What Makes This Song Great? "Just Like Heaven" The Cure

[@markshadows3667]

I feel Robert Smith doesn't get enough credit for his songwriting abilities. Truly one of the greats

[@neuralmute]

Truth. Everybody making good music has been influenced by The Cure, and I'm not sure I know anyone who doesn't love The Cure. Hell, I never thought Trent Reznor was capable of smiling like he did while making his speech inducting The Cure into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Personally, I'm classically trained on multiple instruments since early childhood, and I've been blown away every time I've been to a Cure show, as well as spent a lot of time noodling around with their songs, admiring what precious little jewels they are. If that's not great songwriting, I don't know what is.

[@wannabecarguy]

@@neuralmute unfortunately when I was a kid I was rejected for my taste in music. Now y'all think my music is awesome. I knew I was listening to the good stuff. I can recommend 20 songs that you never heard before and will love. Only requirement is one conversation.

[@larjkok1184]

You must be joking! One of the biggest bands for a couple of decades.

[@markshadows3667]

@@larjkok1184 Biggest bands yes. But I meant Smith specifically for his writing abilities

[@Eo_Tunun]

Absolutely. Especially when you consider at what age he just went and did it. One of the many remarkable young artists of the days.

[@erikhendrickson59]

The Cure SOUNDS LIKE the 80s but somehow their music also feels timeless.

[@charlespiefer4244]

“The Cure” for …boring music

[@MrSeven-ii3vp]

@@charlespiefer4244 Stinker.

[@damianketcham]

It is timeless.

[@JohnnyLREACTS]

Perfectly said Erik. Heavy rotation in 22 for me...

[@drbobperkins]

Couldn’t have said it better myself

[@michaeldeforbes2401]

I was a freshman in college in 1987 who had never heard alternative music. This song was responsible for introducing me to The Cure, then eventually The Smiths, New Order,Depeche Mode, etc. 36 years later, I still never tire of hearing it. Now my teen daughter and I do karaoke to this song. It’s a sublime moment when your child loves the music that you yourself fell in love with over 30 years ago 😊

[@psdcypress3128]

Great music back then

[@jenniferhorejsi7215]

Same age as you, but I was always seeking out alternative stuff. The Cure’s evolution from post-punk to these multilayered masterpieces is really great! My 15-year-old daughter is somewhat of a mini-me, she doesn’t really like a lot of newer pop music which to me is weird, but we have a lot of fun listening together!

[@toddmurphy664]

You named off some really cool bands! The 80s have some of the best music and it is cool you share this with your daughter! Rock on!

[@weets69]

Now add Sublime and The Red Hot Chili Peppers to your daughter and the quest is almost complete 🤘

[@michaeldeforbes2401]

@@tomhighsmith I never said any thing that I wrote was a problem, to me, my daughter or anyone else. I don’t understand why you replied that way?

[@MusicInApril]

Only The Cure can do a 1 or 2 minutes long instrumental intro without getting boring. Love the band.

[@robinbjorge9329]

So true!!

[@ftfftf2064]

That is very true!

[@JuannyRum23]

Love the Cure, Pink Floyd had the same ability...

[@MetalMarauder]

there are artists whose entire catalogue is instrumental

[@cookie4049]

a lot of good artists do that to be fair, but I do love The Cure!

[@peterknecht6666]

When you listen to "A forest" you really understand the mastermind. This song is so reduced to the minimum and still it delivers everything to catch the mood. I love The Cure!

[@inkarn8915]

Peter Knecht one of the greatest alternative songs ever

[@dontpanicblink]

a forest, still fresh after 40 years and will be in another 40 years

[@tomtomleu]

Remarkably, "a forest" is the second most danceable song on the record (after "play for today"), which would presumably astonish many a non-Cure fan.

[@tillabakos2248]

Aaaaahh! A forest!

[@kbusby4824]

This song was definitely a highlight of last year's festival performances by The Cure. Robert Smith is as awesome as ever. Not a lot of singers can say that after more than 30 years in the business.

[@GooberFace32]

In all my years of being a Cure fan, I've never heard Robert Smith's vocals isolated from the instruments in a song; his voice is so sweet. Thanks so much for this! It put a smile on my face today. Be well. Stay safe.

[@KarenMossart]

I know it was Sooooo Cool

[@nathanielmead]

There is a vocal only mix of Underneath The Stars, truly sublime.

[@nathanielmead]

Underneath The Stars Renholder mix

[@eurodara]

sweet and smooth but at the same time so strong and captivating, I love his voice, I adore and never get tired of his voice, and he is actually sings pretty well technically for a non-trained singer (he doesn't overcompansate, he doesn't try to do something he cannot do, he just does what he is able to)

[@david_post_punk]

@@eurodara okay, so u need to listen to 'prayers for rain' entreat live , and come back talk about "what he can not do" thing , he's not an opera singer ofc but for rock he's voice is more than enough

[@michaelz6555]

Back in the 80s I was listening to "Just Like Heaven" on KROQ when my dad walked into the room. He asked me what that was playing on the radio. I said "It's 'The Cure.'" He paused for a moment, perhaps for optimal comedic timing, then he replied, "I'd hate to have the disease." I miss him.

[@Trancegirl1966]

Hey Michael, thanks for sharing with us a special moment in your life. I'm 53 years old and i've been listening to THE CURE since back in the day. The first CURE track I heard was "A FOREST" the extended version. I later heard the radio edit and fell in love with the band..All these years later, I still listen to them with love! regards from Australia.

[@inkarn8915]

May he Rest In Peace

[@sonofhibbs4425]

Oh no no... I have a similar story. Friend was working in a library, front desk. He was wearing his The Cure “in between days” t-shirt where the band in the image is all sorts of weird colors. An old man walks up to the desk to check out, sees my friend’s shirt and says, “The cure?.... Looks more like the disease.”

[@champ8288]

Michael Z when parents like it, u kno the mind control is strong

[@diggydude5229]

When a Christian friend of mine asked me who I was listening to and I told him the Cure, he remarked they were definitely not the cure. Because, you know, it's all about Jesus with some folks.

[@DanEdelen]

“Just Like Heaven” has the best-building intro of any song in rock. By the time the melody comes in, it’s like icing on a scrumptious cake.

[@Kiester524]

My vote for that would the long version of “Pictures of You”. Regardless, both great songs.

