19 best songs by The Cure

1. Friday I'm In Love

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Indie Pop
• Alternative rock
• Dream pop
• New Wave
• Classic rock

While The Cure are often associated with brooding, gothic rock, "Friday I'm In Love" stands out as a burst of sunshine in their discography. Unlike the band's typical melancholic sound, this track embraces a vibrant, infectious energy with its driving bassline and upbeat melody. The song's infectious rhythm and Robert Smith's surprisingly cheerful vocals paint a picture of pure, unbridled joy, capturing the exhilaration of falling head over heels in love.

"Friday I'm In Love" is a testament to The Cure's versatility. It's a song that has resonated across generations, offering a sense of hope and happiness that transcends age and circumstance. From parents playing it for their children to adults reminiscing about their youth, "Friday I'm In Love" remains a timeless anthem for the joy of being in love, proving that The Cure can indeed create music that is as bright and uplifting as it is dark and introspective.

2. Boys Don't Cry (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Alternative rock
• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• The Cure

If you haven't yet heard "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in its poignant beauty. This iconic track embodies the essence of The Cure's sound, weaving together Robert Smith's signature melancholic vocals, driving basslines, and atmospheric synths to create a tapestry of emotional depth. The song's raw and relatable lyrics paint a vivid picture of heartbreak and the struggle to suppress one's emotions, a theme that resonated deeply with listeners and solidified The Cure's reputation for capturing the complexities of human experience.

"Boys Don't Cry" is not merely a song; it's a statement. The lyrics, penned by Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey, and Lol Tolhurst, explore the societal pressure on men to suppress their feelings, a sentiment that continues to hold relevance today. This theme, coupled with the song's hauntingly beautiful melody, has cemented its place as a fan favorite and a defining track in The Cure's discography. Released in 1979, it served as the title track for the American edition of their debut album, marking a significant moment in their journey to becoming one of the most influential and beloved bands of all time.

3. Just Like Heaven (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• New Wave
• The Cure
• Dreamy Pop
• Positive Energy

"Just Like Heaven" is a quintessential Cure track, showcasing the band's signature blend of dark romanticism and catchy pop sensibilities. Robert Smith's iconic, ethereal vocals soar over driving basslines and atmospheric synths, creating a sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and undeniably infectious. The song's melody, a blend of swirling synths and chiming guitars, evokes a sense of yearning and longing, perfectly capturing the complexities of love and desire.

Released in 1987, "Just Like Heaven" quickly became a fan favorite and a critical darling, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying The Cure's status as a major force in alternative rock. The song's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, from the bittersweet pangs of nostalgia to the exhilarating rush of falling in love. Its infectious energy and melancholic undertones resonate with listeners of all generations, making it a true testament to the enduring power of The Cure's music.

4. Close To Me (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• The Cure

"Close To Me" by The Cure embodies the band's signature melancholic sound, drawing listeners into a world of longing and introspection. The song's gentle, pulsing rhythm, underscored by a driving bassline, creates an atmosphere of both hope and despair. Robert Smith's signature vocals, yearning yet restrained, perfectly capture the emotional turmoil at the heart of the lyrics, a testament to The Cure's ability to translate complex emotions into sonic landscapes.

The song's enduring appeal lies in its timeless quality. Despite being released in 1985, "Close To Me" continues to resonate with listeners today, a testament to the band's enduring ability to capture universal emotions. The song's captivating melody, coupled with the poignant lyrics exploring the complexities of love and loss, have made it a fan favorite and a key track in The Cure's extensive discography.

5. Lovesong - Disintegration (Deluxe Edition)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Alternative
• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• The Cure

"Lovesong" by The Cure is more than just a song; it's a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, wrapped in a melancholic and introspective sound that defines the band's essence. The song embodies The Cure's signature style, blending Robert Smith's signature, emotive vocals with driving basslines, atmospheric synths, and the signature Cure melancholia. The song's stark beauty is amplified by the contrasting emotions it evokes – the raw, heartfelt lyrics speak of unyielding devotion, yet tinged with a melancholy that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the bittersweet ache of love.

