First time ANALYZING The Cure, "Pictures Of You".

[@derrikmiller33]

Robert smith is such a treasure. The cure is not a band, it's a feeling

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Oooo I like that!

[@smilerpink]

Well said. This song and “Friday I’m in Love” are very evocative. As Elizabeth said-road trip music. Rolling rhythms, whimsical reflective vocal.

[@robdaniel3211]

Robert Smith ruined it for the guys who couldn’t express their feelings to their past nor current mate.

[@xCaLLMeGHeTTo]

"Listen to The Cure and listen to your heart!"

[@tonypointless]

Nailed it

[@badgermcinnes2383]

Robert Smith is a criminally underrated vocalist. He's got one of the most distinctive voices you'll ever hear, and he's a master songwriter. Disintegration, the album this song comes from, is brilliant from top to bottom.

[@Azreale]

Disintegration is 1 of my fave albums, in my top 10. Agreed 💯 Robert underrated singer, but I'll also add songwriting overall and even guitar playing.....

[@ajohnson2371]

Not only that, but he's a highly underrated musician. His guitar technique may sound simple at times, but it evokes such emotion, such passion... It hits you right in the heart, in the spriti, in the soul.

[@Stl71]

Underrated? Don't think so.

[@NS-kk5gr]

He's a Nobel Price lyricist, you can take any Cure song and read the lyrics as poems. Massive Cure fan here since -89 and Disintegration. Seventeen Seconds, Pornography, Head on the Door, Wild Mood Swings and 4:13 Dream plus Paris live are other amazing albums. Now impatiently awaiting the next one....

[@brandonfernandez1981]

Disintegration is my favorite song by the cure

[@travisbunce7334]

Can you imagine a song like this, being released today? The Record Label would be going nuts, that they aren't into the first Chorus in the first 30 seconds. So much room for all the instruments to play and be heard clearly, no one stepping on each others toes. Just a wonderfully written song musically, plus there is some singing and stuff.

[@Rem1Gnova]

It is pretty extraordinary to think of this as a single

[@sretePtraB]

The radio edit intro is much shorter. Sadly though, because I could listen to that for hours.

[@juliel4734]

I sent my daughter “A Thousand Hours” for her to amaze at his breath control and range and she asked if he’d ever start singing. That’s the beauty of the Cure!

[@SnailHatan]

Sure, bud. That’s why so many record labels produce great artists today. It makes perfect sense. Jfc imagine thinking that the top 40 songs are the only new music that exists.

[@zoeherriot]

BTW - the record label at the time told Robert Smith that Disintegration was commercial suicide and walked out of the listening session. It was their biggest selling album.

[@modernmedeamedia]

This song is sublime. It’s both romantic and heartbreaking. Robert Smith’s vocals conveys all the beauty that goes with the memories of love.

[@timothysassanella272]

The entire Disintegration album is one stunning musical story. Perhaps the best band ever.

[@cherszerokman9517]

Could not agree more.

[@shem3229]

This album and Simple Minds Sons & Fascination changed the way I listen to music 🎵

[@happymethehappyone8300]

I've always described Robert's voice as "Beautifully Melancholy".

[@d.t.1661]

I always say The Cure feels like listening to a sad, romantic, whimsical fever dream. The feeling they give me is unlike any other band I’ve listened to

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I can totally see that! And I always say that the expression of emotion is more important than technique. Robert Smith seems to have both. ;-)

[@amyhon2000]

My husband and I listened to Disintegration (the album this song is on) a LOT when we were younger. I did not expect to tear up when the vocals started. My favorite part is “Remembering you standing quiet in the rain As I ran to your heart to be near “. Ugh it kills me every time.

[@amyhon2000]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceYou should listen to Just Like Heaven”. There are some beautiful covers of it but the original has my heart.

[@donnazasgoat2274]

​@@amyhon2000Yeah, I usually don't care for covers but I gotta say that AFI does a good cover of Just Like Heaven. And Robert approved it.

[@guitargamesandliverpool]

I love the cure, but I think I like the smiths a little bit more

[@hazi5961]

The whole Disintegration album is a masterpiece, and I believe it is easily their best album.

[@kathrynfehon82]

I took my 19 year old son to see them do the album at the Sydney Opera House. It was remarkable and unforgettable.

[@JasonSavorn]

Top 5 albums of ALL TIME.

[@noellemarshall-t9b]

Agreed!! I got my first copy of Disintegration in 1993 when my friend sent me a copy she made me on cassette. I've been hooked ever since!

[@michaelwright7223]

Agreed

[@avictorbell2835]

@@kathrynfehon82 I hope your son appreciated what he heard, saw and felt, that Sydney Opera House concert is legendary

[@stacywilson3481]

Now you know why we fans love him/them passionately. He’s given a voice to our hearts. Having just seen them live, it’s a voice miracle that his voice is EXACTLY the same at 64. Clear, beautiful and perfect

[@juliel4734]

Ditto! I loved that she commented that she could hear no editing and that was confirmed at the concert-it’s just pure Robert Smith! She also picked up on the hook, also evident at the concert as we’d all be “singing” the hooks to various songs even before he would. This commentary delighted me. My daughter has a beautiful voice and has had training but never shared my love for the Cure, but I send her songs all the time trying to prove his amazing abilities as a vocalist. He has such a range and does so many things naturally and effortlessly.

