Icon SAVED Old Photo from a Fire…LED to the MOST Heart-Wrenching Song of the 80s | Professor of Rock
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- Robert Smith of the Cure created a masterpiece in 1989 called Pictures of You after he found an old photograph of his wife Mary when there was a house fire. He immediately wrote the lyrics on what would turn out of be a stand out track on the Cure's masterwork album Disintegration along with Fascination Street, Lovesong, and Lullaby. The record label didn't believe in the album thinking it was too dark and willfully obscure. It became the band's biggest selling album ever and Pictures of You was a major reason as it was the most heart wrenching song of the late 80s. The story of a masterpiece.
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#80s #vinyl #rock
In 1989, Robert Smith was a troubled artist, and a bit depressed, because he believed that his band The Cure, was traveling down a dangerous path.A year earlier, The Cure had unprecedented commercial success with their album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me,
But, they achieved that success by recording songs that were atypical for The Cure. Songs that were more mass appeal, more pop oriented, and Smith was deeply concerned about the future of the band that he had directed for well over a decade. Smith believed that the next album by The Cure needed to go back to their darker, definitive sound, and he was determined to make an enduring album that made a profound artistic statement.
Smith sequestered himself from virtually everyone, and went into what he called his “monk phase.” The Cure’s record label, Elektra, was very frustrated, and more than a little testy about what they perceived as Smith’s incorrigible ‘about face’.
After all, it is the record BUSINESS, and the label felt that the success of Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me proved that The Cure had finally positioned themselves to be a commercial mainstay. Having just had their first top 40 hit with Just Like Heaven.
The President of Elektra actually sent Robert Smith a certified letter criticizing Smith for being “willfully obscure. Ha! Can you even imagine? I’m sure Robert snickered. ”Despite the label pressure, Robert Smith remained focused and determined to follow his plan. The result of Smith's brooding isolation, and meticulous pondering, was a magical and truly beautiful and melancholy masterpiece titled Disintegration.
The kind of timeless, luminescent album that Smith was longing for. The irony is that Disintegration turned out to be even bigger than Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.
The album went as high as #12 on the Billboard Album Chart, and shot to #3 in the UK.Plus, Disintegration turned out The Cure’s highest charting song on the American pop charts in the band’s history, with the track “Love Song," a single that surged all the way to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and should’ve been a number as we’ve covered in the past.
The success of Disintegration was undoubtedly much more satisfying for Robert Smith, because he created an album on his terms, and followed his gut on what he believed was not only best for The Cure, but for his artistic fulfillment. Disintegration is an album that you just don’t see anymore. Sorry you don’t. A masterwork of such epic proportions and let me be absolutely clear when I use the word Epic that this record is the definition of the word epic, Disintegration as a whole is achingly rapturous.
Every song envelops my soul in ways that seem emotionally impossible. It raises so many feelings that I have though were long dormant. It’s musical euphoria and so inspired that still decades later, even after repeated listens leaves me completely flabbergasted. It just brims with such a beautiful, wistful elegance that what I really feel at the end of listening is a deep gratitude to Robert Smith for gifting us such poetry.
With so many blissful songs, I mean there is the dreary Closedown, the majestic dark opus Plainsong, which is anything but Plain, and of course the eerie yet pleasing nightmare that is Lullaby… Can’t leave out the wonderment of Fascination street Seriously, I get chills even talking about these life altering songs that Smith composed.
Poll: What is your pick for the best album of 1989?
Disintegration, Dr Feelgood, The Mind is A Terrible Thing To Taste (Ministry), as The Chairman said “It Was A Very Good Year”!
Doolittle
Bob Mould -Workbook, Pixies -Doolittle, The Cure - Disintgration, Buffalo Tom - Buffalo Tom, The Stone Roses - The Stone Roses, B-52's - Cosmic Thing
So many choices. I don't know that I can pick one. Peter Murphy's "Deep," New Order's "Technique," and of course "Disintegration" so I think I'm going to pass on picking just one.
Dr Feelgood
Disintegration isn’t an album of songs, it is a soundtrack that takes the listener to another world, through a journey of emotion. For 5 years after its release I would listen to it every night to go to sleep. Pictures of You was always a favourite of mine back then until I broke up with my goth girlfriend and listened to it on repeat before finally moving on. In the years since Fascination Street has moved to the forefront. One of the greatest albums ever made.
