The Cure (The Cure album)

The Cure is the thirteenth studio album by the English rock band The Cure, released on June 29, 2004, by Geffen Records. Following the heavier, more experimental sound of its predecessor, Bloodflowers, The Cure marked a deliberate return to the band's more accessible and melodic pop sensibilities.

The album was produced by Ross Robinson, known for his work with metal and nu-metal bands, a somewhat unexpected choice for The Cure. Robinson encouraged a more raw and immediate sound, focusing on capturing the energy of the band playing live in the studio. This approach aimed to strip away some of the layers and sonic textures that had characterized some of their previous work.

Lyrically, The Cure explores themes of love, loss, and longing, which are common throughout The Cure's discography. However, the album also touches upon themes of aging and mortality.

The album spawned several singles, including "The End of the World," "alt.end," "Taking Off," and "Before Three." The Cure received mixed to positive reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the band's return to a more pop-oriented sound and the raw production, others found the songwriting to be inconsistent and lacking the depth of their earlier work.

The album reached the top ten in several countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. It further cemented The Cure's legacy as one of the most influential alternative rock bands of all time.