Yes!!! I dont have favorites of anything, its hard to single out 1 of anything. But this song no matter how many times I hear it, it puts a smile on my face every single time!
@@DannyDep17 Agreed - I was hoping for an analysis of the guitar solo, which has always been so tasty and powerful for me. I was on the edge of my chair, and “That’s all for now!” 🥺
I have no clue about musical terms but I find it absolutely fascinating listening to people explaining how a song is made when all the normal listener like me hears is a great song without thinking at all on how it was constructed..
Keith Richards talked about that. How he as a professional musician could never listen to a song without trying to "figure it out". He talked about how nice it would be to just listen to a song without worrying about its construction. On the other hand his profession got him a gaggle of ass! 🤣
Same here ! I am a carpenter , zero musical ability , but it's great listening to this guy break it down , what he's "breaking down" I have no clue , but still fascinating .
The opening words "Welcome to your life, there's no turning back" hit me like a ton of bricks now that I am 56 years old! (Those words hit me after this song played on the radio immediately at the time my radio alarm clock went off!!! Talk about an incredible wake up call! Those words didn't have anywhere near the impact on me when I was only 18 lol...time flew so incredibly fast!)
Even without breaking it down like this, you know it's a perfect song. This just confirms it. Not a note, melody, or sound could be improved. Such a rare thing. This is why the song never sounds tired or old. Work of art.
One improvement (in my mind) - Everybody Wants to Run the World is an early version of this song and it has a kind of synth horn line that fills some of the "empty space" in the intro/bridge (not a criticism - the space is used effectively). I see why they went the way they did, but I really like that horn line and add it in my head whenever I listen to the finished version.
for most musicians, i think that's true for a lot of songs. i can name probably two dozen songs that never get old and absolutely illicit an emotional response from me...some of which would sound incredibly unlikely to most people.
The first time I heard this song, I was driving down a dark highway on Long Island at 3am after a gig. It completely captured me. And the mood was perfect for the long dark drive home. Great, soulful guitar solo too.
Rick, what's so cool about this series is realizing how intricate and beautiful songs that you've known your entire life really are. In the 80's I was more into hard rock and heavy metal, but always thought this song was kind of cool. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate just how great all the music of the 70's and 80's really was. At that time, we took for granted what we really had and we now realize that it was something very special.
I completely agree with this. This was just a song that was for me. Always kind of there, I enjoyed it well enough, but it never made a huge impression on me. Breaking it down like this makes me enjoy it that much more.
@@smackela Indeed. It's the little musical touches revealed in Rick's presentations that make you fall in love with the songs all over again. It really did that when he broke down the elements in Boston's "More Than A Feeling."
Han... You nailed it how we didn't realize the importance and greatness of 70s and 80s music at the time, until later when appreciation finally set in. Music of that era was intricately developing and progressing from the foundations of the 50s & 60s in a rapid and sophisticated way. This one song is a perfect example of the brilliant creative capabilities of musicians and songwriters.
Same here. Was more focussed on hard rock and metal. But all the girlfriends at the time were into Tears for Fears. But was quite happy to have it on because they did have some really catchy tunes. Saw them live a few years ago opening for Spandau Ballet, and they were really good live. Should have given them more kudos when I was younger.
This song comes on the radio while I'm driving It's pure happiness. It's everyone in the car shut up. I am cranking this song up, and we all sing as loud as we can..
@treloarw hope still for my gen z daughter, then. But as Yoda once said, " there is another"... perhaps my Alpha son is the one who will like my jams...
I don’t know the first thing about music theory: I can’t play an instrument, can’t read music. Breaking down the genius of Roland Orizbal and Curt Smith in such an accessible way was thrilling and I loved every minute of this video. Mr. Beato, you can just tell, is one cool dude who appreciates the art of music and wants to bring it to everyone. Thank you for your gift.
@@parked32 Played in high school band, lived through and loved 60's & 70's rock, this channel is the best out there when it comes to really hearing how the music is made.
Ditto, I haven’t a clue other than I love great songs/music and I’m just fascinated with Rick’s obvious sublime knowledge of his craft and his enthusiasm 😊
This is my 14 year old son's favorite song. He literally listens to it on loop when he takes a shower. I'm constantly in awe of how much he loves a song that came out when I was 12 year's old!
This song has one of the finest outro solos ever recorded. Roland did a great job on the mid-song solo, but that outro solo by Neil Taylor is untouchable!
@@jazzbluesrock21 100% agree . Wish Rick had spent more time on that outro solo . The song was just amazing but just when you thought it was over that solo kicks in ! Arguably for me the best part of that song ❤️👍 Really deserves more attention …
What makes it great? Every single element. It’s a perfect pop song. The backing is infectious, yet it gives Curt and Roland so much room for their vocals to breathe.
One of the most impressive aspects of this song for me is that it practically creates its own epic universe, has multiple dynamic sections, TWO awesome guitar solos, and sounds like a whole lifetime, yet it's barely more than 4 minutes of music.
I started with metal and it taught me to always keeps my ears open to new sounds and learn to appreciate and enjoy others. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. I now find cool things to like even where I normally would pass on it.
Well, in Roland's voice it wouldn't have had the same sort of pensive vibe, and certainly not the same dynamics building to the harmonies towards the end. All very intentional.
This song defines the eighties for me. When I hear this I see visions of live aid, great stadium concerts, ‘big haired’ women, MTV with music, the wall falling etc, etc… really love this one
i am not from this time, i was born 2000 but i can feel your words so much.. it is the best 80s song and had all those 80s feelings i can barely imagine could be like. wonderful piece of music
I’ve been a metal head for over 30 years, but I’ll always maintain that this song is one of the best songs ever written. And I’ll always remember cruising with my Mom as a kid in the 80’s blasting this song on the car’s tape deck.
I was literally just about to post the same thing lol but read yours and just thought “yep, that dudes said it already!” Lol Metal through and through but this song is absolutely brilliant 👌💪🤘
As a child of the 50's and 60's I hated this song. Far too modern for me at the time. Of course in my old age I actually appreciate it now; especially when dissected like this.
100%. This song is one of my all time faves. I ran across Manny Elias selling part of his modern drummer collection on eBay a few years back. I asked him to autograph them. I think I got about 10 autographed issues for around $12 but they’re worth a lot more than that to me.
I consider this the most perfect pop song ever written. It just feels like it's tightly produced, and really straightforward and bright, and then every progression and callback comes in the perfect place at the perfect time. Now I understand that the brightness comes from the up-tuning. It always leaves me wanting just a little more. I could not possibly tell you how many times I've listened to this song on repeat. I do know that I've repeated it at least as many times as a dozen in a sitting. I may be a bit obsessed for the last thirty-some-odd years. It is strange how simple it sounds, but then how difficult it is to sing along with. There is a tremendous sophistication hidden in the simplicity of this song. I think you helped me to understand that I was hearing this in all the doubling and layering. Anyway, I very much enjoyed your analysis. It was interesting to listen to you pick out apart and sort of validate everything I thought I heard from a more professional perspective. Brilliant! Thank you.
Word for word, I agree. Every time this song comes on when I'm with another person, I always say to that person: "I believe this is the greatest pop song ever written." The melody alone. Holy smokes.
The two main chords always make me think of how it makes me breathe in a shallow, melancholy way. It sounds like shallow, melancholy breathing. Combined with that high intervallic jump in the vocal melody - it's all rather hypnotic, and so you just don't want it to end. Like many of the really great songs it is both simple and complex at the same time. Simple musical structures, but so many layers.
Well unless you have perfect pitch, I doubt that the up-tuning itself is giving you an added sense of brightness. Rick (and famously, his son) do in fact have perfect pitch. Anyway, even for those who do, some would simply find this kind of tweak to sound unnervingly out of tune, regardless of how well they liked all the other fine qualities of the piece.
One of the most unusual things about this beautiful, memorable, heartfelt song is that the melody line never syncopates. The chorus is straight quarter notes all through. No-one would dare do that today. And the environmental message: 'Turn your back on mother nature' Iionically illustrated by all that zooming around in Cadillacs, private planes and dune buggys in the official video.
