When it comes to the music of the 1980s, it's easy to get caught up in the neon-coloured fashions and glossy pop hits. However, Tears For Fears' Curt Smith had a different vision when creating his masterpieces. In this article, we delve into the albums that influenced Smith's dark and catchy sound, from Alice Cooper's 'Welcome to My Nightmare' to The 1975's 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships'. Let's explore the musical journey of one of the 80s' most iconic artists.
The Dark Influence of Alice Cooper's 'Welcome to My Nightmare'
Explore how Alice Cooper's 'Welcome to My Nightmare' shaped Curt Smith's musical journey.
Curt Smith's musical influences can be traced back to his early discovery of Alice Cooper's 'Welcome to My Nightmare'. This dark concept album left a lasting impression on Smith, inspiring him to incorporate similar elements into his own music.
One particular song that resonated with Smith was 'Only Women Bleed', which showcased Cooper's genius songwriting. Smith drew inspiration from the album's overall atmosphere and the musical transitions that took unexpected turns.
Peter Gabriel's 'Scratch': A Foundation for Smith's Art Rock
Discover how Peter Gabriel's 'Scratch' influenced Curt Smith's art rock style.
Another album that left a profound impact on Curt Smith was Peter Gabriel's 'Scratch'. Smith recalls it being the first album he consciously listened to, admiring the production values and unique tracks like 'Games Without Frontiers'.
Smith considered Gabriel one of the foundations for his music, and the art rock elements in 'Scratch' played a significant role in shaping Smith's own art rock style.
The Lyrical Brilliance of The Blue Nile's 'A Walk Across the Rooftops'
Explore how The Blue Nile's 'A Walk Across the Rooftops' influenced Curt Smith's lyrical content.
Curt Smith found inspiration in the lyrical content of The Blue Nile's 'A Walk Across the Rooftops'. Songs like 'Stay' resonated deeply with Smith, as they offered a departure from the typical love songs of the time.
The album's ability to convey emotions and tell stories through its lyrics influenced Smith's own approach to songwriting, making his music more meaningful and relatable.
Prefab Sprout's 'Swoon': A Musical Powerhouse
Discover how Prefab Sprout's 'Swoon' impacted Curt Smith's musical journey.
Curt Smith found inspiration in the musical prowess of Prefab Sprout, particularly in their album 'Swoon'. Smith admired their ability to blend pop sensibilities with complex chord progressions and musical transitions.
He likened their musical style to that of Steely Dan, appreciating their willingness to push boundaries and create music that went beyond the conventional pop sound.
The Journey of The 1975's 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships'
Explore how The 1975's 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships' resonated with Curt Smith.
Even in the 2010s, Curt Smith remained open to new music and found inspiration in The 1975's 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships'. The album's ability to take listeners on a journey captivated Smith.
While his own favorite albums were not necessarily the catchiest, Smith appreciated the sonic statement made by The 1975, showcasing their growth and exploration of themes relevant to the digital age.
