treatment at last...
2005 Digitally Remastered from the Original Master Tapes.includes A Second Disc of 14 Period Rarities. The 24 Page Booklet also Contains Some Highly Informative Sleevenotes Including an Interview with Roland and Curt Written by Uncut Editor Paul Lester.
Songs from the Big Chair,Tears for Fears,Umvd Import,College Rock,England,New Wave,Pop,Pop/Rock,Rock,Rock/Pop
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Songs from the Big Chair
Tears For Fears Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
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ASIN: B00000JR29 Release Date: 2001-03-13 |
Tracks:
- Shout
- The Working Hour
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe
- Broken
- Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
- Listen
- The Big Chair
- Empire Building
- The Marauders
- Broken Revisited
- The Conflict
- Mothers Talk (U.S. Remix)
- Shout (U.S. Remix)
Album Description
Digitally remastered reissue of the hit English new wave/ pop duo's huge second album, 1985's quadruple-platinum 'Songs From The Big Chair', which topped the charts for five consecutive weeks when originally released. Features the #1 smashes 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' & 'Shout', plus the #3 'Head Over Heels' and the top 30 'Mothers Talk'. Also features seven bonus tracks, U.S. remixes of 'Mothers Talk' & 'Shout', along with the B-sides 'The Big Chair', 'Empire Building', 'The Marauders', 'Broken Revisited' and 'The Conflict'. 15 tracks total. 1999 release.Album Details
Remastered Reissue with Seven Bonus Tracks. CD Booklet Contains Extensive Liner Notes and Rare Photos.Customer Reviews:
This is what its really about.......2007-05-02
Other favs of mine on the cd "Head over Heels", "Listen" and "I Believe". Also of note the remix for Shout is almost 2 minutes longer than the original version and makes the song that much better as well. As if that would even be possible. Also enjoyed "Mothers Talk" remix as well brings the song into a different light. I didnt however care for the other bonus tracks 9 through 13, something just felt seriously off with those songs. But that aside this cd still gets a 5 star rating from me..why? It does what most artists can't do bring you very quality music at no comprise to the artist making it in this case Tears for Fears. You guys own!!
Amazon sent me this title with a big scratch on it !.......2007-02-19
scratch on the cover. Shameful. Didnt the person who put this
cd in the box notice it ? I cant believe they sent me this CD like this.
Maybee in the future you should look at the condition of the stuff
when you send it to me !
Anyway, on to CD itself. SONGS FROM THE BIG CHAIR BY TEARS FOR FEARS.
This album contains their three big hits. EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE
WORLD, SHOUT, AND HEAD OVER HEELS. Those three are the ones that made this
group a household name. THE WORKING HOUR is a great song. Very emotional.
I also liked MOTHERS TALK and BROKEN. Both those songs are rockers.
I BELIEVE is a nice ballad. LISTEN is above average. 8 songs on this
album, plus additional bonus songs. Among the bonus tracks, THE MAURADERS
is a catchy tune, the remix' of SHOUT and BROKEN are cool. THE BIG CHAIR
is a waste. Its just noise and a bunch of sounds.
This is a great album, Very enjoyable. If you are a Tears For Fears
die hard fan or a new fan, buy this. It has their three biggest hits.
AND AMAZON, DONT SEND ME CD'S WITH BIG SCRATCHES ON THEM. IF SOMETHING HAS
A BIG SCRATCH, GET ME A CD THAT DOESNT !
the best music ever.......2007-01-27
Fantastic album.......2007-01-21
Tears for Fears is my favorite band.......2007-01-21
Average customer rating:
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Songs from the Big Chair
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
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Pop Rock
| Pop
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ASIN: B000F8DT4Q Release Date: 2006-05-23 |
Tracks:
- Shout
- The Working Hour
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe
- Broken
- Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
- Listen
- The Working Hour (Piano Version)
- The Marauders
- Empire Building
- The Big Chair
- Pharaohs
- When In Love With A Blind Man
- Sea Song
- Broken Revisited
Tracks:
- The Way You Are
- Mothers Talk
- Shout
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Head Over Heels (Remix)
- I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording)
- Mothers Talk (US Remix)
- Shout (US Remix)
- Shout (US Dub Version)
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Urban Mix)
- Mothers Talk (Beat Of The Drum Mix)
- Broken/Head Over Heels/Broken (Preacher Mix)
Customer Reviews:
SONGS FROM THE DELUXE CHAIR!.......2006-10-27
with the 2006 deluxe edition, this great album becomes greater, with additional tracks ranging from the mundane yet fantastic b-sides, to the hard-to-find 12" remixes and dub versions.
