Tears for Fears are back with “Astronaut,” the latest new song off their upcoming live album Songs for a Nervous Planet.
“Astronaut” features some sublime, reverb-ridden falsetto from Roland Orzabal and takes a majestic, glammy turn in the chorus. “I wanna be an astronaut,” Orzabal sings with harmonies surrounding him. “Emotionally it’s about this guy who doesn’t feel he belongs here and wants to be an astronaut floating out into space… a lot of people identify with the emotion of that song, that sense of alienation,” said the band’s Curt Smith in a statement.
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The song came together during the sessions for Tears for Fears’ 2022 album, The Tipping Point. “Once we realized that we were going to end up doing more than just one new track for this album, Roland sent me the original recording of “Astronaut” and I had forgotten how good of a song it was as it gives you a sense of release,” Smith said. “It’s a horrible comparison but it’s the sorbet in between courses where you just can have a little breath and just float away. Forgive the pun but that’s the feeling the song has.” Stream “Astronaut” below.
“Astronaut” follows another original single, “The Girl That I Call Home,” which the band shared when announcing Songs for a Nervous Planet last month. They’ve also shared a live version of their Songs from the Big Chair track “Head Over Heels,” which you can also stream below.
Songs for a Nervous Planet is Tears for Fears’ first ever live album and arrives on October 25th (pre-order here). The album was recorded during a 2023 show in Franklin, Tennessee for their “Tipping Point Tour” and features several songs from The Tipping Point as well as the band’s classic albums. They’ll also be releasing an accompanying concert film titled Tears For Fears Live (A Tipping Point Film); the film will show in theaters around the world from October 24th-26th. Stay updated on where to watch the concert film on the band’s website.
Tears for Fears have a trio of shows mapped out at the new FontaineBleau hotel in Las Vegas from October 30th to November 2nd. Get tickets here. Revisit our 2022 interview with Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal, where they discussed The Tipping Point, their live show, and more.