[@MrThrustSSC]

That is exactly my feeling. If you go to a concert you see Roberts Smith appear on the stage, clearly older. But when he starts to sing that voice is just there. 100% like it has allways been. And he is a very confident singer. Miraculous.

[@suncoastchic]

I think it’s even better now!

[@Lukeflesh]

Agree.. i think we all need to hushhhh and listen.. but i like a party too📸

[@Michael-ew5my]

Just saw them in Akron Ohio and damn... real deal

[@Ylyrra]

Can't beat the cure for being deeply deeply melancholic and yet upliftingly optimistic at the exact same time.

[@darioalzate4661]

That's why the people say the music of the cure is happy-sad

[@jenspringerchannel]

One of the best songs ever written, Robert Smith's raw vulnerability in this song is something very few people can do. Timeless

[@daniBoiiii]

As an older person and a long time goth , The Cure have been a constant in my life , they can heal you , share your pain , express everything that means beauty and loss . Robert Smith is truly an artist and there is no one like him. I would recommend to listen to the unplugged performance they did for MTV, but if you can’t please listen to Lovesong. It’s so beautiful.

[@Terri_MacKay]

Their "Unplugged" was brilliant!! I think they were the only band that truly took the unplugged mission to heart. Their choice of instruments, and Robert's voice!! What a great performance!!

[@jarmyvicious]

Is this the multi camera view done in black and white?....to me, all those are the very best versions

[@JeffMTX]

I have always loved their music too

[@sophoklesgreek3237]

this! btw.. greetings fellow Old Bat!

[@daniBoiiii]

@@sophoklesgreek3237 💜

[@ChicagoTRS]

I am a metal guy but The Cure has always been a guilty pleasure and brings me back to my youth.

[@arcticus4758]

Me too but there's nothing guilty about it 🥰

[@MoldoonTube]

This exact comment, minus “guilty”.

[@braca977]

It's one of Phil Anselmo's (from Pantera) favorite bands....so it's safe to say that metalheads love The Cure!

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

The Cure is freaking brutal.

[@MaxJam684]

Same here!

[@Zavonofcats]

I personally believe that Robert Smith is the greatest lyricist of all time. His words aren't just poetry, they show a deep understanding of the human condition. And he makes you understand them.

[@RussellLambeth]

One of my favorite songs of theirs is The Same Deep Water as You, track 9 on Disintegration, because they are in my opinion, some of the greatest lyrics ever written.

[@Arthur-ke9vz]

100% agree!

[@MikeParent]

As much as I love Smith's work and The Cure, for me that honor goes to Fish of Marillion: Jigsaw: We are jigsaw pieces aligned on the perimeter edge Interlocked through a missing piece We are renaissance children becalmed beneath the Bridge of Sighs Forever throwing firebrands at the stonework We are Siamese children related by the heart Bleeding from the surgery of initial confrontation Holding the word scalpels on trembling lips Stand straight, look me in the eye and say goodbye Stand straight, we've drifted past the point of reasons why Yesterday starts tomorrow, tomorrow starts today And the problem always seems to be we're picking up the pieces on the ricochet This is the ricochet Drowning tequila sunsets, stowaways on midnight ships Refugees of romance plead asylum from the real Scrambling distress signals on random frequencies Forever repatriated on guilt laden morning planes We are pilots of passion sweating the flight on course To another summit conference, another breakfast time divorce Screaming out a cease fire, snow-blind in an avalanche zone Stand straight, look me in the eye and say goodbye, say goodbye Stand straight, we've drifted past the point of reasons why Yesterday starts tomorrow, tomorrow starts today And the problem always seems to be we're picking up the pieces on the ricochet This is the ricochet Are we trigger happy? Russian roulette in the waiting room Empty chambers embracing the end Puzzled visions haunt the ripples of a trevi moon Dream coins for the fountain or to cover your eyes We reached ignition point from the sparks of pleasantries We sensed the smoke advancing from horizons You must have known that I was concealing an escape Stand straight, look me in the eye and say goodbye, say goodbye Stand straight, we've drifted past the point of reasons why Yesterday starts tomorrow, tomorrow starts today, starts today And the problem always seems to be we're picking up the pieces on the ricochet This is the ricochet

[@misfits-of-war9970]

@@RussellLambeth He is good as a rock writer but TVZ is someone you should give a listen to. Many consider him the GOAT.

[@ronsworld250]

@@RussellLambeth That is a beautiful song and one of my favorite Cure songs as well. I can listen to it at certain times and get emotional. Just an exceptional album Disintegration is and personally my favorite of all time. Robert Smith is a tremendous musician and an exceptional lyricist. I have always loved his voice and his guitar playing is top notch, too.

