The Cure Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Few artists inspire the level of devotion and debate that The Cure does.
Their vast discography is a journey through moods, sounds, and eras. Deciding on the "best" The Cure albums often sparks passionate discussion among fans.
Today, we're diving into The Cure albums ranked, looking first at what the fans cherish most. We'll explore community sentiment and then cross-reference with current popularity data.
It's all about celebrating their incredible musical legacy.
Ranking The Cure's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. The Top (1984)
This third studio album saw The Cure continuing the gloomy vein of their previous work.
This stylistic theme would conclude with their next album, Pornography.
Preceded by the single "Primary," the album was well-received by critics.
It also achieved commercial success in the UK, peaking at number fourteen.
Key tracks:
- The Caterpillar
- Shake Dog Shake
Claiming the top spot in our fan-driven ranking, The Top clearly holds a special place for many devotees of The Cure.
Its unique atmosphere and adventurous spirit are frequently highlighted in fan discussions as core to its lasting impact.
2. The Cure (2004)
The Cure is the band's twelfth studio album.
It marked their first release on Geffen Records.
The album was co-produced by Ross Robinson and Robert Smith. It spawned the single "The End of the World."
Key tracks:
- The End Of The World
- alt.end
Securing the number two position, the self-titled album The Cure resonates deeply with a significant portion of the fanbase.
Its rawer sound and emotional intensity are often cited as reasons for its strong connection with listeners.
3. Show (1993)
Show is a live album released in 1993.
It was recorded over two nights at The Palace of Auburn Hills during the successful Wish tour.
The album leaned towards poppier and more recent material like "Just Like Heaven" and "Friday I'm in Love."
This contrasted with its companion live album, Paris, which focused on older cult classics.
Key tracks:
- Pictures of You - Live Detroit Version
- Tape - Live At The Palace, Auburn Hills, Michigan
Coming in at number three, the live album Show captures a beloved era for The Cure fans.
The energy of the Wish tour performances and the inclusion of major hits make it an enduring favorite for those who appreciate their live prowess.
4. Wish (1992)
Wish is the ninth studio album by The Cure.
It became the band's most commercially successful album. It debuted at number one in the UK and number two in the US.
A remastered 30th-anniversary deluxe edition was released in 2022.
Key tracks:
- Friday I'm in Love
- A Letter to Elise
At number four, Wish stands as a monumental album in The Cure's discography for many fans.
Its blend of anthemic hits and deeper, emotive tracks solidified their global appeal and remains a touchstone for listeners.
5. Disintegration (1989)
This live album, released in 1993, captured The Cure during their highly successful Wish tour.
It was recorded over two nights in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Show featured more of the band's poppier and recent hits compared to its companion live release, Paris.
The album was reissued on vinyl for Record Store Day in 2023.
Key tracks:
- Lovesong
- Lullaby
Often hailed as a masterpiece, Disintegration's placement at number five underscores its immense and enduring importance to fans.
Its atmospheric depth and iconic tracks create an immersive experience that continues to captivate generations of listeners.
6. Faith (1981)
Faith is the third studio album by The Cure.
Released in 1981, it saw the band continuing the gloomy, atmospheric sound of Seventeen Seconds.
This stylistic direction would culminate in their next album, Pornography.
The album was well-received and a commercial success in the UK.
Key tracks:
- Charlotte Sometimes
- Primary
Ranked sixth by fans, Faith is revered for its stark beauty and introspective mood.
It represents a key part of The Cure's early evolution, solidifying the darker, more atmospheric sound that many fans cherish.
7. Pornography (1982)
Pornography is The Cure's fourth studio album, released in 1982.
It marked the band's first album with producer Phil Thornalley.
The recording sessions were famously fraught with tension and drug use. This fueled the album's dark lyrical and musical content.
Pornography concludes the band's early gloomy phase. It is now considered a gothic rock milestone.
Key tracks:
- Cold
- One Hundred Years
At number seven, Pornography holds a significant, if intense, place in the hearts of many Cure fans.
Its unflinching dive into darkness and raw sound make it a powerful and unforgettable, though challenging, listening experience.
8. Seventeen Seconds (1980)
Seventeen Seconds is The Cure's second studio album, released in 1980.
It marked the first time Robert Smith co-produced with Mike Hedges.
This album saw Simon Gallup officially join as bassist. Matthieu Hartley also joined on keyboards.
The single "A Forest" became the band's first UK Top 40 entry.
Key tracks:
- A Forest
- Play for Today
Ranked eighth, Seventeen Seconds is pivotal for many fans. It signaled a distinct shift in The Cure's sound.
Its minimalist and atmospheric approach laid the groundwork for the band's iconic "gloom" period, and "A Forest" remains a beloved classic.
9. The Head On The Door (1985)
The Head On The Door is The Cure's sixth studio album, released in 1985.
It was described by Melody Maker as "a collection of pop songs."
With its stylistic variety, the album helped the band reach a wider audience internationally. It became their most successful UK album to date at the time.
This was the first album with drummer Boris Williams and marked Simon Gallup's return.
Key tracks:
- Close to Me
- In Between Days
The Head On The Door, at number nine, is celebrated by fans for its eclectic mix of sounds and strong pop sensibilities.
It marked a significant step towards broader appeal while retaining The Cure's unique charm, and features some of their most iconic singles.
10. Songs Of A Lost World (2024)
Songs Of A Lost World is The Cure's fourteenth studio album, released in November 2024.
It marked their first new material in 16 years, since 2008's 4:13 Dream.
All songs were composed solely by Robert Smith. It's their first studio album with guitarist Reeves Gabrels.
The album received critical acclaim and was a commercial success, reaching number one in the UK.
Key tracks:
- A Fragile Thing
- Alone
Landing at number ten, the highly anticipated Songs Of A Lost World quickly made an impression on fans.
Its return to a darker, more atmospheric sound, coupled with Robert Smith's poignant lyricism, has been praised as a powerful addition to their discography.
11. Three Imaginary Boys (1979)
Three Imaginary Boys is the debut studio album by The Cure, released in 1979.
It reached number 44 on the UK Albums Chart.
The album was later released in other territories with a different track listing as the compilation Boys Don't Cry.
Key tracks:
- Boys Don't Cry
- Fire in Cairo
The Cure's debut, Three Imaginary Boys, holds the eleventh spot. Fans appreciate its raw, post-punk energy.
It offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's origins and contains seeds of the iconic sound they would later develop.
12. Bloodflowers (2000)
Bloodflowers is the eleventh studio album by The Cure, released in 2000.
Robert Smith chose not to release any commercial singles from the album. This was reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the record company's promotion of their previous compilation.
However, "Maybe Someday" and "Out of This World" were issued as promotional singles to radio.
Key tracks:
- Maybe Someday
- The Last Day of Summer
At number twelve, Bloodflowers is seen by many fans as a return to the band's moodier, more introspective side.
Its lush soundscapes and melancholic themes resonate with those who favor The Cure's more atmospheric work, often considered part of a "trilogy" with Pornography and Disintegration.
13. Wild Mood Swings (1996)
Wild Mood Swings is The Cure's tenth studio album, released in 1996.
The album charted well but marked a downturn in sales compared to previous releases.
It explored various styles, similar to Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me. It incorporated jangle pop, jazz, and mariachi influences.
The album's eclectic nature is reflected in its title.
Key tracks:
- Mint Car
- Want
Wild Mood Swings, ranking thirteenth, is perhaps one of The Cure's most debated albums among fans.
Its deliberate eclecticism means some tracks are beloved while others divide opinion, making it a truly varied listening experience.
14. 4:13 Dream (2008)
4:13 Dream is the thirteenth studio album by The Cure, released in 2008.
It was produced by Robert Smith and Keith Uddin.
The album was preceded by four singles, each released on the 13th of consecutive months. A remix EP, Hypnagogic States, followed.
It received mixed reception from critics.
Key tracks:
- Underneath The Stars
- The Hungry Ghost
Positioned at number fourteen, 4:13 Dream often evokes mixed feelings within the fanbase.
While some appreciate its upbeat moments and signature Cure elements, others find it less cohesive than earlier works.
15. Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987)
Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me is The Cure's seventh studio album, released in 1987.
Robert Smith described it as taking bits from everything they had done previously. It also explored new territory.
The album helped bring The Cure into the US mainstream. It was their first album to reach the Billboard Top 40 and achieve platinum certification there.
It included the hit single "Just Like Heaven."
Key tracks:
- Just like Heaven
- Why Can't I Be You?
The sprawling double album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me ranks fifteenth. This might surprise some given its commercial success.
Fans often admire its ambitious scope and iconic singles, though its sheer length and stylistic shifts can make it a less consistently favored listen for some compared to more focused efforts.
The Cure albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of The Cure's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wish | 1992 |
| 2 | Three Imaginary Boys | 1979 |
| 3 | The Head On The Door | 1985 |
| 4 | Seventeen Seconds | 1980 |
| 5 | Songs Of A Lost World | 2024 |
| 6 | Disintegration | 1989 |
| 7 | Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me | 1987 |
| 8 | Faith | 1981 |
| 9 | Pornography | 1982 |
| 10 | Bloodflowers | 2000 |
| 11 | Wild Mood Swings | 1996 |
| 12 | 4:13 Dream | 2008 |
| 13 | The Top | 1984 |
| 14 | Show | 1993 |
| 15 | The Cure | 2004 |
| 16 | Hypnagogic States | 2008 |
Quick FAQs about The Cure's albums
Q: What inspired some songs on The Cure's album Faith?
A: Some songs on Faith, like "All Cats Are Grey" and "The Drowning Man," were inspired by the Gormenghast novels of Mervyn Peake. The wiki content associated with The Top in the provided data actually describes Faith.
Q: How was much of Faith written?
A: Much of the album was reportedly written in the studio. The band was often on the road, switching between recording and touring during that period.
So there you have it – our deep dive into The Cure albums ranked.
We've journeyed through fan favorites and looked at how engagement data paints another picture.
Ultimately, the "best" The Cure album is a deeply personal choice. It's about the songs that resonate with you, the memories they evoke, and the feelings they stir.
Each record offers a unique window into their evolving artistry. What does your personal ranking of The Cure's albums look like? Which album claims the top spot for you, and why?