while i can categorically say that the 1999 uk release (with bonus tracks) actually sound better than this release, this is an essential to any tff fan.
if you have collected (like me) the their first three "expanded and digitially remastered editions" released in 1999 with bonus tracks, plus the b-side compilation "saturnine, martial and lunatic" plus the japan release "best of remixes" you will still miss a lot if you dont buy this deluxe reissue such as "shout dub version" "head over heels preacher mix" "working hour piano version" and "mothers talk single version" - all available for the first time in this disc.
furthermore, this digitally enhance the "beat of the drum mix" of mothers talk originally released only in japan. the digital remastering brought out the strings and effects all put into the 9-minute remix of the classic tff track!
a big bonus is the packaging of the reissue, plus the wealth of information included in the sleeves.
the minus point would be the exclusion of the uk remixes of shout and everybody wants.. and the single version of "everybody wants to RUN the world."
like they said, you just cant have them all!
with the release of the deluxe edition of songs from the big chair, i cant help reminisce my teenage years when this album was so popular. however, i believe this album is still is...
happy listening!
unnecessary and overpriced.......2006-10-06
TEARS FOR FEARS MUST REUNITE!!!!.......2006-08-19
A Lot of Songs from the Big Chair........2006-07-27
Without a doubt Tears For Fears are a great 80's band and actually one of the 80's greatest bands. Songs from the Big Chair is (supposedly) their best album. So that must be the reason why the Deluxe Edition was released. Most of Tears For Fears best and most memorable songs are all here. Such songs like the classic trademark 'Shout' as the album's first track, the brilliantly contructed 'The Working Hour', the excellent written 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World' which is TFF's best song in my opinion, the very catchy 'Mothers Talk', 'Broken' and the superb 80's classic 'Head Over Heels' which is surprisingly recorded live while finishing with the end of 'Broken'. These particular songs are what stand out for me on this album. Ever since I got this Deluxe Edition album, I have been unable to stop listening to it. The songs are just so catchy, so rythmic, they sound great and they still live up to todays standards.
But............ there are just too many repeated, remixed and extended songs on this 2 disc Deluxe Edition album that seems to weigh down the already great tracks on the first CD. However, some and only some of the extended tracks on this album are an actual improvement. They still sound good but overall, the songs DO clash with each other and it all sounds a bit too repetative.
Still, this is a great 80's album with great songs and it won't be long before you get sick of this album from listening to it way too much.
Songs from the Big Chair - Enhanced.......2006-07-12
Average customer rating:
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Songs From The Big Chair
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
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ASIN: B000001FC0 Release Date: 1990-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Shout
- The Working Hour
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe
- Broken
- Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
- Listen
Amazon.com
Considering that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, the English duo known as Tears for Fears, were avid followers of Arthur Janov, father of the Primal Scream form of mental therapy, it wasn't surprising that one of their biggest hits was titled "Shout." What was surprising was how the two managed to take all their deep-rooted inner turmoil and make such positively buoyant music. Case in point: their other Songs from the Big Chair-spawned, No. 1 hit, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," was a meditative contemplation of the struggle for power within interpersonal relationships as a metaphor for global supremacy--which, thank god, had a good beat so you could at least dance to it. --Billy AltmanCustomer Reviews:
Tears for Fears at their best.......2006-06-22
"Songs from The Big Chair" is Tears for Fears' (TFF) sophomore release and exhibits some of the group's best music. This CD gets deep into the matter that makes up TFF. From angst to love to a deep understanding of life and the things that make up life, "Big Chair" is a testament to the feelings we as human beings experience throughout our lives. Several different musical styles are exhibited, from pop synth to jazz, to rock, to ambient, and even pop/synth/classical with a little tint of operatic counterpoint in "Listen."
While many listeners concentrate on TFF's hit songs, listening to the music "within" the music brings to the surface many tonal colors and nuances that are clearly not evident in the radio-edit versions of these works. This extra music adds to the flavor of the moment and colors the songs in various shades of light and dark that serve to enhance the emotions stimulated therein. This is especially evident in the songs "Shout," "The Working Hour," "I Believe," "Head Over Heels" and "Listen."
