Three Imaginary Boys cover

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.

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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • youthful angst and raw energy
  • dynamic flow with varied intensity
  • short bursts of expression
  • wave-like pacing for engagement
  • live versions enhance connection

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer polished studio productions
  • seek lengthy, cohesive narratives

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established The Cure's sound and reputation in the post-punk movement.
Themes
youthful disillusionment· urban isolation· societal expectations
Career 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.
If this clicks, go next to
Boys Don't Cry — Continues the energetic post-punk sound with similar themes of youth and angst.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
Unknown Pleasures by Joy Division — Explores urban isolation and youthful angst with a similarly raw post-punk sound and dark, atmospheric production.
Hymns for a Dark Horse by Bowerbirds — Shares themes of disillusionment and introspection, with a blend of raw instrumentation and haunting melodies.
The Scream by Siouxsie and the Banshees — Combines gothic influences and post-punk energy, capturing similar feelings of youthful rebellion and existential angst.
New to The Cure? Find your way in →

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 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 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

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in The Cure's catalog. Debut album that established The Cure's sound and reputation in the post-punk movement.

Boys Don't Cry
Listen next

Boys Don't Cry

1980

Continues the energetic post-punk sound with similar themes of youth and angst.
Bestival Live 2011
Go back to

Bestival Live 2011
Full The Cure discography Where to start with The Cure Artists like The Cure
alternative rock new wave post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata