Not that I'd expect anybody here to like them
The Cure - 4:13 Dream
1. Underneath the Stars
Good striking introduction, suited title very nicely. Something you can really easily chill to. Very ambient music. Jingling in it came across as a bit cheesy. Around 2 minutes in it gets really emotive and beautiful. Robert Smiths vocals then come then come in to make it even more relaxed. The vocals are relativley difficult to hear however. This track isn't to everyones taste as it can across as repetitive and dire. Ending is really beautiful and emotive.
Rating - 8/10
2. The Only One
Really quite happy with that doomy feel still incorporated. Has that poppy feel to it. However, I do think that Robert Smith vocals do go a bit overboard on this track. Ending is a bit too abrupt.
Rating - 8/10
3. The Reasons Why
Soft but understated introduction. Parts blend together nicely. Robert Smiths vocals yet again portray the lyrics beautifully. Yet again, it gets quite ambient in the middle.
Rating - 8/10
4. Freakshow
Much different to the other tracks so far, has a very poppy feel to it. Effect used on the guitar really adds another level to the song. Simply just a really cool track. Does also come across as quite samba styled at points. Abrupt ending again
Rating - 8/10
5. Sirensong
Relaxing and soothing like a siren, portrays the song perfectly. Gets complex and weird towards the end.
Rating - 7/10
6. The Real Snow White
Again, an interesting track with buzz to it. Again, the parts blend together quite nicely. Really quite loyal of their doomy style.
Rating - 7/10
7. The Hungry Ghost
One of their less ambient tracks (weird considering the title), but the scratching effect n the guitar comes across as quite annoying. I feel the song is alot better without it. Roberts vocals are pretty top on this one. Didn't really portray the title, but generally a decent song.
Rating - 7/10
8. Switch
Annoying and pointless intro but then FINALLY a fast track. Very ambient again. Use of piano really adds to song. Even though the track is fast, I found it really dire with nothing to it that jumps out except the piano.
Rating - 5/10
9. The Perfect Boy
Starts off boring, but when the drums come in and it gets louder, it starts to make sense. Gradually as the track goes on, it really goes on.
Rating - 6/10
10. This. Here and Now. With You.
Definatley not the most conforming introduction. The Chorus is where the song really picks up. As much as I love alternative vocals, Roberts comes across as almost... pervy in this track. Another one which sadly starts to drag on. Over-synthed.
Rating - 5/10
11. Sleep When I'm Dead
Another fast track which picks up from the past two dire and lackluster tracks. But eventually, even this started to drag on.
Rating - 6/10
12. The Scream
Something different, thats for sure. Quite reminiscent of earlier styles. Had an arabic feel to it. The track gets stronger towards the end and more emotive, Robert singing every word with meaning. Another half-arsed ending.
Rating - 5/10
13. It's Over
Really strong metal inspired introduction, but then goes into quite an interesting combination with the bass, guitars and drums. Definatley woke me up, sounds pretty inspired by 80's rock. Vocals only come in after 2 and a half minutes. Nicely pulled off.
Rating - 8/10
Overall
I think I've figured out why the Cures music tends to disapoint. They have a tendancy to use an interesting idea, but then they overuse it, which is really a shame seeing as they're one of the most influential bands in rock music (IMO)
Another thing that bothered me with the album was the fact that it was so overhauled with effects that it made the songs drag on even further, the use of echoes was also overhauled giving a slow and dragging feel.
Sadly, no tracks reached above 8 on this album. There wasn't one track on there that would be my song of the moment. Quite alot of good song on there, but with the way that the Cure drag their sound along the floor, theres no way you can get into a song which is just the same idea all the way through.
Generally on the whole, a fair attempt at an album, with some fantastic ideas and a real cohesion to the tracks, sadly these ideas are kept running until they're dragged on the floor and eventually collapse.
Overall Score - 68%