Tears For Fears – Big Chair Songs

I finally got my hands on this Tears For Fears vinyl and honestly, I’m pretty stoked about it! “Songs from the Big Chair” is basically THE album that defined my ’80s playlist growing up. Got this used copy and I was a bit nervous, but it’s actually in really nice shape for something from 1985. Sure, there’s some light scratches here and there, but nothing that messes with the sound quality, which was a huge relief.
The cover’s got that vintage worn look that honestly adds character – though someone clearly had a sticker on the bottom right corner that they peeled off (don’t we all hate those price tags?). But the good news is there aren’t any of those annoying cutouts or hole punches that would’ve killed its collector value. To be fair, I was looking for something that felt authentic without being totally beat up, and this hits that sweet spot.
Spinning “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” on this 180-gram vinyl is just something else compared to digital streaming. It’s like, way warmer? The sound has this depth that my Spotify account just can’t match. I had friends over last weekend and threw this on, and I swear the room just changed vibes instantly.
The whole album runs about 41 minutes, which is kind of perfect for a casual listening session. Side A kicks off with “Shout” (still gets me pumped every time), then moves through “The Working Hour,” that classic “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and wraps with “Mothers Talk.” Flip it over and you’ve got “I Believe,” “Broken,” “Head Over Heels” (my personal favorite, not gonna lie), and “Listen.”
It’s not as pristine as buying some modern reissue, but it’s definitely comfier than those digital remasters that sometimes sound a bit too clean. The sleeve is still doing its job protecting the record, and even though it weighs about 10.6 ounces, it fits perfectly in my growing collection between my Duran Duran and Simple Minds albums.
If you’re into vinyl at all or just love ’80s synth-pop, this is kind of a must-have. I’ve been playing it non-stop since I got it – it’s the perfect background for Sunday morning coffee or evening drinks with friends who appreciate good music. Worth every penny for the nostalgia trip alone!