[@KyOte13]

Finally… someone has taken the time to appreciate and analyze the magic that is Robert Smith’s voice. His range and delivery are totally singular, and his technique is impeccable. Still sounds just as incredible today as he did when he started. Thank You for this 🙏

[@smarglegargle3314]

I was introduced to The Cure by a beautiful cousin that passed away many years ago from cancer at the age of 26. I listen to this song…look at my pictures of her…and stain my pillow with tears. Miss you Becky 😢💔

[@mjm5081]

🙏✌❤Becky

[@williamsifton6270]

❤

[@billyofcourse7667]

The wildest part is that to this day in his 60's he still sounds spot on perfect in his performance. Had the pleasure to catch them in concert a few weeks ago and the man has not lost anything over the years.

[@mutorsound]

And played for 2:30 or more most nights. I found myself sitting down a couple times, and realized “these old codgers have been standing/moving around the whole time”. Especially the drummer. Just kept going tune after tune.

[@ReallyMimi]

That’s so awesome❤

[@tracyramos1019]

​@@mutorsound they played over 3 hrs the last time I had seen them. You can tell he really enjoys playing his music.

[@zoeherriot]

From a vocal performance point of view - his voice is as good today (34 years after this song) as it was then. It's amazing how well his voice has been preserved (they did a massive US tour this year). I saw them in 1992, 2000, 2008 and 2019 and while Robert has gotten older, he still sounds like a young man.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

That's really impressive. I would love to see them live, especially after I get a few more songs under my belt!

[@zoeherriot]

@@TheCharismaticVoice There was one other thing I came back to mention, Robert actually sings a lot of songs in "character". It's really fascinating, but he has about a dozen songs over his career in which he delivers the song in a completely different character - songs like Lullaby, or Piggy In the Mirror. Also someone else mentioned it, but his collab with Chvrches - How not to drown - which came out two years ago - is beautiful. And thanks for doing this - I took my mum to see The Cure in 2000 - and she was so happy because Robert Smith looked at her. :) But she passed away three years ago... so this song has a meloncholy vibe to me now.

[@mattrose9062]

I just saw them in Tampa and even my wife said that he sounds exactly the same. I saw Wild Mood Swings, Blood Flowers then 2016 and 2023.

[@suzetteemberton4368]

Can confirm! I saw them in Austin a few months ago, and they put on a fantastic show. Robert Smith sounds just as good as now as he did 30 + years ago.

[@blunderbass851]

Yup! Saw them in Portland this year. He was such a charismatic singer, and he sounded perfect. He was such a cute, charming little English grandpa, which I didn't expect based on music alone.

[@TheJoeGarza]

Disintegration is a masterpiece of an album. Not a bad song on it. You should do more of The Cure.

[@arthurwebber361]

You can actually hear the sincerity in his voice, as he sings every word! Such a great song writer , and band!

[@tobinbh3940]

Agreed...it's so heart felt...barely singing it...almost spoken

[@651willow]

This is my favorite song of theirs. I’ve listened to it thousands and thousands of times. Thank you for the gift of listening to it for the first time. I’m sobbing in gratitude!

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Robert Smith...what a voice. 🥰🥰🥰 Saw The Cure in the mid-nineties, outside, in the rain...even the skies wept.

[@Wolfsblood1138]

Our show in June was delayed almost 2 hours because of severe weather. Right as the band took the stage the rain quit for good. 3 hours later I was almost dried out. So many emotions having last seen them on the Disintegration tour. I never thought I'd get the chance to see them again. ❤

[@badius377]

Yes...in Cleveland it was definitely The Cure weather! The thunder playing on the PA was a bit confusing though.

[@TheHopperUK]

This song was used on a drunk-driving PSA in Australia where people sat with photographs of their lost loved ones and it was a real heartbreaker.

[@ProfessorChaos1349]

Damn...I haven't seen the vid, but I can totally feel that.

[@MrStredders]

That was sung by Angie Hart of Frenté, who had some success here in Australia before joining a cult, being reborn and even doing a few songs for Buffy the Vampire Slayer!

[@caseyh8386]

​@@MrStreddersthat is the wildest story I've ever read in one sentence 😂

[@xiabelle]

​@@MrStredders wait now what? I saw Frente do a tiny concert at a park in DC in 1993.

[@MrStredders]

@@xiabelle nice one! A hugely underrated band who deserved much more success :)

[@ronsorage78]

He is a master at painting a picture for you. He let's moments breath. Gets emotions across in vocals perfectly. Amazing (yet reluctant) talent as a song writter and front man. Super underrated.

[@johnakers7451]

Fun fact, the Cure's bassist Simon, is a huge Maiden fan. During their recent tour, he added a bass line from Iron Maiden's " Death of the Celts" at the end of their song "A Forest". I saw them at the Holywood Bowl and hearing this live blew me away. A Forest is one of their classic songs

[@ianwilliamson4846]

Robert Smith provided a cover quote for Bruce Dickinson's comic novel, IIRC.