Well said - and holy scheisse... Plainsong is just... Wow. (Full disclosure: I have a Cure tattoo)
Agreed. I remember easing into my mental melancholy with Plainsong and Pictures of You would seal me in for the rest of the CD.
ROLLING STONE TOP 100 ALBUMS
Agreed, and I also have been a bit obsessed with Fascination Street lately. Disintegration is still the best song on the album for me.
I’m from the east coast and when I moved to California for a decade I used to listen to Disintegration in the winter months to lull me to sleep and remind me of winter on the east coast . The chimes and bells and melancholy layers became a kind of safe place for me .
Changed my life.
I lived in Seattle in the middle of the real scene.
I Despised music like this.
I Borrowed my friends extremely expensive car and went up Stevens pass to drive through the mountains all night by myself.
Grand sound system.
The only cd in the car was
The Cure - Disintegration
I was so bummed.
Eventually, I put it on.
Cranked it up loud
as all I heard was wind chimes.
And, then ……..
My life was changed.
Holy Hallelujah
I’ve never stopped listening.
Top 5 records Ever
I’ve been listening to the Cure since the ‘80’s and I’m 60 years old now. I suffered the loss of my wife about 5 years ago and every time I hear Pictures of You, it reminds me of her in a beautiful way. If I could meet Robert Smith, I would thank him from the bottom of my heart for his music and the memories they bring to me.
Sorry for your loss sir. It is not an easy road; but music really does help. The Cure just seems to have a song for every possible mood, life long fan since the early 90s, almost 40 now.
Me too, ever since “Seventeen Second’s”. I lost my Mrs four years ago now, for me it’s “Love Song”. Some tunes eh, I went to see the Cure at the Hammersmith Odeon (as it was) for my 25th birthday, just after the release of “Pornography” Happy days. All the best for the New Year mate, you’re not alone. ❤
(I’m 62 incidentally)
I’m terrible at saying words that make sense, when it comes to someone losing someone they love.
But I’ll say this; a beautiful soundtrack that accompanies your memories, is something that I’d be happy for.
I’m not in great shape.
I have about two years.
But I’ve gotten in touch with a very old friend (we’re both in our 50’s), that is unfortunately a couple states away.
But we can exchange musical moods.
Live your life
♥️🌻🕊️🐿️
Know this; you have had a love. And it was beautiful for you.
You have lived with something that we all actually would love to experience.
I do hope that you’re well.
“Masterwork of such epic proportions…EPIC- disintegration is just achingly rapturous” ❤ YES
When I finally saw The Cure live 3 years ago … as they walked on stage I was saying out loud “don’t play it don’t play it don’t play it” and they started with Plainsong. I instantly started bawling my eyes out like a baby while my girlfriend was hugging me as a result. Even some dude behind me was padding my shoulder softly like saying “it’s okay, man”. Was the happiest concert experience of my life.
I saw the Cure in the early 90s in an open air concert in Belgium (200,000 people), where this album was headlined…. I will never forget it. Still love the Cure today.
I saw the cure live in 2008. I didn't expect to be hit with s wave of emotion from the moment they started.
I bawled almost the whole way through, sobbing occasionally. Then laughing for other songs that hit pure joy.
@@Skittenmeow me too, same unexpected emotions!
I saw them live last Tuesday and as soon as I heard Love Song I started crying 😢
Yea I cried when they played pictures of you at the Hollywood bowl in 2016. The song started and the sun was setting… was a beautiful sight
This country rock girl didn’t even know who the Cure was…until 2021. One of my best friends was completely shatter at the loss of her son, who at 20 yrs old, took his life. She would play Pictures of You over and over and over…and over again. Dear God, that song hits my heart so hard for her loss and how I came to terms with loss in my own life. ❤
Wow, so poignant. 💕
Wow I feel you, Lori Anne...my heart goes out to you...
I feel you girl. I regret not listening to them sooner
❤
Never to late to start enjoying the cure.
I dedicated this song to my daughter when she was very young when me and her mom and I split up. When she wasn't with me and all I had were pictures of her. It grabbed the emotions I had of not being with her, not raising her everyday. Time to time she'd text me saying she heard our song. Bringing joy to my heart. On my 50th birthday, I brought my family to see the Cure at Shoreline Amphitheater
She held me tight through the whole song. One of the greatest moments of my life. I love you, Brittany
This is beautiful
I shed i little tear like the fragile macho i am
Adorable!
