Fear of Music is the third studio album by American rock band Talking Heads, released on August 3, 1979 by Sire Records. It was recorded at locations in New York City during April and May 1979 and was produced by the quartet and Brian Eno. The album reached number 21 on the Billboard 200 and number 33 on the UK Albums Chart, and spawned the singles “Life During Wartime”, “I Zimbra”, and “Cities”.
Fear of Music received favorable reviews from critics. Praise centered on its unconventional rhythms and frontman David Byrne’s lyrical performances. The album is often considered one of the best Talking Heads releases, and has featured in several publications’ lists of the best albums of all time.
- “I Zimbra” 3:09
- “Mind” 4:13
- “Paper” 2:39
- “Cities” 4:10
- “Life During Wartime” 3:41
- “Memories Can’t Wait” 3:30
- “Air” 3:34
- “Heaven” 4:01
- “Animals” 3:30
- “Electric Guitar” 3:03
- “Drugs” 5:10
- “Dancing for Money” (Unfinished outtake) 2:42
- “Life During Wartime” (Alternate version) 4:07
- “Cities” (Alternate version) 5:30
- “Mind” (Alternate version) 4:26
David Byrne – lead vocals, guitar
Jerry Harrison – guitar, backing vocals, keyboards
Tina Weymouth – bass guitar, backing vocals
Chris Frantz – drums
Brian Eno – electronic treatments, backing vocals
The Sweetbreathes (Lani Weymouth, Laura Weymouth, Tina Weymouth) – backing vocals (“Air”)
Julie Last – backing vocals (“I Zimbra”)
Robert Fripp – guitar (“I Zimbra”)
Ari – congas (“I Zimbra”, “Life During Wartime”)
Gene Wilder – congas (“I Zimbra”, “Life During Wartime”)
Hassam Ramzy – surdo (“I Zimbra”)
Abdou M’Boup – djembe, talking drum (“I Zimbra”)
Assane Thiam – percussion (“I Zimbra”)
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