[@CMZIEBARTH]

I was there too.

[@ntro9347]

Simon Gallup is responsible for some awesome basslines. A big part of the appeal for The Cure for me.

[@suze6083]

I will always and forever LOVE the Cure. They never get old to me and I‘m always 15 when I hear them. Their sound is just uplifting, yet painfully beautiful.

[@tms02]

This is my favorite Cure song. The extended version intro is incredible. The built up, the layers of music. It's one of those songs you listen to with your eyes closed in a dark room and soak it in.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I agree! Kirk insisted I do this one to get more of the melodic entrance before the song began, and I agree. It's absolutely beautiful.

[@ronparsons8786]

I like this version better than the album version. Get completely lost in the sauce with that extendo intro

[@eboethrasher]

Yep, this is indeed my favorite version of my favorite song, too.

[@edster612]

It is one of the best in their catalog. So evocative and representative of their body of work.

[@bryanbledsoe68]

It's my favorite cure song too. I discovered this years after it was released.

[@IGarrettI]

please listen to more cure! Robert's voice is something else! Definitely overlooked as a killer singer, guitarist and a musician.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I would love to! Let's see how this video does. :-)

[@roguelily7957]

@@TheCharismaticVoice If you do listen to more please consider The Caterpillar, Primary, One Hundred Years or Hot Hot Hot. Friday I'm In Love is a very commercial song but really doesn't reflect the overall abilities of Robert Smith and The Cure.

[@juliel4734]

Would love to hear your take on “A Thousand Hours,” @TheCharismaticVoice! Loved seeing you light up over his authentic sweetness!

[@areyoukind1955]

@@TheCharismaticVoice I'll second that vote and I think Hot Hot Hot has interesting vocals

[@zoeherriot]

@@roguelily7957 ah the falsetto in Caterpillar is interesting :)

[@mickeycantrell9489]

We just saw them last month in Atlanta. Robert Smith and the entire band still sound amazing. His stage presence and connection to the audience is second to none. He began to cry on stage while they were playing Plainsong. Everyone I have heard speak about meeting him says he is absolutely the nicest person you will could ever hope to meet. Plus he cares about the fans, he fought Ticketmaster and we actually got a refund on a portion of our tickets with an email from Ticketmaster stating that the refund was courtesy of Robert Smith.

[@alexanderds9029]

I’m a metalhead to my core, but the entire album Disintegration is one of my all-time favourites. I was introduced by a Finnish exchange student who stayed with us as part of my older sister’s exchange program when I was 13. Loved to see your analysis of this one!

[@moustachio05]

Ei vittu Suomi mainittu :D

[@luanbrancher6269]

Varg Vikerness (Burzum) named Disintegration as one of the best albuns in music history.

[@darksideofthemood]

Robert Smith married his high school sweetheart. He is very awkward when he's not on stage, very shy and stoic. He's so vulnerable and so real with it, he doesn't hide or takes shame in it. That's the beauty of The Cure, I think. That man is a treasure...

[@regane.bartko7247]

Your comment about pitch correction was spot-on. Today's music has had the heart and soul engineered out of it in the relentless pursuit of what it perceives as perfection, and what we're left with are interchangeable and replaceable widgets. We will never see another band like the Cure again because the music business won't let it happen.

[@tobinbh3940]

Yep..these older artists just sang as they were .no filters.corrrction.or fake b.s...just honest sound

[@richardvasquez6746]

This is my favorite song from the cure. I got my daughter into the cure since I would listen to them so much and we were able to see them live for the first time when they toured earlier this year and it was amazing. I'm not going to lie when they played this song I cried cause I love this song. He sounds amazing live just like he does on the albums.

[@joelcaron8291]

I went to their concert two weeks ago... been listening to them since 1989... and I was surprise to hear how Robert's Voice is still sharp and crisp... That was an awesome evening witeh my GF !!!!

[@zoeherriot]

He sounds great doesn’t he - if you close your eyes it’s hard to tell it’s not 1990’s Robert.

[@itsjustme6905]

I was at the Miami show with my daughter that grew up with their music. She couldn't believe how good his voice sounded live, at 64 years old

[@pixj7338]

Robert Smith is unlike any other singer and the Cure is unlike any other band. Nobody else can put, beautiful, dark and moody but happy all at the same time. Musically the sound is magic and the sound of the Cure is a dream of beauty.

[@cherylmadigan4320]

Lifelong Cure fan here. Had not heard of this channel.before but wanted to hear what she said about Robert. I just loved this! Seeing the Cure live is unlike anything else. At one point watching him sing I literally saw his voice send waves out through the crowd. I can't explain it. It was amazing. I love how this woman totally gets and appreciates him. What a fantastic song that never gets old!

[@jkeith3147]

Ugh, such a powerful song! Going through a divorce right now, and the emotions song brings up... "if only I'd thought of the right words". That line played in my head as I boxed up pictures of us and her. It is probably the best "torch song" in a long time. The longing for what was, and the realization that it will never be again is captured in the poetry of the lyrics paired with Robert Smith's vocal timbres. So, I'm going to ugly cry for a little bit...

