Who Is the Female Singer in Tears for Fears? 🎤 Discover 3 Voices (2025)


Video: Mad World performed by Curt Smith of Tears For Fears.








If you’ve ever found yourself mesmerized by the haunting harmonies in Tears for Fears’ classics like “Woman in Chains” or caught yourself wondering who that soulful female voice is behind some of their most iconic tracks, you’re not alone. The truth? Tears for Fears’ female vocalists are a fascinating story all on their own — from powerhouse soul singer Oleta Adams to dynamic collaborators like Lauren Evans and Carina Round.

In this article, Synth Pop™ dives deep into the women who’ve lent their voices to Tears for Fears’ synth-pop legacy. We’ll unravel the mystery behind the female vocals, explore their impact on the band’s sound, and spotlight memorable performances that you won’t want to miss. Plus, stick around for our expert tips on identifying these voices and recommendations for essential listening that highlight their contributions.


Key Takeaways

  • Oleta Adams is the standout female vocalist on Tears for Fears’ iconic track “Woman in Chains”, bringing soulful depth to the band’s synth-pop sound.
  • Lauren Evans and Carina Round are notable collaborators who have enriched Tears for Fears’ live shows and recordings with their powerful vocals.
  • Female vocalists have played a crucial role in shaping the emotional and sonic textures of Tears for Fears’ music across decades.
  • Explore recommended albums like The Seeds of Love and Elemental to hear these collaborations in full effect.
  • For fans looking to dive deeper, check out our curated Iconic Synth Pop Songs and 80s Synth Pop collections.

👉 Shop Female Vocalist Albums & Synth Pop Essentials:


Table of Contents


Quick Tips and Facts About Tears for Fears’ Female Vocalists

If you’re a fan of Tears for Fears, you might be wondering who the female singer is behind some of their most iconic tracks. As music fans at Synth Pop™, we’re excited to dive into the world of 80s Synth Pop and explore the talented women who have contributed to the band’s sound. Check out our article on Iconic Synth Pop Songs for more information on the genre.

To get started, let’s look at some key facts about Tears for Fears’ female vocalists:

  • Oleta Adams is a notable female singer who has collaborated with Tears for Fears.
  • Lauren Evans is another female singer who has worked with the band.
  • Tears for Fears has had several female vocalists contribute to their music over the years.

For more information on Tears for Fears, check out our article at https://synpop.com/tears-for-fears/.

The Female Voices Behind Tears for Fears: Who Sings What?


Video: Tears For Fears – Woman In Chains ft. Oleta Adams.








Tears for Fears has had the privilege of working with several talented female vocalists over the years. One of the most notable collaborations is with Oleta Adams, who sang on the hit single “Woman in Chains.” According to Wikipedia, Adams was born on May 4, 1953, and is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter. She has released several albums, including “Circle of One” and “Evolution,” and has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.

Another female vocalist who has worked with Tears for Fears is Lauren Evans. As mentioned on tearsandkooksintl.com, Evans has been a part of the band’s live performances and has also sung on some of their tracks. She has also released her own music and has been involved in various other projects.

The Evolution of Tears for Fears’ Line-Ups and Collaborations


Video: The Evolution of Tears for Fears ( 1978 to Present ).







Tears for Fears has undergone several line-up changes over the years, with various musicians contributing to their sound. According to Wikipedia, the band’s original members were Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. They were later joined by Ian Stanley and Manny Elias, and subsequently by Oleta Adams and others.

The band’s collaborations with female vocalists have been an important part of their sound and style. As noted on tearsandkooksintl.com, Tears for Fears has worked with several female singers, including Lauren Evans and Carina Round.

Iconic Tears for Fears Songs Featuring Female Singers


Video: Tears For Fears – 1995 Woman in Chains with Oleta Adams (Live) – Taratata – High Quality (Pro-shot).







Some of Tears for Fears’ most iconic songs feature female vocalists. Here are a few examples:

  • “Woman in Chains” (feat. Oleta Adams)
  • “Suffer the Children” (feat. Carina Round)

These songs showcase the band’s ability to blend their signature synth-pop sound with powerful female vocals.

1. Meet Oleta Adams: The Soulful Powerhouse Behind “Woman in Chains”


Video: Tears For Fears (w/ Oleta Adams) – Woman in Chains (Countdown, 1989).








Oleta Adams is a highly acclaimed singer, pianist, and songwriter who has worked with Tears for Fears on several occasions. Her soulful voice and powerful stage presence have made her a fan favorite. As noted on Wikipedia, Adams was born on May 4, 1953, and has released several albums, including “Circle of One” and “Evolution.”

