Who's behind the notes? Discover Tears for Fears: Architects of Synth-Pop and New Wave
"Tears for Fears" is a British pop rock band formed in 1981, and "Head Over Heels" is one of their most iconic songs. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Release Date: "Head Over Heels" was released in 1985 as the third single from the band's second album, "Songs from the Big Chair."
Chart Success: The song was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 11 on the UK Singles Chart.
Connection to "Donnie Darko": The song gained renewed popularity in the early 2000s after it was prominently featured in the soundtrack of the cult film "Donnie Darko" (2001). The film's director, Richard Kelly, is a fan of Tears for Fears, and their music plays a significant role in the movie.
Dual Vocals: "Head Over Heels" features dual lead vocals by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, the core members of Tears for Fears. This was a characteristic element of many of their songs, showcasing their distinctive vocal styles.
Extended Version: The band released an extended version of "Head Over Heels" titled "Broken" on the 12-inch single. This extended version seamlessly blends into the next track on the album, "Broken," creating a continuous listening experience.
Album Success: "Songs from the Big Chair" was a hugely successful album, and besides "Head Over Heels," it also produced other hit singles such as "Shout" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World."
Influence and Covers: The song has been covered by various artists, demonstrating its enduring appeal. One notable cover is by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette, who included her rendition as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of her album "Havoc and Bright Lights" in 2012.
Musical Evolution: Tears for Fears initially gained fame in the new wave and synth-pop genre but later expanded their sound to incorporate more rock and progressive elements, as evident in their later albums.
"Head Over Heels" remains a classic from the 1980s and continues to be celebrated for its catchy melody, introspective lyrics, and the unique musical style that defined Tears for Fears.