Despite Robert Smith's initial reservations about "Lovesong" its universal appeal has solidified its status as a cornerstone of The Cure's discography and a fan favorite. The song's success, culminating in its chart-topping position in the United States, highlights its relatable and emotional weight, making it one of the band's most enduring and beloved anthems. Whether you're celebrating a passionate romance or reflecting on the complexities of love, "Lovesong" provides a soundtrack that resonates with the intricacies of human connection.

6. A Forest (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• Goth Rock
• The Cure

"A Forest" is a quintessential Cure track, showcasing the band's signature blend of atmospheric synths, driving basslines, and Robert Smith's haunting vocals. The song's melancholic mood, built upon a simple, yet powerful chord progression, sets the stage for a journey through a dense, shadowy forest, leaving the listener with a sense of eerie solitude. The lyrics, hinting at a lost love or an unattainable dream, coupled with the song's haunting melody and echoing sound effects, create a palpable sense of longing and despair, perfectly capturing the band's ability to evoke raw, universal emotions.

Released in 1980 as part of their second album, "Seventeen Seconds," "A Forest" marked a crucial turning point for The Cure, establishing their distinctive sound and setting the stage for their future explorations of gothic rock. The song's success, reaching number 31 on the UK Singles Chart, solidified The Cure's position as a prominent force in the burgeoning alternative music scene, forever influencing generations of musicians who followed. "A Forest" remains a cherished cornerstone of The Cure's discography, a hauntingly beautiful song that continues to resonate deeply with listeners across the globe.

7. Lullaby - Disintegration (Deluxe Edition)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• The Cure
• Soft and soothing
• Dreamy and gentle
• Hauntingly beautiful
• Ethereal and otherworldly

Released in 1989 as part of The Cure's critically acclaimed album "Disintegration," "Lullaby" stands as a quintessential example of the band's signature sound. The song's haunting melody, driven by Robert Smith's iconic, mournful vocals and a darkly atmospheric synthesizer landscape, instantly transports listeners into a world of melancholic beauty and emotional intensity. The lyrics, shrouded in an air of mystery and hinting at themes of despair and isolation, further contribute to the song's captivating, almost hypnotic quality.

"Lullaby" is a testament to The Cure's ability to craft music that delves into the depths of human emotion, leaving a lasting impact on listeners. The song's impact is amplified by its success in the charts, reaching number five on the UK Singles Chart and becoming a top-ten hit in several European countries, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a landmark track in The Cure's expansive discography. The music video, directed by Tim Pope, won the British Video of the Year at the 1990 Brit Awards, further emphasizing the song's cultural significance and its enduring appeal.

8. The Lovecats

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Alternative rock
• Classic rock
• Post-Punk
• The Cure

"The Lovecats" - The Cure is a playful and jazzy track that stands out as a unique entry in The Cure's discography. While the band is often recognized for their somber and melancholic soundscapes, this single bursts with a vibrant energy that's both catchy and unexpected. The song's playful synths, driving bassline, and Robert Smith's signature, slightly distorted vocals create a dynamic and upbeat atmosphere. The lyrics, inspired by the novel "The Vivisector" by Patrick White, paint a whimsical portrait of a love story, complete with feline imagery and an air of mischievousness.

This departure from the band's typical sound highlights the Cure's versatility and their ability to explore a wide range of emotions within their music. Despite its cheerful exterior, "The Lovecats" still resonates with a sense of longing and yearning that is characteristic of The Cure. The song's catchy melody and its underlying theme of searching for connection creates a feeling of both joy and wistfulness, making it a relatable and enduring track. Released in 1983, "The Lovecats" became a Top 10 hit in the UK, solidifying its place as a beloved and iconic single in The Cure's extensive repertoire.

