Robert Smith is one of the most iconic and influential figures in alternative music, known for his haunting vocals, introspective lyrics, and signature style. As the frontman of the legendary British band The Cure, Smith has been a major force in shaping the sound and style of alternative rock over the past several decades. His distinctive sound, which blends elements of post-punk, new wave, and gothic rock, has inspired countless artists and fans around the world.
Over the course of his illustrious career, Smith has released countless classic songs that have become staples of the alternative music canon. From moody ballads to upbeat pop anthems, Smith’s songs are known for their emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and unforgettable melodies.
In this list of the 10 best Robert Smith songs of all time, we will explore some of the most beloved and enduring songs from his extensive discography. From early classics like “A Forest” and “Boys Don’t Cry” to more recent hits like “Friday I’m In Love” and “Lovesong,” these songs represent the best of Robert Smith’s artistry and creativity. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Cure or just discovering Smith’s music for the first time, this list is sure to provide a rich and rewarding listening experience.
1. “Disintegration”
“Disintegration” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1989 as the title track of the band’s eighth studio album.
The song features Smith’s signature moody vocals, with a slow and atmospheric melody that perfectly complements the dark and introspective lyrics. The song deals with themes of loss, isolation, and decay, and its haunting sound has made it a fan favorite and enduring classic in The Cure’s discography. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “I never said I would stay to the end, I knew I would leave you with your heart in your hand,” which has become one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant lines in alternative music history.
2. “Close to Me”
“Close to Me” is a classic song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1985 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s distinctive vocals, with a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm that perfectly complements the playful lyrics. The song tells the story of a person who is struggling with feelings of loneliness and isolation, longing to be close to someone special. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “Just try to see in the dark, just try to make it work, to feel the fear before you’re here,” which has become one of the most memorable lines in alternative music history.
3. “Fascination Street”
“Fascination Street” is a classic song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1989 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature moody vocals, with a driving bassline and a catchy guitar riff that perfectly complement the dark and atmospheric lyrics. The song deals with themes of desire, addiction, and obsession, and its driving sound has made it a fan favorite and enduring classic in The Cure’s discography. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “It’s just the way I smile, let me know you’re mine for a while,” which has become one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant lines in alternative music history.
4. “The Lovecats”
“The Lovecats” is a quirky and playful song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1983 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s distinctive vocals, with a catchy melody and upbeat rhythm that perfectly complement the whimsical and lighthearted lyrics. The song tells the story of two cats who are in love, and their playful and mischievous adventures. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “We move like cagey tigers, we couldn’t get closer than this,” which has become one of the most memorable and endearing lines in alternative music history.
5. “In Between Days”
“In Between Days” is a classic song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1985 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature moody vocals, with a catchy guitar riff and a bouncy rhythm that perfectly complement the optimistic and upbeat lyrics. The song tells the story of a person who is caught in between moments of happiness and despair, struggling to find a sense of stability and balance in their life. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “Yesterday I got so old, I felt like I could die, yesterday I got so old, it made me want to cry,” which has become one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant lines in alternative music history.
6. “A Forest”
“A Forest” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1980 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most beloved and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature moody vocals, with a slow and atmospheric melody that perfectly complement the dark and introspective lyrics. The song deals with themes of loss, confusion, and isolation, and its haunting sound has made it a fan favorite and enduring classic in The Cure’s discography. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “Lost in a forest, all alone, the girl was never found,” which has become one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant lines in alternative music history.
7. “Friday I’m In Love”
“Friday I’m In Love” is a upbeat and catchy song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1992 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature vocals, with a joyful melody and upbeat rhythm that perfectly complement the optimistic and playful lyrics. The song tells the story of a person who looks forward to Fridays, the end of the work week, and the feeling of falling in love. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “I don’t care if Monday’s blue, Tuesday’s gray and Wednesday too, Thursday, I don’t care about you, it’s Friday, I’m in love,” which has become one of the most memorable and beloved lines in alternative music history.
8. “Pictures of You”
“Pictures of You” is a hauntingly beautiful and emotional song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1989 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most beloved and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature moody vocals, with a slow and atmospheric melody that perfectly complements the nostalgic and melancholy lyrics. The song tells the story of a person who is haunted by memories of a lost love, and their longing to recapture the happiness they once shared. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “If only I’d thought of the right words, I could have held onto your heart, if only I’d thought of the right words, I wouldn’t be breaking apart,” which has become one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant lines in alternative music history.
9. “Lovesong”
“Lovesong” is a romantic and sentimental song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1989 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most beloved and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature vocals, with a slow and melodic melody that perfectly complements the heartfelt and romantic lyrics. The song tells the story of a person who is deeply in love and grateful for the love and devotion they have received from their partner. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “However far away, I will always love you, however long I stay, I will always love you,” which has become one of the most memorable and emotionally resonant lines in alternative music history.
10. “Just Like Heaven”
“Just Like Heaven” is an upbeat and joyful song by Robert Smith, the frontman of the iconic British band The Cure. The song was released in 1987 and quickly became one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring hits.
The song features Smith’s signature vocals, with a catchy and upbeat melody that perfectly complements the optimistic and romantic lyrics. The song tells the story of a person who is falling deeply in love and experiencing a blissful, almost dreamlike state. The chorus features the unforgettable line, “You, soft and only, you, lost and lonely, you, strange as angels, dancing in the deepest oceans,” which has become one of the most memorable and beloved lines in alternative music history.