Track Listing
Raoul and the Kings of Spain
Falling Down
Secrets
God’s Mistake
Sketches of Pain
Los Reyes Catolicos
Sorry
Humdrum and Humble
I Choose You
Don’t Drink the Water
Me and My Big Ideas
Los Reyes Catolicos (Reprise)
TVV Rating
7.5/10
Average Critic Rating
6/10
Overview
‘Raoul and The Kings of Spain’ has some huge moments that make you wonder how this one slipped through the cracks. The vast, reverberating arrangements can leave you feeling like you’re floating through space, with choruses that seem built for a stadium full of voices. Roland Orzabal’s unmistakable vocals are as strong as ever, carrying real weight even when the music opens up around him. It’s recognisably Tears for Fears, with less of the bright, immediate Pop appeal and more room for the guitars and atmosphere to do their thing. That makes it an interesting listen, especially when the songs build into something properly grand. There’s still plenty of melody to grab hold of, and the more reflective passages give those bigger moments a little breathing room. Its commercial disappointment shouldn’t put you off, there’s still a lot to enjoy here, and there’s enough ambition and feeling to make it well worth exploring beyond the usual favourites.
Recommended for Tears For Fears fans willing to give this forgotten gem another try.
Featured Song
Secrets
Most Streamed
Raoul and the Kings of Spain
Least Streamed
Los Reyes Catolicos (Reprise)
Underrated
Sorry
TVV Top 3 Songs
Falling Down | Secrets | Humdrum and Humble
Singles
Raoul and the Kings of Spain | Secrets | God’s Mistake
TVV Top 3 Non-Singles
Falling Down | Humdrum and Humble | Me and My Big Ideas
Listen to Again?
Yes
No-Skip Album?
No
Album Artwork Rating
7/10
The artwork suits the band’s style and has that unmistakable Tears for Fears feel. The Spanish imagery, with bulls chasing someone I’m assuming is Raoul, ties in nicely with the album’s title. It’s a good-looking cover.
Genre
Pop Rock
RL
Epic Records
Recording Studio
Neptune’s Kitchen (Dyrham, England) | Record Plant Recording Studios (Los Angeles, California)
