Disintegration is the eighth studio album by English rock band the Cure, released on by Fiction Records. The record marked a return to the introspective gothic rock style the band established in the early 80s.
Disintegration is the eighth studio album by English rock band the Cure, released on by Fiction Records. The record marked a return to the introspective gothic rock style the band established in the early 80s.
8.5
The Cure
Disintegration
Artist Origin: 🇬🇧
Release Date: 2 May 1989
Label: Fiction Records
Genres: Alternative / Indie Rock
Prosecutor: Dan
Cheer up Bobby Smith, it might never happen... This album had been filed away in ‘Danny’s albums to give a spin’ folder after hearing a blistering rendition of the albums title track at last year’s Glasto (via the iPlayer).
The Cure are a band who I’ve always digged, but for some inexplicable reason I’ve never ventured as far as the Greatest Hits. So I was delighted to finally get the chance, and boy, oh boy, was I glad I did Disintegration is expansive, full-bodied record which is brimming with beautiful melodies, clever hooks and Rob Smith’s signature captivating vocals Opener Plainsong is brilliant entry point. Love the big pounding synth and shimmering instrumentation, and when the guitar kicks in, it’s almost transformative. I love how they give space to their melodies and let songs evolve and grow. Everything feels so delicately crafted Next up, Pictures of You builds on the momentum of the opener, another slice of the band’s brilliance. One of their best.
And boys, they just keep on coming...Closedown mixes up the pace with pulsating, mechanical drumming, but then opens up with a lovely synth melody shining a light on the lovelyness of Smith’s vocals. Lovesong is a tight punchy indie track, with an engaging guitar line echoing the work of Smiths-era Marr. Had the same vibe with Fascination Street. I’ve always loved the originality and weirdness of Lullaby, and if the BBC made a dystopian spin off of Casualty, the synth on Prayers for the Rain would definitely be in the mix for the shows theme tune. Towards the tail end of the album, the intensity and bleakness are dialled up to 11, and a couple of tracks could have potentially been culled to make the album a little less baggy, but it’s the journey not the destination I suppose. The album’s title track is another highlight - I love the intensity of this song - it feels like a band at the top of their game. Loved it. 9.4
Adam
As fans of the cure go I’d probably put myself up there with the ones who say their favourite album is ‘the best of the cure’. This album has made me rethink that rather blinkered attitude and I will definitely delve into their back catalogue with a renewed fan fervour. Loved the songs I already loved from the aforementioned ‘greatest hits’ and found some new beauts on this sumptuously crafted album. 8.5
Rich
Kerblammo! If albums were measured on the Richter Scale, then chances are the sonic gloom of The Cure's Disintegration would have registered a shockwave so seismic it would knock you off your feet; a quick blast of Plainsong into Pictures Of You enough to propel you 480 feet into the sky. Word of advice: enjoy the view while you're up there - it's truly something with the steely synths and shimmering guitars. Ethereal, almost dreamlike.
Thereafter, you're returned to earth with a big ol bump - cuts like Closedown and Last Dance descend like angry clouds, and while the heavens open up to consume you on Same Deep Water As You, Lovesong and Lullaby clear the air with their brevity and more traditional 'Cure' sound. Elsewhere, there's a less-than-subtle hint to a 'Smith' or four beyond the eponymous frontman. Indeed, if 'How Soon Is Now?' asks the question, Fascination Street might just provide the answer - the album's title track also owing a fat debt to The Queen Is Dead. Not so much a criticism - they sound great and there's sufficient distance to separate these tracks, as there is with the album's opener and Joy Division's Atmosphere - but it adds to a sense that The Cure didn't quite break as much ground as their brothers in doom. Epic? you bet yer. Era-defining? Possibly. A classic? not quite. Nevertheless, a very strong record with some exceptional moments. 8.6
Mike
Creating a distinctive, ethereal sound that feels suitably of its time, there are some cracking moments to be had here. Though at 1hour 2 minutes I was a little weary by the end, there's certainly nothing bad here however. This is shoe-gazing heaven. Smith and co make a whole piece rather than singles, it feels like a story. Gloomy but gorgeous. Plainsong kicks it off with a Stranger Things vibe, heavy sythns and keyboards. I enjoyed this thoroughly, only quibble is the length of the record. At times it could be considered indulgent. Lots to enjoy here though. 7.5
Phil
Superb. Can hear the influence of this on a couple other personal old favourites (The Organ, Brand New) and I’m deffo getting hints of Joy Division.