[@denspens9035]

Take care.

[@inscrutianaII]

Stay light, buddy. Lean in & you'll find you.

[@CyberChunk77]

Nothing wrong with having a cry when times are hard. Hoping for the best for you.

[@elgrancabron]

You're not alone. Life is tough, but there's always someone out there who'll love you. Just look for them.

[@XB10001]

You described it perfectly. Take care, there will be good times ahead.

[@BaldotheDon]

When you're talking to someone in the very moment they are in the act of breaking your heart, there comes a point when your voice succumbs to emotion - between clear, coherent speech and broken, forlorn sob - where you can still form understandable words, but everything just sounds like pain. Robert Smith's singing voice is that point, extended indefinitely, harmonic, and heartwrenching. My favorite Cure song is _Burn,_ from _The Crow_ OST. Maybe _Fascination Street._

[@jameskellison9342]

Very true

[@edster612]

Very well put. Love his voice because the pain sounds real, not forced.

[@noracola5285]

Good description.

[@tinak.3022]

You perfectly described The Cure and Robert Smith along with the feelings that come over me when I listen to them.

[@GONEHAWKN70]

Beautifully put…….

[@jamesmacoisdealbhaigh9904]

One of Robert's best vocal performances is on the track "Charlotte Sometimes"

[@johntaylor9988]

Such a beautiful, emotive and heartbreaking piece of music. Pure poetry with space to breath. My daughters know if the want my eyes to water and to give me goosebumps they need only play this. Completely gets to me and always have. I have to pretend I have allergies but my girls know better. It doesn’t get better than this. New cure as yet unreleased song Nothing is Forever, about the end of life being ok as long as Mary is with him hits me in the same way. Magical.

[@nikkiwilliams8508]

The group as a whole is just amazing, I was born in ‘84 so growing up this was a big part of my life. My momma would put it on MTV (real OG MTV) all day as background since she watched kids out the the apartment. I had a Muppets band set so I would try to copy everyone I saw lol. I remember that whenever one of their songs came on the little ones would always calm down and watch. His voice is just mesmerizing and the music just floats you along with it. 😌

[@roevega9902]

“A Letter to Elise” is similar but much more heartbreaking and beautiful.

[@russellsnyder4437]

Letter is a freaking masterpiece.

[@polishpimp4233]

Wish is a criminally underrated Cure album. A lot of Cure fans deride the album. It is emotionally all over the place to be fair. Wendy time is a hidden treasure.

[@gammal586]

@@polishpimp4233 Agree. Excellent album, one of the best.

[@danielasalomao3258]

And way harder to sing ...MTV Acoustic version of letter to Elise❤

[@callumkent7155]

Nothing is as beautiful as pictures of you. It’s epic. The instrumental should be a movie soundtrack

[@Cadinho93]

Certainly one of the songs and one of the groups that absolutely defined '80s music. The Cure are terrific and their sound was part of the soundtrack of the '80s. Also, Disintegration is an absolutely perfect album. There is not a single bad song on it.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I have heard that! I'm looking forward to digging deeper into their catalogue with intense listening sessions rather than hearing their music in a car. . .

[@Cadinho93]

@@TheCharismaticVoiceYes, you must! Also, there's no way better, especially since you're the perfectionist on KZbin when it comes to breaking the down songs.

[@craigvincent8344]

@@TheCharismaticVoice The single most Cure-like song is "Burn" off the soundtrack for the movie The Crow; the song doesn't capture the poppy moments, but otherwise covers their signature sound. Probably the most representative album of their musical range is Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. My favorite song, and album, is probably "Faith". (The Cure's albums usually shared the name of the last song on the album.)

[@syyneater]

@@craigvincent8344While it’s not my favorite Cure song, that would be From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, Burn live is nothing short of amazing. Considering just how insanely good their shows are, that’s saying something. The crowd lost its shit at every venue we went to during the last tour.

[@craigvincent8344]

@@syyneater Absolutely! I've been a fan of the Cure since I was a teen in the 80s, but never saw them until 2016 or 2017 (I dislike large venues...). Burn was the highlight of an already phenomenal show.

[@scottishguard]

Happy to see you're diving into The Cure. They're an amazing, unique, trend-setting, subculture-spawning, incredibly talented band. Uncle Bob (Robert Smith) is definitely a true artist.

[@marcuspreu7939]

This has always been my favorite Cure song. The Intro picks you up somehow and takes you on a travel... followed by beautiful and hauntingly sung vocals by Robert. Everytime I hear it, It's always like a short break of my life that surrounds me. Beautiful!

