Boys Don't Cry cover

Boys Don't Cry

The Cure · 1979

4 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant blend of post-punk energy and melodic pop sensibility, marked by introspective lyrics and an infectious rhythm.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Boys Don’t Cry — The title track encapsulates the band's signature sound, combining catchy melodies with poignant lyrics about vulnerability and societal expectations.
  • →
    Plastic Passion — This B-side demonstrates the band’s early experimentation with sound and themes, reflecting a youthful disillusionment that complements their evolving identity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

48 /100
Foothills
Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album showcases early post-punk elements with a mix of catchy melodies and introspective lyrics, establishing The Cure's distinct sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong pop sensibility in 'Boys Don’t Cry', then shifts to darker themes in tracks like 'Killing an Arab' and 'Subway Song'.
  • Most tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo beat, but 'Jumping Someone Else’s Train' introduces a faster pace that contrasts with the surrounding songs.
  • The lyrics often reflect themes of alienation and introspection, particularly in tracks like '10:15 Saturday Night' and 'Accuracy'.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — 'Boys Don't Cry' established The Cure's presence in the post-punk scene and gained critical acclaim.
Themes
1970s British youth· emotional repression
Career context
Released as The Cure's second single in 1979, following their debut album 'Three Imaginary Boys', 'Boys Don't Cry' solidified the band's presence in the post-punk scene. At this point in their career, they were beginning to experiment with a more accessible sound while maintaining their edgy aesthetic.
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Boys Don’t Cry 2:34
  • 2 Plastic Passion 2:15

What to play next

Seventeen Seconds
Listen next

Seventeen Seconds

1980

Continues the post-punk vibe with deeper introspection and atmospheric soundscapes.
Three Imaginary Boys
Go back to

Three Imaginary Boys

1979

Sets the stage with a similar energetic blend of pop and punk influences.
Full The Cure discography Where to start with The Cure Artists like The Cure
alternative rock new wave post-punk

If this landed

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Offers jangly guitars and melancholic themes, with an atmospheric new wave charm.

The Smiths

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Explores emotional repression through jangly guitar melodies and poignant lyricism, capturing youth angst.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata