Disintegration
1989
Release Date
May 2, 1989
Record Label
Fiction
Producer
Robert Smith; David M. Allen
Description
Disintegration is the eighth studio album by English gothic rock band The Cure, released on 2 May 1989 through Fiction Records. Widely regarded as one of their finest works, it marked a return to their introspective, gothic‑rock roots.
Background & Recording
Following their mid‑’80s pop‑pier releases, Disintegration saw The Cure embracing a darker, more atmospheric sound, with lengthy compositions and layered instrumentation. The mood reflects Robert Smith’s introspective lyricism and personal struggles at the time.
Tracklist
| # | Title | Duration | Listen |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plainsong | 5:12 | |
| 2 | Pictures of You | 7:24 | |
| 3 | Closedown | 4:16 | |
| 4 | Lovesong | 3:29 | Play Lovesong |
| 5 | Last Dance | 4:42 | |
| 6 | Lullaby | 4:08 | |
| 7 | Fascination Street | 5:16 | |
| 8 | Prayers for Rain | 6:05 | |
| 9 | The Same Deep Water as You | 9:19 | |
| 10 | Disintegration | 8:18 | |
| 11 | Homesick | 7:06 | |
| 12 | Untitled | 6:30 |
Singles
-
Lullaby
Released: April 10, 1989
#5 UK#74 US Hot 100#23 US Modern Rock#3 Ireland#3 Germany -
Fascination Street
Released: April 4, 1989
#1 US Modern Rock -
Lovesong
Released: August 21, 1989
#18 UK#2 US Hot 100#2 US Modern Rock
Critical Reception
Critically acclaimed on release: Rolling Stone ranked it #326 on the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and Pitchfork called it the band’s crowning achievement.