The Cure cover

Released 22 years ago this June

The Cure

The Cure · 2004

59 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · post-punk

A reflective blend of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate melodies, underscored by Robert Smith's distinctive voice.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for reflective moments
  • gradual resolution through immersive tracks
  • atmospheric soundscapes for introspection
  • consistent flow during late-night listening

Maybe skip if you want

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows the band's continued vitality after a four-year hiatus.
Themes
lost love reflections· introspective resilience· expansive soundscapes
Career context
Released on June 29, 2004, 'The Cure' is the band's thirteenth studio album and marks a return after a four-year hiatus following 'Bloodflowers' (2000). At this point in their career, The Cure was navigating a resurgence in interest, particularly within the alternative rock scene, as they continued to evolve their sound while maintaining their signature melancholic style.
If this clicks, go next to
4:13 Dream — Continues the atmospheric soundscapes with a modern twist, enhancing the reflective mood.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Hail to the Thief by Radiohead — Shares a similar atmospheric sound and introspective themes of uncertainty and resilience.
Antics by Interpol — Features intricate melodies and a reflective mood, echoing themes of lost love and emotional depth.
Alligator by The National — Combines expansive soundscapes with lyrical introspection, capturing a similar melancholic vibe.
New to The Cure? Find your way in →

Tracklist

New here? Start with "Lost".

  • 1 Lost Start here 4:07
  • 2 Labyrinth 5:14
  • 3 Before Three 4:40
  • 4 Truth Goodness and Beauty 4:19
  • 5 The End of the World 3:43
  • 6 Anniversary 4:22
  • 7 Us or Them 4:09
  • 8 alt.end 4:30
  • 9 (I Don't Know What's Going) On 2:57
  • 10 Taking Off 3:19
  • 11 Never 4:04
  • 12 The Promise 10:21
  • 13 Going Nowhere 3:27

What to play next

This album is considered a Late Career Highlight in The Cure's catalog. Shows the band's continued vitality after a four-year hiatus.

4:13 Dream
Listen next

4:13 Dream

2008

Continues the atmospheric soundscapes with a modern twist, enhancing the reflective mood.
Bloodflowers
Go back to

Bloodflowers

2000

Sets a similar introspective tone and emotional depth leading into The Cure.
Full The Cure discography Where to start with The Cure Artists like The Cure
alternative rock new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata