What is the best The Cure album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" (1987). It's the most representative of what makes The Cure worth hearing.

What are the best The Cure albums?

The essential The Cure albums include "Bestival Live 2011", "Three Imaginary Boys" (1979), "Boys Don't Cry" (1980), "Faith" (1981) and "Japanese Whispers" (1983).

How many albums does The Cure have?

The Cure has 86 releases in their discography, including 33 albums and 6 EPs.

Photo: momento mori from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia · CC BY 2.0

The Cure

Q: Who is The Cure for?

If you're into alternative rock and new wave, The Cure is worth your time. Propelled by steady grooves and layered textures, The Cure's music builds tension while embracing spaciousness, allowing emotions to resonate within each carefully crafted moment.

Propelled by steady grooves and layered textures, The Cure's music builds tension while embracing spaciousness, allowing emotions to resonate within each carefully crafted moment.

alternative rock · gothic rock · new wave · post-punk

United Kingdom Est. 1976

Read about The Cure on Bookshop

Start here

The album

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me album by The Cure

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)

Offers a diverse mix of styles that capture The Cure's essence, showcasing their range within a cohesive listening experience.

The song

“Just Like Heaven”

An engaging track with a memorable melody that encapsulates The Cure's sound, making it a strong standalone introduction.

See the full guide

About The Cure

The Cure occupies a significant space in the musical landscape, acting as a bridge for emotional vulnerability and stylistic exploration within alternative rock.

Their ability to navigate themes of love, loss, and existential introspection has resonated deeply, creating an enduring connection with listeners who find solace in their raw honesty and melodic invention. The band's influence is palpable; they have paved the way for countless artists to embrace authenticity over polish, redefining what it means to be both introspective and widely impactful. At the core of The Cure's approach is a willingness to blend haunting melodies with innovative soundscapes, often layering textures that can evoke both melancholy and euphoria. This sonic experimentation allows them to craft immersive experiences, where each song feels like a journey through complex emotional terrains. Their use of atmosphere not only enhances their lyrical narratives but also sets a precedent for future bands looking to explore similar depths. Lyrically, The Cure often delves into themes of alienation and yearning, employing a tone that balances sincerity with moments of irony. Their storytelling tends to weave impressionistic snapshots rather than straightforward narratives, inviting listeners to project their own experiences onto the music. This reflective quality encourages an intimate dialogue between the artist and the audience, fostering deeper connections.

33 studio albums· 86 total releases· 4 decades· United Kingdom

Full discography

The Cure's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

86 releases • 33 albums • 6 EPS • 1978–2025

Type:

Studio albums ()

Experimental

EPs ()

Live ()

Concert: The Cure Live

1984

Fan Favorite

Bestival Live 2011

Compilations ()

Songs of a Live World: Troxy London MMXXIV album by The Cure

Singles (47)

Grouped by decade — 5 eras.

2000s ()

1990s ()

1980s ()

1970s ()

Jumping Someone Else's Train album by The Cure

Undated ()

Hello I Love You

No releases match the current filters.

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"The Kiss" — from Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Lullaby (extended mix)" — from Mixed Up (1990)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Underneath the Stars" — from 4:13 Dream (2008)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"Alone" — from Songs of a Lost World (2024)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"I Can Never Say Goodbye (Paul Oakenfold ‘Cinematic’ remix)" — from Mixes of a Lost World (2025)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"10:15 Saturday Night" — from Three Imaginary Boys (1979)

accessible entry with immediate hook

Continue your journey

If you liked The Cure, start with Siouxsie and the Banshees

A guided entry point we think you'll like.

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Reference

Official site Wikipedia MusicBrainz Wikidata

The Cure

About The Cure

Full discography

Studio albums ()

Mixes of a Lost World

Torn Down – Mixed Up Extras 2018

4:13 Dream

4Play

The Cure

Join the Dots - B-Sides & Rarities 1978-2001 - The Fiction Years

Bloodflowers

Galore

Wild Mood Swings

Paris

Show

Wish

Entreat

Assemblage

Mixed Up

Integration

Disintegration

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

Standing on a Beach

The Head on the Door

The Top

Japanese Whispers

Pornography

Faith

Happily Ever After

Seventeen Seconds

Boys Don't Cry

Three Imaginary Boys

EPs ()

Hypnagogic States EP

From Festival 2005 (Live Audio Version)

Five Swing Live

Lost Wishes

Sideshow

The Peel Sessions

Live ()

Concert: The Cure Live

Bestival Live 2011

Compilations ()

Songs of a Live World: Troxy London MMXXIV

Songs of a Lost World

The Cure - Greatest Hits

Singles (47)

2000s ()

The Perfect Boy

Sleep When I'm Dead

Freakshow

The Only One

alt.end

The End of the World

Taking Off

Cut Here

Just Say Yes

Maybe Someday

Out of This World

1990s ()

Wrong Number

Gone!

Strange Attraction

Mint Car

The 13th

A Letter to Elise

Friday I'm in Love

High

Never Enough

Pictures of You

1980s ()

Lovesong

Fascination Street

Lullaby

Hot Hot Hot!!!

Just Like Heaven

Catch

Why Can't I Be You?

Boys Don't Cry

Close to Me