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Believe it or not it’s been four decades since Tears for Fears released Songs From the Big Chair, the album that gave us 80’s classics like “Shout,” “Everybody Wants to Rule the World,” and “Head Over Heels.” Originally released in the U.S. on March 11, 1985, the record spent four weeks at number one on the Billboard 200 and has sold over five million copies. Now, to mark its 40th anniversary, the band is rolling out a fresh wave of reissues.
Let’s break it down:
- There’s a one-LP version on clear vinyl — sleek, simple, and perfect for collectors who love a clean aesthetic.
- A picture disc edition brings some visual flair to your turntable.
- A two-LP edition features an alternate cover design and includes alternate versions and mixes, many of which are making their vinyl debut. That’s a big deal for audiophiles and longtime fans who’ve been waiting to hear these tracks in analog glory.
There’s also a three-CD version that’s packed with content:
- Disc one has the original album plus all its original B-sides.
- Disc two includes single edits and a couple of re-recorded tracks from the era.
- Disc three is all about remixes — a treasure trove for fans of extended versions and alternate takes.
This actually marks the fourth time Songs From the Big Chair has been re-released:
- In 1999, we got a single disc with seven bonus tracks.
- Then came the 2006 two-disc edition, which added B-sides and both seven-inch and 12-inch versions.
- The 2014 box set was the most expansive, with four CDs and two DVDs. (Fun fact: this new three-CD reissue duplicates the first three discs from that now out-of-print box.)
Whether you’re rediscovering the album or diving in for the first time, this 40th anniversary celebration is a great reason to revisit one of the most iconic records of the '80s.
[Source: Premiere]