The Cure: Beautiful but Dark

[@SpringVioletta]

The Cure has gifted their fans a 3 hour, ad-free concert on YT, playing the new album and their hits. Not many bands look after their fans like this. The comment section is an outpouring of love, appreciation and gratitude. Truly a wonderful fan base for a truly amazing band.

[@haydnthomas6789]

Circa early 80s In my youth I loved the Cure. Pornography was a constant. All these years on I would rather spend time with Justin and his podcast. You are sir, a kind thoughtful man

[@angelaburrow8114]

The 1 thing I love about The Cure is that Robert Smith's voice always sounds so vulnerable. It makes him sound honest & completely open, which invariably gives me a warm feeling, making me feel less alone. I am chronically ill & have been bed-bound for over a decade, meaning my life is extremely limited. I cannot let people visit due to having a very compromised immune system, so my life revolves around my wife, & no-one else, & never-ending pain, although strong opioids take away the worst of it most of the time. I'm not depressed as such, surprisingly, but there are times when it all gets to me. This is why I feel it's important that a song speaks to me, to make me feel less alone, even though it's a bitter-sweet reminder I can't hear music live anymore. (Going to gigs was 1 of my favourite things to do.) This song really speaks to me especially thanks to Robert Smith's fragility & vulnerability. He sound authentic, & that is rare in an artist, but it's something I love.

[@olmansam348]

🙏❤️

[@domd3580]

Thank you for sharing your story. God bless you and your wife ❤️

[@nikoletta7678]

@@angelaburrow8114 completely agree with you. Thank you for sharing and I hope the new Cure album brings you a lot of joy.

[@Johro66]

I understand this. Music saves me

[@jimbombadill]

seen them 4 times live tours for disintigration, wish, wild mood swings and about 10 years ago or so...disintigration was really ok and great xtranumber with "why can I be you" that made the whole stadium explode...Wish concert was utterly boring and dull, sadly it wasnt much better 10 years ago...but the wild mood swing concert was amazing. They are a solid band but its not like they do extrodinary things musicly live, they seldom do something with their songs that differ from the originals.

[@nikoletta7678]

For anyone that doesn't get The Cure, please see them live. There's nobody like them. They are mesmerising. They create an atmosphere that no other band can match.

[@maxpower6576]

Great stuff, but saw them in Melbourne, Australia in the early 2000's and after 4 odd hours, just wanted it to end. Guitar solos forever... :(

[@matthewnelson1136]

I would have loved it​@@maxpower6576

[@Isaacac.]

I saw them in Poland a few years ago. They added this song and another one about his brother for a preview and it was absolutely stunning. There wasn’t a dry eye around.

[@zoeherriot]

@@maxpower6576 I don't think you saw the Cure then. They have guitar solos... but they don't have many. Especially after Porl left.

[@phoenixgirl70]

It’s so true. I’ve seen them twice the first time over 30 years ago. With all of the changes in stage shows and lighting, both Cure shows I still remember as so beautiful and mesmerizing and nothing since has reallly topped it. I’ve been lucky to see many great shows but the Cure are a must see!

[@leahbrooker6593]

You’re so sweet to acknowledge that Robert’s comments about you hurt you because you were a fan of his music. And you are mature enough now to realize it doesn’t matter. I wish everyone was that mature about criticism.

[@Kerr_Avon]

I wish more people, myself included, had as a mature outlook as you do. To accept criticism from a perceived influence, and disconnect that criticism, and judge that person's work on its own merit without any feelings of malice or jealousy, is quite inspiring. Thank you.

[@gitana8281]

I've been listening to them since 1987. I've always loved their music. Robert Smith is a beautiful genius. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@deltahotelorlandocelebration]

We live in a world where we get to hear and see the cure. A true gift to us.

[@heatherjane910]

I’m 56 years old and The Cure has been my favorite band since I was very young. Saw them last summer and was blown away by Robert Smith’s voice being so on point. It was an outdoor concert, and I stood looking up at the stars with my head and heart being pulled so strongly. 🖤

[@MrThrustSSC]

Had the same experience. They start with a long instrumental passage and in the very second he starts to sing the whole crowd is mesmerized. His voice is exactly the same as it allways was. He is an icredible singer. I did not really notice how good a singer he is untill I saw him live.

[@mattdonnelly1972]

Robert Smith to the music industry: "Class is back in session, lads. Be sure to take notes."

[@라일락향기-x2d]

Yes, that was a point different from others. Notes are living in there playing.

