Everybody Wants to Rule the World guitar solo

Tears for Fears, 1985. Solo by Neil Taylor.

A relaxed, melodic solo that became one of the song's best-remembered hooks.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World rides a relaxed shuffle, and its melodic guitar solo became one of the song's best-remembered hooks. Neil Taylor's lines are smooth and singable, built around a simple, memorable melody that complements the song's gentle groove. The tone is clean with a touch of sustain, fitting neatly into the polished '80s production. Rather than showing off, the solo reinforces the song's mood, adding warmth and a sense of ease. Listen for how the guitar phrases echo the vocal melody, and how the solo's gentle rise and fall mirrors the song's laid-back rhythm, making it easy to hum along.

Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears is featured in our New Wave (#14), Pop (#11) lists. The solo is played by Neil Taylor and the song was released in 1985.

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest New Wave Guitar Solos — #14
• The 25 Greatest Pop Guitar Solos — #11
• Top 20 Guitar Solos of 1985 — #6
• Pop Songs You Didn't Know Had a Guitar Solo — #8

Sources

• Far Out Magazine: 10 pop songs with outrageously good guitar solos