Here we go! Ah, Elemental. I have never stopped playing this album. First off, Roland's voice is a force of nature. The range, the power, the versatility. And he changes it up in different songs, and sometimes within a song. And gaining confidence in his own vocal abilities, singing more lead from album to album, coupled with being the primary songwriter for TFF is part of what lead to the "divorce" with Curt. The Seeds of Love was mainly written by Roland and Nicky Holland. She had previously played keyboards with TFF live. Guitarist Alan Griffiths also played live with the band around 1985 and after the split with Curt, he approached Roland about working together. They had a good working relationship writing together, and that continued through the Raoul and Tomcats albums. Elemental was recorded in Roland's home studio Neptune's Kitchen with the two of them playing most everything, with a lot being programmed on keyboards/computers. A large band was formed for a tour, and I got to see them in 1993. Yes, some of the guitar is Alan. TFF have usually had other guitarists working with them, most notably Neil Taylor early on and Charlton Pettus from Happy Ending through today. Some things that happened leading up to this album that might help put it in perspective: The concept of primal scream therapy played into The Hurting. Roland was seeing a therapist from about 1985 to 1991. He stopped therapy when his son Raoul was born. He has also said that when he turned 30 he just felt like it was a break from childhood, from his younger self. Songs on Elemental deal with themes of endings and new beginnings. The split with Curt was pretty bad. Curt felt his role in the band had been minimized as Roland took over more vocals and production, never felt comfortable in the limelight, and went through a divorce. Roland felt that he had been doing the bulk of the work and TFF had long ceased being the duo they had always been presented as. He was then reluctant to get back into another such relationship, but really hit it off with Alan Griffiths. Another point of contention between Curt and Roland was their manager, who was ripping them off. That, combined with making one of the most expensive albums in history (The Seeds of Love), actually left TFF with some debt. So recording Elemental in his own studio saved some bucks but also kept Roland home with his young son. One last thing. Alan Griffiths wrote, played and toured with Roland for several years and was his friend. He died in 2017, a few months before Roland's wife Caroline passed away.
Oh man, to respond to that last part first, that must have been such a hard period for Roland personally. And wow, I never realized the split with Curt was that acrimonious. But I loved this first tune and can't wait to go through the album overall. Thanks again for all the amazing info, I really look forward to your comments now!
@@mattsnider2667 Thanks Matt! The good news is Curt and Roland put all the crap behind them and continued on. Criticisms they once threw at each other they now point out about themselves, and The Tipping Point is the most balanced album they've ever made.
After Curt & Roland split up, I never gave Elemental & Raul and the Kings of Spain a fair chance. I was sure I wouldn't like them as much since I love how Curt & Roland's vocals harmonize so well together. Listening to this now, I realize this is pretty good!
Love this song too! Roland has one of the most underated voices his range from low to high is remarkable especially in Badman's Song, this album really shows you how much of a perfectionist Roland is even without Curt he still produced top tier music, Roland and Curt don't just make songs to make them everything they do has a reason behind it they really care about making high quality music and it really shows in every album! Break it Down Again Is my favorite song on Elemental Roland's signing in this song is ridiculously good and was quite shocked when they played that song at the concert! Enjoyed this Matt!
I love the power in this song. Roland sounds rejuvenated. There is a great live version of this on RUclips from some late-night show. I think the background vocals are from bassist Gail Anne Dorsey (who would go on to perform with David Bowie) although maybe it's both of them; Roland can certainly hit those notes.
Just stumbled onto this and happy to discover TFF is among the artists to whom you’re reacting! Such an underrated group. Their newest album, Tipping Point, is as good as anything they’ve released. I hope you can check it out.
David Bowie's bass player, Gail Anne Dorsey played on this album and the next album. You're in for a real treat with the Elemental album Matt. It's more guitar driven than any other TFF album, it's probably my 3rd or 4th favourite TFF album, it's grossly underrated. It's difficult to choose a favourite track, they are all good in their own way. Break It Down Again was the hit single from the album, it's the most Tears For Fearsy song on here. My favourite tracks are Mr Pessimist, Brian Wilson Said, Break It Down Again, Elemental and the closer Goodnight Song. A little info on Goodnight Song, the song is about one of their biggest hits Shout, and how it might be time to stop playing it. It's a guitar driven uptempo effort, it was released as a single, as was Break It Down, Cold and the title track. Cold is about a photographer at one a TFF concert accusing Roland of being Cold.
Slinking over from your DD stuff…this is my favorite TFF album as well…ironically tho, I don’t care for Roland’s solo albums, so unlike Simon, I don’t think it was loyalty (coz I do have a strong love for Roland as well, what a talent that has only grown with age), but I think Elemental and Raoul stand just as tall as Big Chair or Seeds, Elemental is just practically perfect. These were college years for me (or Seeds and Elemental were), so maybe that adds to where my mindset and musical tastes were at the time & why they have a special place for me.