"Songs from The Big Chair" is considered by many to be the album that most defines TFF's music. It is both open and expressive, exhibitionist and extroverted, while at the same time personal and introspective. While other artists have successfully exploited these feelings in their music, Tears for Fears does it in a way that uniquely defines them.
Classic 80's Pop Art!!--Monster Debut!!.......2006-01-04
of "Miami Vice", "Friday Night Videos", "Wiseguy" and
other 80's pop identifiers that make me wax nostalgic!
This album was everywhere in 1985!
"Shout", "Head Over Heels" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"
still stand the test of time almost 22 yrs later!
It sold like 11 million worldwide to date..
so one can't go wrong here!
One of the most underate albums of all time.......2005-12-02
Songs like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" made it big, but the entire album from beginning to end hooks you and doesn't let go. There's a mystical, haunting thread that runs through the entire thing. "I Believe" is one of the most beautiful songs every produced. While that tune is a world away from the harsh "Mother's Talk" there's still that same haunting background melody going just bellow the surface in both songs.
I could say more, but I think everyone should buy this album, so you can listen for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
it still makes me dance.......2005-11-08
Tears for Fears reminds us of what could have been.......2005-04-29
This edition offers up extended mixes of "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as bonus tracks, but they are hardly necessary to justify having this album in your music collection. I still listen to "Songs From the Big Chair" about once a month and there is always a touch of regret that Tears for Fears self-destructed. The group produced a rather unique blend of synth-pop that made it stand out from most of what was going on in 1985 and the lyrics would have made for nice essay questions on a psychoanalysis exam:
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
Who would have thought that Arthur Janov's primal scream theory would result in deep lyrics? But then the group's name comes from that same source and the whole idea was much more in evidence on their debut album "Hurting" ("Mad World" from that album is reworked to great effect by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules at the end of the cult film "Donnie Darko," which also used "Head Over Heels" to make Tears for Fears the official group of the film). Such ideas are still in evidence on this album, but if "Hurting" is about emotional pain then "Songs From the Big Chair" is moving on to the healing process. This is not exactly a concept album, but the songs do fit together in a way that suggests a definite sense of direction. But then when they start singing about four leaf clovers and do a techno-rap song like "Mother's Talk" you are just going to lose people who are going to go back to the melodies and not bother to figure out the words and dive for deeper meanings.
Looking at the writing credits on these songs you would have said Tears for Fears was clearly Roland Orzabal's group, but by the time Curt Smith bolted they had produced only one more album in three years which had one decent song on it. So Tears of Fears does not exactly come under the heading of a One Hit Wonder, but they certainly only had the solid really great album. However, unlike other groups you might point to in similar circumstances from this same time period (e.g., A-Ha, Mr. Mister), this was the group I really thought had the musical talent to build on. In retrospect, I think it is clear that they did have the talent and Tears for Fears is arguably the most memorable "lost" group of that period.
Average customer rating:
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Chronicles: The Hurting/Songs from the Big Chair/The Seeds of Love
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Island / Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
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| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
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General
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Alternative Styles
| Alternative Rock
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ASIN: B0009S2TUC Release Date: 2005-06-21 |
Tracks:
- The Hurting
- Mad World
- Pale Shelter
- Ideas As Opiates
- Memories Fade
- Suffer The Children
- Watch Me Bleed
- Change
- The Prisoner
- Start Of The Breakdown
- Pale Shelter
- The Way You Are
- Mad World
- Change
Tracks:
- Shout
- The Working Hour
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe (A Soulful Re-Recording)
- Broken
- Head Over Heels / Broken
- Listen
- The Big Chair
- Empire Building
- The Marauders
- Broken Revisited
- The Conflict
- Mothers Talk
- Shout
Tracks:
- Woman In Chains
- Bad Man's Song
- Sowing The Seeds Of Love
- Advice For The Young And Heart
- Standing On The Corner Of The Third World
- Swords And Knife
- Year Of The Knife
- Famous Last Words
- Tears Roll Down
- Always In The Past
- Music For Tables
- Johnny Panic And The Bible Of Dreams
Album Description
The "Chronicles" box sets are specially selected original albums presented in a book-style long box. Each album was selected to symbolize a classic period for the artist. Each disc includes original CD booklet.Titles in this set include: "The Hurting," "Songs From The Big Chair," and "The Seeds Of Love".
