Shout (Tears for Fears song)
"Shout" is a song by English pop rock band Tears for Fears, released as the second single from their second studio album, Songs from the Big Chair (1985), on 23 November 1984.[1] Roland Orzabal is the lead singer on the track, and he described it as "a simple song about protest".[5] The single became the group's fourth Top 5 hit in the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 4 in January 1985. In the US, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 3 August 1985 and remained there for three weeks; also topping the Cash Box chart. "Shout" became one of the most successful songs of 1985, eventually reaching No. 1 in multiple countries.
"Shout"
"The Big Chair"
23 November 1984[1]
The Wool Hall (Beckington, England)
- 6:31 (album version)
- 6:00 (video version)
- 4:52 (single version)
- 3:59 (U.S. single version)
Featuring a repetitive hook and a synth-drone throughout, "Shout" is regarded as one of the most recognizable songs from the mid-eighties, with Chris True of AllMusic viewing it as Tears for Fears' defining moment.[6] The song has been covered, remixed and sampled by many artists since its release. In 2010, it was used as the basis for the UK-chart–topping song "Shout" (performed by an ensemble featuring Dizzee Rascal and actor James Corden), an unofficial anthem of the England football team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Reception[edit]
Cash Box said that it has "an anthemic chorus and a booming production sound".[8] John Leland at Spin called it, " the simple, mindless pop song Depeche Mode has been trying to write for years. The vocals sound like they're coming from a porcelain bathroom at the foot of the Alps. Other than that, its got a singsong melody that numbs all critical faculties, portentious lyrics that signify nothing, and a happy lack of synth doodles or Bowie-isms."[9]
Meaning[edit]
Song writer Roland Orzabal has noted that the song "is actually more concerned with political protest" than the common view that it is about primal scream theory.[10]
Release variations[edit]
In addition to the standard 7- and 12-inch releases, the "Shout" single was issued in two collectible formats in the UK: a limited-edition 10-inch single and a 7-inch boxed pack featuring a 1985 Tears for Fears calendar.[11] A similar limited-edition 7-inch pack was released in Canada, this one featuring a 12-page booklet of band photos. In 1988, "Shout" was reissued on the short-lived CD Video format. The disc included two mixes of the title track, a remix of "Everybody Wants to Rule the World", and the "Shout" music video.
Tears for Fears
Additional personnel
"Shout" has been covered by various artists: