Lately, I can’t stop listening to The Cure’s album Disintegration. Released in 1989, this collection of songs is considered some of the band’s best, and both the album and the band remain classics to this day.
It’s difficult to pinpoint The Cure’s genre of music. Under the broad alternative rock label, the band flourished as post-punk, gothic rock, even stadium rock. Groups such as The Killers, Interpol, and My Chemical Romance are among those who point to lead singer Robert Smith and the rest of The Cure as their biggest influences.
In my opinion, those bands (as well as modern-day “gothic” junk) just can’t match the impact and music of The Cure. After all, the group spawned a new musical genre and impacted many bands through their work.
Disintegration is a wonderful album, done right from the beginning to the end. The songs are dark and brooding, but also beautifully layered and very calming. Drums and the bass guitar figure prominently in many of the intros, and sweeping synthesizers take the songs to another dimension.
Lyrics touch up on some depressing subjects, but work well because they address universal fears and uncertainties. Robert Smith’s singing is one in a million. There are probably a lot of imitators, but I don’t think anyone can match the emotion and delivery of his voice. It’s hard to describe – you’ll have to hear it yourself to really understand.
My favorite tracks include “Pictures of You,” “Lovesong,” “Lullaby,” and “Fascination Street.”
I’d recommend giving this album a shot – I find it perfect music to play late at night. It’s just so calming and fits the mood.
Here’s a video of The Cure’s “Pictures of You”:
Disintegrate at randomtidbitsofthought.wordpress.com.