Customer Reviews:
Great Synth-Pop Set- Terrible Packaging.......2005-08-17
"The Hurting" is almost like a therapy session on record. Some of the lyrics may be a little too introspective, but the hooks more than make up for it. Mad World is an amazing song (follow it up with great cover version in "Donnie Darko") and Pale Shelter remains a sturdy single.
"Songs From the Big Chair" contains this group's biggest hits. Shout is almost like an ode to primal scream therapy, and Everybody Wants to Rule the World may be the best single of the entire decade. Head Over Heels turns out to be part of a pretty cool song suite. There is no filler on this album with the possible exception of track 8 (the instumental last track of the original album which just doesn't really seem to go anywhere).
"The Seeds of Love" start to drop the synth-pop vibe for more Beatles-like sounds and late 80's pop values (which these guys actually do quite well). The title track and Woman In Chains are the singles here, but my favorite is Standing On The Corner Of The Third World, featuring Manu Katche on drums and some really cool worldbeat sounds.
The packaging on this set is a bit of a problem. The CD's seem to have trouble holding in their spots, and I had to exchange this set because of strange warping on the second disc. My next copy still had a few strange warped marks on it, but at least it plays ok. Additionaly, while you do get the CD booklets, this set leaves out the back covers. This unfortunately makes putting these discs in normal CD cases less desirable, as well as robbing the owner of the back cover art. Still, this is a pretty cheap way of getting these albums remastered with bonus tracks (as separate purchases it would cost $45-60).
Average customer rating:
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Songs from the Big Chair
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Dance Pop
| Compilations
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B000009SFR Release Date: 1998-08-18 |
Tracks:
- Shout
- The Working Hour
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe
- Broken
- Head Over Heels/Broken (Live)
- Listen
- Shout (Extended Mix)
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Extended Mix)
Amazon.com
Considering that Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, the English duo known as Tears for Fears, were avid followers of Arthur Janov, father of the primal scream form of mental therapy, it wasn't surprising that one of their biggest hits was titled "Shout." What was surprising was how the two managed to take all their deep-rooted inner turmoil and make such positively buoyant music. Case in point: their other Songs from the Big Chair-spawned No. 1 hit, "Everybody Wants to Rule the World," was a meditation on the struggle for power within interpersonal relationships as a metaphor for global supremacy--which, thank God, had a good beat so you could at least dance to it. This gold version of the title offers superior sound quality for a higher price than the standard-issue CD. --Billy AltmanCustomer Reviews:
Tears for Fears at their best.......2006-06-22
"Songs from The Big Chair" is Tears for Fears' (TFF) sophomore release and exhibits some of the group's best music. This CD gets deep into the matter that makes up TFF. From angst to love to a deep understanding of life and the things that make up life, "Big Chair" is a testament to the feelings we as human beings experience throughout our lives. Several different musical styles are exhibited, from pop synth to jazz, to rock, to ambient, and even pop/synth/classical with a little tint of operatic counterpoint in "Listen."
While many listeners concentrate on TFF's hit songs, listening to the music "within" the music brings to the surface many tonal colors and nuances that are clearly not evident in the radio-edit versions of these works. This extra music adds to the flavor of the moment and colors the songs in various shades of light and dark that serve to enhance the emotions stimulated therein. This is especially evident in the songs "Shout," "The Working Hour," "I Believe," "Head Over Heels" and "Listen."
"Songs from The Big Chair" is considered by many to be the album that most defines TFF's music. It is both open and expressive, exhibitionist and extroverted, while at the same time personal and introspective. While other artists have successfully exploited these feelings in their music, Tears for Fears does it in a way that uniquely defines them.
Classic 80's Pop Art!!--Monster Debut!!.......2006-01-04
of "Miami Vice", "Friday Night Videos", "Wiseguy" and
other 80's pop identifiers that make me wax nostalgic!
This album was everywhere in 1985!
"Shout", "Head Over Heels" and "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"
still stand the test of time almost 22 yrs later!
It sold like 11 million worldwide to date..
so one can't go wrong here!
