Change (Tears for Fears song)
| "Change" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Tears for Fears | ||||
| from the album The Hurting | ||||
| B-side | "The Conflict" | |||
| Released | 28 January 1983[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length |
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| Label | ||||
| Songwriter | Roland Orzabal | |||
| Producers | ||||
| Tears for Fears singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Change" on YouTube | ||||
"Change" is a song by the English new wave band Tears for Fears. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith, it was the band's fourth single release. It would eventually become the second hit from their debut LP The Hurting (1983) and second UK Top 5 chart hit, following the success of "Mad World". The song also gave Tears for Fears their first charting single in the United States when it cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1983. "Change" was also a big international success, reaching the Top 40 in numerous countries.
Meaning
When asked about the song, main songwriter Roland Orzabal replied, "It's not really about much. It's just one of those cheap pop lyrics."[4]
Release
"Change" was released in the United Kingdom in January 1983 with "The Conflict" as the B-side on all editions of the single.[5]
The 7" version of "Change" is the same mix of the song found on The Hurting, but in a slightly edited form. An extended remix of the song is showcased as the lead track on the 12" single.[5] Although uncredited on the singles themselves, this mix is labeled the "New Version" on the UK cassette release of The Hurting, where it was included as a bonus track. Featuring an alternate set of lyrics, this version actually predates the 7" mix, despite its title.
It's a step backwards to what we were doing before "Mad World"... the version on The Hurting is a vast improvement.
— Curt Smith
Critical reception
Reviewing the single for Record Mirror, Mark Cooper said that the song's backing track was "quite possibly, a masterpiece" and that the song as a whole demonstrated "no signs of real character".[6]
Music video
The music video for "Change" was directed by Clive Richardson, best known for his early work with Depeche Mode.[7]
Track listings
- 7": Mercury / IDEA4 (United Kingdom, Ireland) / 812 677-7 (United States) / 6059 596 (Australia, Europe, South Africa) / 7PP-101 (Japan)
- "Change" (3:52)
- "The Conflict" (4:02)
- 12": Mercury / IDEA412 (United Kingdom) / 6400 730 (Europe)
- "Change [Extended Version]" (5:54)
- "Change" (3:52)
- "The Conflict" (4:02)
- 12": Mercury / IDEA412 (United Kingdom) / 6400 730 (Australia) / SOVX 2322 (Canada)
- "Change [Extended Version]" (5:54)
- "Change [New Version]" (4:33)
- "The Conflict" (4:02)
- The "New Version" is not specifically identified as such on this release
Personnel
Tears for Fears
- Roland Orzabal – guitar, keyboards, rhythm programming
- Curt Smith – lead vocals, bass, keyboards
- Manny Elias – drums, rhythm programming
- Ian Stanley – keyboards and computer programming
Additional Personnel
- Chris Hughes – rhythm programming, tuned percussion, conducting
- Ross Cullum – dynamic toggle (percussion)
Charts
| Chart (1983) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[8] | 29 |
| Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[9] | 30 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[10] | 23 |
| Ireland (IRMA)[11] | 8 |
| Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)[12] | 4 |
| Netherlands (Single Top 100)[13] | 32 |
| New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[1] | 36 |
| South Africa (Springbok Radio)[14] | 5 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[15] | 4 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[16] | 73 |
| US Billboard Top Tracks[16] | 22 |
| US Cash Box[17] | 74 |
References
- ^ a b "Tears For Fears – Change". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
- ^ "Tears for Fears 'The Hurting': Synth Pop Band's First Album Turns 30 (VIDEOS)". The Huffington Post. 25 March 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
- ^ Mason, Stewart. "Change – Song Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
- ^ "Top 10 Tears for Fears Songs We Want to Hear Live This Sunday". Spot.ph. 29 April 2010. Archived from the original on 6 November 2012. Retrieved 24 June 2013.
- ^ a b "New singles" (PDF). Record Business. 24 January 1983. p. 22. Retrieved 25 January 2026 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Singles" (PDF). Record Mirror. 22 January 1983. p. 15. Retrieved 25 January 2026 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Tears For Fears – Change (1983)". IMVDb. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (Illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 306. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Tears For Fears – Change" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Image 6312". RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
- ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Tears For Fears". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
- ^ "Tipparade-lijst van week 13, 1983" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
- ^ "Tears For Fears – Change" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
- ^ "South African Rock Lists Website SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (T)". Rock.co.za. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart on 19/2/1983 – Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
- ^ a b "The Hurting – Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 4 June 2013.
- ^ "CASH BOX Top 100 Singles: Week ending SEPTEMBER 10, 1983". Cash Box. Archived from the original on 11 September 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