[@Shelsight]

@@Kiester524 or their much less well known song, “Push”. Almost an instrumental, but one of my top 3 Cure songs of all time…

[@P1983sche]

Well said. Wholeheartedly agree.

[@macman6107]

Let's say one of the best. The Kiss is awesome. The Same Deep Water As You is awesome. Actually, every song by The Cure is awesome. Why? Because Robert Smith is a genius. That's why.

[@stevenshook3348]

And the piano later ..... just a great layer of tracks

[@thevellocet]

Rick Beato + The Cure = Instant Click

[@dynamicphotography_]

I sprained my finger clicking so fast.

[@kopyforever]

this

[@1ListerofSmeg]

Same

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

I broke my mouse and now I have to call the doctor.

[@awkwardsquadproject]

Exactly what happened 😊👌🏾

[@desiderata67]

I just had a tear... I can't explain it... I'm 52 and the Cure were my solace & my joy of some kind. They just spoke to me in their ethereal ephemeral eccentric ways... My Dad has passed ... But even in his 40s & 50s he liked the Cure. Part of the songbook of my life. Thank You Rick :)

[@dirtydave2691]

I'm 54 and I love this song. Reminds of my of my girlfriend way back then. I still have my cassette of this from 87.

[@ElectroBro808]

@Clark Hull thanks

[@comajoebuck999]

desiderata67 -first huge date w/my wife was the cure in Orlando Wish tour.

[@michaeldismukes4439]

Me too, I'm 55. Memories come flooding.

[@thomasw9905]

Same here, I‘m 56. This episode made me smile from start to finish. So glad, the Cure made it into your „What Makes This Song Great“ series. Made my day! 😀

[@WolfriksWorld]

When you've wrung the last drop of pleasure from your favourite song and played it a bazillion times, it's time to drop by Rick's YT channel and fall in love with it all over again

[@tailhookmd2546]

I was trying to figure out how I feel about watching this and you nailed it!!!!!

[@michaelscarn007]

Exactly this!

[@seanmoloney7797]

The Synth line in this song is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever recorded. One of the greatest songs ever.

[@nwest8274]

I'm not a die-hard Cure fan in particular, but: THIS song is easily one of the best pop songs ever written. Incredibly addictive as soon as you hear it, with these 2 hook lines ( synths + lead guit ) layered above one another. Plus the melancholic vocal atmosphere. Timeless masterpiece.

[@richardaaron4454]

There were good pop songs back in the day INXS had one or two, The Police, Genesis, etc... but I agree this one has always been special and a favorite of mine.

[@newdamage5945]

Yes it is a masterpiece.

[@richardaaron4454]

New Damage 💯%

[@leftpeg777]

Just absolutely love this song.

[@-nolan-]

Wouldn’t call it Pop at all

[@robinfeathers650]

Robert Smith is the master at layering textures, especially with guitars. He's a massively underrated musician!

[@brd400]

Robin Feathers Yeah and the parts are so simple it's none of the shredding bullshit

[@tommulhall3865]

He rivales the Beatles at their peak!

[@PauloGoncalvesGuimaraes]

Underrated?? What you mean by "underrated" ?? His John tucking Smith!!!! The Cure....! What's that of underrated? He is one of the greatest. What you're saying is something like Ayrton Senna is a underrated pilot. Well..., Senna was actually the best. Lol

[@ExternalInputs]

I read his sister was a child prodigy on piano, so the music gene is strong in his family and he was introduced to it from an early age.

[@Geneva8181]

Robin Feathers .....You are joking of course !! There’s never been anything underrated about Robert Smith.......who ever said that except you ??

[@pdxfun4888]

We are so lucky to get schooled by an incredibly educated man, yet not a musical snob. Thank you , Rick.

[@troyoswald5683]

Well said.

[@diggydude5229]

@William Gruff Musicians' lingo isn't precise, for obvious reasons. Listen to guitarists talk about "tone" sometime. It's utter nonsense to the uninitiated. But it makes perfect sense to guitarists.

[@pdxfun4888]

William, Im guessing you are a grammatically correct man. Good for you. Rick is profoundly astute musically. To write a bitch statement when a man shares so much of his time, knowledge and enthusiasm is insulting, in my humble opinion. People typically at his advanced level ,dont usually respect more simplifies genres. I wish i had these insights and exposure , in the 70’s.

[@kellybowman9600]

Right! I love that he’s not pretentious about music 💖

[@vgsdomingo1]

@@pdxfun4888 There's always gotta be one of those in any KZbin thread...

[@ManAboveTrees]

I somehow missed The Cure when they hit it big in the 80s. Of course I heard (and danced to) many of their hits at parties, but their music never really grabbed me emotionally at the time. Now, 40 years later, I am falling in love with some of their songs, and this one is absolutely top of my list. I think "Just Like Heaven" is pure, blissful perfection, my favourite song of all-time, and it's a tribute to Rick's genius that he is able to so astutely break the song into its components, and show how the whole is so much greater than the sum of its undeniably dazzling musical parts. His passion for the song and its multitude of layered and intertwining facets is utterly enthralling and contagious. What a rare joy it is to see a work of art that one treasures so deeply be de-constructed and analyzed in such detail, and yet this process does not diminish the impact of the song; on the contrary, Rick's brilliant and spot-on analysis exponentially expands my love of this song, and my awestruck wonder at the sheer genius of both its composition and its recording production. Thank you, sir, for adding immeasurably to my love of this song by showing me exactly how it was put together. One small quibble: I don't think you mentioned in this video one of my favourite parts of the song, which is the short bursts of guitar arpeggio that appear in the 2nd verse, right at "kissed her head" and "make her glow." It's kind of hard to believe that a single short pop song can contain such an abundance of sophisticated musical gifts, but Rick lays it out for us with passion and brilliant insight, and for this I will always be grateful.

[@RicTic66]

English bands. They produce some of the most original and iconic music ever. For a small country on a small island they really box above their weight.

[@junglecat_rant]

👍

[@joytekb]

Btits make music rsther than produce it Most greatest bands were british

[@patrickdylan3848]

Bob Dylan is the greatest artist ever. He is the universe. Everyone else is an atom.

