Released in 1985 on Mercury, Songs from the Big Chair is the second album from British duo Tears for Fears, a lush, ambitious synth-pop record that made Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith household names around the world. Sleek and emotionally widescreen, it is anchored by "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" and "Shout," alongside "Head over Heels" and "Mothers Talk," with big drums, soaring keys and lyrics that dig into therapy, power and growing up. Polished but never cold, it still sounds huge on a good system. A defining record of the 1980s and a cornerstone for any synth-pop or new-wave collection.