Everybody Wants to Rule the World
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.
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Who played the guitar solo on Everybody Wants to Rule the World?
Neil Taylor played the solo on Tears for Fears's Everybody Wants to Rule the World (1985).