[@williamlaing6997]

Our great Australian bands were usually started by immigrant Britons, especially Scots. You could emigrate UK -- Australia right up to the 60s for ten pounds (Australian govt subsidised) and working-class and even underclass people took up the offer in droves. They congregated in cheap housing near industry. We Old Australians kind of despised them--but they had RECORDS!! and they were from backgrounds were they were to poor to have TV, and some remained so here for a while. (No Australian TV at all till 1956). This meant brother like the Gibbs (England) the Barnes and Swans (Scotland) and (Malcolm, Angus) Youngs sang together at home. AC/DC, the Angels, Cold Chisel are examples.

[@williamlaing6997]

So I'm saying that that Small Island kick started rock in the BIG Island 12,000 miles away. Some small island...!

[@marianka5830]

You can tell how much he loves music just by looking at Rick's face. The way he smiles while playing guitar shows pure joy and unique connection he has with the song he plays. It's really cool and interesting to see someone so passionate about something

[@slobodanmedojevic6336]

Nice profile pic. Metallica 87

[@marianka5830]

@@slobodanmedojevic6336 yes!! Metallica '87 in Poland!

[@troyoswald5683]

So True. Makes me smile just watching him.

[@johnmkeeley2315]

Well said. Quite.

[@jeffcohnphoto]

Simon Gallup is one of the most underrated and influential bassists of all time

[@4zafinc]

GOATed for Fascination Street bassline

[@danstoevskijoe]

To me, he's the best alongside Mike Watt. His bass lines constitute mostly riffs that carry the moments where guitars are silent and often play the same riffs of the lead guitars. Totally he gives his best in Pornography and Disintegration. He's probably 30% of the beauty of both albums, which I consider to be their two best ones and among the best 50 ever made

[@juliachildress2943]

Just discovering these videos. I'm 70 years old and consider myself beyond lucky to have 65 years of great music playing in my head. Love The Cure and this fantastic breakdown.

[@TheRedHotFuzz]

I know you focus on the musical side of the song, but what about Smith's amazing lyrics on this track? Daylight licked me into shape I must have been asleep for days And moving lips to breathe her name I opened up my eyes And found myself alone, alone Alone above a raging sea That stole the only girl I loved And drowned her deep inside of me TIMELESS PERFECTION!

[@cbh76]

I gotta say, I’ve heard this song countless times but have never focused on the lyrics apparently. Wow. Amazing.

[@TheRedHotFuzz]

@@cbh76 He wrote the lyrics about his now-wife Mary (not sure if they were married at the time). Just a beautiful love song.

[@awkwardauntie1978]

Thank you. For awhile I didn't know the title of this song. I just knew the 'show me' part. It's just the perfect mix of innocence and passion.

[@KabobHope]

He takes inspiration from Rime Of The Ancient Mariner.

[@AlJohnsGuitar]

Amen

[@swordmonkey6635]

The Cure's Fascination Street is a masterpiece. Especially the extended cut. So epic.

[@devenscience8894]

"Fascination Street" was always in the middle of the pack for me, until recently. I'm not sure why, but I heard it for the first time in a long while, and it hit me fresh. It's like it was a sleeper for me, and now I love it.

[@blobcity3591]

@@devenscience8894 disintegration is the masterpiece of that record

[@iagmusicandflying]

@@blobcity3591 That whole album, honestly, is a masterpiece. You listen to it from start to finish and it pretty much does what it says on the tin.

[@blobcity3591]

@@iagmusicandflying so true. i have to say that the title track is the best ... total masterpiece album for sure.

[@digitalspazz73]

I'm mostly a metal guy but Fascination Street is one of my all time favorite songs. Especially the Mixed Up version.

[@tekis0]

I've never seen Rick smile so much throughout one of his videos; he really does like The Cure! This is definitely my favorite Cure song!

[@greg55666]

Why doesn't he like Prince!

[@amandagraham4254]

Robert Smith is a genius. I'm glad that The Cure finally was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! Trent Reznor doing it was just AWESOME!

[@DanMehta]

What I love about this song from a drummer's perspective is that the drummer never crashes on the one. It's only the China cymbal that lands on the 2 with the snare. It's so subtle but makes the song very unique from another standard pop song.

[@fulltiltgonzales]

Wow, what a cool observation! Boris Williams was such a great drummer. I believe he started out as a studio guy - I think Robert Smith stole him from The Thompson Twins.

[@soopermich]

not only from another pop song, I'm pretty sure that it's the only song in which you can hear only china as the cymbals... and the hi-hat obviously.

[@mdrumt]

Great sounding China too, lush.

[@davidwinthrop7077]

soopermich Watching The Cures fantastic performance at Glastonbury 2019 the drummer Jason Cooper used four China cymbals on his kit and not a crash in sight! Very cool!

[@pulykamell]

YES!!! Somebody else noticed it! I mentioned it before. I'm not a drummer, but one of my favorite bits of this song is that tom fill at the end of the bar that goes in a couple of kicks (actually, listening to it again, maybe floor tom on the one and kick on the one & before hitting china on the two) and has the delayed cymbal on two. There are other songs I've heard where the drummer crashes along with the snare on the two, but this is the quintessential one for me.

[@Oliver16525]

I was asked, "What's a song that makes you want to fall in love?" This is it! "Show me show me show me..." I'm 58 and this song captures exactly what falling in love in the 80s felt like, that heartwrenching joy.

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

With you there , brother

[@Vesper_Songs]

I think falling in love feels this way in any decade :) but this song is a really awesome soundtrack for the experience.

[@lunalouhoo]

I agree! Well said! Cheers.

[@joryv1]

This exactly. Those lyrics are the sweetest. Like something I would write in a note to a girl in Jr. high....

[@petrichor649]

D'accord

[@valeriored83]

Robert Smith has the best voice ever. Live is breath-taking. Kind of underestimated.

[@sushipop9448]

its How he did it that keeps him & the band relevant

[@chrisbrown6168]

I saw them at Wembley Arena in 2017 and were absolutely awesome

[@larrythelobster363]

@@chrisbrown6168 i saw them in 2016 i was completely blown away at how his voice has aged like fine wine

[@zoeherriot]

@@larrythelobster363 I saw them first in 92, and a few times in between - but last time at Fujirock 2019. He's just amazing - hasn't lost it at all.

[@lindamarie1696]

valeriored83 You’ve seen them live? Lucky You! I’ve been a fan since Junior High Oh how I wish they’d come do a US tour again someday After the Covid Craziness is over of course.

