The Cure [CD + Bonus DVD] [Enhanced] [Limited Edition]

A nice, but strange opener. I think unless you were a Cure fan originally, you'd probably not think much of this. It has a repetitive musical manner layered with Robert's unique vocals. "I can't find myself..." he cares to remind us, many times...

02 : 'Labyrinth'

Again, I think if this was your first listen to The Cure, you'd probably think this were rather boring. But after the initial build up, it goes into an exotic, almost Egyptian / Morocco feel (just imagine African or Arabic). There are a lot of vocal effects going on too. Imagine 'Kyoto Song' with influences from 'Disintegration' and 'Seventeen Seconds'...

03 - 'Before Three'

In typical Cure style, this song is instantly a more upbeat song. Smith opens with the lyrics "The happiest day I even knew, in a sea of gold down next to you..." and the song is clearly one written in more emotionally subtle of moments. Nonetheless, there are the echoed feelings of longing and missing.

04 - 'Truth Goodness and Beauty'

It sounds immediately like it is straight from 'Pornography' or to an extent, 'Bloodflowers'. A more critical song, lyrically at least ("I've been hanging for the ugliness to change..." / "Wishing for a girl too true...").

05 - 'The End of the World'

The first single from the new album and the first glimpse of The Cure in this era. The only criticism I've got this song, and it's nothing bad, just something I noticed when I watched the premiere of the video on MTV2 is that the chorus is distinctive, but the build up feels somewhat incomplete. Maybe not so much on this album, but certainly more so in the video edit. Robert's voice has not aged or weakened. He is as amazing as ever.

06 - 'Anniversary'

The beginning feels very much like U2-meets-Joy Division song. It's eerie and moving. This sounds like something you could easily put onto 'Disintegration'. Smith's talent for adding literature to the soundtracks they create is something I have always found fascinating ("Above this same awakening world, I held you... you never wanted me to know").

07 - 'Us or Them'

A heavier track with an extremely distinctive bassline. I've always been grateful, I suppose, of the way The Cure seem to have one song per album where a certain member of the band seem to perform above that of the rest of the band. This seems to be Simon Gallup's song. Robinson's production is obvious.

08 - 'alt.end'

Like Gallup's before, this seems to be a song written to reassure the listener of individual presence; this time, it's O'Donnell. His piano notes fit seamlessly into the tragic and progressive chord pattern and the ever-complex drum beats. Smith's voice whirls and glides over the music as if it were a tornado sent to destroy it.

09 - '(I Don't Know What's Going) On'

Songs like this just go to show how amazing Smith's voice can be. His voice flutters and hangs like in a wonderful falsetto fashion. Lyrically, the song is very repetitive. But I imagine this helps to create the feeling of confusion and panic.

10 - 'Taking Off'

The Cure's ability to simulate music that connects to effortlessly with the titles of their songs is another one of their unique and brilliant qualities. This song makes the listener feel light; as if they were flying as a fast pace throughout the atmosphere. A wonderfully crafted song. Jason Cooper's drumfills again fit so magically.

11 - 'Never'

This would be the last song on the standard format of the album. And a standard finish is what the listener would get if they had (foolishly) not purchased the CD / DVD 'Limited Edition'. It's by no means a bad song, just a rather deflating end to an album.

12 - 'The Promise' (Bonus Track)

A more instrumental song, relying more on the talents of the band musically rather than the talents of Smith vocally. At around 10 minutes long, this is a song written for the die-hard fans. A mixture of elements from 'Pornography', 'Seventeen Seconds', 'Disintegration' and 'Bloodflowers' create a masterpiece. Robert recently promised that the new album would be "something worth waiting for...", and this song seems to confirm that his statement was a promise indeed. This song is testament to the obvious effort, time and patience put into the creation of this album.

13 - 'Going Nowhere' (Bonus Track)

With an opening that sounds just like 'Pictures Of You', this song is the perfect end to the album. It seems The Cure were almost giving a massive 'thank you' to the fans who paid the extra and bought this version of the album. Ending on two tracks as amazing and as wonderful 'The Promise' and 'Going Nowhere', it's clear to see why The Cure have such a dedicated following. The song is harrowing and tragic, both musically and lyrically. O'Donnell layers some beautiful piano lines whilst keeping the echoing wind chimes from 'Disintegration'. Brilliance.

Overview

On it's third listen, I can honestly say this is without a doubt my favourite album of the year. I'll admit the album as a whole is by no means perfect, but then, albums never are. If you were a fan of The Cure in the 'Boys Don't Cry' era and you weren't keen on the latter material, then you may be disappointed with this latest offering. Otherwise, this album should intoxicate you, if only for the 59 minutes and 19 seconds for which this albums runs. To pick the best song on the album would be extremely difficult. Up until the bonus tracks, 'Anniversary' was my favourite. But both 'The Promise' and 'Going Nowhere' were equally as beautiful. Though, for the pure effect it creates and the meaning behind it's title, I'd say 'The Promise' is the ultimate highlight of the album.

And a promise, Mr. Smith, I am glad you kept...