The Cure – Disintegration (1989)

This is the second of the Cure albums I picked up last week, as I try to visit the more mature music after the first two albums. What's obvious from the very beginning is how much of a fuller, more heavily produced sound this album has compared to what I grew up with, and I'm not sure it's why I want to listen to The Cure.

Also, what appeals to me about The Cure is the contrast of light and shade - this album is very much shade, at times utter darkness. That isn't to say a lot of it isn't really good, it is - the Cure sound is still apparent - but it's very full.

There's a slow, strong opening with Plain Song and Pictures Of You, while Closedown seems to blend in as part of the previous track. Things get a bit more upbeat for Lovesong although I do wish being so in love made Robert Smith sound a bit happier. although by Last Dance there's a feeling that the band have found a sound, and they're sticking to it. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good sound, but it's getting a bit one dimensional. Nevertheless, Fascination Street is more powerful, and Disintegration feels strong, along with final song Untitled.

But despite all my moaning about 'not like they were when they started', it's the most convincing I've heard The Cure sounding since Seventeen Seconds and feels like an album with a lot more to give, the more you listen. Highly recommended.

Link to album tracks

4* - a strong album, with a depth that rewards repeat listening