Disintegration [VINYL]

8 perfect tracks of Robert Smith’s magic.

With a reputation as purveyors of gloomy introspection, this - the Cure's eighth studio album - has often been seen as their defining statement. After all, there is plenty of doom and gloom on display to satisfy the most ardent Goth but that would be only telling half the story, for there are moments of beauty, tenderness and passion also. Released in May 1989, the album became one of their most successful, reaching #3 in the UK charts and builds on the formula of their previous release, 'Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,' with long intros of magnificent, spiralling sound that pulls you into their dark, Gothic dreamscapes of obsessive love and despair but does it deserve to be recognised as their greatest album? I think it does...1. Plainsong - Surprisingly, it opens with the sound of wind chimes. At times glistening; at times cacophonous, it has a plaintive melody and murmured, echoing vocals. Could the song be about death?.. "And it's so cold, it's like the cold if you were dead.".. It sets the tone and epic nature of many of the songs to follow.2. Pictures Of You - A fantastic guitar intro heralds one of the album's finest tracks but it stalled at #24 when released as a single. The song seems to be about holding onto the memory of a lost love and the passionate feelings it evokes through the pictures you've kept of her. Not the first or last time that Robert Smith's lyrics would touch on how a man's love for a woman can lead to obsession.3. Closedown - "If only I could fill my heart with love..." Is this song about losing the ability to feel through too much self-preoccupation? Whatever, it sounds great with dark, rhythmic drums.4. Lovesong - Written by Smith as a wedding gift to his wife, it went on to become the Cure's biggest hit in America, reaching #2. Sadly, it was not quite as popular in the UK, stalling at #18. Though the music is rather sad, it is one of the band's sweetest songs.5. Last Dance - Smith lamenting the passing of time and how the girl he once loved so passionately is now a woman, still beautiful but no longer the same. Through a last dance together, he hopes to rekindle the old flame but knows that it is impossible.6. Lullaby - An odd choice as the first single from the album, reaching a very respectable #5. It has a wonderful arrangement, which creates an unsettling atmosphere and is inspired by a nightmare Smith had as a child. The lyrics touch on arachnophobia and how one becomes transfixed by our darkest fears.7. Fascination Street - Probably the rockiest and most aggressive track on the album, with great bass and drums. Released as a single but only in America, it is said to be about the hookers of the infamous red light district of New Orleans8. Prayers For Rain - Why was this magnificent track never released as a single!? I think it's the best song on the album! I mean, the music is absolutely amazing, boasting a wonderful guitar melody and cacophonous drums. As for the lyrics, Smith appears to be singing about a destructive and stiflingly oppressive relationship.9. The Same Deep Water As You - The longest track on the album, at over nine minutes, it is complete with sound effects of rain and thunder, and seems to represent everything one would expect of the Cure. There is an air of despair in both the music and the lyrics and is great to listen to while wallowing in your own misery, for it has an oddly cathartic effect.10. Disintegration - A more up-tempo number, though it clocks in at over eight minutes but is it about the pain of breaking up with someone or the trappings of fame?.. You decide.11. Homesick - Conflict? Addiction? Like most Cure lyrics there are many possible interpretations, so why not just lie down and enjoy the music? And as with most of the songs, there is a lengthy intro before Smith sings wearily of love and despair...12. Untitled - I interpret the lyrics of this song to be about unrequited love... "Never quite said what I wanted to say to you.".. We've all been there. Too afraid of rejection to express our true feelings for someone and having to live with the regret of a lost opportunity. The music, as always, is excellent, with great drumming once again.While it would be fair to say that it is a long album - clocking in at seventy minutes - and could well have benefited from the loss of one or two tracks, it is still one of the finest albums of the eighties and ought to be in any fans collection of alternative rock. It is, quite simply, the Cure's magnum opus.

Bought this after listening to the superb Songs of a Lost World. Probably an even better album!

With "Disintegration," The Cure headed back into more bleak and moody sounds. It contains the songs "Lovesong," "Lullaby," "Fascination Street," and "Pictures of You." Great for on Oldie like me. Glad to have this, brings back happy memories.

Great nostalgic gift

Bought on recommendation of a friend, I'm not a massive Cure fan, but this is ok but not in my Fav pile

Replced damaged CD

Brilliant Album, Brilliant Product.