This comment deserves more likes. I'm a musician, I've always been mesmerized by this song, but I NEVER noticed that the melody is all straight quarter notes. The accompaniment is so intricately syncopated, it creates a "bed" for the simple melody to rest in; the straight melody and the syncopated accompaniment complement each other perfectly, like a hand in a glove. And the effect is indescribable
Beautifully crafted harmonic resonance timed as well as mixed to a natural biorythem that i never want let go of like the perfect ride you never wanna get off of
This song has become more important to me the older I get. It gives me the chills every time I hear those two chords over the killer groove. It represents everything that was beautiful about high school in the 80’s.
So glad you did a video on this, one of my favourite songs from my childhood. It always reminds me of my dad working in the garage, doing up cars, the smell of bodywork filler and spray paint. This was on the radio a lot back then even many years after it came out and I think the first time I heard it was when I went into the garage to watch my dad working as a five year old kid 😂
Absolutely right Jim. I would say one of the most underrated bands ever which is sad because they are bloody brilliant!!! Songs from the Big Chair is one of my favorite 1980s albums. 👍❤
One thing I really miss is how dynamic songs used to be, even on seemingly simple arrangements like this so much effort went into introducing slight changes in the way parts were played from one section to the next. And the long intro going into the crescendo built up your anticipation for the rest of the song.
@@idontwant2beasoldiermama241 Yeah, one complaint I've heard youngers people say about older songs is "Why are they taking so long to get to the song?" when they are in fact already listening to the song 😩
I love how you isolate instruments in this series, it's only then that you really notice the intricacies and layers and how clever the song structure is. You don't notice these things specifically, you just know the song is great!
As a child of the 80s this was the number one favorite song of my childhood. Rick nailed it, but I think the absolute best two things about the song are Curt Smith's voice and the absolutely stellar production of the track. Just the right amount of reverb on everything, yet everything is still quite clear and just sounding so good.
I frickin' love this song now as much as I did in 1985! I gave a thumbs-up before watching the video - simply because of the song choice. I would give a DOUBLE thumbs-up, now that I have watched this, if I could. "Let the instruments breathe!" You rule, too, RICK! XO - from Albuquerque
Simply one of the best songs of the 80s. As a child of the 80s I can look back now and realize what I thought was just ho-hum 80s music was extremely rich and so well played and constructed. I think the music didn't get the credit it deserved because the over the top visuals of the Era. Just amazing stuff. Love rediscovering this amazing music now.
This one rose above many other 80s songs. The simple ones were the best... great bones but with so many layers on top. Every breath you take, king of pain, fall on me, who can it be now, blister in the sun... the ones you can sing along with in full voice...
I just stumbled onto this video and all I can say is wow. This was the best 15 minutes I have spent in a long time. Great song broken down by someone who gets it. I loved this more than you can imagine. This was the song I wore out as a senior in High School and the summer before college. Watching and listening to the breakdown here was brilliant. I am hooked...
@@lololomo5484 It's a lot of things of course, but it's got a dissident vibe--the light of the searchlight, the glare of the judges: There's a room where the light won't find you (secret collusion) Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down (we are together, but we can't always win; destruction comes for us) When they do, I'll be right behind you (the bond that brings courage even in the face of that) So glad we've almost made it (together, creating a better world, at least between these people) So sad they had to fade it (but it couldn't last... beautiful even in it's fleeting moment) Just my thoughts, not definitive or to replace anyone else's mind you! _Edited: for a weird line break_
@@lololomo5484 it refers to a bomb shelter. Understandable since the song was written during the cold war and the the band themselves were very concerned with the use of nuclear weapons.
Did you love it? I'm 67 years old and just got tickets with my 49 year old son and 20 year old grandson for July 26th in Bend, Oregon!! I'm so.o.o happy they are touring in 2023.
If you haven’t already, listen to “The Hurting” ( album) , it’s gut wrenching, but so beautiful. List with headphones and get the lyrics. And go all the way from beginning to end. It’ll change you.
One of the best albums of the 80's. Such a classic sound. Really happy to see you tackle this one since you've already done my favorite Tears For Fears song, Head Over Heels. :)
I was born in 1997, but I remember being absolutely blown away by this song when i heard it on the radio as a young kid. Honestly I feel that this song helped kickstart my love of 80s music. To this day, I adore Tears for Fears and consider this song one of the greatest ever.
Ya got good taste Amanda!!! If you have time, sometime, check out an album called "Hermit of Mink Hollow" by Todd Rundgren a true underrated real late 70's classic. Dude plays all the instruments, sings all lead and background vocals . Mixed it, and Produced it too. A true one man industrial complex.... "FADE AWAY" is a personal favorite! Keep listening out there,, its great very inexpensive FUN.Good Luck !!!
I was 24 when this was released and loved the whole album. But, now I'm thinking I feel very old because of this conversation. I'm the same age as the guys in the band.
Normally this much synth stuff would feel cold and empty, or gimmicky. This song never feels that way. It's one of those songs that makes you sing along in the car. I remember for years, people complained about '80's music. Not so much anymore, eh? Great choice, Rick. That whole album is killer, BTW.
For the most part, the songs that people complained about are (fortunately) forgotten to the mists of time. For every awesome song like this one, there are fifty awful pop songs that history will not be as kind to.
80s Brit Pop was always considered great. So much great 80s Brit Pop... It was Hard Rock in the 80s that was getting soft, flabby and limp. 😧 Other than Van Halen, AC/DC, Ozzy, Queen, SRV, Aerosmith, maybe U2, later G'n'R and Jane's Addiction, and a very few others (Metallica?), rock music took a major nose dive after the 70s. Big Hair Glam Rock sucked. Most Metal sucked. Goth, Death, Doom, Emo and all that other "alt" rock was just crappy Black Sabbath. Worse was all the dim witted wimpy Punk ripoffs. 🤮 Yeuch. I thought even Zappa took a step down during that dark decade! 😱 I need to mention Chris Isaak, just because he's Rock n Roll, is awesome, and rocks as hard as anyone, when he wants. 🏁 Yeah, the 80s were fuckin weird, man. 😎
nobody thinks that who knows anything. Duran Duran, Spandau, Human League, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys all have a lot of soul. Or put another way if keyboards didn't exist, they would have still made music.
I was in Athens Greece serving in the Air Force during the Cold War when I first heard this song. It was an immediate hit. The Melodies and harmonies were mesmerizing and the words were perfect for what all of us were experiencing. We were a hairs whisper away from nucleur War and a major arms build up in the east and in the west. The song has a very calming effect listening to it. It’s basic chords sets the tone throughout the song and the words, very powerful as they are, spoke to what we were feeling. To me, it’s the best song of the 80s. It will always be special to me as it reminds me of Greece, just being married, friends and the birth of my son. Every time I hear it I’m 23 again living in the beauty of Greece. Thank you Tears for Fears!
That's one of the "theme songs" for me for the mid 80s. Living in Miami, enjoying my early 20s, the beach, the night life! Yeah. Can't go back, but got a lot of memories (at least the ones I can remember)
I was 29 when this great song came out. Whenever I hear it I’m reminded of the movie Real Genius. Almost 40 years later it’s one of my all time favorites.
My husband always associates this song with that movie. I didn't because I never saw the movie at the time but years later when he bought the dvd we watched it together. Great song.
These guys are killing it live on tour. Saw them in Dallas and it was incredible. No tricks. They just crushed it and the band was tight and fantastic.
I've always loved the rhythms in this song. As a drummer, I could play this for days without getting bored. The 3-over-4 hi-hat, the shuffle in the bass drum, it's so compelling to just settle into. It's right up there with the half-time shuffle of Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain." Playing with the bass and all the syncopated rhythm guitar tracks, you're a part of a beautiful tapestry. A most inspiring groove.
My favorite part of this song is that punch to the bridge and it playing out. Makes you feel damn great. "When they do i'll be right behind you." ❤ Also, listening to Curt, he does such a good job of making his vocal sound seamless with the beat. Like his voice has the pulse of the beat in it as he is singing. Been seeing this song hit the rounds on Instagram lately. A truly timeless song in my opinion!
