Start of the Breakdown

The piece Start of the Breakdown, lasting five minutes, is presented as a sonic introduction that sets the stage for the thematic universe of the debut album by Tears for Fears. Composed by Roland Orzabal, this piece is not a song with lyrics, but an instrumental that establishes an atmosphere. Its inclusion marks the beginning of The Hurting, a work that, despite addressing complex issues such as child abuse, psychological trauma, and depression, achieved significant commercial impact.

Recorded in 1983, The Hurting was the first studio album by this English band. The production was handled by Ross Cullum and Chris Hughes. The record received outstanding reception, reaching the top spot on the UK album charts shortly after its release. Within weeks, it had already been certified Gold by the BPI, and by January 1985, it achieved Platinum status in the UK. Beyond British borders, The Hurting also made its way onto the charts in countries such as Canada, Germany, and Australia, demonstrating its international reach. Tears for Fears, formed in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, evolved from their New Wave sound beginnings to explore rock and pop, allowing them to achieve success on various music charts.