Raoul and the Kings of Spain was Tears for Fears fifth album. Like the previous album, Elemental, it is fundamentally a solo effort by Roland Orzabal. The album was initially scheduled to be released by Mercury records but the project was cancelled after Tears For Fears left the label to sign with Sony/Epic Records. Sony released a new version of the album featuring a different track listing and new cover art in 1995.
The album reached the spot of #41 in the UK charts and #79 in the US charts.
The album features a return by Oleta Adams, who duets with Orzabal on the track “Me and My Big Ideas”
The album was re-released in August 2009 by Cherry Pop Records, complete with seven bonus tracks
Mercury version (only available as a promotional CD)
1. “Raoul and the Kings of Spain” – 5:16
2. “Falling Down” – 4:55
3. “Secrets” – 4:42
4. “God’s Mistake” – 3:47
5. “Sketches of Pain” – 4:21
6. “Los Reyes Católicos” – 1:48
7. “Sorry” – 4:48
8. “Queen of Compromise” – 3:52
9. “Don’t Drink the Water” – 4:56
10. “Me and My Big Ideas” – 4:33
11. “Los Reyes Católicos” (Reprise) – 3:43
Sony/Epic version
1. “Raoul and the Kings of Spain” – 5:15
2. “Falling Down” – 4:55
3. “Secrets” – 4:41
4. “God’s Mistake” – 3:47
5. “Sketches of Pain” – 4:20
6. “Los Reyes Católicos” – 1:44
7. “Sorry” – 4:48
8. “Humdrum and Humble” – 4:10
9. “I Choose You” – 3:25
10. “Don’t Drink the Water” – 4:50
11. “Me and My Big Ideas” – 4:32
12. “Los Reyes Católicos” (Reprise) – 3:43
Raoul and the Kings of Pain –
is first single from the album. At the time it was released, the single reached #31 in the UK and became the band’s last Top 40 hit there for ten years (until 2005′s “Closest Thing to Heaven”). The single was not released in the United States.
The track was first performed two years before its release, on the band’s 1993 “Elemental” World Tour.
B-sides/Non-album tracks
* “All of the Angels”
* “The Madness of Roland”
* “Until I Drown”
* “Queen of Compromise”
* “War of Attrition”
* “Raoul and the Kings of Spain (acoustic)”
* “Break It Down Again (acoustic)”
As a consequence of the bands label switch to Sony in 1995, none of these tracks are featured on the Tears For Fears B-sides collection Saturnine Martial & Lunatic, which was released by Polygram in 1996, the band’s old record company. However, the seven tracks were included on the 2009 re-release of the “Raoul” album by Cherry Pop Records.
Still loving this album. Just close your eyes and turn it up. Pure joy.
In my humble opinion, this was the best TFF album. Roland explored many deep personal issues while also writing riveting music. Good songs should always have a bit of an edge with an equal touch of the artist’s vulnerability. It should make you feel something. This album nails it on all counts. With RATKOS Roland opened up his soul a bit and allowed us a peak inside. It was less intellectual and more emotional…