I agree but their youth didn’t realize that the mid-80’s were some of the most peaceful times in decades and the threat of nuclear war was diminishing greatly and their anxiety about the world was 10-15 years behind. Everyone Generation wants to change the world and blames the generation before. I absolutely love the sounds of the song it just wasn’t timely as a rebellious anthem . I was building my last drag race car and hearing this always gave me energy and a lift in mood.
@@deantait8326 The mid 80s weren't a time of great nuclear threat? Seriously. 1983 and Able Archer et al was a seriously unstable time. Threads aired in 1984. The leadup to the disintegration of the Soviet Union was a very dangerous time. I just don't know why you'd think it wasn't that much.
It's cool the way Rick can take a simple-sounding song and show just how complex and brilliant it is. I've loved this album ever since my brother handed it down to me in middle school.
You Sir are a brilliant communicator. Your delivery is so expressive and your delight at the music, so clear on your face and in your voice modulation. Never stop doing these, please.
Every time I watch one of these WMTS episodes, I come away amazed at the subtle complexities that Rick brings to light. And Rick: how many guitars and basses do you have??
When you get to the point where you notice "this is the first time we have the harmonies enter," they've been doubling up for half the song! They sang in unison (or in octaves) so much, it really accentuated the harmony parts. Really creative use of their similar-yet-complimentary voices. Loved hearing those isolated tracks!
@@TheRoadLessChosen I don't think there's any octaves in this song, but it's peppered throughout their catalog. Notably in "The Hurting," and very recently in "The Tipping Point." I think there's a little bit in "Mother's Talk," but not much on the rest of "Songs From the Big Chair." On "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" the first half of the verse is Curt, then Curt and Roland together in unison through the chorus. Search for a live performance from the '80's, and you can hear it really well.
You can't mention this song without calling attention to the stunningly groovy upbeat feel from the drums. That driving bass drum part with the emphasis on the upbeats on the hi hat is so brilliant.
I can't figure out how the hell Rick has access to multitracks of every song on earth. There are so many I'd love to hear wtf is going on with this or that part... killer.
@@Spuzzmacher Most likely hes a session muscian and has worked with all the best bands and studio prodcuers in the world and just calls them up and asks them if he can use the split track for a YT video as a mate's favour. Who's going to say no to a mate?
Exactly - without the hats in particular the whole thing could sound a bit plodding and status quo like. In fact I always found the signature synth line to have an interplay with the hats that shows the level of subtle musicianship going on. And this used to be pop music😂
You can't argue with this, it's perfection. Kurt's voice is to-die-for. On the face of it so simple, yet immediately recognisable - when that bridge comes and they sing together, forget about it.
Eveybody Wants To Rule The World is in my top 3 of all time favorites. Pealing the song apart like this makes me really apreciate the effort that has been putt into it. All the details, the guitar solo/bridge and the vocals. Each time I hear this master pease I turn up the radio till it completely fills the room.
Roland Orzabal is one of the most interesting musicians, especially as a solo artist, and perhaps underrated composers with a very distinctive taste and style of the last 40 years: thank you so much Rick!
It’s a masterclass in layering simplicity and building to this frenetic high point, but to hear you take those layers apart makes it really stand out how huge the song actually gets!
As a kid just beginning to learn guitar in the mid-80s, I was all about listening to guitar hero metal. It wasn't until later I noticed how cool and complementary to the song the guitar parts were. Ultimately way more interesting that the weedly-weedly solos I tried and failed to learn at the time.
Yes edwin, I totally agree! 👍And it seems like recently they have maybe remastered some of their songs because they seem a lot more clearer and distinctive when listening to them on the radio,, such as the one Rick demonstrated! 🐦
It really, really is. Can't take anything away from the songwriters or the musicians, but the production -- little bits you'd never be able to hear unless you listened REALLY closely -- that's just so damn great. The details separate this song from the pack. Love it.
@@kevinvitale8980 and Dire Straits. I always see Steely Dan and Dire Straits mentioned in audiophile gear reviews. Tears for Fears is right there with them.
This is one of the most dynamic, creative and beautiful recordings of all time. The music is so powerful, so beautifully layered, everything working together so perfectly. The lyrics are engaging, interesting, cryptic, and match the emotional vocal performance. This breakdown really does the recording justice. Thank you, Beato, for just loving the song and helping us love it more. Your joy for music is contagious. This song is perfection.
I've been a fan of this song for since I owned the album back in '85 and NEVER noticed that transposition at 13:49. That is some damned clever songwriting, there.
I love the way you're "geeking" into this song. And, I am loving it. This is just to show how much WE LOVE this song. This is how we pay respect the song and the artist. Thank you, Rick
Mission accomplished, Rick. Had me smiling the whole way through, and marveling at the many layered artistry that went into making this song so great. Just heard TFF have a brand new album out too - working together again after long rift.
I just got 'The Tipping Point' on vinyl. I'm a huge fan, but this new record is very disappointing. It is a dance/techno type sound that really has no definition, nothing memorable about any of the songs. Nothing like I expected after the last album from 2004, 'Everybody Loves A Happy Ending'. THIS record is one of my most favorite records. I play it all the time, for many years now.
@@roballen6449 Completely disagree. I think The Tipping Point is an amazing listen. I haven’t been this enthusiastic about an album release for a very long time. To each his own I guess.
Underrated 80's artist - much more than just the singles. Somehow, they were tasteful enough with the trappings of the time (programmed instruments, echo etc.), that their music does not sound cheesy and dated.
Not at all underrated. Till this day Everybody Wants To Rule The World is played several times a day on all major music radio stations. The band has only done 7 studio albums in 40 years, the second album being the breakout that got them noticed AND the 7th just got released a few days ago. The album Seeds Of Love was well received by critics. Elemental was also a great album. You are assuming the band is under-appreciated because you haven't seen or heard much of the band in a long time.
I completely agree. I have all of their albums. They have complex arrangements, immaculate production, thoughtful lyrics and just kill it on the execution.
@@shadowselfCA That's what I said! I hear this song all the time on the radio and the song is over 35 years old. Same with Head Over Heels. "Shout" also gets played a lot. "Shout" is actually the only TTF song I dislike. It sounds too pretentions. Anyway, an underrated act does not get their songs being that old played all the time today.
That "synthetic guitar" part, to me, sounds more like an Ovation acoustic recorded through the piezo pickup. One of the best songs of all time, from one of the 1st albums I ever bought with my own money!
Such a great song. “Woman in chains” would also deserve a segment. That song has manu katche playing the first half and then Phil Collins plays the second half. Dual vocal lines and If you listen to the instrumental version on the deluxe version of the sowing the seeds album, its like looking at an Impressionist painting there is so much going on in the detail
Dude, I did not know that! I never really liked this song as much as other T4F stuff, but, it’s been coming up a lot, recently, so, I’m starting to respect and appreciate it more because of things like this.
Every time I watch one of these "What Makes This Song Great" from the 80's, I feel so proud of my teenage self for seeing the worth in these songs back then and justified in loving them still. Love the bridge here. We used to really jump into the song on the dance floor all singing our little hearts out at school socials...
the genius of this song for me is the guitar lick at the start only happens 3 times throughout the song (plus one time transposed), yet that is what I hear in my mind as the whole hook and vibe of the song. Its rhythm is carried throughout by the hihat and snare, so maybe that’s what keeps the momentum of the lick in my mind without it having to be there. Amazing!
The intro of that song, that guitar lick with the reverb and the come in with the rest of the band is what has always stuck with me after hearing it for the first time back in the 80s.
Ick: "Do you think it's getting too weird around here?" Chris Knight: "Absolutely." Jordan: "I didn't notice." Mitch: "I like it." perfect ending lines.
Another Tears for Fears MASTERPIECE for you to potentially cover is : Woman in Chains. From the dual vocals w/ Oleta Adams, to the thunderous drum fills and build up half way through, to the key change at the end during the “So Free” section. The song really is leagues better than a lot of 80s pop ballads.
My absolute favorite TFF track. I always enjoyed them casually (as many do) until I heard that song. It's the track that forced me to reconsider my relationship with their music, from one of passive appreciation to something deeper. I had to go back and listen to their entire catalog of music after absorbing the message and melody of Woman in Chains, and to no surprise of mine, I found many more songs to cherish.
I watch your game collecting videos... had no idea a song like Woman in Chains would even be on your radar... I like you even more now. I also played shivers 2 back in the 90's...
