THE CURE - FAITH 12" LP Vinyl Album
- 1981 Canadian Release
"Faith" is the third studio album by English alternative rock band The Cure. It was released on 11 April 1981
- 1981 Canadian Release
"Faith" is the third studio album by English alternative rock band The Cure. It was released on 11 April 1981
In the bleak post-punk landscape of 1981, where disillusionment and despair hung heavy in the air, The Cure emerged from the shadows with "Faith," a 12" LP that wasn't just an album – it was an existential exorcism. Released by Canadian label Vertigo, "Faith" was the sonic manifestation of a band teetering on the edge of the abyss, grappling with the specters of mortality, religion, and the inherent darkness of the human condition.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Following the stark introspection of their previous album, "Seventeen Seconds," The Cure plunged even deeper into the abyss with "Faith." The year was 1981, the Cold War was casting a pall over the world, and economic recession had bred a sense of hopelessness. The Cure, led by the enigmatic Robert Smith, channeled this collective angst into their music, creating a soundscape that mirrored the prevailing mood of the times.
"Faith" was a departure from the traditional verse-chorus-verse structure, embracing a more experimental and atmospheric approach. The album was a tapestry of droning synths, haunting guitar melodies, and Smith's melancholic vocals, all woven together with a sense of deliberate sparseness. This minimalism served to amplify the emotional impact of the music, allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves in the album's somber atmosphere.
Genre and Controversies
While "Faith" is often categorized as post-punk or gothic rock, it transcended genre boundaries, incorporating elements of ambient, psychedelia, and even hints of classical music. The album's brooding intensity and lyrical themes of death and despair were a stark contrast to the prevailing pop sensibilities of the time, leading some critics to label it as morbid and depressing. However, it was precisely this unflinching exploration of the darker side of human existence that resonated with a generation grappling with their own existential anxieties.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"Faith" was produced by Mike Hedges, who had previously worked with The Cure on "Seventeen Seconds." Hedges' production style was characterized by a raw, unpolished sound that perfectly captured the band's emotional intensity. The album was recorded at Morgan Studios in London, a legendary recording facility that had hosted the likes of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Yes. The studio's cavernous spaces and vintage equipment contributed to the album's atmospheric sound, creating a sense of depth and resonance that enveloped the listener.
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Music Genre: Post Punk, Alternative Rock |
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Album Production Information: The album: "THE CURE - Faith" was produced by: Mike Hedges, and the Cure Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Mike Hedges, Graham Carmichael, David Kemp |
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Record Label & Catalognr: A&M Records SP 79801 |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year & Country: 1981 Made in Canada |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: THE CURE - Faith |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "THE CURE - Faith" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "THE CURE - Faith" is:
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Description
Note: The photos on this page are taken from albums in my personal collection. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ).
Description
"Faith" Record Label Details: A&M Records SP 7901
The Cure is an iconic British band that emerged in the late 1970s and has been a mainstay of the alternative rock and post-punk music scenes ever since. The band's unique sound and Robert Smith's distinctive voice have made them one of the most beloved and influential acts in modern music.
The Cure was formed in 1976 in Crawley, England, by Robert Smith, who was then just 17 years old. Initially, the band was known as "Easy Cure," and they played a mix of punk and pop music. However, as they began to develop their sound, they moved towards a more atmospheric and moody style that would eventually become their trademark.
The Cure's first album, "Three Imaginary Boys," was released in 1979, and it showcased the band's mix of post-punk and pop sensibilities. The album featured hit singles such as "Boys Don't Cry" and "Killing an Arab," which would become anthems for disaffected youth around the world. Over the next few years, the band continued to refine their sound and develop a devoted following, particularly in the UK.
In 1982, The Cure released "Pornography," a dark and brooding album that explored themes of despair and isolation. The album was a departure from the band's earlier work and was met with mixed reviews. However, it has since been recognized as a classic of the post-punk genre and a defining moment in the band's career.
The mid-1980s saw The Cure reach new heights of popularity with the release of albums such as "The Head on the Door" and "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me." These albums showcased the band's ability to blend moody, introspective lyrics with catchy, upbeat melodies. The band's music videos also became increasingly popular during this time, and their distinctive look and style would go on to influence countless other artists.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, The Cure continued to experiment with their sound, releasing albums such as "Disintegration" and "Wish" that featured more expansive and atmospheric arrangements. These albums were critical and commercial successes, and they cemented The Cure's reputation as one of the most innovative and influential bands of their generation.
Today, The Cure continues to tour and release new music, and they remain a beloved and influential act in the alternative rock and post-punk scenes. Their impact can be felt in the work of countless other artists, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
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