This old man of 59 has a 13 daughter and we share a love of music from 80s and 90s and your text made me cry. Thanks 😊
Daughters are the light of our lives
Could you imagine being his wife - he has given her so many legendary tributes over and over. I’m sure she’s just as devoted.
Mary is pretty happy about it from what I’ve read lol
@@MaryDunford Thank you, Mary 🥲
@@MaryDunford Agreed.
@@MaryDunford *secondary school* lol robs not american
Aren’t we all forever grateful he met Mary! She’s been the inspiration for some beautiful music.
'Pictures of you' always deliver goosebumps to the listener. When I heard it for the first time, I thought there is no way the rest of the song can be as beautiful as the intro... I was wrong.
It’s just incredible.
This song always makes me remember the one love that got away . 40 years later I still remember her fondly.
Untitled?
I've cried to this song more times than I can remember. The first time I laid eyes on my husband he was wearing a Cure tee- one of the strong factors that pulled me to walk up & introduce myself. We were inseparable until the day I went back to school & he didn't but we were engaged by then. We were married 18 yrs. & I've been a suicide widow for 13. I have our amazing children- one left in the nest- so I have a lot more than only pictures, but this is definitely one of those songs that can bring the tears in pretty short order. Thanks for highlighting this one. ❤️
I cant believe the heart ache that some people have to go through. I'm sorry for you're loss.
I’m so sorry.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I recently lost my husband in the same way. I've been a Cure fan since I was 15, and I introduced my husband to their beautiful music. One of the first songs I listened to after he passed was Pictures of You. It just said everything I was feeling.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing your story. Much love❤️
@@charlottesometimes7350 Biggest hugs to you 💜
A song that can make you feel all the heartbreak and regret over a relationship you may never have even had.
I’ve been there.
Yup, this came out right before my 1st girlfriend came into the picture...felt like a foreshadowing.
If I listen to the song, the album version, right now, I think it might lift me out of this funk...it's that kind of song...
Thanks for making me laugh....and your right.
truth
I love the darker side of The Cure. I love some of their lighter hearted songs, but their real masterpieces were their darker songs. Robert Smith is a rock God. A genuinely lovely person who captures the sound of psychopathology. As a psychologist and neuroscientist, I really appreciate the work of The Cure.
I concur completely. The entire "Pornography" album is mind-blowing... I have to admit - I really liked the way those songs were played on later tours vs on the album itself or live in the early 80s. Btw - I too was studying neuroscience before I ended up in the music industry 25 years ago. Have a good one.
Great observation, The cure emits every emotion possible in their huge discography
You’re in for a treat, then!
I saw them in Dublin last night and they played some songs from an album due to be released any day now. I can’t wait!
@@jennymulhall816 i love the new songs so much... Hoping to see them at a bunch of festivals next year (i tour manage - other - bands for a living. I've had pretty amazing luck with the artist i was TMing (this has happened with various different acts) ending up on festivals or in the same city on the same night as the Cure: in fact, by complete coincidence - no joke - i happened to be in Berlin with another band on my birthday (11/11) in 2002, which happened to be the first night of the trilogy shows. We had the second night off in Berlin, too - and the same promoter was doing both our show and the Cure's - he arranged for credentials for me and a few of the members of our support act - my assistant took over for the night with the artist i worked for, and i went to see the Cure on my birthday in Berlin, then again the following night.... I ended up seeing both Trilogy Shows... Completely by coincidence! My job gets rather tedious and stressful at times, but it's moments like those that remind me why i still love my work. Where in Dublin was the show?
It's not just psychopatology, it's feelings everyone have but some cultures force people to hide
Saw them in concert , and it was the cleanest sounding live band I have ever heard.
I've seen them a few times...not always the cleanest , but still some of the best life experiences I've had.
Saw them on the tour that supported this album The Prayer tour. 3 hours of sheer bliss.
@@stephendarcy9803 thanks for this. I couldn’t remember the name of the tour,,,, but it’s the same one I went to. 👍
I saw them but don't remember most of it. Got sick on popcorn and wine served at the concert venue. Combination gave me food poisoning.