Song never gets tired. This video shows us why. The song lives at the intersection of electronic music - the programmed rhythm section - and more traditional instrumental playing - the guitars and keyboard. The instruments and voices, which carry the song, never stop shifting and moving. The song never gets repetitive and boring. Great video.
This guy is a gem! Found him only recently. I’ve always enjoyed a wide variety of music genres - but don’t know why. I’m finally with Rick starting to learn the Why’s. I’m 72 yo - a late starter, dammit!!
The timing of this video is not lost on me, as I feel thematically it's about the anxiety felt during the cold war. This tune is timeless though. Still wonderful and relevant today.
Another lost aspect of music today, meaning? I saw the Eagles the other night and when they played The Last Resort it took me back to the advocacy of those days.
One of the greatest lines in pop: Welcome to your life, There's no turning back.
This song became #1 the week I was born in '85
I keep telling myself it was me they were welcoming xD
Great line
Yep. Possibly my favourite song of all time. I was 10 at the time and the song and video take me right back every time.
@@Gematrinator85 they were
This reminds me of picking oranges and tamarilos in New Zealand during my gap year between teaching jobs.
For 35 years I have NEVER tired of this song. You point out why it is so interesting.
That´s EXACTLY what I always tell my ten year old daughter, a new TFF fan here in Buenos Aires
@@jorged06 cool man, in Buenos Aires, is nice
Yes!!! I dont have favorites of anything, its hard to single out 1 of anything. But this song no matter how many times I hear it, it puts a smile on my face every single time!
I love this song....I always did since I heard on MTV. I was 23 years old. Now I am 61 years old and I still love it.
@@lifetimepav it is hard to single out 1 of anything, for sure, but this 1 is in the top 5!. hell yeah.
This song is a master class on big 80s sound. Love hearing the individual tracks after all these years. The lyrics are very relevant today.
Yes Tears for Fears were one of the best with the 80s big sound. Them, and The Waterboys before they went Irish folk.
Exactly Jimbeaux.... why was this video only 15:55 long? Come on Rick
@@DannyDep17 Agreed - I was hoping for an analysis of the guitar solo, which has always been so tasty and powerful for me. I was on the edge of my chair, and “That’s all for now!” 🥺
Yeah the lyrics are exceptional.
Great song, after all "everybody DOES want to rule the world", even though we almost made it.
Tears For Fears is an absolute MASTERCLASS in songwriting. One of my all time favorite bands.
Mine too. Really they are alone on top for me…
@@CLRoessyup there catalog is astonishing goats in my opinion!
For sure. They’re incredible.
Up there with Depeche Mode in my opinion.
Yeah 👍🏻
Somebody needs to make a supercut of Rick Beato saying “wooo” when he’s feeling a guitar solo.
...And put a beat to it...lol😂
That’s hilarious - but I do love his enthusiasm!!
@@tonyhunt9049 Rick will have the next EDM hit, titled "Woooo".
Beato is so damn ‘wicked and slick’.
Yeah ! Great idea, brother.
I have no clue about musical terms but I find it absolutely fascinating listening to people explaining how a song is made when all the normal listener like me hears is a great song without thinking at all on how it was constructed..
Keith Richards talked about that. How he as a professional musician could never listen to a song without trying to "figure it out". He talked about how nice it would be to just listen to a song without worrying about its construction. On the other hand his profession got him a gaggle of ass! 🤣
We are lucky. Just enjoy great songs.
Same here ! I am a carpenter , zero musical ability , but it's great listening to this guy break it down , what he's "breaking down" I have no clue , but still fascinating .
Exactly! At least I know from listening to Rick's videos, that I've always had great taste in music.
Yet you hear it at a subliminal level which is what makes this song great. Your brain just knows.
This song is a 80s masterpiece. So simple, yet so catchy and timeless. Love it.
Listen to this while playing Civilization for some good motivation.
nice to see you here!
Look who it is! Love your channel! 💓
@@anactualbear5683 That‘s great!
Actually, not so simple!
The opening words "Welcome to your life, there's no turning back" hit me like a ton of bricks now that I am 56 years old! (Those words hit me after this song played on the radio immediately at the time my radio alarm clock went off!!! Talk about an incredible wake up call! Those words didn't have anywhere near the impact on me when I was only 18 lol...time flew so incredibly fast!)
Oh yes indeed. Same here, mid-40s.
Me too!!!!
Me too brother, I’m 43 now
47 here. Can’t say it better.
Yes, that’s it. 46 here.
Even without breaking it down like this, you know it's a perfect song. This just confirms it. Not a note, melody, or sound could be improved. Such a rare thing. This is why the song never sounds tired or old. Work of art.
If there's one song from the 80's, this is IT.
@@lololomo5484 can't say it better than that!
One improvement (in my mind) - Everybody Wants to Run the World is an early version of this song and it has a kind of synth horn line that fills some of the "empty space" in the intro/bridge (not a criticism - the space is used effectively). I see why they went the way they did, but I really like that horn line and add it in my head whenever I listen to the finished version.
Gotta agree. It's a perfect pop song.
@@OMGWTFLOLSMH : New wave synth-pop
This song is almost like a spiritual experience for me and never gets old.
completely agree. great comment.
absolutley....well said
Absolutely. Never ceases to cause my emotions to well up.
for most musicians, i think that's true for a lot of songs. i can name probably two dozen songs that never get old and absolutely illicit an emotional response from me...some of which would sound incredibly unlikely to most people.
The first time I heard this song, I was driving down a dark highway on Long Island at 3am after a gig. It completely captured me. And the mood was perfect for the long dark drive home. Great, soulful guitar solo too.
Rick, what's so cool about this series is realizing how intricate and beautiful songs that you've known your entire life really are. In the 80's I was more into hard rock and heavy metal, but always thought this song was kind of cool. As I've grown older, I've come to appreciate just how great all the music of the 70's and 80's really was. At that time, we took for granted what we really had and we now realize that it was something very special.
I completely agree with this. This was just a song that was for me. Always kind of there, I enjoyed it well enough, but it never made a huge impression on me. Breaking it down like this makes me enjoy it that much more.
@@smackela Indeed. It's the little musical touches revealed in Rick's presentations that make you fall in love with the songs all over again. It really did that when he broke down the elements in Boston's "More Than A Feeling."
Glad that I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s … the music was special
Han... You nailed it how we didn't realize the importance and greatness of 70s and 80s music at the time, until later when appreciation finally set in. Music of that era was intricately developing and progressing from the foundations of the 50s & 60s in a rapid and sophisticated way. This one song is a perfect example of the brilliant creative capabilities of musicians and songwriters.
Same here. Was more focussed on hard rock and metal. But all the girlfriends at the time were into Tears for Fears. But was quite happy to have it on because they did have some really catchy tunes. Saw them live a few years ago opening for Spandau Ballet, and they were really good live. Should have given them more kudos when I was younger.
This song comes on the radio while I'm driving It's pure happiness. It's everyone in the car shut up. I am cranking this song up, and we all sing as loud as we can..
Totally! I can`t imagine how proud the players and producers are to have created this.
It’s timeless. My daughter is 17, and when she puts this track on she says ‘Absolute banger!’. She’s not wrong.
Gotta love that gen z slang! 😂
Absolute banger!!
NO CAP!!
@treloarw hope still for my gen z daughter, then. But as Yoda once said, " there is another"... perhaps my Alpha son is the one who will like my jams...
@@williamscavone722 no one takes the Alpha Sigma slang seriously. It used to be cool a year ago but now it's an insult for toxic masculinity
@@chiizuu752 I think they are referring to generation alpha, the generation that comes after gen z. They're little kids right now.
I don’t know the first thing about music theory: I can’t play an instrument, can’t read music. Breaking down the genius of Roland Orizbal and Curt Smith in such an accessible way was thrilling and I loved every minute of this video. Mr. Beato, you can just tell, is one cool dude who appreciates the art of music and wants to bring it to everyone. Thank you for your gift.
Same here and well said!
@@parked32 Played in high school band, lived through and loved 60's & 70's rock, this channel is the best out there when it comes to really hearing how the music is made.
Lovely comment Crystal.
