Boys Don’t Cry

Rock · 1980 · 6 tracks

Boys Don’t Cry

February 5, 1980 · Not On Label (The Cure)

This is the sound of early 80s angst, delivered with a deceptively simple yet utterly captivating charm. "Boys Don't Cry" is where The Cure began to carve out their niche, offering a blend of sharp, jangling guitar lines, propulsive bass, and Robert Smith's uniquely vulnerable yet defiant vocals.

It feels like a late-night conversation with a close friend, full of shared anxieties and budding hopes.

Own this if you want to understand the genesis of post-punk's melodic side and experience the raw, youthful energy that would blossom into one of alternative rock's most iconic careers. It's melancholic, yes, but also undeniably catchy and full of a quiet, restless energy.

Tracklist · 6 Tracks

01

Jumping Someone Else’s Train

2:57

03

Plastic Passion

2:49

04

10:15 Saturday Night

2:40

06

Object

2:58

07

Subway Song

1:57

13

Three Imaginary Boys

3:12

Moments Worth Listening For

The iconic, simple yet utterly effective guitar riff and driving bassline that kicks off "Boys Don't Cry," immediately establishing the album's defiant melancholic tone.

The raw, urgent energy and distinct vocal delivery of "Grinding Halt," showcasing the band's early punk-inflected edge.

The sparse, almost skeletal arrangement of "10:15 Saturday Night," with its repetitive, hypnotic guitar line and sense of late-night ennui.

The unexpected, slightly more experimental synth textures and driving rhythm of "Jumping Someone Else's Train," hinting at their future sonic explorations.

Reviews

Also reviewed byAllMusic

Where This Album Departs

How does Boys Don’t Cry sound next to the rest of The Cure's catalogue?

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

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