9. Pictures Of You (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Alternative rock
• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• The Cure

"Pictures of You" released in 1990, is a timeless track that showcases The Cure's melancholic brilliance. It has been recognized by publications like Rolling Stone, who ranked it among the greatest songs of all time, solidifying its position as a classic. The song's haunting melody and Robert Smith's signature emotive vocals create a poignant and deeply moving experience. "Pictures of You" captures a profound sense of longing and nostalgia, exploring the bittersweet nature of memories and the ache of lost love.

The song's lyrics are deeply personal and evocative, painting a vivid picture of a lost love and the lingering pain of their absence. The use of imagery, particularly the recurring motif of "pictures," creates a powerful sense of connection to the past, reminding listeners of the preciousness and fragility of memories. The song's slow tempo and atmospheric synths create a sense of melancholy that resonates with listeners who have experienced loss or heartbreak. "Pictures of You" serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of music to connect us to our emotions, providing solace and understanding in times of sadness and loss.

10. Let's Go To Bed (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Alternative rock
• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• The Cure

"Let's Go to Bed" released in 1982, is a quintessential Cure track that showcases the band's ability to blend their signature dark and melancholic themes with a catchy, pop-infused sound. Robert Smith's distinctive vocals, a touch of vulnerability mixed with his characteristic brooding intensity, lead the song with a magnetic pull. The song's driving bassline and atmospheric synths create a dreamy, almost hypnotic soundscape, drawing the listener into a world of longing and uncertainty.

While the lyrics touch upon themes of desire and intimacy, they do so with a sense of resignation and detachment, reflecting a complex emotional landscape. The song's poignant melody and carefully crafted arrangement evoke a feeling of bittersweet longing, a yearning for connection that may ultimately prove elusive. "Let's Go to Bed" marked a departure from The Cure's earlier, more overtly gothic sound, becoming a fan favorite and a moderate commercial success, reaching the charts in both the UK and New Zealand. The song's unexpected popularity solidified its place in the band's discography and demonstrated their versatility in crafting music that transcended genre boundaries.

11. Why Can't I Be You? (Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Alternative rock
• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• Goth Rock
• The Cure

'Why Can't I Be You?' by The Cure is a song that explodes with energy and a catchy melody, a stark departure from their usual melancholic, gothic sound. While still imbued with Robert Smith's signature dramatic vocals, the song's driving bassline and upbeat tempo propel the listener into a vibrant dance floor atmosphere. It's a quintessential Cure track in its emotional honesty, capturing a feeling of longing and frustration that resonates with listeners.

The lyrics, full of playful, yet relatable anxieties, explore a desire for a change in perspective, a wish to escape into someone else's shoes. The song's title itself speaks to a universal feeling of wanting to be someone different, even for a moment. The catchy chorus, "Why can't I be you?" repeatedly asks this question, leaving the listener pondering its meaning and its impact on the listener's own emotions. Released in 1987 as part of their 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me' album, 'Why Can't I Be You?' became a fan favorite and charted well, proving that The Cure could deliver a hit that wasn't rooted in their trademark gloomy aesthetic.

12. Jumping Someone Else's Train (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• The Cure

"Jumping Someone Else's Train" encapsulates The Cure's signature sound with its haunting melody, driving basslines, and Robert Smith's distinctive, emotive vocals. The song's hypnotic rhythm, built around a repetitive guitar riff and a train-like drumbeat, creates a sense of urgency and unease. This driving energy is further accentuated by the lyrics, which critique the conformity of the late 1970s 'mod revival' movement.

The song's emotional impact stems from its exploration of themes of disillusionment and alienation. The lyrics, which speak of "jumping someone else's train" to fit in, paint a picture of individuals who have lost their individuality and are desperately trying to conform. The song's melancholic mood and Smith's emotionally raw vocals perfectly convey the feeling of being lost and disconnected. "Jumping Someone Else's Train" is a quintessential Cure track, perfectly capturing the band's ability to blend infectious melodies with introspective lyrics, making it a timeless anthem for those who feel like outsiders.