[@chasmenear7130]

I was never a 'goth', but Cure stuff attracted my attention- largely due to the gorgeous guitar arrangements...These guys were masters of texture! VERY clever, and really good!

[@eahannan]

Masters of texture. I like that.

[@nickmetts]

Totally agree! Robert Smith is very underrated as an arranger, but he's fucking brilliant at it! The layered guitar arpeggios on "Friday I'm In Love" are absolutely gorgeous. It's jangle-pop perfection!

[@jamesnolan4412]

Cure fans are not Goth as such, they're simply Cure fans just as Robert states The Cure was never Goth they have always maintained their own identity.

[@chasmenear7130]

@@jamesnolan4412 OK...Hair split.

[@kevtb874]

@@chasmenear7130 it's true though. Robert himself dislikes the goth label because they have so many aspects to their music. It's just because they came about at the time and played some gloomy music but they also play the most outrageously poppy upbeat songs, rock, love songs.

[@miketuttlesmusic]

Saw Page/Plant on their Unledded tour in the 90s. They had Porl Thompson with them, and they played “Lullaby”. Robert Plant introduced Porl and called The Cure “one of the most important bands of the last decade.” It was so cool to hear Plant sing “spider man is having me for dinner tonight”!

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

Dude! I hope someone recorded that!! I’ll have to scour the internet now!!

[@vidicsferenc182]

@@PhantomOfTheMall its on youtube just search page plant the cure or page plant lullaby 1995

[@JAHOWA75]

It's out there. I've seen it.

[@tanguydelooz2881]

Would be great to have an officially mixed version of it !! The Editors did a nice take as wel

[@monkface]

I remember seeing that tour too. I told my Cure fan friend they played that song and he was stoked!

[@stuartpowell255]

I first picked up a guitar in about 1987, struggled along, stop, start, throw guitar in cupboard, get frustrated, you know the drill. 1990/91 met someone who could play a bit better than me, they showed me how to play a song all the way through, that song was just like heaven. It was the kick i needed to become obsessed. So cheers for this it brought back some good memories:)

[@genericsomething]

The Cure were so good at letting a song breathe. They were masters of the six minute pop song, but they could also do it in three if they had to.

[@Dunderslag]

Something they have in common with »The Police«.

[@estes69]

The cure music is timeless. Robert Smith absolutely one of the best song writers ever.

[@abishekchopra676]

Everything that The Cure does makes their songs great. Lullaby, Lovesong, Pictures of You, Figurehead, Close to Me, Inbetween days, Siamese Twins, Charlotte sometimes, A Forest, Primary, Disintegration...I could go on and on and on

[@Mansini77]

Those are all great songs. The Figurehead is my all time favorite. I never get bored of it. The driving bass and drums with two brilliant guitar tracks. Oh and the lyrics...like an ex driving a dagger in your heart after a breakup.

[@Shelsight]

Ahhh. Great list… Am about to have a Spotify session after watching this video. I always knew I loved this song, and thought I knew why. Rick has given me another 20 reasons… Agree with the epic songs like Boys Don’t Cry, Inbetween Days, Disintegration, and Just Like Heaven, plus yours (esp Charlotte Sometimes & Pictures of You) and would add: Play for Today, A Night Like This, Push, Fascination Street, Doing the Unstuck, A Letter to Elise, and on and on… A map of my whole life :)

[@mitchweiner]

Glad you mentioned my favorite Cure song:A Forest! I could listen to it for hours!

[@blastofo]

Robert Smith cranked out instant classics like a machine in the 80's.

[@QuicknStraight]

A brilliant band and they're still sounding great in 2022... With a new album on the horizon!

[@thomasrneville]

This channel makes the entire internet worthwhile. I literally listen to this channel more than I listen to any station.

[@VinceLyle2161]

Wholeheartedly agree.

[@shoogerkane]

BTW, I also met Robert Smith while he and the band were on tour. After their show at the local arena, they all went out to see Ride at a local smaller music venue. I was standing toward the back digging the show and didn't notice that Robert was standing next me until he leaned over and "This band is F**king excellent!", to which I obviously agreed.

[@maevejones1179]

whattt??? you're so lucky!!! spill the sweet tea!

[@mikechalmers6]

What an amazing experience ... Ride was incredible too . Such fortune to have been there ... Thx for sharing 🙂

[@maevejones1179]

@@mikechalmers6 you saw them live? i'm so jealous.

[@latontolog]

Cool story, and you were lucky to have seen both Cure and Ride in those days! I believe Robert has cited "Nowhere" as one of his favorite records numerous times. :)

[@lordsofkobol7385]

I also got blindsided by Robert, outside their gig in Newport South Wales, on the wish tour. My bestie and I had hitched down to see the gig and we sat outside the venue afterwards, leaning against the wall wondering how we would get home when all of a sudden a door right by us opened and the whole band walked out. Stunned, it was all I could muster to stagger over and shake his hand and gaze in total awe. Until a minute or so later he gently said to me. "If you don't let go of my hand, I won't be able to sign any autographs". I didn't even realize, so embarrassed. Also, Ride are amazing, never did see them myself but Leave them all behind is an incredible track. On a par with Just like heaven.

[@nathanielmead]

Possibly the happiest sounding sad song written.

[@KarenMossart]

The Cure 💞 this vibe

[@markgarcia8253]

Pumped Up Kicks by FTP? Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind?

[@marito242]

Try the smiths .... English is my second language and I start listening long before I learned the language and boy was a shock when I realized what the songs were about.

[@fuzzmuscle69]

Or is it the saddest sounding happy song? It always gives me goosebumps.

[@crose7412]

@Nathaniel Mead I don't find it very sad.

[@lauragb3677]

The Cure is the soundtrack of my college years in the 80’s. I hear their songs and immediately have great memories flood my mind. But the truth is: The Cure is great in every decade.

[@kiko-6662]

Absolutely! The songs are Polaroids of the moments of our lifes

[@eahannan]

Can relate to that

[@gauloiseguy]

They're part of the soundtrack of my life as well. Ik got hooked with their nineties album but like them in the eighties when I was a kid and young teenager as well.

[@InfiniteBeach101]

It’s the 2010s for me but with the cure again😊

[@EMatthewCady]

I’ve been playing that song for 20+ years and I’ve never seen such a thorough breakdown! Fantastic!

