Tears for Fears - Tears Roll Down: Greatest Hits 82-92 (1992)

Out of print in the U.S.! International edition of the 1992 compilation from the British duo. Originally lumped in with the many other Synth Pop duos of the early '80s, TFF were always far more intelligent and thought-provoking than their contemporaries. By the time of their second album, Songs from the Big Chair, in 1984, the world caught up with them and they became international superstars. 12 tracks including 'Change', 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World', 'Head Over Heels', 'Mad World', 'Mothers Talk', 'Pale Shelter', 'Shout', 'Sowing the Seeds of Love' and more. Universal Records.

Possibly the kitschiest band of the '80s (as Joy Division was for the '70s), Tears for Fears turned out a small treasury of well-crafted songs during their heyday and helped to define a genre that everybody recognizes, but nobody can name. "John Hughes movie pop" comes close, but somebody should find something more apt. Tears Fall Down collects all their best and adds a scattering of good album cuts. The original albums will still hold some delights after this, but they won't be required listening. If you want more Tears for Fears, check out their strong, though underappreciated, later work like 1996's Saturnine Martial & Lunatic. --Gavin McNett