Ditto, I haven’t a clue other than I love great songs/music and I’m just fascinated with Rick’s obvious sublime knowledge of his craft and his enthusiasm 😊
Ditto, @Crystal Strader, and so exactly very well said too. 👌 . In this spirit, Cheers all around, from Brittany/France
Still having goosebumps after almost 40 years
This is my 14 year old son's favorite song. He literally listens to it on loop when he takes a shower. I'm constantly in awe of how much he loves a song that came out when I was 12 year's old!
same with my son, but he is 11 only
I have a 14 year old "child of the 80's" myself.
It's a beautiful thing, and confirmation we raised our kids right
Mine has 4 😊
amazing ❤
@@GCherlia Get a shower speaker, thank me later.
This song has one of the finest outro solos ever recorded. Roland did a great job on the mid-song solo, but that outro solo by Neil Taylor is untouchable!
Agree. Should have made Rick's list for greatest outro solos.
Totally agree....I have always thought that.
@@jazzbluesrock21 100% agree . Wish Rick had spent more time on that outro solo . The song was just amazing but just when you thought it was over that solo kicks in ! Arguably for me the best part of that song ❤️👍 Really deserves more attention …
He does hit that odd G# during the fade-out, just before the end, but he was going for it. 👍
I take my hat off to Neil Taylor. That end solo is one of the finest pieces of guitar I've ever heard. Make me cry!
Its crazy how Rick can make a song that has lived in our hearts for years sound new.
I know, right? And I love it.
What makes it great? Every single element. It’s a perfect pop song.
The backing is infectious, yet it gives Curt and Roland so much room for their vocals to breathe.
I always thought this song was a masterpiece. But watching Rick break it in detail I can't find a higher word than ''masterpiece''.
One of the most impressive aspects of this song for me is that it practically creates its own epic universe, has multiple dynamic sections, TWO awesome guitar solos, and sounds like a whole lifetime, yet it's barely more than 4 minutes of music.
I like your description. That's Tears For Fears all the time! Every song is its own epic universe!
Yeah, when the song is a vibe
Here here!
Thank you for putting this into words! I could never put a finger on what makes this song so amazing and unique to me.
It’s puts me in the world of George Orwells 1984…
I've said it a million times... I'm a metal head, and I can't get enough TFF. They are genius song writers.
yup.
I hear their influence on Type O, so I was instantly hooked.
Me too.... a metal head.....has got to be that first bridge. At certain points the melody is a musical free for all. Nice.
I started with metal and it taught me to always keeps my ears open to new sounds and learn to appreciate and enjoy others. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻. I now find cool things to like even where I normally would pass on it.
Metal head here too ur not alone
The singers voice just embodies the 80s. Love this song.
I like to call it the 80's "Yawn singing"
God I miss the 80s
@@Guitarlegendize there's always one...
Well, in Roland's voice it wouldn't have had the same sort of pensive vibe, and certainly not the same dynamics building to the harmonies towards the end. All very intentional.
@@jamesbong7852 I never said I didn't like it
This song defines the eighties for me. When I hear this I see visions of live aid, great stadium concerts, ‘big haired’ women, MTV with music, the wall falling etc, etc… really love this one
i am not from this time, i was born 2000 but i can feel your words so much.. it is the best 80s song and had all those 80s feelings i can barely imagine could be like. wonderful piece of music
I agree. But it doesn't define the 80's in a way that sounds dated. They say the great songs transcend eras & trends. This one is timeless imo.
@@rstrong5459 Agreed! This was the best time of my life, and this song still sounds as fresh and danceable as it did back then.
One of the best pop songs ever.... timeless.
It has also kind of a rock elements in it, though. :-)
I’ve been a metal head for over 30 years, but I’ll always maintain that this song is one of the best songs ever written. And I’ll always remember cruising with my Mom as a kid in the 80’s blasting this song on the car’s tape deck.
Amen
I was literally just about to post the same thing lol but read yours and just thought “yep, that dudes said it already!” Lol
Metal through and through but this song is absolutely brilliant 👌💪🤘
Agreed, it's absolutely inspired and instantly takes me back to happier times also.
Raised on blues and hard rock, and I can only agree. This is an amazing song.
As a child of the 50's and 60's I hated this song. Far too modern for me at the time. Of course in my old age I actually appreciate it now; especially when dissected like this.
The guitar on this beautiful track has always made my heart soar.
100%. This song is one of my all time faves. I ran across Manny Elias selling part of his modern drummer collection on eBay a few years back. I asked him to autograph them. I think I got about 10 autographed issues for around $12 but they’re worth a lot more than that to me.
A work of pure Genius !
total agreement -- it's so terrific!
did not expect you here lol
Theramin music reviews when?
(Your normal content is also great)
I consider this the most perfect pop song ever written. It just feels like it's tightly produced, and really straightforward and bright, and then every progression and callback comes in the perfect place at the perfect time. Now I understand that the brightness comes from the up-tuning. It always leaves me wanting just a little more. I could not possibly tell you how many times I've listened to this song on repeat. I do know that I've repeated it at least as many times as a dozen in a sitting. I may be a bit obsessed for the last thirty-some-odd years. It is strange how simple it sounds, but then how difficult it is to sing along with. There is a tremendous sophistication hidden in the simplicity of this song. I think you helped me to understand that I was hearing this in all the doubling and layering. Anyway, I very much enjoyed your analysis. It was interesting to listen to you pick out apart and sort of validate everything I thought I heard from a more professional perspective. Brilliant! Thank you.
It’s either this or “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder which shares a similar tempo and rhythm. Not a hair out of place on either song.
Wonderful comment. I enjoyed reading it 👍🏽
Word for word, I agree. Every time this song comes on when I'm with another person, I always say to that person: "I believe this is the greatest pop song ever written." The melody alone. Holy smokes.
The two main chords always make me think of how it makes me breathe in a shallow, melancholy way. It sounds like shallow, melancholy breathing. Combined with that high intervallic jump in the vocal melody - it's all rather hypnotic, and so you just don't want it to end.
Like many of the really great songs it is both simple and complex at the same time. Simple musical structures, but so many layers.
Well unless you have perfect pitch, I doubt that the up-tuning itself is giving you an added sense of brightness. Rick (and famously, his son) do in fact have perfect pitch. Anyway, even for those who do, some would simply find this kind of tweak to sound unnervingly out of tune, regardless of how well they liked all the other fine qualities of the piece.
One of the most unusual things about this beautiful, memorable, heartfelt song is that the melody line never syncopates. The chorus is straight quarter notes all through. No-one would dare do that today. And the environmental message: 'Turn your back on mother nature' Iionically illustrated by all that zooming around in Cadillacs, private planes and dune buggys in the official video.
This comment deserves more likes. I'm a musician, I've always been mesmerized by this song, but I NEVER noticed that the melody is all straight quarter notes. The accompaniment is so intricately syncopated, it creates a "bed" for the simple melody to rest in; the straight melody and the syncopated accompaniment complement each other perfectly, like a hand in a glove. And the effect is indescribable
Beautifully crafted harmonic resonance timed as well as mixed to a natural biorythem that i never want let go of like the perfect ride you never wanna get off of
Yes agree 👍 💯 unbelievable song I never get tired of hearing this song .. takes me back for sure
This song has become more important to me the older I get.
It gives me the chills every time I hear those two chords over the killer groove.
It represents everything that was beautiful about high school in the 80’s.
Including paranoia of the time referenced by the lyrics.
A get goosebumps every single time I hear this song. It never gets old.
The entire album is great and 37 yrs later it is still fresh. My, how time has flown
Funny how................................. time flies
@@rillawolfnice I see what you did there!😅
So glad you did a video on this, one of my favourite songs from my childhood. It always reminds me of my dad working in the garage, doing up cars, the smell of bodywork filler and spray paint. This was on the radio a lot back then even many years after it came out and I think the first time I heard it was when I went into the garage to watch my dad working as a five year old kid 😂
I love your channel!
Beautiful memories
What a fantastic memory to have. A lot of 80s song do this for me.
Somehow...same for me and I wasn't born 'til 1991 😂 Pops must've been listenin' to the throwback station
Bedtime Stories! Yo, love your channel bro!
