Although “The Hurting” may or may not be one of them, this album does display the pioneering force that brought New Wave to the scene. Most of the album consists of Dark, Melancholy songs but at the same time being very catchy and full of the 80’s feel. But don’t let the 80’s feel fool you, it’s a very personal album and sometimes even makes one cringe at the emotion flowing throughout the songs.
Track List
“The Hurting”- a thought provoking and haunting song about the troubles and hurting of one self, this really is the centerpiece of the album, and displays the best of what Tears For Fears could offer up to that point.
“Mad World” – the unexpected staple and 1st single of the album, mostly the song’s lyrics consist of the thought of how unexpected and mad the world we live in really is. Instrumentally it consists of layers of synth and electronic sound while also having excellent vocals from Curt Smith backing it all up in one great song.
“Pale Shelter” – the 2nd single off the album, Pale Shelter is somewhat a love song but it’s more directed towards the parents rather than the love interest and how acceptance is impossible, definitely one of the album’s best tracks.
“Ideas as Opiates” – an extremely sparse track that could probably be considered experimental jazz, if that even exists.
“Memories Fade” – an impressive song with heart felt lyrics, and a jazzy synth-drenched soul feel to it. The saxophone throughout the song is amazingly arranged and sounds beautifully.
“Suffer The Children” – Tears For Fears’ first single and song ever recorded, and it definitely shows instrumentally. Lyrically the song is about the innocence of a child and how parents don’t give them all that they need. Very emotional and understanding.
“Watch Me Bleed” – Starts off nicely but what really kills this song is the fact that most of the song just consists of feeling sorry for one self and the constant lyric “Watch me Bleed, Bleed Forever” really ruin it.
“Change” – the 4th and finale single off the album, Nothing really special here and personally I don’t think this song deserved the single status and should have went to other contenders like “The Hurting” or “Memories Fade”.
“The Prisoner” – The darkest and shortest song of the album, (if It can even be called a song) the arrangements in the song are like those of a horror theme, and the lyrics are almost whispered, but surprisingly the atmosphere is clearly defined.
“Start Of the Breakdown” – The Closing track to the album is a mellow and slow song with a simple piano riff playing in the background like a drone. But what really make this track are Roland's vocals, seemly distraught the album ends with a breakdown.
As a result, The Hurting is an amazing album with little flaws, although by today’s standards it may sound dated, it still offers amazing songs even after the test of time.
