Over the past three decades, The Cure has established itself as one of the most important bands in rock music. They have been at the vanguard of musical growth from gothic rock to synth-pop and new wave, and their ever-changing musical styles have impacted innumerable bands throughout the years.
The Cure’s album sales have racked up a combined total of 30 million copies throughout the globe, and the band has been honored with a multitude of awards on a global scale, including three BRIT Awards for the title of “Best British Album.”
The Cure has released 13 studio albums, and in this article, we will discuss and rank the band’s finest 10 albums.
1. Three Imaginary Boys (1979)
The Cure’s first album, “Three Imaginary Boys,” was published in 1979. The band’s debut album introduced their early post-punk sound, which was influenced by groups like Siouxsie and the Banshees and Joy Division.
The album includes the title track “Three Imaginary Boys,” as well as tracks that would go on to become fan favorites, like “10:15 Saturday Night” and “Fire in Cairo.”
Although there were some negative reviews of the album when it first came out, it has now come to be appreciated as a vital element of The Cure’s history and a significant contribution to the post-punk genre. “Three Imaginary Boys” established The Cure as a leading force in alternative rock and laid the groundwork for their future success.
2. The Head On The Door (1985)
The Cure’s sixth studio album, “The Head on the Door,” was released in 1985. The band’s earlier albums were darker and more introspective; this album, however, offered a cheery and approachable pop-oriented sound.
Among the tracks are “In Between Days,” “Close to Me,” and “A Night Like This,” three of The Cure’s most well-known and lasting compositions. The album received praise for its memorable melodies and contagious choruses from critics and was a financial success, debuting at number seven on the UK album chart.
The Cure’s landmark album “The Head on the Door,” which shows off the group’s adaptability and capacity to change their sound while adhering to their artistic vision, is still a fan favorite.
3. Seventeen Seconds (1980)
The Cure’s second studio album, “Seventeen Seconds,” was released in 1980. The band’s music began to change with the release of this album, moving toward a post-punk style that was atmospheric, darker, and defined by sparse, thought-provoking lyrics.
It includes songs like “A Forest,” “Play for Today,” and “Secrets” that have become steadfast favorites among listeners. The Cure’s place as a significant band in the post-punk movement was cemented by the critical and economic success of “Seventeen Seconds.”
The album is still adored and influential among fans and reviewers alike due to its haunting and brooding sound, which would influence countless other bands in the years to come. The Cure’s distinctive sound and its capacity to write music that is both captivating and thoughtful are demonstrated by “Seventeen Seconds.”
4. Pornography (1982)
The Cure’s fourth studio album, “Pornography,” was released in 1982. The band’s battles with substance addiction and depression are said to have had an impact on the album’s gloomy and unsettling tone.
Songs like “The Hanging Garden,” “Siamese Twins,” and “One Hundred Years” are among those that best exhibit The Cure’s dark and melancholy tone. Although the album’s original reception was unfavorable, it has subsequently gained recognition as a ground-breaking and significant work in the gothic rock genre.
The band’s willingness to tackle complex subjects and emotions is evident in “Pornography,” a strong and difficult piece of work. Fans and critics alike still like the record, and its influence on alternative music cannot be emphasized.
5. Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me (1987)
The Cure’s seventh studio album, “Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me,” was released in 1987. The band’s more pop-oriented sound made a comeback with the album, which mixed bright, danceable songs with moodier, introspective ones.
It comprises a number of The Cure’s most well-known songs, including “Just Like Heaven,” “Catch,” and “Hot Hot Hot!!!,” as well as the lengthy “The Kiss,” which clocks in at ten minutes.
The Cure’s position as one of the largest alternative bands of the 1980s was cemented by the album’s commercial success, which saw it enter the top ten on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Cure’s album “Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me” is still a fan favorite and an important part of their record since it demonstrates their ability to mix their darker impulses with pop sensibility and their desire to try new things.