I've always said tears for fears is a very underrated band. They are very creative
I actually hated this song back in 85 .. its now one of my favorite songs ever . Maybe I just never gave the song a chance
Absolutely right Jim. I would say one of the most underrated bands ever which is sad because they are bloody brilliant!!! Songs from the Big Chair is one of my favorite 1980s albums. 👍❤
@@christopherrichardson5352 They got two number ones in the US in1985, so are they really underrated?
Just when you think you've heard it all, someone suggests Tears for fears are underrated.
Only by you. I hate underrated comments.
One thing I really miss is how dynamic songs used to be, even on seemingly simple arrangements like this so much effort went into introducing slight changes in the way parts were played from one section to the next. And the long intro going into the crescendo built up your anticipation for the rest of the song.
TFF were pretty talented espec for their age at the time. Incredible, really
@@idontwant2beasoldiermama241 Yeah, one complaint I've heard youngers people say about older songs is "Why are they taking so long to get to the song?" when they are in fact already listening to the song 😩
I really miss long intros. They give a nice sense of settling into a piece. Great breakdown, thank you!
It's nice that Curt & Roland resolved their differences and are back together again. They sound good and still got it.
I love how you isolate instruments in this series, it's only then that you really notice the intricacies and layers and how clever the song structure is. You don't notice these things specifically, you just know the song is great!
You don’t?
@@TheRoadLessChosen idk about you but i never noticed the chorus melody being doubled by another instrument. its easy to not notice that kind of stuff
@@TheRoadLessChosen not to mention low quality sound systems mixed with streaming compression can obscure a lot of details
Is there a software that allows your to do this??
@@RadRob000 There are quite a few tools that do real-time stem separation (Virtual DJ, Neural Mix, etc) Not sure if Rick has the actual stems
As a child of the 80s this was the number one favorite song of my childhood. Rick nailed it, but I think the absolute best two things about the song are Curt Smith's voice and the absolutely stellar production of the track. Just the right amount of reverb on everything, yet everything is still quite clear and just sounding so good.
Even as a high school kid who listened to heavy metal, I liked this song. The second instrumental bridge is just beautiful
I frickin' love this song now as much as I did in 1985! I gave a thumbs-up before watching the video - simply because of the song choice. I would give a DOUBLE thumbs-up, now that I have watched this, if I could. "Let the instruments breathe!" You rule, too, RICK! XO - from Albuquerque
The "but what I would have done "s, are... no. Can't go back. Slide in the continuum....
Simply one of the best songs of the 80s. As a child of the 80s I can look back now and realize what I thought was just ho-hum 80s music was extremely rich and so well played and constructed. I think the music didn't get the credit it deserved because the over the top visuals of the Era. Just amazing stuff. Love rediscovering this amazing music now.
This one rose above many other 80s songs. The simple ones were the best... great bones but with so many layers on top. Every breath you take, king of pain, fall on me, who can it be now, blister in the sun... the ones you can sing along with in full voice...
I just stumbled onto this video and all I can say is wow. This was the best 15 minutes I have spent in a long time. Great song broken down by someone who gets it. I loved this more than you can imagine. This was the song I wore out as a senior in High School and the summer before college. Watching and listening to the breakdown here was brilliant. I am hooked...
Welcome to the club!
@@twerktospec Don't spoil the fun, you know what was meant. If not, you need to get your act together.
Watch the other TFF song does. Recommended
Truly a great song full of musical Intricacies that millions have never even paid attention to.
So you're 55, or turning 55 this year, right?
One of the best bridges ever! “There’s a room where the light won’t find you…” the lyric, the feel, the music = absolute genius!
I want answers. What room is it where the light can't find you?
Mystical stuff. Maybe it's the anteroom to the underworld. Oh, boy.
@@lololomo5484 It's a lot of things of course, but it's got a dissident vibe--the light of the searchlight, the glare of the judges:
There's a room where the light won't find you (secret collusion)
Holding hands while the walls come tumbling down (we are together, but we can't always win; destruction comes for us)
When they do, I'll be right behind you (the bond that brings courage even in the face of that)
So glad we've almost made it (together, creating a better world, at least between these people)
So sad they had to fade it (but it couldn't last... beautiful even in it's fleeting moment)
Just my thoughts, not definitive or to replace anyone else's mind you!
_Edited: for a weird line break_
@@lololomo5484 it refers to a bomb shelter. Understandable since the song was written during the cold war and the the band themselves were very concerned with the use of nuclear weapons.
Sting Russians
@@LiveNinetyNine "holding hands while the walls come tumbling down" --- such a scary world-ending lyric but still optimistic at the same time
@14:25 'tasty!
I'm no musician but this is a straight up music education/ appreciation master class
i’m 19 years old and about to go see them in concert today! i grew up listening to them and they helped me get through so much i’m so so exciyed
Did you love it? I'm 67 years old and just got tickets with my 49 year old son and 20 year old grandson for July 26th in Bend, Oregon!! I'm so.o.o happy they are touring in 2023.
If you haven’t already, listen to “The Hurting” ( album) , it’s gut wrenching, but so beautiful. List with headphones and get the lyrics. And go all the way from beginning to end. It’ll change you.
How was it? I saw them Monday. Amazing
One of the best albums of the 80's. Such a classic sound. Really happy to see you tackle this one since you've already done my favorite Tears For Fears song, Head Over Heels. :)
Love love head over heels!
Head Over Heels is a glimpse of the presence of God.
I thought ELEMENTAL was amazinger.
@Darwimm why? it's Roland singing and they are touring together so Roland will sing it
Dude, Head Over Heels is a monster!
I was born in 1997, but I remember being absolutely blown away by this song when i heard it on the radio as a young kid. Honestly I feel that this song helped kickstart my love of 80s music. To this day, I adore Tears for Fears and consider this song one of the greatest ever.
Ya got good taste Amanda!!! If you have time, sometime, check out an album called "Hermit of Mink Hollow" by Todd Rundgren a true underrated real late 70's classic. Dude plays all the instruments, sings all lead and background vocals . Mixed it, and Produced it too. A true one man industrial complex.... "FADE AWAY" is a personal favorite! Keep listening out there,, its great very inexpensive FUN.Good Luck !!!
I remember hearing this for the first time in 1985 and being 5 years old at the time. It was unforgettable and quite popular.
Amanda, born in '57 and this is one of my all-time favorite recordings!
I was 24 when this was released and loved the whole album. But, now I'm thinking I feel very old because of this conversation. I'm the same age as the guys in the band.
@@HNMusicVideos This just shows how music is a universal language that we can all share in, regardless of age, ethnicity, etc!
That guitar solo..that's how!!!! What an absolute piece of melody❤️
Normally this much synth stuff would feel cold and empty, or gimmicky. This song never feels that way. It's one of those songs that makes you sing along in the car. I remember for years, people complained about '80's music. Not so much anymore, eh? Great choice, Rick. That whole album is killer, BTW.
A big part of that is how lousy songs are now. I'm not much of an 80's music fan but there's a few that are great and this is one of them.
For the most part, the songs that people complained about are (fortunately) forgotten to the mists of time. For every awesome song like this one, there are fifty awful pop songs that history will not be as kind to.
You are absolutely right, this entire album is incredible
Definitely transcends the era and genre
80s Brit Pop was always considered great. So much great 80s Brit Pop... It was Hard Rock in the 80s that was getting soft, flabby and limp. 😧
Other than Van Halen, AC/DC, Ozzy, Queen, SRV, Aerosmith, maybe U2, later G'n'R and Jane's Addiction, and a very few others (Metallica?), rock music took a major nose dive after the 70s. Big Hair Glam Rock sucked. Most Metal sucked. Goth, Death, Doom, Emo and all that other "alt" rock was just crappy Black Sabbath. Worse was all the dim witted wimpy Punk ripoffs. 🤮 Yeuch.
I thought even Zappa took a step down during that dark decade! 😱
I need to mention Chris Isaak, just because he's Rock n Roll, is awesome, and rocks as hard as anyone, when he wants. 🏁
Yeah, the 80s were fuckin weird, man. 😎
nobody thinks that who knows anything. Duran Duran, Spandau, Human League, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys all have a lot of soul. Or put another way if keyboards didn't exist, they would have still made music.
