Change (Tears for Fears song) explained

Change
Cover:	Tears for Fears - Change.png
Type:	single
Artist:	Tears for Fears
Album:	The Hurting
B-Side:	The Conflict
Released:	28 January 1983
Prev Title:	Mad World
Prev Year:	1982
Next Title:	Pale Shelter
Next Year:	1983

"Change" is a song by the British band Tears for Fears. Written by Roland Orzabal and sung by bassist Curt Smith, it was the band's fourth single release. It would eventually become the second hit from their debut LP The Hurting (1983) and second UK Top 5 chart hit, following the success of "Mad World". The song also gave Tears for Fears their first charting single in the United States when it cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in August 1983. "Change" was also a big international success, reaching the Top 40 in numerous countries.

Song versions

The 7" version of "Change" is the same mix of the song found on The Hurting, but in a slightly edited form. An extended remix of the song is showcased as the lead track on the 12" single. While many copies of the 12" single use the 7" mix of the song as one of the B-sides, some feature an altogether different recording. Although uncredited on the singles themselves, this mix is labeled the "New Version" on the UK cassette release of The Hurting, where it was included as a bonus track. Featuring an alternate set of lyrics, this version actually predates the 7" mix, despite its title.

More recently, a mix by British DJ Joey Negro was included, along with other Tears for Fears remixes, on a 2004 promotional EP.

B-side

"The Conflict" is a song that served as the B-side to the "Change" single. Its repeated verse describes a conflict between two individuals. Sung by Curt Smith, this is one of the few songs in the Tears for Fears catalogue on which he shares a writing credit.

Music video

The music video for "Change" was directed by Clive Richardson, best known for his early work with Depeche Mode.^[1]

Track listings

7": Mercury / IDEA4 (United Kingdom, Ireland) / 812 677-7 (United States) / 6059 596 (Australia, Europe, South Africa) / SOV 2322 (Canada) / 7PP-101 (Japan)

1. "Change" (3:52)
2. "The Conflict" (4:02)

12": Mercury / IDEA412 (United Kingdom) / 6400 730 (Europe)

1. "Change [Extended Version]" (5:54)
2. "Change" (3:52)
3. "The Conflict" (4:02)

12": Mercury / IDEA412 (United Kingdom) / 6400 730 (Australia) / SOVX 2322 (Canada)

1. "Change [Extended Version]" (5:54)
2. "Change [New Version]" (4:33)
3. "The Conflict" (4:02)

• The "New Version" is not specifically identified as such on this release

Personnel

Tears for Fears

• Roland Orzabal – guitar, keyboards, rhythm programming
• Curt Smith – lead vocals, bass, keyboards
• Manny Elias – drums, rhythm programming
• Ian Stanley – keyboards and computer programming

Additional Personnel

• Chris Hughes – rhythm programming, tuned percussion, conducting
• Ross Cullum – dynamic toggle (percussion)

Chart positions

Chart (1983)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)^[2]	29
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40 Tipparade)^[3]	4
South Africa (Springbok Radio)^[4]	5
US Billboard Hot 100^[5]	73
US Billboard Top Tracks	22
US Cash Box^[6]	74

Notes and References

1. Web site: Tears For Fears – Change (1983) . IMVDb . 26 October 2017 .
2. Book: Kent, David . David Kent (historian) . 1993 . Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 . Australian Chart Book . St Ives, N.S.W. . Illustrated . 306 . 0-646-11917-6.
3. Web site: Tipparade-lijst van week 13, 1983. dutch. Dutch Top 40. 26 March 2023.
4. Web site: South African Rock Lists Website SA Charts 1969 – 1989 Acts (T) . Rock.co.za . 7 May 2014 .
5. Web site: The Hurting – Awards . . 4 June 2013 .
6. CASH BOX Top 100 Singles: Week ending SEPTEMBER 10, 1983 . . 7 May 2014 . 11 September 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120911042548/http://cashboxmagazine.com/archives/80s_files/19830910.html.