One of the most underate albums of all time.......2005-12-02
Songs like "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" made it big, but the entire album from beginning to end hooks you and doesn't let go. There's a mystical, haunting thread that runs through the entire thing. "I Believe" is one of the most beautiful songs every produced. While that tune is a world away from the harsh "Mother's Talk" there's still that same haunting background melody going just bellow the surface in both songs.
I could say more, but I think everyone should buy this album, so you can listen for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
it still makes me dance.......2005-11-08
Tears for Fears reminds us of what could have been.......2005-04-29
This edition offers up extended mixes of "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as bonus tracks, but they are hardly necessary to justify having this album in your music collection. I still listen to "Songs From the Big Chair" about once a month and there is always a touch of regret that Tears for Fears self-destructed. The group produced a rather unique blend of synth-pop that made it stand out from most of what was going on in 1985 and the lyrics would have made for nice essay questions on a psychoanalysis exam:
They gave you life
And in return you gave them hell
As cold as ice
I hope we live to tell the tale
Who would have thought that Arthur Janov's primal scream theory would result in deep lyrics? But then the group's name comes from that same source and the whole idea was much more in evidence on their debut album "Hurting" ("Mad World" from that album is reworked to great effect by Michael Andrews and Gary Jules at the end of the cult film "Donnie Darko," which also used "Head Over Heels" to make Tears for Fears the official group of the film). Such ideas are still in evidence on this album, but if "Hurting" is about emotional pain then "Songs From the Big Chair" is moving on to the healing process. This is not exactly a concept album, but the songs do fit together in a way that suggests a definite sense of direction. But then when they start singing about four leaf clovers and do a techno-rap song like "Mother's Talk" you are just going to lose people who are going to go back to the melodies and not bother to figure out the words and dive for deeper meanings.
Looking at the writing credits on these songs you would have said Tears for Fears was clearly Roland Orzabal's group, but by the time Curt Smith bolted they had produced only one more album in three years which had one decent song on it. So Tears of Fears does not exactly come under the heading of a One Hit Wonder, but they certainly only had the solid really great album. However, unlike other groups you might point to in similar circumstances from this same time period (e.g., A-Ha, Mr. Mister), this was the group I really thought had the musical talent to build on. In retrospect, I think it is clear that they did have the talent and Tears for Fears is arguably the most memorable "lost" group of that period.
Average customer rating: 
|
The Hurting/Seeds of Love/Songs from the Big Chair
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Alternative Styles
| Alternative Rock
| Box Sets
| Stores
| Music
General
| Pop
| Box Sets
| Stores
| Music
General
| Rock
| Box Sets
| Stores
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Rock
| Imports
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ASIN: B000050AR3 Release Date: 2005-10-03 |
Tracks:
- Hurting
- Mad World
- Pale Shelter
- Ideas as Opiates
- Memories Fade
- Suffer the Children
- Watch Me Bleed
- Change
- Prisoner
- Start of the Breakdown
- Pale Shelter [Long Version][*]
- Way You Are [Extended][*]
- Mad World [World Remix][*]
- Change [Extended Version][*]
Tracks:
- Woman in Chains
- Badman's Song
- Sowing the Seeds of Love
- Advice for the Young at Heart
- Standing on the Corner of the Third World
- Swords and Knives
- Year of the Knife
- Famous Last Words
- Tears Roll Down [*]
- Always in the Past [*]
- Music for Tables [*]
- Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams
Tracks:
- Shout
- Working Hour
- Everybody Wants to Rule the World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe
- Broken
- Head Over Heals/Broken [Live]
- Listen
- Big Chair [*]
- Empire Building
- Marauders
- Broken Revisited
- Conflict
- Mothers Talk [US Remix]
- Shout [US Remix]
Album Details
All Albums Packaged in Separate Jewel Cases with Original Artwork.