This entire song is TASTY. One of my faves from the 80's. Such a great music era.
One of my all time faves 💓
Oh Gday Biff, how you been. What tea are you having while watching this?
Biffa! You just earned even more respect with me, sir 😁. Excellent gaming advice AND a love for TEArs for Fears? Well done!
I had no idea Biffa watched Rick!
So we gonna see musical skylines soon then ?
Totally agree with this statement 100% percent
I could watch this gentleman breakdown songs all day long...
I was in Athens Greece serving in the Air Force during the Cold War when I first heard this song. It was an immediate hit. The Melodies and harmonies were mesmerizing and the words were perfect for what all of us were experiencing. We were a hairs whisper away from nucleur War and a major arms build up in the east and in the west. The song has a very calming effect listening to it. It’s basic chords sets the tone throughout the song and the words, very powerful as they are, spoke to what we were feeling. To me, it’s the best song of the 80s. It will always be special to me as it reminds me of Greece, just being married, friends and the birth of my son. Every time I hear it I’m 23 again living in the beauty of Greece. Thank you Tears for Fears!
That's one of the "theme songs" for me for the mid 80s. Living in Miami, enjoying my early 20s, the beach, the night life! Yeah. Can't go back, but got a lot of memories (at least the ones I can remember)
These dudes just released a new album and they haven't lost a damn thing, still great pop.
💯 the new record sounds so good
Loving the new album, too
Same goes for Duran Duran.
Tipping Point great new song getting play on local college stations
Same goes for Ocean Blue, saw them in concert…fantastic.
Might be my favorite all time 80’s song. Such a good feel good song!
It's my all time favorite song just takes me to the mid 80s timeless classic.
Agree! This song takes us to so many places.
I was 29 when this great song came out. Whenever I hear it I’m reminded of the movie Real Genius. Almost 40 years later it’s one of my all time favorites.
My husband always associates this song with that movie. I didn't because I never saw the movie at the time but years later when he bought the dvd we watched it together. Great song.
One of my favorite movies....I love watching (and listening to) the ending! :D
Popcorn!!!
A Martha Coolidge movie
Absolutely!!!!!! I was 15 when the movie came out.
These guys are killing it live on tour. Saw them in Dallas and it was incredible. No tricks. They just crushed it and the band was tight and fantastic.
I've always loved the rhythms in this song. As a drummer, I could play this for days without getting bored. The 3-over-4 hi-hat, the shuffle in the bass drum, it's so compelling to just settle into. It's right up there with the half-time shuffle of Zeppelin's "Fool in the Rain." Playing with the bass and all the syncopated rhythm guitar tracks, you're a part of a beautiful tapestry. A most inspiring groove.
Well said ....
So true. It is incredibly satisfying to play.
I was taught to play it on the "ands" 1 AND 2 AND etc.. (very tricky at first).
Excuse me as I am not a musician, what do you mean 3 over 4 hi-hat? Is not the hi-hat getting 1 and 2 and 3 and etc?
that's cuz the producer Chris Hughes is a drummer
My favorite part of this song is that punch to the bridge and it playing out. Makes you feel damn great. "When they do i'll be right behind you." ❤ Also, listening to Curt, he does such a good job of making his vocal sound seamless with the beat. Like his voice has the pulse of the beat in it as he is singing. Been seeing this song hit the rounds on Instagram lately. A truly timeless song in my opinion!
I agree but their youth didn’t realize that the mid-80’s were some of the most peaceful times in decades and the threat of nuclear war was diminishing greatly and their anxiety about the world was 10-15 years behind. Everyone Generation wants to change the world and blames the generation before. I absolutely love the sounds of the song it just wasn’t timely as a rebellious anthem . I was building my last drag race car and hearing this always gave me energy and a lift in mood.
@@deantait8326 The mid 80s weren't a time of great nuclear threat? Seriously. 1983 and Able Archer et al was a seriously unstable time. Threads aired in 1984. The leadup to the disintegration of the Soviet Union was a very dangerous time. I just don't know why you'd think it wasn't that much.
It's cool the way Rick can take a simple-sounding song and show just how complex and brilliant it is. I've loved this album ever since my brother handed it down to me in middle school.
As a guitar player/vocalist who has played this with a band, it is not simple.
You Sir are a brilliant communicator. Your delivery is so expressive and your delight at the music, so clear on your face and in your voice modulation. Never stop doing these, please.
Solid comment! Part of, maybe most of, the appeal Rick has is his sympatico for the music.
Every time I watch one of these WMTS episodes, I come away amazed at the subtle complexities that Rick brings to light. And Rick: how many guitars and basses do you have??
When you get to the point where you notice "this is the first time we have the harmonies enter," they've been doubling up for half the song! They sang in unison (or in octaves) so much, it really accentuated the harmony parts. Really creative use of their similar-yet-complimentary voices. Loved hearing those isolated tracks!
Perhaps Rick isn't considering the doubling a harmony part.
Where do you hear unison octaves in the voices?
@@TheRoadLessChosen Yeah, I don't hear that. I hear them doubling in unison for MOST of the song.
@@TheRoadLessChosen I don't think there's any octaves in this song, but it's peppered throughout their catalog. Notably in "The Hurting," and very recently in "The Tipping Point." I think there's a little bit in "Mother's Talk," but not much on the rest of "Songs From the Big Chair." On "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" the first half of the verse is Curt, then Curt and Roland together in unison through the chorus. Search for a live performance from the '80's, and you can hear it really well.
I know nothing about playing a guitar but learning a little of how this song is broken down between the other instruments is fascinating
You can't mention this song without calling attention to the stunningly groovy upbeat feel from the drums. That driving bass drum part with the emphasis on the upbeats on the hi hat is so brilliant.
I can't figure out how the hell Rick has access to multitracks of every song on earth. There are so many I'd love to hear wtf is going on with this or that part... killer.
@@Spuzzmacher Most likely hes a session muscian and has worked with all the best bands and studio prodcuers in the world and just calls them up and asks them if he can use the split track for a YT video as a mate's favour. Who's going to say no to a mate?
Exactly - without the hats in particular the whole thing could sound a bit plodding and status quo like. In fact I always found the signature synth line to have an interplay with the hats that shows the level of subtle musicianship going on. And this used to be pop music😂
@@brianboyle2681 it is just brilliant writing and playing across the board.
Excellent groove. Reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Feel.” Brilliant songwriting.
So neat to hear the fade unfaded. It’s like I finally heard that extra little bit my ear has been straining for… for the last 30+ years!
Agreed, yet the solo and song don’t go on much longer than the complete fade out point.
Couldn’t have said it better, Dominique.
So do I !!!!!!! Exactly!!
Like the song says, "So sad they had to fade it" 😂
I guess they thought the true ending sounded a little cheesey, so they went for a fade.
You can't argue with this, it's perfection. Kurt's voice is to-die-for. On the face of it so simple, yet immediately recognisable - when that bridge comes and they sing together, forget about it.
Eveybody Wants To Rule The World is in my top 3 of all time favorites.
Pealing the song apart like this makes me really apreciate the effort that has been putt into it.
All the details, the guitar solo/bridge and the vocals.
Each time I hear this master pease I turn up the radio till it completely fills the room.
That outro guitar solo is one of my favorites of all time. Sounds so loose, fresh, improvisational.
I think that solo inspired a million kids to pick up the guitar and play. Orizbal's playing is so free and joyous.
Neil Taylor played the solo
Roland Orzabal is one of the most interesting musicians, especially as a solo artist, and perhaps underrated composers with a very distinctive taste and style of the last 40 years: thank you so much Rick!
yes yes yes preach
I completely agree! Terribly underrated as a writer and artist.
@@JazzyHorn its criminal
not forgetting the amazing bass lines from Curt Smith, along with some fine vocals!
It’s a masterclass in layering simplicity and building to this frenetic high point, but to hear you take those layers apart makes it really stand out how huge the song actually gets!
Love this band I saw them in the 80's Houston Texas. Probably the best show I've ever been to.
Man, this song never gets old. One of my all time favorites. The feel on those guitar parts is insane!
Spot on 👌🏻
Can we all appreciate that guitar solo? The rhythmic components of it are fantastic. It is a very complex thing to make work.
