Talking Heads

Fear of Music

First released1979

Fear of Music, the third studio album by Talking Heads, was recorded in 1979 at the Record Plant in Los Angeles under the production of Rhys Cooley and the band themselves. The album marked a significant departure from their previous work, featuring a more experimental and dance-oriented sound that incorporated elements of funk and world music influences. The recording sessions showcased the band's collaborative approach, with David Byrne, Tina Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison all contributing to the songwriting and arrangement process. Notable technical choices included the use of drum machines and synthesizers alongside traditional instrumentation, creating a hybrid sound that was innovative for the era. The album's production reflected the band's growing artistic ambition and helped establish them as pioneers of the post-punk and new wave movements transitioning into the 1980s.