The opening track "No Small Thing" was also used as a promotional single and was the first I heard of the new album. Whilst the song doesn't have the most promising of starts it does develop nicely.;Still, I didn't feel this was a good start and much more lively efforts such as the title track or "My Demons" might have made for a better opening. Elsewhere "Long, Long, Long Time" and "Break The Man" are great songs. In fact, once you get over the initial hump of "No Small Thing", the whole of the first side is very good indeed.
The flip side is a bit more hit and miss but it does feature my favourite song from the album, "Rivers Of Mercy". Not long after this record was released I was playing this song whilst my young children were running around playing nearby. After about three minutes I realised the usual noise and pandemonium had stopped and the children were now sitting quietly, listening to the music. It really is a captivating song and I recommend it very highly.
I am a little disappointed by the Beatles pastiche "Master Plan" (why do Tears For Fears albums have to include Beatles-esque track?) and the inclusion of "Stay" is curious given it was released five years earlier on a compilation. There's lots to like on this album, and its rock sound has just enough electronics to make it interesting.
The sound quality from this vinyl is generally quite good given it is a GZ Media abomination. The tracks are cut quite loud and there are a good few crackles - but the richer bass of the vinyl means it remains superior to digital files. 4/5