13. A Night Like This

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• New Wave
• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• The Cure

Have you ever listened to a melody where every note resonates with your heart? The Cure's "A Night Like This" is exactly that kind of song. It encapsulates the band's signature melancholic charm, a perfect blend of Robert Smith's distinctive vocals, atmospheric synths, and driving basslines. The song evokes a sense of longing and isolation, transporting the listener to a world of introspective emotion.

The song's lyrics, steeped in heartache and yearning, paint vivid pictures of a desolate night, mirroring the turmoil within the narrator's heart. This deeply personal and introspective approach is a hallmark of The Cure's music, drawing listeners in with its raw vulnerability and honesty. While the song's mood is undeniably dark, there's a glimmer of hope that shines through, a faint suggestion that even amidst the pain, there's a sense of beauty and acceptance. Released in 1985, "A Night Like This" quickly became a fan favorite, cementing its place as one of The Cure's most enduring and beloved tracks. Its enduring popularity speaks to its ability to resonate with listeners across generations, a testament to The Cure's timeless appeal.

14. Fascination Street (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Post-Punk
• Gothic rock
• Darkwave
• The Cure

"Fascination Street" is a quintessential Cure track, oozing with the band's signature melancholic charm. The heavy, driving bassline, Robert Smith's haunting vocals, and atmospheric synths create a soundscape that is both captivating and unsettling. The song's dark, introspective lyrics explore themes of alienation, longing, and the search for meaning in a complex world, capturing the essence of The Cure's appeal to fans who resonate with their exploration of the darker side of human emotions.

Released in 1989 as a single from their acclaimed album "Disintegration," "Fascination Street" became a significant hit in North America. Its success on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart cemented its status as a standout track in The Cure's discography. The song's enduring popularity amongst fans speaks to its power to transcend time and connect with listeners on an emotional level. Whether it's the haunting melody, the evocative lyrics, or the sheer intensity of the performance, "Fascination Street" remains a timeless classic that encapsulates the essence of The Cure's unique artistic vision.

15. Play For Today

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

• Gothic rock
• The Cure
• 80s Classic
• Sad Rock

"Play for Today" from The Cure's seminal 1980 album Seventeen Seconds, perfectly encapsulates the band's signature blend of gothic post-punk and introspective melancholy. The song's minimalist arrangement, featuring driving basslines and atmospheric synths, creates a haunting soundscape that perfectly complements Robert Smith's iconic, emotionally charged vocals. Smith's lyrics, imbued with a sense of existential angst and emotional detachment, paint vivid pictures of loneliness and alienation, resonating deeply with listeners who identify with these themes.

"Play for Today" is a quintessential Cure song, showcasing the band's ability to evoke a specific mood and atmosphere through its music. It has become a fan favorite and remains a cornerstone of The Cure's early discography, capturing the band's raw energy and their unique ability to blend catchy melodies with introspective lyrics. It is a song that has resonated with audiences for decades, solidifying its place as one of The Cure's most enduring and beloved tracks.

16. In Between Days (The Cure - 1970)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

'In Between Days' by The Cure is a song that encapsulates the band's signature sound, marrying a driving, almost anthemic energy with the characteristically melancholic lyrics that made them so popular. Robert Smith's distinctive vocals weave through a landscape of shimmering synths and propulsive basslines, creating an atmosphere that feels both upbeat and wistful.

The song's lyrics, exploring themes of longing, loss, and the bittersweet nature of love, resonate deeply with listeners. It's a song about the space between two people, the emotional chasm that can exist even within a relationship, and the yearning for connection that can never be fully satisfied. "In Between Days" is a quintessential Cure track, capturing the essence of their sound and its emotional depth. It's no surprise that the song has become a fan favorite, often associated with the band's peak creative period in the mid-1980s. Its enduring popularity speaks to the timeless quality of its themes and the way it taps into the universal human experience of love, loss, and longing.

