Three Imaginary Boys
The Cure · 1979
99 min · 33 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · post-punk
A raw and energetic blend of post-punk rhythms and gothic undertones, infused with youthful angst.
Why this album works
The album was well-received in the UK, peaking at number 44 on the charts, and is often credited with establishing The Cure as pioneers of the gothic rock genre. Its influence is evident in the later development of alternative rock and new wave music, impacting a generation of artists who followed.
- Best for
- youthful angst and raw energy dynamic flow with varied intensity short bursts of expression
- Context
- Released on May 8, 1979, 'Three Imaginary Boys' marked The Cure's debut album, introducing their distinct sound during the early days of the post-punk movement. At this point in their career, the band was still finding its identity, experimenting with darker themes and textures that would define their future work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Radiohead· Robbie Williams· Muse· Duran Duran· Manic Street Preachers· Bryan Adams· Depeche Mode· David Bowie
- If this clicks, go next to
- Boys Don't Cry — Continues the energetic post-punk sound with similar themes of youth and angst.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "10:15 Saturday Night".
Disc 1
- 1 10:15 Saturday Night Start here 3:42
- 2 Accuracy 2:17
- 3 Grinding Halt Standout 2:49
- 4 Another Day 3:44
- 5 Object 3:03
- 6 Subway Song 2:00
- 7 Foxy Lady 2:29
- 8 Meathook 2:17
- 9 So What 2:39
- 10 Fire in Cairo 3:23
- 11 It’s Not You 2:51
- 12 Three Imaginary Boys 3:32
- 13 The Weedy Burton 0:53
Disc 2
- 1 I Want to Be Old (studio demo) 2:36
- 2 I’m Cold (studio demo) 3:21
- 3 Heroin Face (live) 2:40
- 4 I Just Need Myself (studio demo) 2:14
- 5 10:15 Saturday Night (home demo) 4:36
- 6 The Cocktail Party (home demo) 4:17
- 7 Grinding Halt (home demo) 3:31
- 8 Boys Don’t Cry (studio demo) 2:45
- 9 It’s Not You (studio demo) 3:16
- 10 10:15 Saturday Night (studio demo) 3:41
- 11 Fire in Cairo (studio demo) 3:42
- 12 Winter (studio out-take) 3:46
- 13 Faded Smiles aka I Don’t Know (studio out-take) 2:16
- 14 Play With Me (studio out-take) 3:30
- 15 World War 2:38
- 16 Boys Don’t Cry Standout 2:37
- 17 Jumping Someone Else’s Train 2:59
- 18 Subway Song (live) 2:27
- 19 Accuracy (live) 2:36
- 20 10:15 Saturday Night (live) 4:38
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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