BBC - collective - the cure

reviews / member album review

content by: member

the cure - the cure
by: dandyboy 23 july 04

rating:

return to form a meaningful phrase again!

I really had my doubts about this one.... tales the cure were recording with ross robinson, he of many nu metal types, claims it was going to be a very varied affair (cure fans may remember the debacle that was wild mood swings), robert smith announcing that if you didn't like this album then you didn't like them, all sounded like a band on their last legs trying to create some hype. first listens to the end of the world (first single) didn't bode well either, another slice of 2nd division cure-pop which we've become accustomed to since 1992's wish.
But (you knew this was coming, didn't you?) i was astounded! opening track lost has a smith howl the like of which hasn't been heard since kiss me's darker moments or disintegration. the key is smith sounds BOTHERED again, like he means it (man!) The last few cure albums (though not without 1 or 2 good songs on) have suffered from over-production and a nagging feeling of indifference.
It gets better... Labyrinth is a dense slice with exotic twists, anniversary the most atmospheric thing they've wrote since 'same deep water...' from disintegration. us or them has smith sounding his angriest since kiss me's shiver and shake, and going nowhere is a beautiful sign off, a simple love song to complete an hour of many mixed emotions.
Maybe not an album that will pull in too many new fans (despite the fact they seem to be feted everywhere at the moment), but definitely one which pulled this old fan well and truely back into the fold.

send to a friend

conversations

Read members' comments.

If you register you can discuss this article with other users.

related info

useful links

note: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

see also

archive

more reviews by this member

browse the music back catalogue

books

books and comics archive
Author interviews and reviews from 2002 to 2008.

art

art archive
Watch artist interviews and see images from British exhibitions.

	BBC Homepage
front page music film art books games archive community about collective help and faq's newsletter Receive our weekly email roundups. sign up

	Contact Us Like this page? Send it to a friend!