17. Killing an Arab - 1970

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

Have you ever listened to a melody where every note resonates with your heart? "Killing an Arab" by The Cure is exactly that kind of song. It's a haunting, atmospheric track that embodies everything The Cure is known for. Robert Smith's signature melancholic vocals weave a tapestry of raw emotion over driving basslines and atmospheric synths. The song's signature Cure-ness is undeniable, and it's precisely this combination of dark, brooding elements that captivates listeners.

"Killing an Arab" is a powerful exploration of existentialism, inspired by Albert Camus' novel "The Stranger." The song evokes a sense of isolation, despair, and the ultimate futility of life. The lyrics, based on the novel's central theme of a man who kills without remorse, capture the emotional weight of Camus' philosophical exploration. The song's melancholy and thought-provoking nature have made it a cult classic, a testament to The Cure's enduring legacy and ability to create music that continues to resonate with listeners decades later.

18. The Caterpillar (The Cure)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

If you haven't yet listened to "The Caterpillar" by The Cure, now is the perfect time to indulge in its haunting beauty. This track, released as a single from their 1984 album "The Top," encapsulates the essence of The Cure's signature sound, blending melancholic lyrics, shimmering synths, and Robert Smith's iconic, ethereal vocals.

"The Caterpillar" transports listeners to a world of yearning and introspection. The song's lyrical imagery, filled with vivid metaphors of flickering flames and a "caterpillar girl," evokes a sense of longing and desire that resonates deeply. The music itself further amplifies this emotional depth, with driving basslines, lush synth textures, and Smith's haunting vocals creating an atmosphere both captivating and bittersweet. The track peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, solidifying its place as a fan favorite and a testament to The Cure's enduring ability to capture the complexities of human emotions.

19. Primary

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

While The Cure are renowned for their brooding, atmospheric anthems, "Primary" stands apart as a stripped-back masterpiece that encapsulates their signature sound in a minimalist yet powerful way. Unlike many of their later works, "Primary" eschews guitars and keyboards, relying solely on a driving bassline, propulsive drums, and Robert Smith's haunting vocals to create an atmosphere of yearning and melancholia. The song's repetitive melody, punctuated by Smith's distinctive baritone, builds a sense of emotional intensity that resonates deeply with listeners.

"Primary" is a quintessential Cure song, showcasing the band's ability to create compelling music with minimal instrumentation. Released in 1981, it marked a significant departure from their previous work, cementing The Cure's place as a pioneering force in post-punk and goth music. The song's popularity among both fans and critics solidified its place as a cornerstone of The Cure's discography, reflecting the band's enduring ability to evoke a range of emotions through their unique sound.

20. Charlotte Sometimes (The Cure - 1970)

Listen online

• Spotify
• Youtube

In a world of pulsating electronic beats and catchy pop hooks, "Charlotte Sometimes" by The Cure emerges as a haunting whisper of a song, drawing listeners into a realm of melancholic beauty and introspective longing. The song's signature Cure-ness is undeniable, with Robert Smith's distinctive, mournful vocals weaving through a tapestry of atmospheric synths and driving basslines that evoke a sense of both ethereal grace and underlying darkness. The music serves as a backdrop for lyrics that explore themes of isolation, identity, and the blurring lines between reality and dreams.

The song's emotional impact is undeniable, capturing the raw, unfiltered feelings of a heart yearning for connection and understanding. The melody itself is a mournful lament, mirroring the protagonist's sense of displacement and longing, while the lyrics paint a picture of a solitary figure lost in a world that seems both familiar and alien. "Charlotte Sometimes" is a timeless testament to The Cure's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost, misunderstood, or yearning for something more. While the song reached a respectable No. 44 on the UK Singles Chart, it's arguably more than just a chart hit, standing as a poignant and enduring favorite among fans and critics alike.