[@413dreaming]

I have to say, watching your face with pure joy (and genuine smiles) whilst you are hearing this song for the first time from my all time favorite band, LITERALLY made my night. Hearing your expertise explanation of the characteristics of his vocals I have always loved, but maybe couldn't describe in the precise way you did, was enlightening. I just knew his vocals were unique, and in this song his words are so dreamy. Combined with the amazing bassline and guitar riffs and the do-do-do-do-do-do 's, it's a lovely production. Of course I've admired Robert as a brilliant song writer, vocalist, guitarist, etc. but from the way he tells it in past interviews, he became a vocalist by chance default. He didn't think he could sing well, but gave it a shot one night after hearing a shitty band and thought "I could do better than that!" After hearing your analysis, it sounds like a lot of what he does is as genuine as I understood it to be, but as the band and their experience progressed, maybe he learned (or was coached) to hone in on this beautiful innate talent. I loved your video so much. Thank you! I hope this song is on your playlist now. :) It's a beautiful gem for sure. Cheers!

[@arkher11]

The Cure always had a special place in my heart. It was my mother's favourite band, so I've listened to them my whole life. I remember being only 6 and listen to the album Pornography, again and again and again. My mother passed 20 years ago when I was 12, I ended up being a huge Cure fan, a weird goth kid listening to pretty lyrics and creative music. That's something I love about them, they can make banger pop songs, deep sad and tortured tracks, pretty and moody songs. There's a Cure song for everyone.

[@Censeo]

I recommend Anathema if you haven't found them already. I have a feeling it will suit you.

[@jonathanmarquise422]

the cure and depeche mode are two of the best bands to come out of the 80's.

[@jamesbittle9789]

100%

[@Chicxulub-n7e]

I just love how much Robert Smith loves his wife.

[@andrewsteiner5592]

Just when it sounds like the song is over, they do one more verse, and it's one of the greatest gifts a band could ever give to its listeners.

[@TheVisitorChannel]

A truly great vocal performance of yearning, love and a feeling of separation that lays somewhere in-between days of warm and cold. Where we live and are apart and look at pictures of you. Touring is a wonderful journey, but makes you a visitor in someone's heart. On the edge of tears in rain.

[@davidbellis8792]

I am amazed and overjoyed that you analyzed the voice of Robert Smith. Very informative of you to describe the paradoxical nature of his glamorous yet simple delivery. Your statement that he focuses on his breath as the medium for his words was also a new concept for me. Thanks! I have loved TheCure since 1981, and am completely obsessed with the older songs like The Figurehead, The Drowning Man and Just One Kiss. While heavier songs, I believe they have the same clarity of presentation as Pictures of You. It would be great if you analyzed one of these older songs. Thanks again for teaching me many new things about Robert Smith’s singing.

[@youbertu]

Elizabeth may not be a Goth expert, but this is The Cure.... Don't get all cranky, it had to be said😎 Perhaps some Siouxsie and the Banshees next?

[@rebekahsprlyan6982]

Yes to Siouxsie!

[@MrHotsnakes]

If you want his breathiness give "Lullaby" a listen, it's amazing

[@ianwilliamson4846]

Lots of vocal tricks to analyse in that. Though the very dark element is clearer in the lyrics.

[@scotmark]

So many 'L' sounds to analyse too!

[@Pumpkinvvitch666]

The spider man is having me for dinner……tonight 🕷️

[@heatherjane910]

My all time favorite band. Just saw them live and it’s mind blowing that his voice sounds exactly the same at age 64 as it did in the 70s. He’s an incredible singer, songwriter, and such a humble kind person.

[@PS-1421]

This is my favorite song of all time. It is a masterpiece- a miracle.

[@mrhonda1]

I've been a Cure fan since high school. My first ever concert was their Wish tour in 1992 and it was amazing. I listened to this song a lot in college as I thought of a girl in high school that I never had the courage to ask out. I went to see the Cure in concert last month and this was the second song on the set list. I was standing there on the hill, soaking wet from the storm that just rolled through, and every emotion just came flooding back. I spent the entire song fighting back the tears.

[@BRRRETO]

A beautiful memory. By chance the Long Beach show?

[@OneWingedSephiroth]

You've done one of my absolute favourite Cure songs! It's not even a song, it's an entire feeling.

[@EvenFlow1970]

If you look at this song from the videos of the 2023 tour his voice is as strong as ever. This band is a blessing to us all.

[@seanboyy]

Thank you for your incredible analysis of this beautiful song! I have listened to this song hundreds if not thousands of times, and you still were able to provide unique insight eloquently and thoughtfully with your knowledge and background. Fantastic video!

[@jeannem.5979]

This has been my favorite song for years and will be forever i think. The way the bass and the guitar mix together, the density of the sound, the poetry of the lyrics... pure genius. I've seen the cure a few times and this song live is just the best thing ever. And Robert Smith sounds just the same at 60+ years old ! You should check out their live version of "A Forest" !

[@toonswap8511]

27:09 - This vocal & instrument progression always hits me right in the feels. It's difficult to explain but there are some songs that evoke so much emotion just by the way one chord resolves into another.

