Fear of Music

album by Talking Heads

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Fear of Music is the second album by the American art rock band Talking Heads, released in 1979. The album features the band's signature blend of artful, anxious lyrics delivered by singer-guitarist David Byrne, combined with innovative rhythms and a growing interest in world music influences. It includes tracks like "I Zimbra" and "Life During Wartime," which showcase the band's evolving sound and their ability to create music that was both intellectually stimulating and danceable. The album was produced by Brian Eno, who played a significant role in shaping the band's experimental direction during this period.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Talking Heads
…During Wartime” (both from 1979’s Fear of Music) and “Once in a Lifetime” and “The Great Curve” (from 1980’s Remain in Light, Eno’s final album with the group).
Read More
…During Wartime” (both from 1979’s Fear of Music) and “Once in a Lifetime” and “The Great Curve” (from 1980’s Remain in Light, Eno’s final album with the group).
Read More