The Cure – The Top
Released on April 30, 1984, The Top is the fifth studio album by The Cure, a pivotal record in the band's evolution. It marked a departure from the stark minimalism of their earlier post-punk albums and embraced a more eclectic, psychedelic sound. Largely a solo project by Robert Smith due to internal band tensions, The Top served as a bridge between The Cure’s early dark wave roots and their later mainstream success with poppier tones.
Recorded during a turbulent period, The Top blends melancholic melodies with experimental instrumentation. The album showcases Smith’s creative ambitions as he explored surreal and whimsical themes, enhanced by an array of styles, including psychedelic rock, exotic rhythms, and gothic atmospheres.
Key Tracks
"Shake Dog Shake" – A raw, visceral opener with heavy guitars and intense energy.
"The Caterpillar" – A quirky, whimsical track featuring lush string arrangements and playful lyrics.
"Birdmad Girl" – A bright yet eccentric tune with surreal lyrical imagery.
"Wailing Wall" – Haunting and meditative, blending exotic scales with an eerie atmosphere.
"Bananafishbones" – Fast-paced and chaotic, driven by sharp rhythms and experimental tones.
"The Top" – The sprawling title track closes the album with a hypnotic, dreamlike vibe.
Musical Characteristics
Eclectic Instrumentation: Incorporates flutes, keyboards, and exotic percussion alongside traditional rock instruments.
Psychedelic Influences: The album is steeped in surrealism, with layered production and experimental arrangements.
Emotional Range: Balances whimsical playfulness with moments of brooding melancholy.
Distinctive Vocals: Robert Smith’s emotive delivery underscores the dreamlike and haunting qualities of the songs.
Legacy
While The Top received mixed reviews upon release, it has grown in appreciation over time. Fans and critics now recognize its importance as a transitional work in The Cure’s discography. It set the stage for their creative resurgence with albums like The Head on the Door (1985) and Disintegration (1989). Tracks like "The Caterpillar" remain fan favorites and exemplify the band’s willingness to take risks.
50 Similar Artists
Fans of The Top may enjoy artists and bands with a mix of gothic, psychedelic, and experimental influences:
Siouxsie and the Banshees
Bauhaus
Joy Division
Cocteau Twins
The Chameleons
Echo & The Bunnymen
Dead Can Dance
Tones on Tail
Love and Rockets
Clan of Xymox
New Order
Depeche Mode
The Psychedelic Furs
Simple Minds (early works)
The Church
The Comsat Angels
Fields of the Nephilim
The Sound
Xmal Deutschland
Lush
The Mission
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Peter Murphy
Japan
David Bowie (late '70s Berlin period)
Gary Numan
The Jesus and Mary Chain
Wire
This Mortal Coil
Red Lorry Yellow Lorry
The Teardrop Explodes
Magazine
The Fall
Swans
The Soft Boys
Killing Joke
Cabaret Voltaire
Ultravox (early works)
Talk Talk (early works)
Spandau Ballet (early works)
Visage
A Flock of Seagulls
The Human League (early works)
Psyche
The Modern Lovers
Furniture
Sad Lovers & Giants
The Cramps
Wire Train
Modern English
The Cure’s The Top remains a fascinating record for its willingness to embrace experimentation, signaling Robert Smith's boundless creativity and setting the stage for the band’s next chapter.
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