[@garneleh]

The Cure was one of the best concerts I have seen. His live vocals are excellent (just as yours, Justin, I heard you the same year I think)

[@maryburke5423]

I saw them play in a bar in 1980. No stage. Less than 100 people in the room. Seventeen Seconds tour. Mesmerising. Life changing at 14. I love that millions of people took them into their hearts in the many years since.

[@JF-kv1gm]

I think of "Alone" as a profound meditation on impermanence. It's brutally honest and such a director reminder. Robert's voice hasn't changed one bit. Stunningly beautiful.

[@duncantoms]

“We toast with bitter dregs, to our emptiness” I mean, how good is that lyric

[@fatandproud1]

I'm not a huge The Cure fan, but I'll never understand why they are not mentioned amongst the top 5 best British bands of all time. They've written some of the best pop songs in history and they are one of the most influential bands (so many in the early 2000's copied their style and Robert Smith's singing). In my view, they are up there with The Beatles and Led Zeppelin.

[@ClockwiseCat]

Better better better.

[@Purplealegria7]

1000% Absolutely!🥰😍❤

[@라일락향기-x2d]

With my honest, the Cure is more impressive and affectionate than Beatles for me.

[@lenontuber6284]

Oh please dude.

[@ThePhilbach]

Top anythings are unachievable. There are so many factors involved, you have to put in some specificity, and once you do, that top 5, 10 or whatever will always change.

[@wfenlon]

It took a lot to hold back the tears here. The song is a masterpiece.

[@RitaRiley-w4d]

Robert, thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with us 💘 i love the Cure! I'm new to their music,71!

[@pjam4490]

The cure are one of those bands that inspired so many other bands.

[@76ToneCrome]

The 'Pictures of You' intro floors me.

[@TheEclecticSinger]

It might be the most atmospheric, beautiful sounding intro in a song to set the mood. It really does feel like you’re looking at the happiest moments of your life while simultaneously feeling sad about it as well.

[@johntaylor9988]

Every time and it never diminishes.

[@Terri_MacKay]

The Cure has been my favourite band since 1980. There's nothing else like Robert Smith's voice to make me feel all the things...happiness, sadness, despair, heartbreak, hope, and utter joy. 🖤❤️🖤

[@Isaacac.]

When I saw them in Poland in 2022 it was mind blowing. When they featured a couple of the new songs from this album, nobody could compose themselves. It was beautiful but heart wrenching and more so that Robert had to stop as he was deeply emotional.

[@mrmitchell78]

They opened with Alone when I saw them at their Belfast gig in December 2022. I fell in love with it then and there. I also was blown away with how EXACTLY like the recordings he sounded. He has done an awesome job of looking after his voice.

[@amitch1974]

I saw them 2 days after you in Glasgow and they opened with it then as well, and it was beautiful.

[@jmvanveen604]

No one does intros that set the mood like the Cure

[@matthewnanes]

If this is the final Cure album, this song already makes it worth it the wait.

[@MatMat-qi2rd]

Alone's instrumental is stunning by itself. And Robert's voice is awesome, lunar and wonderfully downlifting....❤

[@ClockwiseCat]

Lunar! I have often struggled to find the right way to describe his voice. Thank you

[@trufflehuffer]

It’s so easy to be carried away transcendentally by poetic lyrics that are intensified with atmospheric symphony. The pain of long forgotten heartbreak returns. [heavy sigh] Why do we find beauty in such sadness? The Cure were always masters at this; and Robert Smith’s voice is integral.

[@kathrynhegedus]

Loving your black and white presentation today Justin. Really set the mood for a beautiful song by The Cure. Haunting words and music.

[@anetakibanaki6350]

I love The Cure, saw them live 1992 and it was one of the best concerts ever.

[@barbarabrundage4625]

A really beautiful, thoughtful reaction. Thanks Justin!

[@6stringmonk]

Finally, we get a Cure album with Reeves Gabrels on guitar. It's going to be great.

[@sedgeseymour9208]

Not a lot of perceptible guitar on this track though... If it's as complete an album as it should be that will be more prevalent.

[@zoeherriot]

It's been 27 years since his first and previous appearance on a Cure song... long time between drinks.

[@cainjake7940]

@@zoeherriotyep wrong number is epic

[@zoeherriot]

@@cainjake7940 interesting thing about that song was it was actually written as part of COGASM while recording the Orgasmo soundtrack and wasn’t going to be a Cure song.

