THE CURE BOYS DON'T Cry Fiction Records 12" LP Vinyl Album

The Cure's 1980 album, "Boys Don't Cry", is a seminal work in the post-punk genre, and is regarded as one of the band's most influential and beloved releases. The album was initially released in the UK on Fiction Records in 1980 as a compilation of singles, B-sides, and tracks from their debut album "Three Imaginary Boys".

The Cure was formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1976, by Robert Smith (vocals, guitar), Michael Dempsey (bass), and Lol Tolhurst (drums). Their sound drew influences from punk, new wave, and Gothic rock, and they quickly gained a reputation for their moody and introspective music. The band released their debut album "Three Imaginary Boys" in 1979, which was a critical success but failed to chart.

In 1980, The Cure released their second album, "Seventeen Seconds", which was a departure from their earlier sound, featuring a more minimalist, atmospheric sound. The album's lead single, "A Forest", became a hit, reaching the top 40 in the UK charts. Following the success of "Seventeen Seconds", the band released a compilation of singles, B-sides, and tracks from their debut album titled "Boys Don't Cry".

"Boys Don't Cry" was an instant hit, reaching number 26 in the UK charts and staying on the charts for 29 weeks. The album showcased The Cure's versatility as a band, with a mix of punk, new wave, and Gothic rock sounds. The album's title track, "Boys Don't Cry", became a breakout hit for the band, reaching number 22 in the UK charts. The song's catchy melody and poignant lyrics about masculinity and emotional vulnerability struck a chord with audiences and helped to cement The Cure's place as one of the most influential bands of the post-punk era.

The album also contained several other notable tracks, including "Jumping Someone Else's Train", which was a re-recording of their debut single, and "Killing an Arab", which drew controversy for its title and lyrics, which were based on Albert Camus' novel "The Stranger". The song's use of the term "Arab" was intended as a metaphor for the book's themes of alienation and existentialism, but was misinterpreted by some as racist or xenophobic.

One of the strengths of "Boys Don't Cry" is the way it seamlessly blends different genres and styles. Tracks like "10:15 Saturday Night" and "Object" are fast-paced, punk-inspired tracks, while "Fire in Cairo" and "Accuracy" are slower, more atmospheric tracks. The album's centerpiece, "Boys Don't Cry", is a perfect example of this blending of genres, with its driving beat and infectious melody contrasted with the vulnerability and emotional depth of its lyrics.

Another notable aspect of the album is its use of instrumentation. The band's signature sound is built around Smith's distinctive guitar work, which is often atmospheric and effects-laden. The album also features prominent use of Tolhurst's synthesizer and keyboard work, which adds a lush, ethereal quality to many of the tracks. The album's use of unconventional instruments, such as the xylophone on "Jumping Someone Else's Train", also adds a playful, experimental element to the band's sound.

Music Genre:

Album Production Information:

The album: "THE CURE - Boys Don't Cry" was produced by: Chris Parry

Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Mike Hedges

This album was recorded at: Morgan Studios, London, England

Album cover/sleeve design: Bill Smith

Record Label & Catalognr:

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record

Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE CURE - Boys Don't Cry

Band-members, Musicians and Performers
• Robert Smith – guitar, vocals, harmonica
• Michael Dempsey – bass guitar, vocals
• Lol Tolhurst – drums

Complete Track-listing of the album "THE CURE - Boys Don't Cry"

The detailed tracklist of this record "THE CURE - Boys Don't Cry" is:

Track-listing Side One:
1. "Boys Don't Cry" – 2:37
2. "Plastic Passion" – 2:15
3. "10:15 Saturday Night" – 3:40
4. "Accuracy" – 2:16
5. "Object" – 3:03
6. "Jumping Someone Else's Train" – 2:58
7. "Subway Song" – 1:54

Track-listing Side Two:
1. "Killing an Arab" – 2:22
2. "Fire in Cairo" – 3:21
3. "Another Day" – 3:43
4. "Grinding Halt" – 2:49
5. "World War" – 2:36
6. "Three Imaginary Boys" – 3:14