[@peggynunez391]

My two favorite Cure songs are "The Caterpillar" and "In Between Days," but their entire catalogue is priceless. So glad I was able to see them live in my lifetime. I wasn't allowed to go to concerts as a kid, and I couldn't afford to go to concerts in my 20s, so now that all my favorite bands are back on the road, it's "just like heaven." 😀

[@eandg330]

In between days!!!!❤❤❤

[@magicbrownie1357]

One of my all time favorite bands. Especially in fall and winter when their sounds feel like they just reverberate endlessly through the valley of my soul. The sad love vibe is strong with this one.

[@jacobhaagerup7816]

South Park said it best when Stan yelled at Robert Smith flying away: "Disintegration is the best album ever!" The video was shot in Scotland, so the palms are definitely props.

[@danielasalomao3258]

Video was shot in Norway

[@jenniferroach4153]

I was in middle school and the first song I ever heard was just like heaven. I was hooked from then on out. They are nostalgic and hold such precious memories of times I’ll never have back. Like innocence is kept there with them and when I hear them I remember. This is the first band to ever have had that effect on me.

[@lauralattemann9536]

They have an unique sound. Robert’s voice is amazing, after decades he still have the same powerful and clear voice 🤗 many thanks for your reaction !

[@sidneymartin7346]

I'm looking forward to watching you branch out from the "typical" bands you choose. Sooo many great bands from this era to check out. I would love to see you react to a band called Depeche Mode. I'd love to hear what you think of Dave Gahan's voice. He has such a smooth, deep, baritone voice.

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

I've heard a lot about Depeche Mode, and I'm sure that will happen sometime this year. Stay tuned!

[@sidneymartin7346]

@@TheCharismaticVoice Excellent! Thanks, Elisabeth. ❤️

[@matthewdawson9333]

I love Robert Smith's voice. He has such a good tone without over-producing his voice! Okay, first time request time!! One of my favourite bands, Tesseract very recently (1 day ago 😅) released their new single "The War of Being" and I would absolutely LOVE if you could do a reaction on it. It's a long song at 11 minutes but together with the video, it is just pure heavy art! Hit the upvotes ppleeaasseee!!

[@narcissus79]

i've been getting that recommendation constantly shoved down my gob on youtube lately.. not sure why...

[@angelfury8182]

The Cure is my favorite band of all time. The wall of sound and atmosphere they create with instruments is unmatched.

[@bluefoot8941]

I enjoyed the vocal analysis, and I can guarantee Robert Smith has never thought about any of it

[@matthewgoodA1206]

I know that The Cure has always been pigeonholed as a dour Goth band, mired in darkness. But with time I’ve realized they have far more range than that. It is true that they can dwell in the dark, but, as this song clearly demonstrates, they have a tremendously romantic and beautiful side, as well. They have even written the occasional very upbeat and happy song. I wouldn’t have them any other way. I want them to always express the low doldrums, the deeply noir nights, and the shimmery beauty of romance.

[@jimmyc3755]

When I first heard the Cure, especially this song, it became a touch stone that my girlfriend and I would listen to coming back from a night out. When we went to the concert she looked around at everyone there and tears started to well up in eyes. She said she never felt more accepted for who she was. They were unique. Robert Smith walks his own path.

[@kaspinet]

I appreciate that you don't just point out vocal styles and techniques but also point out how a song is arranged or engineered.

[@kimhubbard826]

Excellent analysis! I just saw them live for the second time in my life. So much time had passed by since the first concert I really didn't know what to expect for the second one. I was blown away that he still has his voice, and they played for almost three hours in the heat, here in Dallas. I would say it was one of the best concerts I've ever been to and I've seen some really incredible concerts before.

[@BuffaloGoodman]

Robert _is_ very sweet. Had the chance to photograph him for a magazine in the 90s and he was an absolute delight.

[@markyd504]

After The Cure you should really listen to a band called Echo and The Bunnymen and a song called The Cutter

[@yannhollister9091]

His voice gives me the chills.. pure 80's magic

[@pietersbart]

The Cure with Robert as their constant force is such a wonderful band. They have been around since the late 70’s and still rock it strongly. I saw them in Amsterdam late last year and after a show of almost 3 hours, Robert roamed the stage reluctant to leave. They also played 5 songs of their upcoming album which has been upcoming for 3+ years now :-) They take time to build up a song musically and I find it very atmospheric. The lyrics are beautiful and poetical and telling wonderful stories. Robert has indeed a very unique voice and has maintained it well as he still sounds the same over the years. Robert is a multi talent and some albums he wrote all the songs, recorded all the songs and instruments and produced the songs. An all in one production :-) Thanks for this detailed analysis: I heard a bunch of things in his voice I wasn’t aware of and I have been a fan since the mid 80’s!

[@Roger-rv8ei]

The Cure is so amazing. For having been around for 45 years and still touring and sounding as good as ever is incredible. I just saw them a couple of months ago on their recent tour and it was something I'll always treasure.

[@davidkendall1614]

I love seeing the joy and emotion in your face as you listen. One of my favourite songs from The Cure. Never fails to stir feelings and memories.

[@spensep999]

Nothing takes me back to my childhood and my mom like The Cure. This album came out right before I was born and she played it nonstop. Such a smooth, relaxing, beautiful sound. I can see her dancing to it now.

