Post-Punk with a Purpose: Review of Three Imaginary Boys (1979)

The Cure’s debut “Three Imaginary Boys” is an impressive first take on their signature sound, bringing forth their punk roots that develop with Robert Smith’s knack for pop writing and gloomy undertones. The record kicks off with the poppy “10:15 Saturday Night”, introducing the listener to the new wave beats that would eventually be the sound of the 1980s. The fourth song “Another Day”, is a moody, dark tune that mirrors the gothic laced trilogy of the next three albums to come. After the speedy new-wave “Object”, The Cure gives us an interlude that’s slow and brooding, dropping whispers with snaps of harmonicas. Songs like “Fire in Cairo” show off the commercial potential that The Cure has with the hooky lyrics built upon a pop chord progression. While songs like “Foxy Lady” and “Three Imaginary Boys” are catchy with fun guitar solos, songs like “So What” show off the disorganized and chaotic side of the band. The outro “The Weedy Burton” is a fun little button which is based off a type of retro tune from mid-century era music. This overall an impressive debut that mixes a fair amount of The Cure’s trademarks of gothic, pop-soaked rock music that can be bright and exciting, even if Robert Smith disowned the record at one point because the label released it without his consent.

Rating: 4.1 out of 5