[@mapndo2337]

As a very very longtime fan of se ertl decades Reeves is my least favourite Cure guitarist....I have found his style of play to be at odds with what I have grown loving The Cure's guitar style to be. By the way, The Cure's guitar style IS ROBERT'S. Reeve's play on A Night Like This and Prayers For Rain..... horrible.

[@Stoobers]

Didn't realise just how much I missed The Cure.... but here I am.

[@bomleny]

Robert vocals sound great Can’t wait to hear more songs! Maybe some will have more guitars

[@fac51nh]

Such an amazing voice.. one of the best in the industry

[@alanflint7732]

The Darkness should perform "Love cats". I can really see that going down a storm. X

[@nikoletta7678]

@@alanflint7732 good shout, that.

[@mightyV444]

'The Lovecats' had been my very first The Cure impression, via a mimed TV performance, and I remember thinking "Weirdo" about Bob Smith's looks and mannerism; Had someone told me back then that he'd still be around in 40 years and also very successfully, I would've laughed my butt off! 😅

[@tobydammit]

The song and the mood it creates really reminds me of Blackstar

[@joestrat2723]

"Vintage Robert Smith". Indeed. What a timeless voice.

[@OrwilrmW]

He sounds exactly how he did 20yrs ago. No aging to the voice.

[@macman6107]

Robert sounds exactly as he did 40 years ago. I have roughly 93 albums l, almost 80 of them are concerts dating from 1980 up to 2023 all a single track, in my phone for The Cure. The only his voice changed was between Three Imaginary Boys and Seventeen Seconds. Since then, based on all of those live recordings he still sings as he did back all those decades ago.

[@RosieHarp]

Any advance on 44? 😆

[@kristinemoore3447]

I went to their show in Minnesota last year , all the way from North Carolina. They were so good. His voice was so good still! It was worth every penny.

[@lukethegardenman3747]

I’m looking forward to the new Cure record so much. It’s been such a long time.

[@tomm7718]

Hey there Justin, Firstly, i am here for the cure but this is so cool and very great of you to be so honest and humble of remarks made about your music. What a absolute gent you are. I love your channel and reviews. You do a fantastic job, deserves much more exposure and recognition!

[@abberline2664]

The lyrics really draw my attention to the smashing pumpkins latest album, the awareness of where they are and being able to find emotion within that is something that so many bands seem incapable of in their later years. I'd love it if SP could have done that

[@wilstarmbel]

He still sounds incredible. Long awaited album to hear. Very poetic in his writing. His voice just brings everything together.

[@niallrichardcurran2466]

I almost feel like I ve been waiting since 1989 for a song like this from the Cure.. a lifetime of avoiding dispair.. its perfect

[@viddiot]

Loved this experience of the song. Thankyou. I agree his voice is amazing here, and the content is jaw droppingly beautiful. Nov 1 can't come quick enough.

[@PatriciaCoberly]

"Why Can't I Be You?" is a great tune by The Cure! ❤

[@aprilkurtz1589]

Justin, I just wanted to say you seem happy and settled in yourself lately. Keep it up! Congrats. It looks great on you. I like a friendly heckle now and again, you know, give and take.

[@phoenixgirl70]

I see it too. It’s a good look.

[@mattkaz9604]

It is a great vocal performance. Lots of singers 20 years younger than him lose their quality but he sounds ageless on this.

[@medievalwolfgrrl]

You are the perfect person to review this. Your review is as beautiful as the song. Thank you. ❤

[@kevinwestoby4546]

Loved it and especially poignant at my age. Sad but so uplifting in a way that some people can only listen to upbeat music. This is a sad, beautiful song but makes me feel so, so good.

[@jokermtb]

The Cure is the reason why I have a Bass VI in my guitar arsenal.......(currently using it to play bass on Ziggy Stardust)

[@macman6107]

Same here. Only for The Cure though.

[@BirdMadGirl-1978]

I have seen The Darkness in concert 11 times starting in 2004. (my Daughter has also been to 2 of your shows. one in my belly and one at age 8) I met you Justin while I was pregnant in 2015 during the VIP experience. Your brother Dan gave me the best parenting advice and Rufus was the sweetest guy ever. I have seen The Cure 7 times starting in 1998. Robert will always be my hero. I love and respect you BOTH so much as artists.

[@barnigranero5882]

The Cure were excellent when I saw them last year. I am very much looking forward to seeing your tour in the spring.

[@eccentric0official]

I heard this song live on their last tour. It was incredible live. They played a couple of other new songs on that tour as well, they were also incredible too. Can’t wait to hear the album.

[@johntaylor9988]

Nothing is forever is fantastic. Can’t wait for it to come out.