[@matthewsolina4920]

The Cure are also one the best live bands I’ve seen. An incredible 5 piece and they perform for hours. They touch on almost every album during their concerts. Amazing to see and hear.

[@eahannan]

They are tight as well in their endless performances. They could just play on and on.

[@JohnnyLREACTS]

I hear they are touring NA in 23. I will be there. I need to experience the Cure live.

[@dustr8ed]

The wish tour was my experience with the Cure live. Over 3and half hours of playing music. And thats not including the encore time and one of the best versions of a Forest . That is their live song thats never the same when played live. No opening band needed. Just the Cure . Totally was not a let down like some other bands ive seen live.

[@johnwilson2250]

Boris Williams is an amazing drummer. The years he spent with The Cure were the best years of The Cure. The Robert, Simon, Porl and Boris years were peak Cure.

[@Emilyluvssamncolby_x]

Yes! I loved this line up the most!!! ❤️

[@shiftingsounds1505]

I agree John! \\m//

[@ManoNegraCG]

I admit I was kinda afraid to watch a such a dearly loved song being deconstructed, but in the end not only did I enjoy it, but it made me love the song twice as much! Nice stuff, Rick!

[@Griceyman]

All of ricks what makes this song great videos are praise fests but he does it in a really analytical way he’s amazing I love him

[@WhoWouldWantThisName]

That's what I love about this series.

[@Cautionary_Tale_Harris]

That's why it's so odd when Rick's videos get a copyright strike... I want to tell whatever investment firm that owns the rights to certain music, "He's creating interest in these songs!"

[@mattsonrobbins281]

@@Cautionary_Tale_Harris I almost always go immediately to spotify to start playing along after watching these things

[@RedMcc]

One of the best band ever! Not nearly enough credit for great music, great arrangement, great lyrics. Disengration is a masterpiece

[@drummerAVA]

I’d love to see a breakdown of Pictures of You... the atmosphere within that song... it’s an all-time favorite.

[@MegaMkmiller]

Me too! I love that beautiful, melancholy song. Brilliance from Robert Smith.

[@MonkyMonk729]

As Robert Smith said about Pictures of You, it's a rare case of a song being simultaneously happy and sad. It would be interesting to hear Rick get into the nuts and bolts of that one.

[@Alpha_7227]

Certainly anything from the cure is worthy, any song from Disintegration, perhaps Love Song, Fascination Street.

[@donbishop4733]

drummerAVA for sure I agree.

[@dolguldur6909]

Yeah, i love the intro

[@rylian21]

For a band that was so popular and had so many hits and even made the R&R HoF, the Cure and Robert Smith are still so underrated for both the songwriting and the influence they truly had.

[@normsaunders4980]

Why? Why so underrated? He's offered -and given- so much to music.

[@normsaunders4980]

and given

[@MR-cp4sj]

Why underrated? You’re fav new word? Not underrated at all, both the cure and Robert smith are gods.

[@KennyCarlsonDax2014]

The influence Robert Smith had on the way young men looked back then was sorely overlooked at the time. My singer had the smeared lipstick and all.

[@bfpierce]

I’m still waiting to find out who does the rating system. I want to find it so I can find out what I should listen to. 😑

[@maxkady9478]

Rick please do “a Forest”. What a mesmerizing tune that is. Great job.

[@gutreaction9558]

Love it

[@andrewwhittaker43]

He chasing after a girl!

[@greystoke2229]

Marvellous song, with a hypnotic bassline and a mystic atmosphere.

[@thegremlin3194]

a Forest is a Goth classic

[@KhayJayArt]

I N T O THE T R E E S

[@JerrySproingenstein]

I love how much Rick is geeking out at each part. You can tell he is absolutely in love with this band.

[@nope-z5y]

You were mentioning how much time there is before the vocals start... that is one of the things I love about the Cure's song "Push". Halfway through the song, just when you think it's an instrumental, Robert sings the first line.

[@Asjemenou-d3j]

lol was thinking the exact same thing. With "push " he starts with lalalala, softly so I thought, mmm does he starts to sing now? and just when I though ,guess not, he starts singing. Gotta love Robert Smith. Walks his own shoes, miles away from trends.

[@TheRealKaner]

Same as Icing Sugar....

[@tedkelley9]

Kings of the long intro!

[@passenger6771]

The same is with my all-time favourite "Homesick" , very long and beautiful intro

[@Tocaraca]

passenger67 That song is symmetrical in the most phenomenal way

[@petergreen1869]

A Forest is one of my all time favourites. Just love this band. The soundtrack of my youth in the Eighties.

[@desiderata67]

Yes Yes Yes... The Forest is a masterpiece. I can't get enough of different gorgeous live versions. 💜

[@Fakeaorta]

I wore out my Staring At The Sea cassette in the late 80s because of the San Diego sun, Beaches, and playing it in my car too much!

[@jasonmiradoli8900]

Plainsong another underrated gem

[@chrisman3965]

Primary for the win. Such a killer song.

[@donlopeaguirre112]

Live, it is even more transcendent

[@KeenSays]

This may be the coolest channel youtube has ever suggested to me

[@loveconquersall143]

I totally agree. I ❤❤❤ Rick 🤩

[@RedRockFilmFestival]

Can't imagine the planning that goes into all the elements syncing together so beautifully - it is truly orchestrated.

[@robinbjorge9329]

Brilliant!

[@70sladyalways25]

Musical brilliance!

[@aletorriggino]

The Cure made long instrumental intros an art form

[@tommulhall3865]

Yes totally!

[@clivehorridge]

Tom Mulhall This song has the best intro of all time, it builds like a volcano.. 🤣👍🏻🇷🇴🇬🇧

[@Lisbonized]

My band covered Inbetween Days on our last gig. I was never really a The Cure fan and was surprised at the long intro. Let’s just say I appreciate them more after that!

[@Unadapted]

Can.

[@rudowakening3638]

They sure did and they perfected it with “Disintegration”

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

The Cure may not be everyones cup of tea...but Robert Smith's ability to stitch up a Melody/Hook/catch phrase and some of the most beautifu layering of sounds from very few instruments to an orchestra is impressive to say the least. That man...with one bassist(preferably Gallup) a drummer and two or three gutarist..is magic..add a keyboardist and the sounds become ethereal and dreamlike. KissMex3 had a few tunes that were dreamy..Disentegration was largely dreamy .blood flowers as well..but go back to albums like Faith or Head on Door..and you see a man with changing bandmembers keeping a Cure sound. And it cures.