That is a fact! My first concert ever was the Wish Tour when they came to the Palace of Auburn Hills. They ended up releasing a live album and video of that show. I saw them again years later with the Curiosa Festival. We could see Robert standing by the stage watching the other bands play before the Cure came on. Still the best band I've ever seen live.
This and ‘A letter to Elise’ are some of the most beautifully melancholy I have ever heard!❤
I absolutely agree. No one ever brings up Letter To Elise, and to me, it’s even more painful and powerful. Lyrics like: “Thought this time I’d keep all of my promises. Thought you were the girl I always dreamed about. But I let the dream go…and the promises broke and make believe ran out.” Pure genius…yet gut wrenching!!!
@@josephwinner2050 I 100% agree about Letter to Elise - to me it's the most lyrically perfect song ever written, and you nailed the one part that gets me every time.
@@josephwinner2050 I named my daughter Elise as a tribute to my favorite band! The Cure has been intertwined with the best and saddest moments of my life, and I am grateful for their gifts! Personally, I LOVE Untitled, which is another song that rarely gets its due. Closedown has to be one of the most beautifully haunting songs ever recorded!
And every time I try to pick it up like falling sand
As fast as I pick it up
It runs away through my clutching hands.
This album was and still is, played nonstop. So glad I got it back on vinyl because it truly is masterpiece.
I always have my copy in my car.
.....don't SAY that! "😢"....had MY copies on Vinyl, and when the labels switched to CD's in early 90's, I sold mine to a Record joint in the East Village...I can-NOT remember their name, It was under a flight of metal stairs....
The whole thing is a masterpiece!
One of my favorite bands, saw them more than anyone else, wore out the standing on a beach cassette in college and disintegration was released while in college
I bought the CD and the cassette when it came out so I had a copy to play in the car. Car CD players were not a thing yet in 1989.
I was already a Cure fan, but Disintegration was a whole new level for them, Pictures Of You is one of the most under-rated songs ever. Watching them play it at Glastonbury last time they played there, the little smile on Robert Smiths face as they start the intro to this song, knowing they’re about to make 90,000 people go absolutely mental. Wow 👏🏻👌🏻🎸
If this was the only video you ever did , you'd still have EARNED the moniker 'Professor of Rock'.
The service you provide is as important as the music that brought us here. Thanks Adam!
Very well said 👌
I was a teenager when Disintegration was released. I remember counting down the days and rushing to the record store that day. It has been one of the most influential albums in my life. To this day the album moves me deeply. Every song is a masterpiece but Closedown is something extra special to me.
I wasn't a fan of The Cure back then. I honestly don't know why. This song is beautiful and now it resonates in ways I wasn't mature enough to appreciate, back then. I really enjoyed your personal context of the song - thank you for sharing that with us. And Robert Smith comeback to the interviewer's question was pure Smith gold!
I wasn't a fan during their heydays either. For me, I think I dumped them in with all the others I saw as depressing goth bands in the 80s. It wasn't until several years later that I heard a couple of their songs (including this one) without knowing it was The Cure. That caused me to dive deeper and enjoy their songs.
Get lost, troll.
HaHa that comeback was hilarious!
Disintegration is one of those albums that just doesn’t have even one bad song it’s also an album that you feel like you should listen to from the beginning till the end at all times definitely the cures best work. This is one of those albums that hits you like ok computer or what’s the story morning glory. Masterpiece!
This album got me through intense loniless during deployment to Operation Shield/Storm. I had just turned 18 and was new in my unit, sitting in the middle of a faraway desert and absolutely missing a girl named Shiela that stayed stateside. Memories of late night star gazing listening to this album thinking of her.
Perfect context for this song.
Stonegate, was Shiela there for you when you returned? Also, I served in DS/DS, so I know what you’re talking about.
@@josephwirtz8352 Sheeeut, Jody done got his girl and gone.
@@josephwirtz8352 she was there but not for me.
Yup. I was a little older but was stop lossed and attached to a CI unit out of Ft. Riley (Big Red One) instead of getting out and going home. Disintegration helped me process my emotions in that crap situation in that crap place instead of being home with my family.
