musicians seem to be able to do is be emotional and honest, the brutality and power of Songs from the Big Chairs catharsis is still quite shocking". Songs from the Big Chair was included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. Slant Magazine ranked the record at number 95 on its list of the best albums of the 1980s. In February 2020, the album was the focus of an episode of the BBC's Classic Albums documentary series. The episode included new interviews with key personnel including Orzabal, Smith, Ian Stanley, producer Chris Hughes, engineer Dave Bascombe, and A&R man David Bates. Additional interviewees included Oleta Adams and John Grant. Track listing Personnel Tears for Fears Roland Orzabal – vocals, keyboards, guitars, synth bass (1), LinnDrum programming (1), grand piano (5) Curt Smith – vocals, bass guitar, synth bass (3) Ian Stanley – keyboards, LinnDrum programming, arrangements (8) Manny Elias – drums (2-7), drum arrangement (2) Additional personnel "Shout": Chris Hughes – drums, Sandy McLelland – backing vocals "The Working Hour": Andy Davis – grand piano, Mel Collins – saxophone, Will Gregory – saxophone solos, Jerry Marotta – percussion and saxophone arrangements "Everybody Wants to Rule the World": Neil Taylor – second guitar solo, Chris Hughes – LinnDrum and MIDI programming "Mothers Talk": Stevie Lange – backing vocals "I Believe": Will Gregory – saxophone "Broken": Neil Taylor – guitar solo "Head Over Heels": Andy Davis – grand piano, Marilyn Davis – backing vocals, Annie McCaig – backing vocals, Sandy McLelland – backing vocals "Listen": Marilyn Davis – operatic vocal "The Big Chair": samples dialogue from the film Sybil (1976) Production Chris Hughes – producer Dave Bascombe – engineer Tim O'Sullivan – cover photography Paul King – management Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications and sales Notes References Bibliography External links 1985 albums Albums produced by Chris Hughes (musician) Fontana Records albums Mercury Records albums Progressive pop albums Tears for Fears albums