[@twoarrows2543]

...And those who say The Cure is not a bare bones rock band need to go back to those early albums as well!!

[@300leothelion]

Well said my friend. 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@chocomanger6873]

Simon Gallup is great, but I would never downplay the other Cure bassists, including Robert Smith himself. Have you ever listened to The Top? That's all Robert on bass. He also wrote and played the famous bass line on Let's Go to Bed. Mick Dempsey of course was essential for the Cure in their early days. Phil Thornalley did some great work while only temporarily with the band.

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

@@chocomanger6873 agreed choco! I was already in the weeds and didnt want to dive in too deep but that is an excellent point. I was with them from the very begining..yea I'm old. I'm told And many people dont realise as you do that this band has had musical chairs almost per album..and sometimes in between albums...starting at three imaginary boys that original lineup came and went several times..with Smith alone staying in all..and Simon the second persistant member. I remember when the cure was almost never again..and smith went on a drinking bender with a drumb machine and severin from susie and the ban cheese, who Smith was a touring member...they Produced the Glove...if tall haven heard it go look it up..one of the funniest albums and some of the oddest music(especially love the in between music tracks) Yea poor Lol thompson..he was a founding member and he just couldnt stay on..those three did some awesome albums..three imaginary boys,faith, pornograghy, the walk,Japanese dreams, seventeen seconds(drip drip drip) Head on the Door, and even more came with some of those songs and it was down to Smith and Thompson at one point when Gallup left for a bit(let's go to bed) Do yall remember "do the HANSA" and a song the rest verbatim from a package of sugar...great stuff!! The punk/pop days early 80s

[@markusdaxamouli5196]

If you dig the cure...check out the album "The Glove-Blue Sunshine"...best to get the LP since so many extra bits are on the in between track grooves.

[@bifjohnson1986]

The Cure! Robert is an incredible songwriter, singer, and guitarist!

[@gerrydoc17]

Saw them in Glasgow last night they are truly among the best bands ever

[@seanfinlay7393]

Played Dublin Thursday Dec 1st, it was one of the best gigs I've ever been to! 40years going to gigs. Voice & sound & energy were 100%

[@mist4488]

They played in basel here in switzerland a few months ago and the concert was absolutely packed, loved it

[@ce1402]

You can tell Rick really loves this song lol. He was bobbing so hard, good to see the joy is still there for him doing this stuff.

[@rdpatterson2682]

We certainly need a little "Cure" right now.

[@VoidR]

Beat me to it!

[@maryrabelo.s.wagner8346]

RD Patterson THIS! 😉

[@jstnxprsn]

You won the internet today!!!! LOL

[@calumhemphill]

I did wonder if Beato chose The Cure for that reason haha

[@Leoast14]

You'll end up just like heaven

[@rajo741]

As always Rick, tremendous work. And now you’ve broken down one of my perennial favourites, The Cure. Not only is Robert Smith a great writer but one of the most romantic of pop writers this world has seen. Few bands captured the zeitgeist of the 80’s and early 90’s in the way that The Cure managed. Just magical. Despite his quasi-goth look Smith’s music was always largely uplifting and oceanic opening a world of feelings buoyed by his lovely and thoughtful words.

[@abelmontalvo4052]

More like dark writer

[@diggydude5229]

People laugh when I describe the Cure as romantic, but "A Night Like This" is easily one of the most romantic songs ever written. Especially the line: "The way that you look at me now makes me wish I was you." Imagine loving somebody that much.

[@XoseGuitar]

OMG I have literally been playing this song for 35 years and never ever knew about that thirds guitar part. Holy crap this is unreal.

[@laurisaarinen1126]

When i was 15, i wasn't a Cure fan yet. I was totally obsessed with Prince at the time (he is still my favorite artist) but at the same time my older brother was just as obsessed with The Cure. So every time we met, we would play songs from them to each other, sometimes listen to full albums, trying to get the other one into the music. And at first, i gotta say, i didn't get The Cure at all. But then i heard The Forest. That creepy synth and those haunting guitar chords. I was just like "Wait. What is this?... That sounds AMAZING." From there on, i started listening to this band and it has become one of my all time favorites. Also playing a huge part in getting into bands like Deftones, Jane's Addiction and Smashing Pumpkins, that are all largely inspired by The Cure. So in the end, i got much more into these guys then my brother got into Prince, but i feel nothing but thankful.

[@rogeliofernandezjimenez3053]

Same thing Happenned to me with my little brother, he showed me OASIS i showed him MOTLEY CRUE, now OASIS is one of my favorite bands and CRUE is one of his.

[@mst7806]

I've been a cure fan since '79, never heard Robert's voice in isolation before. Amazing.

[@regcribb7943]

I love how Rick is such a fan of great songs that extend along a wide spectrum. He's not just some guitar nerd into guitar licks like so many. Pulling apart the nuances of a timeless song is such a great concept. Years ago I pitched a reality/talent show to a producer that was all about uncovering great songswriting in an American Idol style and not just another show aimed at finding the next glorified karaoke singer. Songwriting is the absolute key!

[@theriverofgordon1470]

I think one of the things i loved the most about the Cure was the sense of emotional sincerity that one gets from not just Robert Smiths vibrant tones but the whole package. While everyone else focussed on going for a "cool" sound the Cure seemed to just write great soulful music, never overly complex but loaded full of feels.

[@craigmsmithmd]

Fist pumped when you revealed this selection. One of the finest and very best pop songs ever written. Now that’s off my chest - in to the video. Thanks, Rick, for everything you give us.

[@daveb.9371]

No one layers a song better. The single piano note played thru the entirety of Edge Of The Deep Green Sea is one my favorite examples of why I love this band.

[@JIAbbot]

Rick, you are one of the finest teachers I’ve encountered online. Your technical knowledge and authenticity as a musician are fully matched by your passion. Thank you so much for these magnificently insightful videos.