Pictures of You saved my life. It made me finally learn how to cope with grief and how to accept the loss. As soon as I started listening to The Cure, everything changed. I cried to Pictures of You every time I listened to it, remembering my dad who died of cancer when I was 13. I cried so much to this song, every single tear that was accumulated within years, I cried it all. And I finally learned how to find peace. Now, when I listen to Pictures of You, I remember of my dad with a smile on my face and with a hope that he is in the place much warmer and brighter than this world. Thanks to Robert and to The Cure, for opening my eyes and for giving me so many emotions, from deepest sadness to unexplainable joy. I want to be alive just to hear their music over and over again.
Joy in sadness. A beautiful thought. As a dad to two wonderful daughters i'm grateful for your words.
If your Dad raised a thoughtful and conscientious girl like you he is in a warm place sweetie
Disintegration is a masterpiece of an album from front to back.
This song is a masterpiece. The whole album is a masterpiece. It's an atmospheric trip into the depths of your heart.......... very few records grab you and bring you into a whole world like this one.
I can't count the number of times of I've heard "the label didn't like it, didn't think it would sell" and the song or album goes on the sell far beyond anyones expectations.
Disintegration was definitely Roberts masterpiece. The songs Fascination Street, Same Deep Water as You, and Prayers for Rain are pure gold that most songwriters could only wish they where capable of writing. I think The Cure write two kinds of songs...one for radio airplay, and the other for Cure fans.
Bang on. And the last two tracks...Homesick and Untitled. Wow.
Sometimes I wonder if Fascination Street was just a garage jam they did on some random night. Just knocking out a gem of a song because they were bored.
@@khanhngo5979 The Cure is not much of a Democracy. Robert has stated in the past that The Cure is his band, and if any member of the band has a problem with that they can find another job. Robert probably does not write much of his music by having an open jam session where all offerings are up for consideration.
@@christophersanders5007 Did not know that
I was editing some photos on Lightroom, of my mom, a few weeks after she passed away. This song came up on rotation, and just made me start bawling. Actually, even typing this, as I remember that moment, is making me cry.
"Pictures Of You" is my favorite CURE song, and one of my all time favorite songs. Every time I hear it, it takes me on a journey.... If I am feeling down, it is the right song to fuel my down, if I am feeling up, it fuels my up... Even if I am feeling nostalgic (good, bad or otherwise) it fuels the nostalgia...... "I'VE BEEN LOOKING SO LONG AT THESE PICTURES OF YOU..."
What a deep, beautiful origin story behind this song. All of the Cure's songs have melancholy, moody beats which really get you thinking, this is probably my favourite after "Just Like Heaven."
Agree, it’s also my favorite Cure song.
Same for me.
❤️💜💚
I’m with you. Just like Heaven first then Pictures of You
Love “Just Like Heaven” but “Pictures of You” is incomparable
check out 'a forest', not really sure what the song is about (just a forest??), but it's just amazing!
Had the absolute privilege to see the Cure perform in 2000 for the bloodflowers tour in a relatively small venue. Robert Smith was ... just beyond words. 22 years later I still remember the performance, and his vocals, the band around him, and the way the music just seemed to fill the room ... it was amazing.
I discovered The Cure in 1984 and of all their albums I find Disintegration the most profound. Pictures of you broke my heart the first time I heard it. I was seventeen and had lost my first true love months prior. It still to this day stirs me. What a masterpiece! Thank to the Professor for covering this epic song!
Reminds me of when I left a friend of mine forever I always had pictures of them ingrained inside of me.
Robert Smith's a gift from the heavens. My melancholic song of all time.
One of the greatest songs about grief ever written, perhaps the greatest. I don't care how many times I hear it I am moved by Pictures of You. It hits so hard but I feel good about feeling the way makes me feel strangely enough. My absolute favorite Cure song. Beautiful episode you really did this masterpiece justice professor. I was glad to see a Sunday episode!
It’s otherworldly, hypnotic, and just sublime perfection. Like you, this is also my favorite Cure song. Sunday episodes are rare, I don’t recall the last time we had one.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I don't think I have seen a Sunday drop, does this song hit you hard too?
@@MyName-pl7zn It totally does. The alluring instrumental paired with Robert Smith’s vocals.
Grew up on The Cure, Pictures of You is ascending sinking. It will bring back those hard to remember youthful emotions and loss. Completely brilliant and timeless.