Average customer rating: 
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Songs from the Big Chair
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Umvd Import ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Dance Pop
| Compilations
| Dance & DJ
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B000A2H9CK Release Date: 2006-03-07 |
Tracks:
- Shout
- Working Hour
- Everybody Wants to Rule the World
- Mothers Talk
- I Believe
- Broken
- Head over Heels/Broken [Live]
- Listen
- Shout [Extended Mix][*]
- Everybody Wants to Rule the World [Extended Mix][*]
Album Details
2005 Digitally Remastered from the Original Master Tapes.includes A Second Disc of 14 Period Rarities. The 24 Page Booklet also Contains Some Highly Informative Sleevenotes Including an Interview with Roland and Curt Written by Uncut Editor Paul Lester.Customer Reviews:
Another Disappointing 'Deluxe Edition' Release From Universal.......2006-10-07
The remastering isn't my only complaint, however. The tracklisting had the opportunity to be so much better. Like other 'Deluxe Edition' compilations this one is missing several rare gems. Where is the original UK 12" version of "Shout"? Again, we get the same old U.S. Remix, which can be found on numerous compilations. Where's the 12" version of "Everybody Wants To Rule The World"? We do, however, get the "Urban Remix" of this track. Where's "Everybody Wants To RUN The World"? It would have fit nicely on this release. There's room for these tracks!
On a positive note, we do get 7" versions of "Shout" and "Head Over Heels." The 7" version of "Shout" is simply the UK 7" edit, which clocks in at 4:43 but is incorrectly labeled as 4:03 on the back sleeve (which happens to be the playing time of the US 7" edit, not present here). The 7" version of "Head Over Heels" gives the listener to hear the track by itself, not combined with "Broken (Live)" on the album. I can't tell the difference between the 7" version of "Rule The World" and the album version. I'm not sure why it was included. It should have been replaced with the 12" version! "The Way You Are (7" version)" should have been placed at the end of disc one, making room for these missing mixes and tracks on disc two.
The only thing that merits a 4-star rating for this release is the packaging and booklet. I'm very pleased with the photos and overall glossy look of this 'Deluxe Edition'. The liner notes are a plus as well. The tracklisting on the back sleeve, however, is quite sloppy with incorrect playing times and some tracks without any listed times! Overall, it's still nicely presented.
I would have probably given this release a 4-star rating if the sound quality was excellent. At least I could have enjoyed the "rarities" on disc 2 more, but now Universal has left me wanting more from the recordings. I guess I'll have to go back to my 1999 remaster and 2003 'Ultimate Collection' release to hear some of these Tears For Fears gems in better quality. Perhaps a 30th anniversary release will be bring us more?
Import is better.......2006-06-17
Tears For Fears best effort..........2006-06-05
Glad it's gotten this treatment at last...
Average customer rating:
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Songs From Big Chair
Tears For Fears Manufacturer: Mercury ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000LXKTM0 |
Average customer rating:
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Songs from the Big Chair
ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Rock
| Imports
| Stores
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ASIN: B000AA7BNO Release Date: 2005-09-27 |
Album Description
Limited edition Japanese pressing of the 1985 album. If The Hurting was mental anguish, Songs From the Big Chair marks the progression towards emotional healing, a particularly bold sort of catharsis culled from Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith's shared attraction to primal scream therapy. The album also heralded a dramatic maturation in the band's music, away from the synth-pop brand with which it was (unjustly) seared following the debut, and towards a complex, enveloping pop sophistication. The songwriting of Orzabal, Smith, and keyboardist Ian Stanley took a huge leap forward, drawing on reserves of palpable emotion and lovely, protracted melodies that draw just as much on soul and R&B music as they do on immediate pop hooks. The album could almost be called pseudo-conceptual, as each song holds its place and each is integral to the overall tapestry, a single-minded resolve that is easy to overlook when an album is as commercially successful as Songs From the Big Chair. Includes 7 exclusive bonus tracks TBA. Mercury. 2005.|
Average customer rating:
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Songs from the Big Chair
Tears for Fears Manufacturer: Msi/Pgd ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
New Wave
| New Wave & Post-Punk
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Alternative Rock
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B00000J7LB Release Date: 1999-06-01 |
Customer Reviews:
Great album, awful service.......2004-07-19
Of course, there's no track listing.
Way to go, Amazon.
More reasons why I am so disappointed that you bought out CDNow and trashed their far superior site.
Really cool!!.......1999-09-30
When I got the new remastered copy, I gave away my old copy.
Need I say more?
And yes, the bonus tracks are great!
A must for any lover of really good music.......1999-07-26
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- Songs To Be Heard
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- Space Amazon [Limited Edition] [Import]
- Strawberry Lover [Import]
- Take Me to Your Party [Import]
- Ten Summoner's Tales [Enhanced] [Import]
- The New Fellas [Import]
- The Story Of The Ghost
- This Is the Last Time [CD-single] [Import]
- Three Sided Coin [Import]