[@pairofpints]

Not the version I'm used to, the album version is more intense and powerful and I urge you to give it a try Elizabeth. For the most part this song reminds me of New Order doing Joy Division but with a better singer😊. Love it

[@syteanric]

My favourite band... at one point in my life their music was literally all I had. They saved me

[@NolanHolladay]

OMG YES!!!! I keep thinking as I'm binge watching your videos that you should totally review The Cure - and here it is!! yaaaayyyyyyyy!!!!

[@staygold902]

Hes still as good today as he ever was. The cure is high on the list for best bands ever

[@stevemiller8667]

80’s new wave is so good

[@billblackstarr5935]

I love how The Cure will have rhythms made up of several layers of separate melodies in their songs. I haven't heard any other band construct songs the way they do.

[@danpitzer765]

The Cure has two albums that are generally considered masterworks. Pornography, and Disintegration. Pictures of You is from Disintegration. One fragment of one of their most amazing works. Absolute, pure art.

[@LunarHexagon]

Yes. I would like her take on some of the songs he sings in Pornography. That rawness and desperation in his voice - it’s not something that people think about when they think of him and his voice. Well, the song Disintegration is close. :)

[@matthewroybal8081]

Totally agree..... she should do more deep dives into the dark triad. Pornography, Seventeen seconds and Faith.

[@rockermom0097]

As many uplifting vibes as we get from The Cure, there are so many crushing vibes. I've cried and cried to them since I was about 12. I'm now 48. Love them!!!

[@uncuttfunk]

The tshirt you’re wearing! I have a nonverbal teenager with autism & I always say she speaks with her eyebrows!!! ☀️❤️

[@davidbarber6268]

Perhaps after the Cure, how about Sousixe and the Banshees,?

[@PowderedToastMan420]

The Cure got me through many a dark night in high school. ✌️

[@johnjohn37371]

Disintegration was one of the albums that was the soundtrack to my freshman year of college...I have loved The Cure for decades....edit...just finished watching, your joy and appreciation of Smith's voice and lyricism warmed my heart. Thank you so much, that was really wonderful.

[@gwenierobinson]

Just took my youngest daughter to see The Cure in Atlanta June 28th. Robert Smith sounds just as AMAZING now live as he ever has! He has such a beautiful soul and vibe. As a 15 year old girl, Robert Smith was my second love (Prince being my first love at 12!) I always loved how melancholy their sound is and his voice is! He is a true poet and the band is the perfect combination with his lyrics and vocals.♥️🤘🏼

[@robsinHL]

I watch your videos because the way you observe and process things is so transparent - you're in sync with all the nuances, ebbs and flows. Sometimes you pick up on a detail that touches you in some way - that I wouldn't even notice. I feel like you're blessed to be able to hear / see things in a rare way. Like you can communicate with the artists like you're in an exclusive club. You're touched by all you're experiencing and to see someone enjoy things glossed over is refreshing to see. It makes me appreciate the value of simple things in songs. You're very lucky and I'm positive you appreciate that fully.

[@osovagabundo1]

His voice is still strong 40 years later, so clear and forward.

[@RaistlanCE]

This song is so emotionally powerful; it always sneaks up on me. It also highlights a Cure trademark for me: The couple minute musical intro that really gets you into the groove and mood of the song before the vocals even start. I would love to see you cover any and every other one of their songs. :)

[@VierImageStudios]

Saw these guys live a few weeks ago. They haven't missed a step. Such a great performance.

[@Neptunesdragon]

The Cure is my favourite band. When we got married the wedding commissioner had asked what our song was and I had said Just Like Heaven. Without me knowing she had put lyrics of the song into the wedding ceremony. It made a small, tiny ceremony shine like a star in the night sky.

[@kevinbonds6572]

Love seeing so many identify with Disintegration. That album blew me away. When that album came out, my best friend, his girlfriend and I were staying in this giant very modern 5 story house built on a cliff that her parents had bought. Her dad was an early investor in Apple. We were painting it for her parents as a summer job before they moved in, so the house was completely empty. I has ~14 they were older. Her father was also an audiophile. He had this really nice McIntosh Tube Amp based system with a crazy expensive turntable and speakers. The sound system was the only furniture in the house and was on the 2nd floor living room whose ceiling went 4 floors up with these beautiful undulating curvy walls on each floor. A real architectural masterpiece of a house. Anyway, the 3 of us were huge The Cure fans and we found out when Disintegration was being delivered to a local store in Atlanta. We bought the album on vinyl the first day and brought it home to play. Hearing that album on vinyl over and over again reverberating through that huge empty house while we painted those curvy walls stark white was incredible. I don’t know how many times we listened to it that summer. Almost nothing else. We just kept flipping it over. This many years later, I have a McIntosh MA6200, Thorens TT and JBL L100 speakers and a couple of 1/4 inch tape machines. The 5 story house and tubes aren’t in the cards for me. Lol. But along with my collection of Jazz records I have a copy of Disintegration. ❤