I love the Cure, as well as Depeche Mode and the Smiths. No other musicians can touch the soul of music, and people, as well as these 3. Your review of this song is eloquent, it ebbs and flows like the song itself. So very well said. I love your videos, but I have to say this may be my favorite one. I can see, and hear, your heart and soul were fully into this one. I didn't just hear this review; I felt it. 😌
I saw Depeche Mode in New Orleans and they were terrible. We were so disappointed due to being such big fans. I still love their music but wish they would not have been wasted. The Cure was fantastic in concert. Just wonderful artist.
I played bass in a Cure cover band a few years back. Learning those bass lines and timings tought me a lot. I cried every time we played this song
Kiss Me Kiss Me, Kiss Me, and Disintegration are two of the greatest Albums ever recorded. The Cure are easily one of the most creative and introspective bands ever...and they are still going strong today.
....got "K-Me" early 1988, when "Just Like Heaven" went Top 40; I was a passing fan, and felt I should 'jump onboard' now, that they've crossed over...that LP knocked me OUT! (cont.)
.....unfortunately, I bought the LP the same day as the Dance-freestyle Girl Group, The Cover Girls Debut, and now, I can't separate the 2 Groups for the LIFE of me! ...ha-HAAA!!
One teacher at my school was one of the Cure’s biggest fans, and I can totally see why. Two amazing albums.
I was a 15 year old metalhead, when this album was released. One of my fellow cross country runners, played this album for me, and I was blown away. I ended up going out and buy the cassette a couple weeks later.
This is my favorite album ever. It is pure poetry, melancholy, beauty and pain. 🖤 I’ve had spiritual experiences listening to this song!!
The Cure was my first concert at 16. I was already obsessed with the lyrics of their music and the soundscapes painted in their songs, but seeing them live cemented them as my all time favorite band. I've cried many different types of tears thanks to them. I couldn't have asked for more.
I have had a deep love for The Cure since the early 80’s. It’s just one of those bands whose distinct sound touches my soul. Disintegration is my favorite album from them. It is a masterpiece. I could picture a full orchestral theatre performance of the album in my dreams. “Untitled” and “Plainsong” were part of my wedding ceremony.
I have seen them live 5 times. They are my ALL TIME Favorite band. Hands down!!
I have A LOT of respect for Robert Smith’s artistry. He sings from the soul and I couldn’t LOVE that more❤️❤️.
He’s a fascinating man.
I saw them in 96. Great show. Rosemont horizon
It's interesting to read how people seem to feel that this is about grief, while for me as a 19-year-old goth kid when the album came out, the song stands for my naive and passionate yearning at that time.
I wrote the lyrics on letters to my crush, listened to it on my walkman while walking through the city with a smile on my face and feeling it lift my spirits in face of an uncertain future.
The message to me was to not wait for regret to set in, but to grasp the things I'm yearning for at the moment they still exiat.
You are right Professor. He is channeling all the stages of grieving a break up. I actually listen to it when think of my late mother. I surround myself with pictures of her to keep her close to me.
Those nostalgic lyrics never rang more true than they do today. All time favorite album.
100% my favorite Cure song. Among dozens I absolutely love.
You rarely do songs I don't know, because you're mostly chart oriented. This is probably the first time you featured a song I don't know that really resonated with me. It makes me want to download the song. 🥲👍
...no, NO, Sir Bill you gotta get the ALBUM! ..."Love Song", "Fasc. St.", "Lullaby"...whew! ....Cure-Heads SWEAR by it....
@@RBS_ "Same Deep Water As You" is sublime.
@@RBS_ Closedown, Untitled...
Please not only listen to the song, but also the whole album, Disintegration. I listened to it via UA-cam and not one dull moment.
Not sure "Chart oriented" is the best word to describe The Professors choices....just sayin. Some are some arent, Genre driven at times?
I am so gratefull for Robert Smith and his beautiful music ❤
Only got into the Cure via Wish, but Disintegration is their best album by a mile. There’s not a single weak song on there and I have long maintained that Pictures of You is THE definitive Cure song, encapsulating the classic Cure sound, but also encompassing everything they are and have been, being a perfectly crafted pop song, but with such beautiful lyrics and a melancholy sense of loss.
I love it when someone loves and appreciates The Cure. Robert Smith is one of the most amazing poets, and Disintegration is perfection.
