Track Listing
1. Lost
2. Labyrinth
3. Before Three
4. Truth Goodness and Beauty
5. End Of The World
6. Anniversary
7. Us Or Them
8. Alt End
9. I Don't Know What's Going On
10. Taking Off
11. Never
12. Promise
13. Going Nowhere
| Details | | Number of CDs: | 1 | | Recording Type: | Studio | | Distributor: | Universal Music | | Recording Mode: | Stereo |
Album Notes
Although rumors of the Cure's demise circulated after 2000's BLOODFLOWERS, and even frontman Robert Smith claimed the group was finished on numerous occasions, the revered post-punk band remained united, and released this self-titled album in 2004. Expertly timed to follow the excellent JOIN THE DOTS rarities box set and ride a wave of adoration from hip, younger bands, THE CURE marks a new chapter for the goth-rockers, while incorporating many of the quartet's key sonic elements.Though Smith doesn't seem inclined to write lighter pop ditties on par with "The Lovecats" or "Let's Go to Bed," he's still happy to pen gloomy, distortion-filled rock songs and atmospheric mood pieces. Marked by tinges of Middle-Eastern music, the slowly building "Labyrinth" hearkens back to the band's gloriously bleak 1982 album, PORNOGRAPHY. Co-producer Ross Robinson (Korn, Slipknot) makes his presence known by amping up the guitars, most notably on the reverb-heavy "Before Three," the fierce "Us or Them," and the epic closer "The Promise." Of course, Smith can't resist the occasional upbeat melody, particularly on the dynamic single "The End of the World" and the buoyant, keyboard-driven "Taking Off." Twenty-five years after the group's first album, THE CURE sees Smith and his bandmates in fine form and ready to win over another generation of fans.
Editorial Reviews
4 stars out of 5 - The Cure are on a roll these days, and the new album is their most adventurous and passionate since DISINTEGRATION.Rolling Stone (p.142) - Included in Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records Of 2004 - [Smith] turns up the guitars and wails in the sumptuous bathos of gems...Spin (p.103) - [T]hey rock like the hair-raising live band they've become since the current lineup stabilized nine years ago. - Grade: BEntertainment Weekly (p.86) - [N]ewly vibrant music....The Cure have a few stomps left in them. - Grade: BQ (p.107) - 3 stars out of 5 - The opening tracks are highlights of their recent career...Mojo (p.87) - 3 stars out of 5 - [H]e's bought a harmonium. It's used to spellbinding effect....Once in a while the old JoJo returns to surprise us.Uncut (p.90) - 4 stars out of 5 - The freshness of Smith's songwriting, combined with Robinson's intense production techniques, make THE CURE an invigorating and occasionally breathtaking experience.Uncut (p.76) - Ranked #47 in Uncut's Best New Albums of 2004 - [I]t's anguished and raw, with distorted guitars squalling around Smith's howls of discontent.
Rolling Stone
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