Thanks for allowing us to see your reaction to this album. It's a true measure of a TFF fan when you reach these two albums. They're so NOT Shout and ewtrtw 👍 enjoy Matt, you won't be disappointed... And yes I'm pretty sure that's Roland on the falsetto. Recorded in Roland's back garden! If you get chance take a look at the promo documentary on the Making of the Elemental on RUclips it's great insight.
You are very welcome! And indeed, it's my pleasure to discover parts of the Tears for Fears story I never knew before. And if this first song is any indication, I'm going to love this album! Thanks again for the comment, will be curious to hear your thoughts on further songs!
This album I think you'll really enjoy Matt. I absolutely love this album and the title track is epic. I'll reach for this album over just about all their others, although Songs from the Big Chair and The Hurting are not far behind.
FYI- While Roland continued on as TFF, Curt Smith was doing his own solo projects, working with some of the people that make up TFF today, such as guitarist/songwriter Charlton Pettus, keyboard player Doug Petty and even backing vocalist Carina Round. More traditional instruments than electronic, I think the better of his work is the Mayfield album and Halfway, Pleased.
@@mattsnider2667The past couple of tours TFF did Suffer the Children as a ballad sung by Carina (and then Lauren Evans who filled in for her for part of the tour this year). And they are still performing Woman in Chains and Badman's Song, so you may have seen a live performance of one of these featuring her. I know Carina has some of her own stuff out and is a member of Puscifer, but I've not listened to any of it.
Roland is such an under appreciated vocalist. Great range. Those high notes are him 👍🏻
Oh wow! I thought that had to be a female voice, but seriously, his range is unreal!
Here we go! Ah, Elemental. I have never stopped playing this album. First off, Roland's voice is a force of nature. The range, the power, the versatility. And he changes it up in different songs, and sometimes within a song. And gaining confidence in his own vocal abilities, singing more lead from album to album, coupled with being the primary songwriter for TFF is part of what lead to the "divorce" with Curt.
The Seeds of Love was mainly written by Roland and Nicky Holland. She had previously played keyboards with TFF live. Guitarist Alan Griffiths also played live with the band around 1985 and after the split with Curt, he approached Roland about working together. They had a good working relationship writing together, and that continued through the Raoul and Tomcats albums. Elemental was recorded in Roland's home studio Neptune's Kitchen with the two of them playing most everything, with a lot being programmed on keyboards/computers. A large band was formed for a tour, and I got to see them in 1993.
Yes, some of the guitar is Alan. TFF have usually had other guitarists working with them, most notably Neil Taylor early on and Charlton Pettus from Happy Ending through today.
Some things that happened leading up to this album that might help put it in perspective:
The concept of primal scream therapy played into The Hurting. Roland was seeing a therapist from about 1985 to 1991. He stopped therapy when his son Raoul was born. He has also said that when he turned 30 he just felt like it was a break from childhood, from his younger self. Songs on Elemental deal with themes of endings and new beginnings.
The split with Curt was pretty bad. Curt felt his role in the band had been minimized as Roland took over more vocals and production, never felt comfortable in the limelight, and went through a divorce. Roland felt that he had been doing the bulk of the work and TFF had long ceased being the duo they had always been presented as. He was then reluctant to get back into another such relationship, but really hit it off with Alan Griffiths.
Another point of contention between Curt and Roland was their manager, who was ripping them off. That, combined with making one of the most expensive albums in history (The Seeds of Love), actually left TFF with some debt. So recording Elemental in his own studio saved some bucks but also kept Roland home with his young son.
One last thing. Alan Griffiths wrote, played and toured with Roland for several years and was his friend. He died in 2017, a few months before Roland's wife Caroline passed away.
Oh man, to respond to that last part first, that must have been such a hard period for Roland personally. And wow, I never realized the split with Curt was that acrimonious. But I loved this first tune and can't wait to go through the album overall. Thanks again for all the amazing info, I really look forward to your comments now!
@@mattsnider2667 Thanks Matt! The good news is Curt and Roland put all the crap behind them and continued on. Criticisms they once threw at each other they now point out about themselves, and The Tipping Point is the most balanced album they've ever made.
I love Elemental!!!!
Hell yeah I love this song, it's one of those that you can listen many times without getting bored, because of all the little details
Elemental is tff best album.
After Curt & Roland split up, I never gave Elemental & Raul and the Kings of Spain a fair chance. I was sure I wouldn't like them as much since I love how Curt & Roland's vocals harmonize so well together. Listening to this now, I realize this is pretty good!
