Role

:

Composer

Country

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United Kingdom

Birth

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August 22, 1961 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

 

Roland Orzabal is a British musician, singer, songwriter, and composer who is best known as the co-founder and lead vocalist of the band Tears for Fears. Born on August 22, 1961, in Portsmouth, England, Orzabal grew up in Bath, Somerset, where he attended the City of Bath Boys' School. He was interested in music from a young age and started playing the guitar and writing songs when he was a teenager. Orzabal's musical career began in the late 1970s when he formed a band called Graduate with his friend Curt Smith. The band released their debut album, Acting My Age, in 1980, which received critical acclaim but failed to achieve commercial success. However, the album caught the attention of record producer Chris Hughes, who would later become a key collaborator with Orzabal. In 1981, Orzabal and Smith formed Tears for Fears, which would become one of the most successful bands of the 1980s. The band's debut album, The Hurting, was released in 1983 and was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one in the UK and spawning three hit singles, including "Mad World" and "Change." The album was notable for its introspective lyrics and moody, atmospheric sound, which would become a hallmark of Tears for Fears' music. Tears for Fears' second album, Songs from the Big Chair, was released in 1985 and was an even bigger success than their debut. The album reached number one in the UK and the US and spawned four hit singles, including "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and "Shout." The album showcased Orzabal's growing interest in synthesizers and electronic music, and his collaboration with Hughes resulted in a more polished and sophisticated sound. Orzabal's songwriting and musical style continued to evolve on Tears for Fears' subsequent albums, including The Seeds of Love (1989) and Elemental (1993). The Seeds of Love was a more experimental and ambitious album that featured collaborations with musicians such as Oleta Adams and Jon Hassell. The album's lead single, "Sowing the Seeds of Love," was a Beatlesque pop song that became a hit around the world. Elemental, on the other hand, was a more stripped-down and personal album that reflected Orzabal's struggles with depression and anxiety. The album's lead single, "Break It Down Again," was a melancholy ballad that showcased Orzabal's emotive vocals and introspective lyrics. After the release of Elemental, Tears for Fears went on hiatus, and Orzabal focused on his solo career. He released his debut solo album, Tomcats Screaming Outside, in 2001, which was a departure from his work with Tears for Fears. The album featured a more experimental and electronic sound, and Orzabal's lyrics were more abstract and surreal. Orzabal reunited with Smith in 2004 to release Tears for Fears' seventh album, Everybody Loves a Happy Ending. The album was a return to the band's classic sound and featured collaborations with musicians such as Charlton Pettus and Nicky Holland. The album's lead single, "Closest Thing to Heaven," was a catchy pop song that became a hit in Europe. Orzabal's musical career has been marked by his ability to evolve and experiment with different styles and genres. He has been influenced by a wide range of musicians, including The Beatles, David Bowie, and Brian Eno, and his music has been praised for its emotional depth and introspective lyrics.

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