[@loveconquersall143]

So beautifully said 👌 And I totally agree with you. Rick is awesome 💖

[@shannonpincombe8485]

This is a beautiful song. The Cure wrote for emotion and telling a message. Robert Smith just wanted everyone to know what he was thinking about life and the world he inhabits. The Cure produced so many good songs over such a long period.

[@skooterbrah]

Robert Smith is one of the greatest guitar players ever! His use of sonic textures is unique, and truly amazing. He is undeniably on of the most innovative musicians!

[@reverbchorusdelay]

You should listen to Robin Guthrie

[@yesiknow5474]

@@reverbchorusdelay For sure. Guthrie is probably the most experimental guitarist of the last 40 years.

[@zoeherriot]

I've listened to that song a thousand times, and you pointed out some elements I had not heard before. Amazing. More Cure!! :)

[@garys628]

@Sensible Talk Soooooooooooooooo many absolutely fantastic songs Cant wait for new album

[@kendo5862]

Loved Boris’ drumming in this era ... but only realised now how aggressive it is in such a melodic sweet song ... it just wouldn’t be the same without that edge

[@HexNottingham]

Agreed. Jason proves that.

[@hayzeephantayzee]

Can we have one, just one, youtube video about The Cure without those annoying Boris vs Jason rants?

[@diggydude5229]

The drum fills in "Fascination Street" have been kicking my ass for 30 years. The first Cure song I ever heard, and the one that made me a Cure fan.

[@HexNottingham]

@@diggydude5229 They're just share fills, though. Right?

[@hayzeephantayzee]

@@arunavsen4349 That may be but to me it sounds stupid. Bloodflowers and the 2004 albums for example are two of their best. The pre-Boris albums are classics and feature their most beloved songs. There's more to The Cure than Lullaby and Pictures of You. There have been bandmembers going in and out of the band way too many to mention and all of them were essential to the Cure sound. But here's my two biggest points: a) Robert knows best who fits the band and b) I dare any "Boris-is-best" fan to the test: Listen to various live recordings say for example of A Forest - a song which has been played by every Cure drummer - without knowing what drummer is on which recording and then point the Boris version out with 100% certainty. You know for a while I thought these Boris-ramblings on the internet were some kind of a running joke going over my head, but I came to realize it's really a thing. I love the Cure since 83 and love to watch them on youtube, but those Boris comments are so so so dumb. And totally disrespectful not only to Jason but to all of their drummers and the very band itself. And those who write these "claims" consider themselves to be fans, or worse: the real true fans.

[@drea4195]

The Cure, sweet and sad, such genius in songwriting on every level. Wonderful video, Rick. Please analyze more Cure songs!

[@TheRedHotFuzz]

I love the intro of this song with each instrument coming in individually every 4 bars. Genius.

[@dianadias3]

This song is a masterpiece..

[@seelenwinter6662]

i can say you 50 from the cure more... since nearly 40 years i listen the cure and it never gets boring...^^

[@dianadias3]

@@seelenwinter6662 It never does.. well for me it`s 15 years xD aha But I truly love them.. And this song specifically, is perfection from beginning to end..

[@keydobutkrak]

No

[@richardburchett]

Robert Smith even said I’ll never write a better song after he finished it

[@deepfryerhouse6885]

My favorite song of all time.

[@dangrel]

You could spend a year on nothing but Cure songs and still not have hit every great one. Thank you for this breakdown of an absolute classic.

[@mad_cat_1st]

6:05 - Boris Williams was the best minimalist drummer of the 80s. 3-piece kit, hi-hat, 1 china cymbal. That's all he needed to contribute to about a dozen of the best songs ever recorded. The Cure were genius.

[@John_F898]

Does anybody know what size and brand of china he played? I'm thinking Paiste 2002 for some reason.

[@basehead617]

@@John_F898 there is a Modern Drummer interview with him from a 1990 issue where he says what drums he used..

[@zachary963]

He also knew how to go all out. Icing Sugar on Kiss Me and End on Wish proved that.

[@beholden2874]

Check out “ Closedown “ from Disintegration album. The drumming part is magnificent. It is mostly Tom fills and has a haunting feel to. It’s perhaps my favorite drumming part in any song I’ve listened to in music.

[@billnalder1017]

As a big 'The Cure' fan, i endorse and support this message!

[@darionbuck8864]

It's about time!

[@asdic888]

Most songs take a few listens to really grow on me. "Just Like Heaven" is one of the few where I immediately went, "WTF was that? Play it again."

[@diggydude5229]

Cocteau Twins' entire album "Heaven or Las Vegas" hit me that way. LOL

[@joanneoleary802]

sorry, I put a thumbs down by accident

[@peterleventis]

Good to hear that Robert Smith is a nice guy. Thanks for doing this!!

[@HonorFather]

LOVED the Cure. They layered their music so beautifully, like some Beatle songs did.

[@RC32Smiths01]

This is easily their most iconic tune! So many parts that make it stand out from most other 80s songs I'd say.

[@indorider]

Truly one of the most beautiful songs ever.

[@johnp1277]

The Cure's Just like Heaven has all of their the quintessential sounds that make them who they are ... the great synthesizer, drums and guitars fill the melodies with so many perfectly matched ingredients , that blend so perfectly with those vocals to make it all come together into a haunting lyrical symphony that makes you want to hear it again, right after hearing it for the first time. Robert Smith certainly made the Eighties that much better.

[@EF-fc4du]

I was surrounded by friends who liked The Cure back then but never thought they were anything special. Then I heard this song and all that changed. It's perfect.

[@ivanl.8201]

Same here. I was a sophomore in high school when "Disintegration" came out, and the whole city was listening to it, and it was everywhere on MTV, and I recall really absolutely loving the 1st song on it ("Plainsong"), but I wasn't really quite warming up to the rest of it. But, then, their back catalog got super popular because of the massive success of "Disintegration", and it took this song and "In Between Days", "Close to Me" and "A Night Like This" for my defenses to melt down. And then, a couple of years later, while still living in my birth country, I unexpectedly found their first CD at the department store, and it was "The Three Imaginary Boys", and I absolutely fell in love with that early, punkish version of the Cure. And then, I think I finally started to appreciate the sheer genius of that band and Robert Smith in particular.

[@jonathanbolger6173]

The cure arrangements are just second to none. They were one of the best at musically arranging songs and always had these really cool long intros.

