As a seminal British band, Tears for Fears helped define the sound of modern synth-pop and alternative pop music. Discover Tears for Fears' influential albums and hit singles that shaped the soundtracks of the 1980s and beyond.
Tears for Fears scored a US number 1 hit with 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' in 1985, making the band a defining voice of mid-1980s pop-rock.
Practice Questions
Q:What psychological theory inspired their band name?
A:Primal therapy by Arthur Janov.
Tears for Fears took their name from Arthur Janov’s primal therapy concepts. His ideas about emotional expression and childhood trauma influenced the group’s lyrics on *The Hurting* and later works.
Q:Who wrote most of Tears for Fears' songs?
A:Roland Orzabal wrote most material.
While both members contributed, Roland Orzabal was the principal songwriter. His lyrical themes address emotional growth and human psychology, giving the band’s music enduring complexity and introspection.