[@nancyvelez5828]

I couldn't love them more ♥ This song goes deep into the fibers of the soul. Beautiful, Dark and Enchanting all at the same time with Robert's enigmatic voice make it all sound perfect... there is no other band like them.

[@robmed8887]

Justin's voice always reminded me of Robert Smith's voice, especially on the Darkness tune 'Friday Night'. Nice to hear Justin confirm that Smith was an influence 20 years later.

[@JannBattisson]

Saw them in Birmingham. Mesmerised by this song, so beautiful xx

[@swaminic]

I love the reaction to Bob’s voice - yes it is awesome and just what we want to hear!

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

Shiny flamboyant music and depressive atmospheric music are two sides of the same coin - they've both got me through some grim times in my life. There's no need for heckling when you're on the same side.

[@robertcreighton4635]

Discovered the cure as a teenager around 1991 or 92. So happy to have a new album after such a long gap

[@nickrobinson8339]

I lost my beautiful 94 year old dad in April, and it has been a tough few months, and it might seem strange to find the track Alone comforting as it seems such a sad one. However my soul literally floated into a calm and peaceful place and Robert's voice literally scraped away the pain for those 6 or so minutes that it washed over me. Like so many I cannot wait for the album and as I am about to get back into vinyl, purchasing a Project Turntable this week, this album will be the first I will have purchased for 20 years.

[@dermotcullinan9490]

A great musicians insight into a complex artistic exposure of loss. I really appreciated it.

[@Davidishh]

I was born and raised in Crawley, and it was funny seeing The Railway pub pop up after frequenting it for so many years

[@nigelrossiter6013]

Justin. I’m so glad I got to see your review of the cure. I don’t ever remember you mentioning them before. It’s a great song and I’m happy they have a new album out soon ❤

[@johncadden202]

My 12 year old daughter is a massive Cure fan. So now I've become a fan. We're seeing them live ASAP.

[@juliehartley3652]

Thank you - I'm off to listen to the song in full now.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

The Cure has been around for about as long as my 52 years. Robert Smith’s music has quietly been in the background of a most of it. The new music sounds as if The Cure never stepped away. Just beautiful and huge.

[@dinof68]

I was just so glad that from what I have heard so far, this new album sounds to me as if it is "Disintegration" 2.0 which at 56, is still my no.1 fav album in the world🥰

[@Ennahdee]

Entirely different songs, but reminds me a lot of David Bowie's Lazarus

[@bethstratton3391]

Definitely has some Bowie influences.

[@musicaddict5076]

He definitely doesn’t hide that fact. He was wearing a Bowie shirt on this last tour when I saw them.

[@davidhoran6447]

Bowies guitarist is in the cure now

[@bethstratton3391]

@@davidhoran6447 Yes go Reeves Gabrels!

[@philipjennings3490]

Agreed! It also has a bit of a 'Heathen' vibe

[@robertpetre9378]

When I saw the Cure in 2022 at the Wembley ovo Arena and they played 3 new songs from their new album and this was one of them and it sounded gloriously dark and depressing.

[@lauce3998]

Love The Cure, very excited and happy that you talk about your new song on the channel.

[@alexanderednie1205]

Pictures of you is one of my favorite songs. Ever.

[@EmilyCarpenter-b9u]

Thank you for doing a video about Alone. The song is so beautiful & so devastating. Smith's voice is amazing. The first time I really paid attention to The Cure was in 1987. I was 12 so my musical taste prior to discovering The Cure's video for Just Like Heaven on everyone's favorite alternative rock show 120 Minutes (whatever happened to Dave Kendall???) was questionable at best. I had a cool older cousin who wore a Clash t-shirt & listened to Echo & the Bunnymen so I knew there was a whole world of music out in the universe that was far better than anything I had on heavy rotation at the time which included The Monkees Pool It! The Cure have been a part of my life ever since. I can't wait for Songs of a Lost World. I've got a box of tissues on standby.

[@melchiando]

Hard to put words to..., but you dont have to, robert did beautiful album

[@jackiesayer2623]

Just listening along, thinking ' a little bit Jeff Buckley ' and in the next sentence Justin says just that !! Ahhh, the late, great Jeff Buckley, sad loss to music 😢 The Cure are brilliant !!! Thanks for your slant on that, Justin. ❤ your channel.

[@MarcelGraumans]

Talking about maturity. Hats off for the way you deal with this. Separating the art from what happened. Your genuine reaction really touched me. 🖤

[@becky_please_no5728]

I'm a long time fan of the cure and, like you, am so pleased at how good this song is. It's' perfectly them and Robert Smith is as good as ever.

