Feature Photo: Mr. Rossi, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The Cure originated in Crawley, West Sussex, England, formed by Robert Smith and schoolmates in 1978. Initially called Easy Cure, the band quickly streamlined their name and began their journey toward becoming pioneers of alternative rock. Smith’s distinctive vocals, introspective lyricism, and innovative approach rapidly established The Cure as influential figures within the post-punk and gothic rock movements.
Their debut album, “Three Imaginary Boys” (1979), garnered critical attention, setting the stage for the band’s evolving sound. Early singles such as “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Jumping Someone Else’s Train” showcased their unique blend of melodic hooks and melancholic themes, quickly winning a devoted following. Throughout their career, The Cure released 13 studio albums, continuously reshaping their musical style, experimenting with gloomy, atmospheric compositions as well as upbeat pop melodies.
One of their breakthrough albums, “Pornography” (1982), significantly deepened their gothic credentials with darker, more emotionally intense tracks. However, their commercial peak came in the late ’80s and early ’90s with albums like “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me” (1987) and “Disintegration” (1989), both achieving substantial international success. “Disintegration” particularly became iconic, featuring hits such as “Lovesong,” “Pictures of You,” and “Lullaby,” cementing the band’s global status and marking a creative pinnacle.
Their success continued into the early 1990s with the release of “Wish” (1992), which produced their highest-charting single in the U.S., “Friday I’m in Love.” This track became an enduring favorite, demonstrating the band’s remarkable ability to craft accessible pop songs while maintaining emotional depth and authenticity. “Wish” reached number one on the UK album charts, solidifying their commercial standing.
The Cure’s extensive career has earned numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019, a testament to their profound influence on alternative music. They have sold over 30 million albums worldwide, reflecting their widespread and enduring appeal. Their music’s emotional honesty, coupled with Smith’s charismatic presence, has cultivated a loyal, passionate fanbase, making them beloved and revered by generations of music enthusiasts.
Outside of their extensive discography, The Cure has actively supported several charitable causes. They have notably participated in benefit concerts such as Live 8 in 2005, aimed at combating poverty and promoting social justice globally. Additionally, they have contributed to the Teenage Cancer Trust, performing at fundraising events to support young people facing cancer. Their philanthropic endeavors further exemplify their dedication to making a positive impact beyond music.
Complete List Of The Cure Songs From A to Z
10:15 Saturday Night – Three Imaginary Boys – 1979
10:15 Saturday Night (Chestnut studio demo, May 1978) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
10:15 Saturday Night (live in Nottingham, October 1979) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
10:15 Saturday Night (Robert Smith home demo, February 1978) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
(I Don’t Know What’s Going) On – The Cure – 2004
2 Late (alternate version) – Disintegration (Deluxe Edition) – 1989
39 – Bloodflowers – 2000
A Few Hours After This… – The Head on the Door (Deluxe Edition) – 1985
A Foolish Arrangement – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
A Fragile Thing – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
A Forest – Seventeen Seconds – 1980
A Forest (live in France, June 1980) – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition) – 1980
A Hand Inside My Mouth – The Top (Deluxe Edition) – 1984
A Letter to Elise – Wish – 1992
A Letter to Elise (1990 Demo, aka “Cut”) – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
A Letter to Elise (Blue Mix) – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
A Man Inside My Mouth – The Head on the Door (Deluxe Edition) – 1985
A Night Like This – The Head on the Door – 1985
A Night Like This (Fitz/F2 Studios Demo 2/85) – The Head on the Door (Deluxe Edition) – 1985
A Normal Story – Faith (Deluxe Edition) – 1981
A Reflection – Seventeen Seconds – 1980
A Reflection (live in France, June 1980) – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition) – 1980
A Short Term Effect – Pornography – 1982
A Short Term Effect (Live in Brussels 6/82) – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
A Strange Day – Pornography – 1982
A Strange Day (Live at Hammersmith Odeon 5/82) – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
A Thousand Hours – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me – 1987
A Thousand Hours (Miraval Studio Guide Vocal/Rough Mix 10/86) – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Deluxe Edition) – 1987
A Wendy Band – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
Abetabw – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
Accuracy – Three Imaginary Boys – 1979
Accuracy (live in Nottingham, October 1979) – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
Airlock: The Soundtrack – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
All Cats Are Grey – Faith – 1981
All Cats Are Grey (live “somewhere”, “Summer 1981”) – Faith (Deluxe Edition) – 1981
All I Ever Am – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
All I Want – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me – 1987
All I Want (Beethoven St. Studio Demo 6/86) – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Deluxe Edition) – 1987
All Mine (Live at Hammersmith Odeon 5/82) – Pornography (Deluxe Edition) – 1982
Alone – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
alt.end – The Cure – 2004
And Nothing Is Forever – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
Anniversary – The Cure – 2004
Another Day – Three Imaginary Boys – 1979
Another Journey by Train (AKA 44F) – Seventeen Seconds (Deluxe Edition) – 1980
Wailing Wall (Genetic Studio Rough Mix 2/84) – The Top (Deluxe Edition) – 1984
Want – Wild Mood Swings – 1996
Warsong – Songs of a Lost World – 2024
Watching Me Fall – Bloodflowers – 2000
Wendy Time – Wish – 1992
Wendy Time (1990 Demo) – Wish (Deluxe Edition) – 1992
Where the Birds Always Sing – Bloodflowers – 2000
Why Can’t I Be You? – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me – 1987
Why Can’t I Be You? (Live Bootleg audience recording – Wembley Arena London 12/87) – Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (Deluxe Edition) – 1987
Winter – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
World War – Three Imaginary Boys (Deluxe Edition) – 1979
You Stayed… – The Top (Deluxe Edition) – 1984
Albums
Three Imaginary Boys (1979)
Seventeen Seconds (1980)
Faith (1981)
Pornography (1982)
The Top (1984)
The Head on the Door (1985)
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)
Disintegration (1989)
Wish (1992)
Wild Mood Swings (1996)
Bloodflowers (2000)
The Cure (2004)
4:13 Dream (2008)
Songs of a Lost World (2024)
Check out our fantastic and entertaining The Cure articles, detailing in-depth the band’s albums, songs, band members, and more…all on ClassicRockHistory.com
Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.