Tears for Fears
Raoul and the Kings of Spain (Epic) (star) (star) (star)
Tears for Fears creative steamroller Roland Orzabal tinkers with an autobiographical theme–he’s one-fourth Spanish–on his second album since parting with Curt Smith. And while “Raoul and the Kings of Spain” is certainly more cerebral than 1993’s multiplatinum, pop-heavy “Elemental” album, he bounds with plenty of fiery instrumental tricks to accompany the heady lyrics. The somber “Sketches of Pain” works on several contextual levels, from its spoofing of a Miles Davis composition (“Sketches of Spain”; and Orzabel lends a flamenco guitar interlude that blazes with Catalonian bravado) to its literal telling of a painter’s anguish.
———-
Ratings: Excellent (Star)(Star)(Star)(Star) Good (Star)(Star)(Star) Fair (Star)(Star) Poor (Star)
More Top Picks Best Noise Canceling Headphones For Toddlers