Album Rating: 3.5

100%

is this the band that did seven nation army

blackstar one of the greatest 3.5s of all time

Album Rating: 5.0

'guys who are comparing this to Blackstar are missing the point of either record'



It depends on to what literal degree they're comparing them, because to claim they have nothing at all in common would be silly.



I think the interesting thing is people always make out Blackstar was incredibly thematically/musically focused when really it wasn't too much, whereas this IS the late career album that's musically/thematically totally focused.



I love Blackstar but as an overall listening experience I feel this is more satisfying as a start to finish piece.

Album Rating: 5.0

Related/unrelated - I didn't realise Reeves Gabrels was the current lead guitarist in The Cure

this is so cohesive without being monotonous. A resounding statement cementing The Cure's legacy so late in their career.

Album Rating: 5.0

Until this album's release, I was quite annoyed by Reeves Gabrels joining The Cure. While his guitar hero-like wah-style suited Bowie's music, his contributions to some of the band's classic songs were pretty terrible at gigs, making me wish he'd just shout up. However, I have to say he did a great job here, his work is more restrained, more in line with what Pearl Thompson or Perry Bamonte did on other albums.

Album Rating: 5.0

Agreed Gabba, he is at his most tasteful and restrained here and it works for The Cure against the odds.

Listening through this album again, I am surprised that people are calling out Drone:NoDrone to be cut. I like the chorus, it’s fun.

Album Rating: 4.5

Man this album rules, not to overreact but this could be top 3 cure

Album Rating: 5.0

'I am surprised that people are calling out Drone:NoDrone to be cut. I like the chorus, it’s fun.'



I really like how the intro comes in, it's kinda the 'Lullabye' moment on the album.



I'm not totally sold on the transitions between verse-bridge-chorus - sounds a tiny bit welded together but nothing too bad.

Album Rating: 5.0

no doubt steak

Album Rating: 4.5

"no doubt steak" (2)

Album Rating: 4.0

Man this album is so incredible from start to finish. Alone is my favorite here so far, the opening 3 minutes before any vocals come in is so entrancing and perfect and then the lyrics crush you forever

Album Rating: 5.0

Official 5/5 seal of approval from me. Took too long for me to do this.

Easily on par with the classics.

Album Rating: 4.5

I think this record works so well BECAUSE it's so late in their career. You can feel the authenticity. The "it's all gone" part in Endsong would never have had the same effect sung by a 20-something Smith.

It's like Johnny Cash singing Hurt 6 months right before dying: it's real and it makes me really afraid of growing old and alone.

Album Rating: 4.5

Aye that Cash comparison popped in my head too when listening.

Album Rating: 4.0

this album definitely carries the weight of its age



(which sort of makes me kinda forgive the aspects that sliiiiightly hold it back for me, namely that there isnt really much i havent heard them do before. such is being old! haha. curious if thatll be true of their last two)

Album Rating: 5.0 | Sound Off

Imagine if Cash sung ‘All I Ever Am’



Stunner.