[@beretman27]

I discovered them through my parents back in the 90s and they’re an unquestionable favourite of mine. Smith is a hero of mine.

[@MrDamianByrd]

Thanks, man. Great vid. Your magnanimity in overlooking those mean (and very disappointing to me) comments by Smith is laudable. I had to stifle a rather emotional reaction when you read those dark lyrics, which you read beautifully. Really looking forward to the album. This song reminds me a lot of "Out of this World" on Bloodflowers.

[@robertapennington6705]

Yes! I thought this motif was better on bloodflowers. My first impression of this new song was that AI wrote the lyrics....

[@christianamey3547]

The Darkness was incredible at Oceans Calling! Amazing music and banter with the crowd. Please come back!

[@patrickmaloney6440]

It's a great track - I live their long intros and a thumping bass line...

[@sues6944]

That is a beautiful coat, I couldn't stop looking at it. Love The Cure, a beautiful song.

[@jamescadger3302]

I absolutely love this song it begins at tears it's amazing 🎸🎤🥁🎹

[@abbeyroadkill]

Justin, that was awesome. Love your take on songs.

[@TheAlixm]

Saw The Cure live 2 years ago. They were so perfect, so pristine in their sound, it was almost annoying. 😂 And his voice! He sounded better live than his recordings from 30 years ago. Unbelievable!

[@jordonleigh174]

Thank you for your thoughts on this release, Justin. I always appreciate your videos. Good luck on the current tour, Brother!!

[@nm8hun200]

You’re a class act Justin. A mature voice (not a reference to age, but in emotional complexity) in the music industry. Keep being you!

[@zoraz4867]

Ooh the first little bit I heard just sounded stunning. Will be taking a listen asap ❤

[@drivebye2709]

Always thought the Cure, when they truly retire, could write one last album. Entitled: " We Got Over It, We're Happy Now, So Please Go Home. "

[@maryburke5423]

Unsurprisingly, you’re wrong

[@mapndo2337]

​@@maryburke5423thank God hes wrong honestly that title sounds like a Smith's/Morrissey title. Love them but not going there...fed up with that tie in. It's too volatile 😂🙄

[@jmiranda5466]

Justin, it’s a delight to listen to your channel. I especially enjoy your thought-provoking and informative discussions with Jenny May. Thank you.

[@LUFC-yl2cd]

The Cure’s music is the soundtrack to the soul. A sonic storm that is an intense embodiment of pure human emotion

[@BirdMadGirl-1978]

it was beyond amazing to see this live TWICE in the north american tour. Roberts brother died as well and seeing the actual tears on his face. Just magic.

[@WillKMusicChannel]

Enjoyed the deconstruction and how it makes you feel. Great to hear a new Cure song.

[@scharask]

Loved hearing your thoughts on this. It is a masterful peice of music. I am even more excited to hear Endsong when the album comes out. Would love for you to do another video when you hear that one.

[@grantwallace1882]

The Cure are one of a kind.

[@HamptonFarly]

Instantly recognisable and quality. His voice has not changed what!???

[@stocksunderthehood]

Great breakdown, my favourite so far. Very classy of you to overlook his comments about you. Keep riding!

[@eweng903]

The Cure were on good form on their last UK tour, so definitely worth checking out 'Songs of A Lost World'. Sleep Token is another British rock band that are strong at creating dark, atmospheric soundscapes, so JHRA might get into that band live too, they are touring the UK and Europe later this year. Also this week, Damiano David has just released his first solo single. An atmospheric vocal performance that might even be of Bowie-esque proportions.

[@juliaconnell]

wow! The Cure - takes me back to my uni days in the early 1990s - bad relationship but he did introduce me to Robert Smith & The Cure, wow. massive trip down memory lane, so excited to hear new music from them. I can feel a binge of old songs tomorrow - The Cure, Sister of Mercy, oh who else... I understand that Love Cats is _not_ one of Robert's favourite songs, still is mine... oh & the first (& one of the few international) acts I saw live (Wellington Town Hall, Aotearoa/New Zealand) must have been 1993. thanks Justin, much appreciate this - probably wouldn't have known otherwise.

[@miahconnell23]

The Cure Live in Orange is fantastic: it shows the Cure being the Cure just clear & unadulterated. I find it surprising & imagining it difficult to capture a band live & have them sound as good as they be…

[@nmp290765]

Saw them in 1981 on the Faith tour, unforgettable