Tears for Fears – The Hurting

Album Info

Artist: Tears for Fears

Title: The Hurting

Year: 1983

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Tracklist

  • 1. The Hurting (4:16)
  • 2. Mad World (3:35)
  • 3. Pale Shelter - 2nd Single Version (4:33)
  • 4. Ideas As Opiates (3:45)
  • 5. Memories Fade (5:03)
  • 6. Suffer The Children (3:50)
  • 7. Watch Me Bleed (4:15)
  • 8. Change (4:14)
  • 9. The Prisoner (2:55)
  • 10. Start Of The Breakdown (4:58)
  • 11. Pale Shelter - Long Version (7:06)
  • 12. The Way You Are - Extended (7:40)
  • 13. Mad World - World Remix (3:41)
  • 14. Change - Extended Version (6:00)

Review

Tears for Fears’ debut album, "The Hurting," dropped on March 7, 1983, and boy, did it shake up the music scene back then! This groundbreaking album mixes the darker corners of human psychology with the vibrant, catchy sounds of early '80s new wave and synth-pop. With influences from American psychologist Arthur Janov—and his primal therapy concepts weaving through the music—it gets real deep, real fast. Tracks like "Mad World," "Pale Shelter," and "Change" dig into intense themes of child abuse and psychological trauma, yet they maintain a catchy vibe that's just plain irresistible.

Musically, "The Hurting" is a synth-lover’s dream, featuring synthesizers and drum machines galore, topped with the distinctive vocals of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. The blend of melancholic tones with an energetic twist makes songs like "Pale Shelter" and "Change" stand out with their Eurodisco flair and rhythmic layers. And it's not just all heavy vibes—the album was a smashing commercial success, snagging the number one spot on the UK Albums Chart and going platinum because, well, people just couldn't get enough of its hit singles. Though it initially received mixed feedback, it's now celebrated for its innovative and powerful reflection on emotional experiences, firmly securing its place in 1980s music history. - Courtney

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