The Cure is a legendary British rock band formed in 1976 in Crawley, West Sussex. Known for their unique blend of post-punk and new wave music, the band has amassed a large following of fans over the years. With countless hits and successful albums, The Cure has solidified their place in music history as one of the most influential and iconic bands of all time.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 best songs by The Cure. From their early hits to their more recent releases, we will delve into the lyrics, melodies, and emotions behind these timeless classics. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, this list is sure to capture the essence of The Cure’s creativity, artistry, and raw talent. So sit back, turn up the volume, and let’s count down the top 10 best The Cure songs of all time.
1. Close To Me
“Close To Me” is a classic hit from The Cure’s 1985 album, “The Head on the Door.” The song features a distinctively catchy melody and upbeat rhythm, making it a fan favorite for decades. The lyrics tell the story of a person who feels suffocated by the intense emotions of a romantic relationship, while at the same time acknowledging the fear of losing that love. The video for the song, directed by Tim Pope, features the band members in a wardrobe packed car, riding along a cliff-side road, and eventually, falling into the sea. “Close To Me” showcases The Cure’s signature sound, combining alternative rock and pop elements, and displays their ability to write infectious and relatable songs.
2. In Between Days
“In Between Days” is one of The Cure’s most recognizable and enduring hits, released in 1985 as a single from their album “The Head on the Door.” The song features an energetic and catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and lead singer Robert Smith’s signature vocals. The lyrics speak to the struggle of indecision and being stuck in a state of uncertainty in a relationship, as Smith sings about feeling trapped “in between” days. The music video features Smith playing guitar and singing in front of a bright red background, with scenes of the band members in a studio interspersed throughout. “In Between Days” showcases The Cure’s ability to blend pop and post-punk sounds to create an infectious and relatable song that has remained popular for over three decades.
3. A Forest
“A Forest” is a hauntingly beautiful and atmospheric song by The Cure, released as a single in 1980. The song features a hypnotic bassline, ethereal synths, and lead singer Robert Smith’s emotive vocals, creating a sense of otherworldliness and mystery. The lyrics tell the story of a person lost in a forest and searching for a way out, a metaphor for feeling lost and isolated in life. The music video features the band performing in a forest, with Smith singing in front of a tree while the other band members play their instruments in the surrounding woods. “A Forest” is considered a classic by many Cure fans, showcasing the band’s ability to create a haunting and immersive atmosphere with their music, as well as their talent for crafting poetic and evocative lyrics.
4. Pictures of You
“Pictures of You” is a poignant and deeply emotional song by The Cure, released in 1989 as a single from their album “Disintegration.” The song features lush, dreamy instrumentation, including delicate guitars, atmospheric synths, and a soaring string section, creating a sense of beauty and melancholy. The lyrics speak to the pain of lost love, as lead singer Robert Smith reminisces about a past relationship and the pictures that remind him of it. The music video features the band playing the song in an empty mansion, surrounded by vintage photographs and memories. “Pictures of You” is a masterpiece of introspective songwriting and evocative soundscapes, showcasing The Cure’s ability to create a sense of deep emotional resonance with their music. The song remains a fan favorite and one of the band’s most beloved tracks.
5. Just Like Heaven
“Just Like Heaven” is a joyful and upbeat song by The Cure, released in 1987 as a single from their album “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.” The song features a catchy guitar riff, a driving beat, and lead singer Robert Smith’s joyful and exuberant vocals, creating a sense of pure happiness and elation. The lyrics tell the story of a person falling in love and feeling like they are in a dream, captured in the memorable chorus that sings “you’re just like a dream to me.” The music video features the band performing the song in front of a colorful, psychedelic background, with Smith dancing and twirling throughout. “Just Like Heaven” is one of The Cure’s most popular and beloved songs, showcasing their ability to write catchy, joyful pop songs that still maintain their signature alternative rock sound.
6. Killing an Arab
“Killing an Arab” is an early and controversial song by The Cure, released in 1978 as their debut single. The song features a raw, minimalist sound, with jagged guitars and sparse drums, creating a sense of urgency and tension. The lyrics, based on the Albert Camus novel “The Stranger,” tell the story of a man killing an Arab on a beach, exploring themes of existentialism and alienation. The song has been interpreted in different ways over the years, with some criticizing it for its potentially racist connotations, while others defend it as a nuanced and complex work of art. The music video features the band playing the song in a stark, white room, with images of Camus and Arabic text flashing on the screen. “Killing an Arab” remains a controversial and thought-provoking song, showcasing The Cure’s early talent for creating intense and challenging music.
7. Lovesong
“Lovesong” is a tender and heartfelt song by The Cure, released in 1989 as a single from their album “Disintegration.” The song features a simple yet powerful melody, with acoustic guitars, gentle synths, and lead singer Robert Smith’s soothing vocals, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. The lyrics express a deep and abiding love for another person, with Smith singing “however far away, I will always love you.” The music video features the band performing the song in a surreal, dreamlike setting, with images of a desert landscape and a woman floating in the sky. “Lovesong” has become one of The Cure’s most beloved and enduring songs, showcasing their ability to create tender and intimate moments with their music. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years and remains a fan favorite.
8. Let’s Go To Bed
“Let’s Go To Bed” is a quirky and playful song by The Cure, released in 1982 as a single. The song features a bouncy synth melody, danceable beats, and lead singer Robert Smith’s playful and irreverent vocals, creating a sense of fun and lightheartedness. The lyrics tell the story of a person trying to convince their partner to come to bed with them, with Smith singing lines like “let’s put the pillows on the floor.” The music video features the band performing the song in front of a colorful, surreal backdrop, with Smith wearing a comical oversized hat. “Let’s Go To Bed” showcases The Cure’s ability to create catchy and upbeat pop songs that still maintain their signature post-punk sound. The song has remained popular with fans over the years and is often considered a classic of the band’s early work.
9. Boys Don’t Cry
“Boys Don’t Cry” is a timeless and iconic song by The Cure, released in 1979 as a single. The song features a jangly guitar riff, upbeat drums, and lead singer Robert Smith’s anguished and vulnerable vocals, creating a sense of raw emotion and sincerity. The lyrics express the pain of hiding one’s true feelings and putting up a facade, with Smith singing “I would tell you that I loved you, if I thought that you would stay.” The music video features the band playing the song in front of a bright, colorful background, with Smith dancing and twirling throughout. “Boys Don’t Cry” has become one of The Cure’s most enduring and beloved songs, a classic of alternative rock that showcases their ability to write catchy and emotionally resonant music.
10. Friday I’m In Love
“Friday I’m In Love” is a joyful and infectious song by The Cure, released in 1992 as a single from their album “Wish.” The song features a bouncy guitar riff, upbeat drums, and lead singer Robert Smith’s exuberant and playful vocals, creating a sense of pure happiness and excitement. The lyrics express the joy of falling in love, with Smith singing lines like “I don’t care if Monday’s blue, Tuesday’s grey, and Wednesday too.” The music video features the band performing the song in front of a colorful, psychedelic background, with Smith dancing and jumping throughout. “Friday I’m In Love” has become one of The Cure’s most popular and enduring songs, showcasing their ability to write upbeat and joyful pop songs that still maintain their alternative rock sound. The song has been covered by many other artists and remains a fan favorite.
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