2. Lauren Evans and Other Notable Female Collaborators


Video: WOAH! Trump Named In Epstein Files. ‘Becoming Brigitte’ Goes International. | Candace Ep 219.







Lauren Evans is another talented female singer who has worked with Tears for Fears. According to tearsandkooksintl.com, Evans has been a part of the band’s live performances and has also sung on some of their tracks. Other notable female collaborators include Carina Round, who has also worked with the band on several occasions.

How Female Vocals Shaped Tears for Fears’ Synth-Pop Sound


Video: Tears For Fears Biography: Synth-pop music icon of the 80s.








The addition of female vocals to Tears for Fears’ music has had a significant impact on their sound and style. As noted on Synth Pop™, the band’s use of female vocals has added a new dimension to their synth-pop sound, creating a unique and captivating sound that has endeared them to fans around the world.

Memorable Live Performances and Tours Featuring Female Singers


Video: Tears for Fears Live 2022 🡆 Woman in Chains ⬘ w/ Carina Round 🡄 May 25 ⬘ Sugar Land, TX.








Tears for Fears has had several memorable live performances and tours featuring female singers. According to tearsandkooksintl.com, the band has performed with Lauren Evans and Carina Round on several occasions, showcasing their ability to blend their signature synth-pop sound with powerful female vocals.

Behind the Scenes: Recording Sessions and Vocal Contributions


Video: TFF – The Making of Elemental (1993).







The recording sessions for Tears for Fears’ songs featuring female vocalists have been an important part of the band’s creative process. As noted on Wikipedia, the band has worked with several female singers, including Oleta Adams and Lauren Evans, to create some of their most iconic tracks.

Quick Tips for Identifying Female Vocals in Tears for Fears Tracks


Video: Tears for Fears Fav5 Hits.








If you’re a fan of Tears for Fears and want to identify the female vocals in their tracks, here are a few quick tips:

  • Listen for the distinctive voice of Oleta Adams on songs like “Woman in Chains.”
  • Check out the band’s live performances, which often feature female vocalists like Lauren Evans and Carina Round.

Video: TEARS FOR FEARS GREATEST HITS ✨ (Best Songs – It’s not a full album) ♪.








If you’re interested in exploring more of Tears for Fears’ music featuring female vocalists, here are some recommended albums and tracks:

  • “The Seeds of Love” (feat. Oleta Adams)
  • “Elemental” (feat. Carina Round)

These albums and tracks showcase the band’s ability to blend their signature synth-pop sound with powerful female vocals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tears for Fears’ Female Singers


Video: Tears For Fears – Woman In Chains + Interview.








Here are some frequently asked questions about Tears for Fears’ female singers:

  • Who is the female singer on “Woman in Chains”?
  • What other female singers have worked with Tears for Fears?
  • How have female vocals contributed to Tears for Fears’ sound and style?

For more information on Tears for Fears and their female collaborators, check out our article at https://synpop.com/tears-for-fears/.

For more information on Tears for Fears and their female collaborators, check out the following links:

Conclusion: Celebrating the Women Who Brought Tears for Fears to Life

man in black t-shirt singing on stage

So, who is the female singer in Tears for Fears? The answer is delightfully multifaceted! While Oleta Adams stands out as the soulful powerhouse behind the iconic duet “Woman in Chains,” the band’s evolving sound has also been enriched by talented vocalists like Lauren Evans and Carina Round during live performances and studio collaborations. These women have added layers of emotion, depth, and texture to the band’s synth-pop tapestry, proving that Tears for Fears’ magic isn’t just about the core duo of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.

From the stirring gospel-soul influence of Oleta Adams to the contemporary vibrancy Lauren Evans brings to the stage, female vocals have been a secret ingredient in Tears for Fears’ enduring appeal. Their contributions helped shape the band’s sound from the late 1980s through today, blending seamlessly with the synth-driven melodies and introspective lyrics.

If you’ve ever wondered about the voices behind those haunting harmonies or the live shows that bring Tears for Fears’ music to life in new ways, now you know: it’s a collaborative celebration of talent, with female singers playing a starring role. So next time you hear “Woman in Chains” or catch a live performance, listen closely — you’re hearing a beautiful partnership that transcends decades.


Ready to dive deeper into the world of Tears for Fears and their female collaborators? Check out these essential products and resources:


Frequently Asked Questions About Tears for Fears’ Female Singers


Video: Woman in chains (Tears for Fears) – BURNZ ft. Daniel Marx, Igor Pavani, Alliye, Zanuto Vini & Diney.








