Released on August 3, 1979, Fear of Music earned Tina Weymouth, David Byrne, Chris Frantz, and Jerry Harrison their highest placement yet on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 21 and becoming their first gold album. Its dystopian anthem “Life During Wartime” — which officially achieves RIAA Gold certification status for the very first time today — cracked the Billboard Hot 100 as a left-field Top 40 success, introducing the band to an even wider audience. Critics praised the album’s anxious songwriting and producer Brian Eno’s dense, layered production—with NME, Melody Maker, and the Los Angeles Times all crowning it the best album of 1979.
Track list:
LP One - 2026 Remaster
Side One
- “I Zimbra”
- “Mind”
- “Paper”
- “Cities”
- “Life During Wartime”
- “Memories Can’t Wait”
Side Two
- “Air”
- “Heaven”
- “Animals”
- “Electric Guitar”
- “Drugs”
LP Two: Rarities
Side One
- “Mind” – Alternate Version
- “Life During Wartime” – Alternate Version
- “Dancing For Money” – Unfinished Outtake
- “Cities” – Alternate Version
- “Drugs” – Alternate Version
- “I Zimbra” – 12” Version
Side Two
Etching