Tipping Point, The

POP ROCK

Forty years after breaking out huge as part of the “New Wave” or “second British invasion” in the early 1980s, Tears for Fears have released another fine album. Supported by the early MTV, the duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith had several smash singles and albums. Their exclusive reliance on a synth-based sound has evolved into more versatile approach; the deeply emotional, psychological themes remain.

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1 ** “No Small Thing” - mid-tempo. Gentle ballad; starts acoustic, ends electric. (4:42)
2 ** “The Tipping Point” - mid-tempo. Synth-based; sounds much like their 80s hits. (4:13)
3 “Long, Long, Long Time” - slow & melancholy. Starts quiet but grows bigger. (4:31)
4 * “Break the Man” - mid-fast. Bouncy & pleasant sounding, like a radio single. (3:55)
5 “My Demons” - mid-fast toe tapper. Confronts the stress of contemporary life. (3:08)
6 ** “Rivers of Mercy” – slow. A plea for mercy & redemption. It’s just gorgeous. (6:08)
7 “Please Be Happy” – slow, pleading ballad with big orchestration. A bit schmaltzy. (3:05)
8 “Master Plan” - mid-tempo. That bouncy 80s synth sound, plus backing vocals. (4:37)
9 “End of Night” – mid-tempo. Big sound, thumping beat. Somewhat retro. (3:23)
10 “Stay” – very slow; kind of dreary. (4:36)