As a kid just beginning to learn guitar in the mid-80s, I was all about listening to guitar hero metal. It wasn't until later I noticed how cool and complementary to the song the guitar parts were. Ultimately way more interesting that the weedly-weedly solos I tried and failed to learn at the time.
The solo is up there with Hotel California to me. The outtro solo that is.
The production of Tears for fears is sooooo good. Honey for the ears!
Yes edwin, I totally agree! 👍And it seems like recently they have maybe remastered some of their songs because they seem a lot more clearer and distinctive when listening to them on the radio,, such as the one Rick demonstrated! 🐦
And all of their albums are so expertly mastered. It is such a joy for the ears! ❤️
Agree… I would say you could put TFF projects on the same love as Steely Dan
It really, really is. Can't take anything away from the songwriters or the musicians, but the production -- little bits you'd never be able to hear unless you listened REALLY closely -- that's just so damn great. The details separate this song from the pack. Love it.
@@kevinvitale8980 and Dire Straits. I always see Steely Dan and Dire Straits mentioned in audiophile gear reviews. Tears for Fears is right there with them.
This is one of the most dynamic, creative and beautiful recordings of all time. The music is so powerful, so beautifully layered, everything working together so perfectly. The lyrics are engaging, interesting, cryptic, and match the emotional vocal performance. This breakdown really does the recording justice. Thank you, Beato, for just loving the song and helping us love it more. Your joy for music is contagious. This song is perfection.
I've been a fan of this song for since I owned the album back in '85 and NEVER noticed that transposition at 13:49. That is some damned clever songwriting, there.
I love the way you're "geeking" into this song. And, I am loving it. This is just to show how much WE LOVE this song. This is how we pay respect the song and the artist. Thank you, Rick
Rick... brilliant song. Simple yet complicated. When you dissect the layers, you hear the genius.
TFF'S "Pale shelter" is my 80's go to! That song never gets old and I'd love Rick to let me know why that song is so damn great!
Mission accomplished, Rick. Had me smiling the whole way through, and marveling at the many layered artistry that went into making this song so great. Just heard TFF have a brand new album out too - working together again after long rift.
I just got 'The Tipping Point' on vinyl. I'm a huge fan, but this new record is very disappointing. It is a dance/techno type sound that really has no definition, nothing memorable about any of the songs. Nothing like I expected after the last album from 2004, 'Everybody Loves A Happy Ending'. THIS record is one of my most favorite records. I play it all the time, for many years now.
@@roballen6449 Completely disagree. I think The Tipping Point is an amazing listen. I haven’t been this enthusiastic about an album release for a very long time. To each his own I guess.
@@roballen6449 Rivers of Mercy was good though.
You cannot not LOVE this song. The buildup, the emotion, the harmonies…just wow. Never ever gets old and you always feel uplifted.
Good call - definitely one of the greatest songs of all time. Hooks everywhere !!!!!!!!!!!
Songs like this make life ....worth living...the words...melody...beat...voices ............instruments...sound so harmonious...
Underrated 80's artist - much more than just the singles. Somehow, they were tasteful enough with the trappings of the time (programmed instruments, echo etc.), that their music does not sound cheesy and dated.
Not at all underrated. Till this day Everybody Wants To Rule The World is played several times a day on all major music radio stations. The band has only done 7 studio albums in 40 years, the second album being the breakout that got them noticed AND the 7th just got released a few days ago. The album Seeds Of Love was well received by critics. Elemental was also a great album. You are assuming the band is under-appreciated because you haven't seen or heard much of the band in a long time.
I completely agree. I have all of their albums. They have complex arrangements, immaculate production, thoughtful lyrics and just kill it on the execution.
How the heck is TFF underrated? They were MASSIVE in the 80s, not some hidden gem!
@@shadowselfCA That's what I said! I hear this song all the time on the radio and the song is over 35 years old. Same with Head Over Heels. "Shout" also gets played a lot. "Shout" is actually the only TTF song I dislike. It sounds too pretentions. Anyway, an underrated act does not get their songs being that old played all the time today.
@@alwaysemployed656 , I hear “Mad World” more often than one would think, too. And not just cover versions.
"This little guitar lick you don't even hear.... TASTY" OMG YES! Such a perfect word for it.
Can't believe what gifted songwriters these guys were at such a young age...
Can't play for sh1te, love that song and your breakdown, thank you 👍
The finest album of the 80's and it still holds up brilliantly today.
That "synthetic guitar" part, to me, sounds more like an Ovation acoustic recorded through the piezo pickup.
One of the best songs of all time, from one of the 1st albums I ever bought with my own money!
Such a great song. “Woman in chains” would also deserve a segment. That song has manu katche playing the first half and then Phil Collins plays the second half. Dual vocal lines and If you listen to the instrumental version on the deluxe version of the sowing the seeds album, its like looking at an Impressionist painting there is so much going on in the detail
Both of those guys on one track?! That’s wild!
Dude, I did not know that! I never really liked this song as much as other T4F stuff, but, it’s been coming up a lot, recently, so, I’m starting to respect and appreciate it more because of things like this.
that song would've been a better choice in my opinion...it shows how brilliant Roland's writing is
Yeah, that's "mature era" Tears for Fears
100% agreed. The double percussion whammy and also just a phenomenal track all around.
Every time I watch one of these "What Makes This Song Great" from the 80's, I feel so proud of my teenage self for seeing the worth in these songs back then and justified in loving them still. Love the bridge here. We used to really jump into the song on the dance floor all singing our little hearts out at school socials...
the genius of this song for me is the guitar lick at the start only happens 3 times throughout the song (plus one time transposed), yet that is what I hear in my mind as the whole hook and vibe of the song. Its rhythm is carried throughout by the hihat and snare, so maybe that’s what keeps the momentum of the lick in my mind without it having to be there. Amazing!
Great catch you are right!
It's clever stuff 😀
The intro of that song, that guitar lick with the reverb and the come in with the rest of the band is what has always stuck with me after hearing it for the first time back in the 80s.
@@zzdoodzz same here! That intro and lick echoes through my life since I was a kid. : )
YES!!! I love that little lick and when it comes back in transposed that is one of the high points of the song for me!
Also outro-ed “Real Genius”, one of my favorite ‘80s movies.
Ick: "Do you think it's getting too weird around here?"
Chris Knight: "Absolutely."
Jordan: "I didn't notice."
Mitch: "I like it."
perfect ending lines.
Another Tears for Fears MASTERPIECE for you to potentially cover is : Woman in Chains. From the dual vocals w/ Oleta Adams, to the thunderous drum fills and build up half way through, to the key change at the end during the “So Free” section. The song really is leagues better than a lot of 80s pop ballads.
Yes! A stunning achievement all around.
I love that song and it's so simple.
My absolute favorite TFF track. I always enjoyed them casually (as many do) until I heard that song. It's the track that forced me to reconsider my relationship with their music, from one of passive appreciation to something deeper. I had to go back and listen to their entire catalog of music after absorbing the message and melody of Woman in Chains, and to no surprise of mine, I found many more songs to cherish.
I watch your game collecting videos... had no idea a song like Woman in Chains would even be on your radar... I like you even more now. I also played shivers 2 back in the 90's...
Yes and also Famous Last Words which I think builds up powerfully.
Song never gets tired. This video shows us why. The song lives at the intersection of electronic music - the programmed rhythm section - and more traditional instrumental playing - the guitars and keyboard. The instruments and voices, which carry the song, never stop shifting and moving. The song never gets repetitive and boring. Great video.
This guy is a gem! Found him only recently. I’ve always enjoyed a wide variety of music genres - but don’t know why. I’m finally with Rick starting to learn the Why’s. I’m 72 yo - a late starter, dammit!!
I've heard this song over 20,000 times.
That's no exaggeration.
Somehow, it always sounds fresh.
The timing of this video is not lost on me, as I feel thematically it's about the anxiety felt during the cold war. This tune is timeless though. Still wonderful and relevant today.
Another lost aspect of music today, meaning? I saw the Eagles the other night and when they played The Last Resort it took me back to the advocacy of those days.
interesting that the drum beat at the beginning when played by itself immediately made me think of MIchael Jackson - The way you make me feel.