[@drewlovs]

The sound that the Cure had really drew a certain type of person in the mid to late 80s. We used to call them Cure heads, because Unlike the other “mods”, I think the Cure heads were not so angry, just... melancholy. I got to know a few in my high school, and they always seemed so happy mixed with the same type of melancholy heard in the songs. Then I found out one of the guys’ mother had committed suicide; his girlfriend had been kicked out of her house and was living with her aunt, but she was not in trouble in anyway with the police. That type of thing. So they looking for happiness while dealing with overwhelming grief, and the cure’s music quantified that in a way no one else could. Does that make sense? They were those school mates that you couldn’t do anything for, but your heart went out to them... at least, in my personal experience at the high school I attended.

[@riefujimoto4279]

That’s me a Cure Head

[@akwilson1676]

Happy sad

[@gabynavarro7763]

Happy sad indeed

[@cherylhurst7093]

First goth band. I mean that eyeliner and black hair and clothes.

[@genedanes3505]

What a fantastic way of explaining the time, the genre and the individual finding their compass through their angst now so lost in that time

[@desiderata67]

I love love love the Cure. I think Robert Smith is a truly humble kind musical genius. My fav band in my late teens. Boy did I feel old when Adele brilliantly covered Love Song...& said they were her " Mums " favorite band. 💜💜💜

[@iancurry7410]

This song always makes me feel like In-between days was a practice run for this song. Both brilliant.

[@makusmati]

This was one of the most cherished bands that made up the sound track to my teenage years..

[@nicovargas7776]

Same here. The Cure has been my favorite band forever, but my favorite album is Bloodflowers.

[@dos9167]

IMO, The Cure, along with XTC are two of the most underrated bands of the 80s. Particularly considering they both had prodigious output and had many different phases whilst their productivity spanned decades.

[@nakedeye68]

As if the cure have ever been underrated! God almighty

[@SteveNaiive]

yeah, I think XTC would have loved this kind of underrating: dozens of charting singles, fans that dress like them. In the intersection of the two fan bases you would find some strange types indeed, hey, look, there's you and me!

[@admstick]

The Cure were huge in the 80s. When I was at school pretty much everyone liked them regardless of whatever other music they were into. They’ve never been underrated...

[@mattgreen753]

One of my favorite "What makes this song" episodes. Massive fan of the Cure. This song is the 80's for me.

[@suze6083]

Timeless! It still sounds great. I was a huge “Curehead” in the late 80s and 90s. Still listen to the Cure today. Huge fan and always will be. Amazing songwriting and a great band. Just love this song! However, I actually don’t particularly perceive this song as being moody…quite the opposite. Always makes me smile😂

[@marshmangunnar9150]

I completely agree, I feel the same. Also a fan since the late 80s

[@beholden2874]

I think that’s what’s amazing this song and many other Cure songs. The lyrics and music can be bittersweet. Both a melancholy yearning for love feel but a joyful tone you want to dance to.

[@MauroRincon]

It makes me happy, yet it makes me think of happy old times which brings a bit of melancholy

[@erintyler7320]

I’m a simple woman. I see The Cure, I click.

[@Boyd1875]

Erin Tyler , the 1st time I was introduced to the Cure’s music was from a young woman name Erin in Lansing Michigan. Been hooked on them ever since.

[@pacard33]

@@Boyd1875 Was her name Erin Brooks? (Possibly Erin Urban?)

[@Boyd1875]

Phil Cardenas. Honestly I can’t remember. It was back in 87 or 88. I just remember riding in her car and listening to the Cure.

[@pacard33]

@@Boyd1875 I know someone who is from Michigan that would fit that category named Erin, who I'm sure would've been in to the Cure at that time and lived right there. Just a side note, her mother (Erin's mother) was dating a certain musician from Ann Arbor who was starting to get locally quite famous. When he told her that he was going on tour and may be close to signing with a label, she broke it off--not wanting to commit herself to the burdens of the road and didn't want to leave college and her family just like that. The young musician she was dating? BOB SEGER.

[@Boyd1875]

Phil Cardenas , I’m sure we are not thinking about the same Erin. I really enjoy reading your post and thank you for sharing. I really enjoy Bob Seger’s music and would love to hear some of his stories of the past.

[@KevinORourke25]

There are songs that I really like, like this one, and then Rick explains what makes them great and I love them that much more. WMTSG is such a wonderful series. Thanks Rick. Kevin O'Rourke

[@OtherTheDave]

Yep. Best series on KZbin

[@elizabethdelatorre3116]

i love how you are so great at breaking down all the levels of talent that goes into making their music. You are a very talented musician yourself!

[@NickDixon]

I must have listened to this song thousands of times since I was 16, and I'd never noticed the delay on the piano. Thank you Rick, for making me go listen to Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me yet again.

[@ryanaten3431]

Rick, please do more songs from The Cure. Just pick anything on Disintegration. They’re all great.

[@ronaldmilner8932]

I saw The Cure in Chicago in 1989 and they performed Disintegration in its entirety! It was a great show!

[@connorduke4619]

Cartman from South Park agrees!

[@meremortal]

We absolutely need to have a review of "A Forest" ... Again and again and again and again..... :D

[@851852093114208513]

@@connorduke4619 - Kyle*

[@GWJUK]

@@ronaldmilner8932 my first Cure gig was Glasgow 1989. Magical. Five more gigs booked for them this year

[@Magz215]

My favourite The Cure song is A letter to Elise, I don’t understand why but it stood out to me.

[@pablodmdp]

do u like the Blink 182 version?

[@blobcity3591]

The mtv unplugged song always made me cry

[@JM-5150]

@@pablodmdp no its horrible

[@affenschwanz64]

It's probably because of the urgency and longing expressed in the musical interlude after "the make-believe ran out."

[@TheRealKaner]

My youngest daughter (15) is named Elise...I wonder why. However, my favourite Cure song is 'edge of the deep green sea'

[@LMacNeill]

These "What Makes This Song Great" videos are absolutely my favorites on this channel. I don't care if it's a song I've heard a thousand times before, or if I've never heard it before, I always learn something. Love it!

[@Kppot]

The song is so over haunted, just like if you danced with a dead ghost all night long. This is so Cure, much melancholy, capturing the essence of fleeting joy intertwined with inevitable sorrow. The Cure's signature melancholic sound amplifies this haunting feeling, enveloping the listener in a bittersweet reverie.