Love this song too! Roland has one of the most underated voices his range from low to high is remarkable especially in Badman's Song, this album really shows you how much of a perfectionist Roland is even without Curt he still produced top tier music, Roland and Curt don't just make songs to make them everything they do has a reason behind it they really care about making high quality music and it really shows in every album! Break it Down Again Is my favorite song on Elemental Roland's signing in this song is ridiculously good and was quite shocked when they played that song at the concert! Enjoyed this Matt!
I love the power in this song. Roland sounds rejuvenated. There is a great live version of this on RUclips from some late-night show. I think the background vocals are from bassist Gail Anne Dorsey (who would go on to perform with David Bowie) although maybe it's both of them; Roland can certainly hit those notes.
Just stumbled onto this and happy to discover TFF is among the artists to whom you’re reacting! Such an underrated group. Their newest album, Tipping Point, is as good as anything they’ve released. I hope you can check it out.
Love this. At this time he had Gail Ann Dorsey playing the bass. She had worked with David Bowie.
please do Tears for Fears - laid so low it a really great song
David Bowie's bass player, Gail Anne Dorsey played on this album and the next album. You're in for a real treat with the Elemental album Matt. It's more guitar driven than any other TFF album, it's probably my 3rd or 4th favourite TFF album, it's grossly underrated. It's difficult to choose a favourite track, they are all good in their own way. Break It Down Again was the hit single from the album, it's the most Tears For Fearsy song on here. My favourite tracks are Mr Pessimist, Brian Wilson Said, Break It Down Again, Elemental and the closer Goodnight Song. A little info on Goodnight Song, the song is about one of their biggest hits Shout, and how it might be time to stop playing it. It's a guitar driven uptempo effort, it was released as a single, as was Break It Down, Cold and the title track. Cold is about a photographer at one a TFF concert accusing Roland of being Cold.
I really really like this song. Love Roland's vocals. He does have an amazing voice! I recently got this album and its good.
Slinking over from your DD stuff…this is my favorite TFF album as well…ironically tho, I don’t care for Roland’s solo albums, so unlike Simon, I don’t think it was loyalty (coz I do have a strong love for Roland as well, what a talent that has only grown with age), but I think Elemental and Raoul stand just as tall as Big Chair or Seeds, Elemental is just practically perfect. These were college years for me (or Seeds and Elemental were), so maybe that adds to where my mindset and musical tastes were at the time & why they have a special place for me.
Thanks for allowing us to see your reaction to this album. It's a true measure of a TFF fan when you reach these two albums. They're so NOT Shout and ewtrtw 👍 enjoy Matt, you won't be disappointed...
And yes I'm pretty sure that's Roland on the falsetto.
Recorded in Roland's back garden!
If you get chance take a look at the promo documentary on the Making of the Elemental on RUclips it's great insight.
You are very welcome! And indeed, it's my pleasure to discover parts of the Tears for Fears story I never knew before. And if this first song is any indication, I'm going to love this album! Thanks again for the comment, will be curious to hear your thoughts on further songs!
This album I think you'll really enjoy Matt. I absolutely love this album and the title track is epic. I'll reach for this album over just about all their others, although Songs from the Big Chair and The Hurting are not far behind.
Right on! This first track was a real treat, and Roland's voice is so ridiculously good.
trank you for reaction
You are very welcome! Looking forward to going through this album. :)
@@mattsnider2667 I recommend the complete album, it is a small but great work of modern musical art
tears for fear are one of the best band in the world!! so good man!! you need to check out tesseract concealing fate or legion you will love them!!
Heres the link to the documentary to watch after your reaction to the album ruclips.net/video/q6IDicaSlIU/видео.html
Right on, thank you!
FYI- While Roland continued on as TFF, Curt Smith was doing his own solo projects, working with some of the people that make up TFF today, such as guitarist/songwriter Charlton Pettus, keyboard player Doug Petty and even backing vocalist Carina Round. More traditional instruments than electronic, I think the better of his work is the Mayfield album and Halfway, Pleased.
I forget what track but I've definitely heard Carina Round perform with them before! Cheers again for the info. :)
@@mattsnider2667The past couple of tours TFF did Suffer the Children as a ballad sung by Carina (and then Lauren Evans who filled in for her for part of the tour this year). And they are still performing Woman in Chains and Badman's Song, so you may have seen a live performance of one of these featuring her. I know Carina has some of her own stuff out and is a member of Puscifer, but I've not listened to any of it.
Oh, and silly me, of course she's on the new album. You may just be thinking of Long, Long, Long Time!
@@WYVEREX5 Ah yes! I was thinking of her involvement in Tipping Point but that's cool she performs with them on tour also!