Tears for Fears’ most famous track featuring a female vocalist is undoubtedly “Woman in Chains”, a duet with Oleta Adams. This song blends Roland Orzabal’s emotive voice with Adams’ soulful vocals, creating a powerful and memorable ballad. Other live performances and recordings have featured female backing vocals by singers like Lauren Evans and Carina Round, adding richness to tracks such as “Suffer the Children” and various live renditions.

Who is the main vocalist of Tears for Fears and what is their musical background?

The main vocalists of Tears for Fears are Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Orzabal is the primary songwriter and vocalist, known for his deep, expressive voice and introspective lyrics. Smith provides complementary vocals and bass guitar. Both hail from the UK and formed the band in the early 1980s, drawing inspiration from synth-pop, new wave, and post-punk genres. Their musical background includes a strong interest in psychology and emotional expression, which heavily influenced their songwriting.

Are there any other notable female synth pop artists similar to Tears for Fears?

Absolutely! The 1980s synth pop scene was rich with talented female artists who brought their own unique flair. Some notable names include:

  • Alison Moyet (Yazoo) – Known for her powerful bluesy voice paired with synth-driven music.
  • Annie Lennox (Eurythmics) – A synth-pop icon with a distinctive voice and style.
  • Kate Bush – While more art-pop, her use of synthesizers and ethereal vocals influenced many synth-pop acts.
  • Martha Davis (The Motels) – Blended new wave and synth sounds with compelling vocals.

These artists, like Tears for Fears’ female collaborators, helped define the emotional and sonic palette of synth pop.

What is the history behind Tears for Fears and how did they become a prominent synth pop band?

Formed in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith, Tears for Fears quickly rose to prominence with their debut album “The Hurting” (1983), which featured hits like “Mad World” and “Pale Shelter.” Their sound combined catchy synth melodies with introspective lyrics inspired by primal therapy and psychology. The follow-up album “Songs from the Big Chair” (1985) catapulted them to international fame with hits like “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Shout.” Their blend of synth-pop, rock, and emotional depth made them a defining band of the 80s synth pop movement.

Can you name some iconic 80s synth pop bands that influenced Tears for Fears’ sound?

Certainly! Tears for Fears drew inspiration from several pioneering synth-pop and new wave bands, including:

  • Depeche Mode – Masters of dark synth textures and emotional songwriting.
  • New Order – Known for blending post-punk with electronic dance music.
  • The Human League – Pioneers of synth-pop with catchy hooks and futuristic sounds.
  • Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) – Synth-pop innovators with melodic and experimental approaches.

These bands helped shape the sonic landscape that Tears for Fears navigated and expanded upon.

How has Tears for Fears’ music style evolved over the years and what impact has it had on the synth pop genre?

Tears for Fears started with a synth-heavy, emotionally charged sound in the early 80s, evolving into a more polished, rock-infused style by the late 80s and 90s. Their willingness to incorporate soulful female vocals, orchestral arrangements, and introspective themes broadened the scope of synth pop. Their influence is evident in modern synth-pop and alternative acts who blend electronic and organic sounds with emotional storytelling.

What are some essential Tears for Fears albums that every synth pop fan should listen to?

For a comprehensive Tears for Fears experience, these albums are essential:

  • The Hurting (1983): Their synth-pop debut with raw emotional energy.
  • Songs from the Big Chair (1985): The breakthrough album with global hits.
  • The Seeds of Love (1989): A richly produced album featuring Oleta Adams, showcasing a blend of soul and synth pop.
  • Raoul and the Kings of Spain (1995): Features collaborations with Oleta Adams and explores deeper themes.

These albums highlight the band’s evolution and the integral role of female vocals in their sound.


Dive into these trusted sources to verify facts, explore the band’s history, and discover more about the incredible female vocalists who have helped shape Tears for Fears’ timeless sound.

Jacob
Jacob

Jacob is a music producer and award-winning sound designer leading the editorial vision at Synth Pop™, the destination for news, insights, and recommendations across synth-pop and electronic music. He oversees artist features, concert and tour coverage, deep-dive histories, and playlist-ready song spotlights—bringing a studio-honed ear to every story and championing the next wave alongside the icons.

In the studio, Jacob crafts records and immersive soundscapes for film, games, and interactive experiences; in the magazine, he translates that same precision into clear, gear-savvy writing that helps listeners hear what makes a track tick—arrangement, synthesis, and mix decisions included. When he’s not editing or producing, you’ll find him digging for rare drum machines, designing chorus-soaked patches, or scouting emerging scenes for tomorrow’s headliners.

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