The Cure is an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex in 1978. Known for their unique blend of post-punk and new wave, the band has been highly influential in shaping the sound of alternative rock. Over the course of their career, they have released numerous albums and singles, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
The band is led by vocalist Robert Smith, who is known for his distinctive voice and signature look of black clothing and wild hair. The Cure’s music is characterized by a moody, atmospheric sound, featuring intricate guitar work and introspective lyrics.
In this list of the 10 best The Cure songs of all time, we’ll explore some of the band’s most iconic tracks, from their early post-punk days to their more pop-oriented hits of the ’80s and ’90s.
1. Just Like Heaven
“Just Like Heaven” is a classic alternative rock song by English band The Cure. Released in 1987, it features catchy guitar riffs, upbeat rhythm, and Robert Smith’s dreamy vocals. The song is known for its romantic lyrics and cheerful melody, which creates a sense of euphoria and joy. It’s considered one of The Cure’s most popular and recognizable tracks, and has been covered by numerous artists.
2. Boys Don’t Cry
“Boys Don’t Cry” is a timeless classic and one of The Cure’s most recognizable hits. It’s a pop-punk track that exudes raw energy and youthful exuberance, with Robert Smith’s passionate vocals leading the charge. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious melody make it a favorite among fans, while the lyrics explore the pain of unrequited love and societal pressures to suppress emotions.
3. Lovesong
“Lovesong” is a classic hit by the English rock band The Cure, released in 1989. It is a romantic and melancholic song, with a slow tempo and a simple yet beautiful melody. The song is characterized by Robert Smith’s haunting vocals and the prominent use of an electric keyboard. The lyrics express a deep and enduring love for someone, with lines such as “However far away, I will always love you,” and “You make me feel like I am free again.”
4. Friday I’m In Love
“Friday I’m in Love” is a popular song by the English rock band The Cure, released in 1992 as the second single from their ninth studio album, “Wish”. The song has a bright and upbeat melody, and is known for its catchy chorus and whimsical lyrics about the joy and anticipation of the end of the week. The song features a distinctive guitar riff, as well as keyboards, drums, and bass that all contribute to its lively and danceable sound.
5. Pictures of You
“Pictures of You” is a dreamy and atmospheric track from The Cure’s 1989 album “Disintegration”. The song features lush instrumentation, including a prominent use of keyboards and guitars. Lead singer Robert Smith’s emotive vocals shine through, as he sings about longing and nostalgia. The lyrics evoke vivid imagery, as Smith sings about looking at old photographs of a past lover and feeling the pain of the memories.
6. Lullaby
“Lullaby” is a hit song by British rock band The Cure, released in 1989 as a single from their album “Disintegration”. The song is known for its creepy and haunting melody, as well as its disturbing lyrics that tell the story of a spider-man who lures the singer into his web and whispers dark secrets to him. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with lead singer Robert Smith repeatedly singing “la la la” in an eerie, childlike voice.
7. Fascination Street
“Fascination Street” is a song by the English rock band The Cure. Released in 1989, it was the lead single from their album “Disintegration”. The song features a distinctive bassline, atmospheric synthesizer, and frontman Robert Smith’s signature gloomy vocals. The lyrics describe a sense of detachment and alienation, with Smith singing about a desire for escape from the mundane realities of everyday life.
8. A Forest
“A Forest” is a haunting and hypnotic post-punk classic by The Cure. It features a memorable bassline and atmospheric guitar work that creates a sense of eerie tension. Robert Smith’s vocals are both ethereal and urgent as he sings about feeling lost and alone in a dark forest. The song’s minimalist arrangement allows for the brooding lyrics and hypnotic melody to take center stage, and the overall effect is both mesmerizing and unsettling.
9. Close To Me
“Close To Me” is a classic hit by British rock band The Cure. Released in 1985, the song has become one of the band’s most popular tracks, and is known for its catchy pop melody, upbeat rhythm, and surreal lyrics. The song features lead singer Robert Smith’s distinctive vocals, and is driven by a prominent bassline and a variety of other instruments including keyboards, guitar, and percussion.
10. The Lovecats
“The Lovecats” is a playful and upbeat song by The Cure that blends new wave, pop, and jazz influences. Released in 1983, the song features a catchy bassline, whimsical lyrics, and a jazzy saxophone solo. The song was a commercial success and became one of the band’s most popular tracks, with its quirky and lighthearted tone setting it apart from some of their more introspective and moody songs. “The Lovecats” has since become a beloved classic, often cited as one of the band’s most memorable and infectious tunes.