Rock Band 3 Countdown #22 - Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Here we have another popular song from the UK. There seems to be a lot of them on this list so far, doesn't it?  This 1985 hit by Tears for Fears was another one of those songs that became a breakthrough hit in the US after previously only being popular in the UK.  Prior to this song's release, Tears for Fears had 7 top 40 hits in the UK, but big success in the US had not been achieved yet. The song opened the way for mainstream US listeners and became a Billboard #1 hit.  Funny thing is, the song almost was never released. 

During the making of their "Songs from the Big Chair" album, the band debated whether or not to put it on the album.  They didn't feel it went with the feel of the album as a whole, but the producer convinced them to add it as it could be a way to break into the conscious of the American listeners.  It was the last song added to the album and indeed, became the breakthrough hit the producer envisioned.  I hope that producer got himself a big bonus for that decision!


Like most popular songs, this song has been covered many times on albums and has also been covered by numerous bands at various concerts.  In addition, the song has appeared in a handful of movies and television shows.  Quite simply, it is pretty damn popular.  And it should be fun to play.  I am not sure if the very beginning is a keyboard or a guitar, but the speed on it sounds really challenging.  The guitar solo in the middle of the song also looks like something quite difficult on harder levels while the steady drum beats should be fun as well.  And singing....who WON'T have fun singing it.  This will be fun!