The Cure's album *Disintegration*, the 2010 remaster, and the band's cultural relevance.
The Cure and the Road to *Disintegration*
By the late 1980s, The Cure, led by frontman Robert Smith, had already navigated a fascinating career trajectory. They emerged from the post-punk scene of the late 1970s with a nervy, minimalist sound. However, with albums like *Seventeen Seconds* (1980), *Faith* (1981), and the intensely dark *Pornography* (1982), they became architects of the gothic rock genre. This "goth" period was characterized by atmospheric, melancholic soundscapes and introspective, often bleak, lyrics.
Following this, Smith steered the band in a more pop-oriented direction, producing hits like "Let's Go to Bed" and "The Lovecats." This led to significant mainstream success with albums like *The Head on the Door* (1985) and the sprawling double LP *Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me* (1987), which featured the iconic single "Just Like Heaven."
Disintegration* (1989): A Masterpiece of Gloomy Grandeur
Despite their commercial success, Robert Smith felt a growing disillusionment with the band's pop-star status and a sense of dread about turning 30. He wanted to create a work of lasting substance, a return to the more profound and introspective themes of their earlier work, but with the musical confidence they had gained. The result was *Disintegration*.
Sound and Themes: The album is a masterwork of atmospheric rock. It's characterized by long, hypnotic songs built on layers of swirling keyboards, shimmering and heavily processed guitars, and a powerful, deliberate rhythm section. Lyrically, it's a deeply personal and emotional album, exploring themes of love, loss, aging, and despair with a raw honesty that resonated with a massive audience.
Cultural Relevance: Released in 1989, *Disintegration* perfectly captured the zeitgeist of a generation of alternative music fans who felt alienated from the glossy pop and hair metal that dominated the mainstream. It became a cornerstone of the gothic subculture, with Robert Smith's funereal attire and disheveled hair becoming an iconic look. The album's blend of melancholic introspection and soaring, romantic beauty provided a soundtrack for a generation of disaffected youth. While not a "goth" album in the strictest sense, it is arguably the genre's most significant and influential work.
Commercial Success: Despite its dark themes and long songs, *Disintegration* was a huge commercial success. It produced several hit singles, including "Lullaby," "Fascination Street," and their biggest US hit, "Lovesong," which Smith wrote as a wedding present for his wife. The album sold millions of copies and catapulted The Cure to global stadium-level stardom.
The 2010 Remaster
The 2010 reissue of *Disintegration* was a significant event for fans, offering a deeper look into the creation of the album.
Remastered Audio: The original album was remastered by Robert Smith to have a fuller, more dynamic sound than the original 1989 CD release.
Deluxe 3-CD Edition:** This is the centerpiece of the reissue.
* **Disc 1:** The original 12-track album, remastered.
* **Disc 2 (Rarities):** A collection of 20 previously unreleased demos and outtakes, providing insight into the songwriting process.
* **Disc 3 (Entreat Plus):** An expanded and remixed version of the 1990 live album *Entreat*, featuring the entire *Disintegration* album performed live at Wembley Arena in 1989.
Vinyl Reissue: The 2010 reissue also saw the full 12-track album released on a double LP for the first time. The original 1989 vinyl release had omitted two songs, "Last Dance" and "Homesick," due to the time constraints of a single LP.
In summary, *Disintegration* is a landmark album that solidified The Cure's status as one of the most important and influential bands of their era. It's a work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, and its influence can still be heard in the music of countless artists today. The 2010 remaster provides the definitive version of this classic album.