What makes Cure for Pain by Morphine notable?

'Cure for Pain' received significant critical acclaim, with publications like Rolling Stone praising its innovative sound. The album helped establish Morphine as key figures in the burgeoning alternative rock scene of the early 90s, influencing countless artists with its genre-blurring style. Released on September 14, 1993, 'Cure for Pain' is Morphine's second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut 'Good'. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique sound, characterized by the distinctive use of baritone saxophone and minimalist instrumentation, which would define their artistic identity.

How many songs are on Cure for Pain?

Cure for Pain has 13 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Cure for Pain

Morphine · 1993

37 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock

A sultry blend of jazz-infused alternative rock featuring hypnotic basslines and whispered vocals that evoke a smoky, intimate atmosphere.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Buena — This track showcases Morphine's signature sound with its infectious groove and captivating saxophone melodies, embodying the album's unique blend of rock and jazz.
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Candy — With its seductive lyrics and sultry rhythm, 'Candy' encapsulates the band's ability to create an intimate atmosphere while exploring themes of desire and longing.
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Cure for Pain — The title track delivers a hauntingly beautiful reflection on pain and healing, highlighted by its poignant instrumentation and evocative lyrical depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Morphine's unique blend of jazz and alternative rock creates an intimate sound that stands out in the early '90s scene.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of a two-string bass and drums, creating a minimalist yet hypnotic groove throughout.
Vocals are often delivered in a whisper, blending with the instrumentation rather than standing out as a focal point.
Several tracks incorporate jazz elements, such as syncopated rhythms and improvisational sections, enhancing the album's sultry atmosphere.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Dawna 0:44
2 Buena 3:19
3 I'm Free Now 3:24
4 All Wrong 3:40
5 Candy 3:14
6 A Head With Wings 3:39
7 In Spite of Me 2:34
8 Thursday 3:26
9 Cure for Pain 3:13
10 Mary Won't You Call My Name? 2:29
11 Let's Take a Trip Together 2:59
12 Sheila 2:49
13 Miles Davis' Funeral 1:41

What to play next

Listen next

Yes

1995

Go back to

Good

1992

Full Morphine discography Artists like Morphine

alternative rock blues rock jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata