“Elemental” by Tears for Fears

By Evan Ferstl

Tears For Fears was one of the greatest bands of the 1980s. Throughout the decade, they crafted the darkest, moodiest songs of the new wave genre while also embracing pop stardom (everyone knows “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”). After all that, they moved in a distinctly organic and experimental direction on their third album. However, the release of that album had been delayed, and it was revealed that the band’s two frontmen were no longer getting along. Curt Smith subsequently quit the group, leaving Roland Orzabal to strike out on his own. Released in 1993, “Elemental” was the band’s first album after the split. 

“Elemental” is an album that mixes oblique lyrics not fit for mainstream consumption with a sound not distinct enough to be embraced by alternative fans. As a result, the album feels bereft of a distinct identity, and the songs suffer because of it. Orzabal is best when he embraces radio-friendly rock, with “Break it Down Again” and “Goodnight Song” in particular capturing the strength of the band’s past work. On the other hand, lowlights include the tedious “Mr. Pessimist,” the embarrassing “Dog’s A Best Friend’s Dog,” and the obnoxious “Power.”

The departure of Smith probably wasn’t the cause of the downturn in quality; Orzabal is a talented artist on his own. Instead, it seems like the band’s creativity faltered with time, and while some new wave bands did very well for themselves after the genre died out, Tears For Fears, unfortunately, was not one of them.