What makes Lullaby by The Cure notable?

The track 'Lullaby' became one of The Cure's most recognizable songs, peaking at number five on the UK Singles Chart. Its popularity helped to further cement the band's influence in the alternative and gothic rock scenes during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Released on April 10, 1989, 'Lullaby' marked The Cure's return to the music scene following their acclaimed album 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me'. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with more accessible sounds while maintaining their signature gothic aesthetic, solidifying their place in the alternative rock landscape.

How many songs are on Lullaby?

Lullaby has 4 tracks, running approximately 19 minutes.

Lullaby

The Cure · 1989

19 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

Darkly atmospheric pop intertwines hypnotic rhythms with haunting vocals, creating a dreamlike landscape of sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lullaby (remix) — This remix emphasizes the song's eerie ambiance and showcases Robert Smith's haunting vocal delivery, making it a standout in their catalog.
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Babble — An exploration of disorienting soundscapes, 'Babble' captures the album's thematic essence of confusion and introspection through its layered instrumentation.
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Out of Mind — This track illustrates The Cure's ability to blend melodic pop sensibilities with darker lyrical themes, reflecting a pivotal moment in their evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The record showcases strong atmospheric writing and production, though its cohesion is affected by the mix of remixes and original tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent, repetitive bassline that drives the song while layered synths create a dense atmospheric backdrop.
The remix of 'Lullaby' emphasizes rhythmic elements, adding a danceable quality that contrasts with the original's haunting tone.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Lullaby' solidified The Cure's influence in alternative music and gained significant chart success.
Themes: hypnotic nightmares· gothic atmospheres· dark pop elegance
Career context: Released on April 10, 1989, 'Lullaby' marked The Cure's return to the music scene following their acclaimed album 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me'. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with more accessible sounds while maintaining their signature gothic aesthetic, solidifying their place in the alternative rock landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Siouxsie and the Banshees· Joy Division· The Sisters of Mercy