Squarely in the middle of the decade that was the 1980s, Tears for Fears released Songs From The Big Chair. In the forty years since, the album has done something uniquely special. Like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours before it, this is an album that both exemplifies to perfection the pop-rock hallmarks of its era and serves, also, as a transcendent, magnificent piece of work as resonant and relevant today as when it was created.

This 40^th anniversary set of three CDs honoring the album- with a remastered reissue of the original, and a host of outtakes and alternate mixes- bolsters the case. First turned loose in February of 1985, it was an effort loaded with hits- “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” “Shout,” “Head Over Heels”- yet, also a sophisticated one. Deftly, it established and developed a distinctly darkened mood over the course of eight songs, with captivating sonic nuances and thoughtful, elliptical lyrics as connecting threads.

Synth-infused, but not as novelty. Electronically percussive, yet organic, worldly, and polyrhythmic. Guitar-driven, yet not heroically so. It is a signpost album of the ‘80s, yet wisely avoids soon-to-be nostalgic garnish.

The bonus tracks- that comprise two-and-a-half discs worth of the trio- are more for the ardent Tears for Fears fans. Multiple versions of the same songs do offer the curious a glimpse of the evolving creative process, and the final choices made by its pair of leaders- Curt Smith and Roland Orzabal. Still, it’s the original album, remastered here exceptionally well by Andrew Walter at Abbey Road, that still carries the day, forty years and counting. Not just a top-ten contender for album of the 1980s, but an iconic art-rock statement.