The opening 20 mins from Plainsong to Lovesong is top notch. ‘Ere Lucy, pick us up a semi-perm black hair dye from Lidl will ye? 8.5
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Cheer up Bobby Smith, it might never happen... This album had been filed away in ‘Danny’s albums to give a spin’ folder after hearing a blistering rendition of the albums title track at last year’s Glasto (via the iPlayer).
The Cure are a band who I’ve always digged, but for some inexplicable reason I’ve never ventured as far as the Greatest Hits. So I was delighted to finally get the chance, and boy, oh boy, was I glad I did Disintegration is expansive, full-bodied record which is brimming with beautiful melodies, clever hooks and Rob Smith’s signature captivating vocals Opener Plainsong is brilliant entry point. Love the big pounding synth and shimmering instrumentation, and when the guitar kicks in, it’s almost transformative. I love how they give space to their melodies and let songs evolve and grow. Everything feels so delicately crafted Next up, Pictures of You builds on the momentum of the opener, another slice of the band’s brilliance. One of their best.
And boys, they just keep on coming...Closedown mixes up the pace with pulsating, mechanical drumming, but then opens up with a lovely synth melody shining a light on the lovelyness of Smith’s vocals. Lovesong is a tight punchy indie track, with an engaging guitar line echoing the work of Smiths-era Marr. Had the same vibe with Fascination Street. I’ve always loved the originality and weirdness of Lullaby, and if the BBC made a dystopian spin off of Casualty, the synth on Prayers for the Rain would definitely be in the mix for the shows theme tune. Towards the tail end of the album, the intensity and bleakness are dialled up to 11, and a couple of tracks could have potentially been culled to make the album a little less baggy, but it’s the journey not the destination I suppose. The album’s title track is another highlight - I love the intensity of this song - it feels like a band at the top of their game. Loved it. 9.4
Adam
As fans of the cure go I’d probably put myself up there with the ones who say their favourite album is ‘the best of the cure’. This album has made me rethink that rather blinkered attitude and I will definitely delve into their back catalogue with a renewed fan fervour. Loved the songs I already loved from the aforementioned ‘greatest hits’ and found some new beauts on this sumptuously crafted album. 8.5
Rich
Kerblammo! If albums were measured on the Richter Scale, then chances are the sonic gloom of The Cure's Disintegration would have registered a shockwave so seismic it would knock you off your feet; a quick blast of Plainsong into Pictures Of You enough to propel you 480 feet into the sky. Word of advice: enjoy the view while you're up there - it's truly something with the steely synths and shimmering guitars. Ethereal, almost dreamlike.
Thereafter, you're returned to earth with a big ol bump - cuts like Closedown and Last Dance descend like angry clouds, and while the heavens open up to consume you on Same Deep Water As You, Lovesong and Lullaby clear the air with their brevity and more traditional 'Cure' sound. Elsewhere, there's a less-than-subtle hint to a 'Smith' or four beyond the eponymous frontman. Indeed, if 'How Soon Is Now?' asks the question, Fascination Street might just provide the answer - the album's title track also owing a fat debt to The Queen Is Dead. Not so much a criticism - they sound great and there's sufficient distance to separate these tracks, as there is with the album's opener and Joy Division's Atmosphere - but it adds to a sense that The Cure didn't quite break as much ground as their brothers in doom. Epic? you bet yer. Era-defining? Possibly. A classic? not quite. Nevertheless, a very strong record with some exceptional moments. 8.6
Mike
Creating a distinctive, ethereal sound that feels suitably of its time, there are some cracking moments to be had here. Though at 1hour 2 minutes I was a little weary by the end, there's certainly nothing bad here however. This is shoe-gazing heaven. Smith and co make a whole piece rather than singles, it feels like a story. Gloomy but gorgeous. Plainsong kicks it off with a Stranger Things vibe, heavy sythns and keyboards. I enjoyed this thoroughly, only quibble is the length of the record. At times it could be considered indulgent. Lots to enjoy here though. 7.5
Phil
Superb. Can hear the influence of this on a couple other personal old favourites (The Organ, Brand New) and I’m deffo getting hints of Joy Division.
The opening 20 mins from Plainsong to Lovesong is top notch. ‘Ere Lucy, pick us up a semi-perm black hair dye from Lidl will ye? 8.5
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