6. Bloodflowers (2000)
The Cure’s “Bloodflowers,” their eleventh studio album, was released in 2000. The album is renowned for its dark and contemplative tone and for the band’s return to its gothic rock beginnings.
The Cure’s distinctive style is on display in tracks like “Out of This World,” “Maybe Someday,” and the album’s title track “Bloodflowers,” which are at their most contemplative and melancholy.
Both critics and listeners praised the album, with many seeing it as the band’s “return to form” following a time of experimenting with various sounds and styles. A moving and potent composition, “Bloodflowers” explores themes of mortality, loss, and regret.
It serves as evidence of The Cure’s ongoing impact and its capacity to produce music that connects with listeners on a profound emotional level.
7. Disintegration (1989)
The Cure’s eighth studio album, “Disintegration,” was released in 1989. The record is hailed as an alternative music classic and one of the band’s greatest works. With layers of guitar, keyboard, and percussion, it has a rich and atmospheric sound that creates an ethereal and compelling auditory environment.
Along with the epic title track, “Disintegration,” the album has some of The Cure’s most well-known tracks, including “Lovesong,” “Pictures of You,” and “Fascination Street.”
The album received a lot of praise for its emotional depth, sonic experimentation, and composition and was a commercial and critical triumph, peaking in the top ten in both the UK and the US.
The Cure’s “Disintegration” album perfectly encapsulates their distinctive sound and artistic vision. Its influence on alternative music cannot be understated, and it continues to be a beloved and significant record among both fans and critics.
8. Wish (1992)
The Cure’s “Wish,” their ninth studio album, was released in 1992. With a blend of exuberant pop songs and deeper, introspective pieces, the album signaled a return to a more approachable and radio-friendly style.
Some of The Cure’s most well-known and enduring tracks, including “Friday I’m in Love,” “High,” and “A Letter to Elise,” are included in it. Other, more experimental songs on the album include the eerie and atmospheric “Open” and the lengthy, ten-minute “From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea.”
Commercially successful, “Wish” made it into the top ten in several nations and received a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. The Cure’s flexibility and capacity to write catchy, thought-provoking songs are demonstrated by the album.
The Cure’s landmark album “Wish,” which demonstrates the group’s enduring appeal and their capacity to advance while remaining faithful to their roots, is still a fan favorite and an important part of their legacy.
9. The Cure (2004)
The Cure’s “The Cure,” their twelfth studio album, was released in 2004. The band’s gothic rock roots were abandoned in favor of a simpler, more straightforward sound on the record.
The Cure’s talent for writing memorable hooks is on display in songs like “The End of the World,” “Taking Off,” and “Anniversary.” Additionally, the album contains more experimental songs like the atmospheric and ambient “Us or Them” and the melancholy and reflective “The Promise.”
Upon its debut, “The Cure” garnered a variety of reviews, some of which praised the album’s pop sensibility while others criticized it for being too safe and predictable. Fans, who value the album’s straightforward and unsophisticated approach to songwriting, have since developed a cult following.
The Cure’s latest album, “The Cure,” is a strong and pleasant work that shows how they can develop and adapt to new musical trends while maintaining the integrity of their distinctive sound.
10. 4:13 Dream (2008)
The Cure’s thirteenth studio album, “4:13 Dream,” was released in 2008. The songs on the album are a mixture of cheerful and spirited songs like “The Only One” and “Freakshow” and slower, more reflective songs like “Underneath the Stars” and “Sleep When I’m Dead.”
The second half of the record, which was initially going to be a double CD called “4:26 Dream,” was never finished. When “4:13 Dream” was released, critics had conflicting feelings about it; some praised the album’s variety and vigor, while others thought it was uneven and uncoordinated.
Despite this, the album has subsequently amassed a devoted following of listeners who value its memorable melodies and profundity of feeling.
The Cure’s continuing appeal and its capacity to write music that is both approachable and thought-provoking are demonstrated by “4:13 Dream.” Although it might not be The Cure’s best album, it nevertheless has its share of brilliant moments and is a significant addition to their discography.