He has a way of pulling out his heart, beating and pumping, and putting into words what only your heart feels. Then he puts it back inside his chest and survives.
When I'm dealing with something profound or heartbreaking, I tell myself Robert Smith felt pain, looked at it head on, and survived, so can I.
What a tribute Adam! You said it all brother. ❤🙏🏼The Cure is beauty/pain/heartache/joy/inspiration/love all rolled into one giant cosmic constellation.
So many of their songs I appreciate now more than ever. 63 and still listening to the Cure. I didn’t fully understand and appreciate them when I was a teen. I just knew I loved them..the dark and serious songs as well as the fun and light ones. Thanks for the great review of this song.
A peak musical moment for me was hearing this live with tears streaming down my cheeks. In the moment it seemed to go on forever, but in reality was over so quickly. Just like life.
His response to the question from the interviewer at the Rock n Roll HOF is classic Robert Smith. Been a huge fan of The Cure since the mid-80's. Such fantastic music. Love it all. "Disintegration" came out the year I graduated high school and started college. Such a great time in my life, that year and years in college, and this album is tied to so so many memories associated with it. Still listen to this album and others from The Cure. Still see those pictures in my mind when I do, of one girl in particular for which I never thought of the right words to hold onto her heart.
One of the most hauntingly beautiful songs ever written!
Disintegration changed my life, my views, my personality. It's an astounding piece of work.
I love how in tune you are to the poetry of lyrics in the songs you cover, Adam. This one gave me a perspective I hadn't paid any attention to because I never really got into the music of The Cure outside what became popular from movies and television. It just wasn't my Era of music (I'm a '60s & '70s gal), but you've given me a new appreciation. Thanks. Have an awesome day.
60s and 70s were amazing, but 80s was the coolest.
Ditto, Jill. Nicely put.
Not my era or my music, either. But I love the exposure to, and the insights about, the best of such music that we get from The Professor.
Bob Smith still sounds the same today as he sounded when I saw him as a teen in 1989 during The Prayer Tour 🖤🖤🖤
One of my favorite bands. Love how unexpectedly psychedelic they are, too. Great use of textures, layers, pedals, and poetry.
I saw The Cure play in New Jersey's Giants Stadium in support of this album. They sold the venue out, and even had The Pixies as one of the opening bands.
The first thing I took away from this concert was how beautiful these songs were as a collection. If anyone hasn't seen a Cure concert, they tend to play a song and without ever really stopping morph into playing the next one with seamless musical chord transitions. This album lended itself to that approach with its majestic power and ethereal nature.
Sadly, the second thing I was struck with because I was close enough to the stage to read facial expressions was that Robert Smith looked absolutely miserable. At the time I thought it was a theatrical way of conveying the sadness of many of the songs to the audience. I later read that he loathed playing stadiums, and really was not happy about selling out huge venues because he felt his music was so much better in more intimate surroundings. In retrospect, I believe his clear melancholy was a sincere reaction to the event.
Still brings me so many different emotions listening to them. Thank you Rock Gods for The Cure🥰
My favorite Cure albums is Wish. And I would say it's like if pictures of you was an album. Wish got me through a break up in 1996, and it's ability to do that uplifting grief thing is what makes it so magical. As well as many other cure albums.
That’s another great album.
Lullaby, Pictures of You , Close To Me and The Catch are my favorites. The ethereal guitar work in Pictures of you is just amazing
It soothes my soul.
The keyboard progression is so incredibly moving for me when he sings "There was nothing in the world that I ever wanted more...". I don't quite know how to describe but it almost brings me to tears each time I hear it.
My favorite from The Cure. Just perfection.
Mine too.
Im 51 and i still get tear's in my eyes, Pictures of you and a letter to Elise are just amazing.
The way you describe the deep meanings of songs and your even deeper connections to these songs is unlike anything else I’ve ever heard. It’s uncanny.
It’s like, you’ve offered up a new appreciation for “Pictures of You” - a song I’ve enjoyed for decades and could never have imagined understanding on a different level. Very very much appreciated.
The cure has been part of my life since I was a teenager living in a small town in the middle of nowhere in Brazil in the 80s. Bob Smith taught me English and made me move to the UK 22 years ago. I saw them at Wembley on Monday and it was the most spectacular thing, I felt privileged to be there. I think Pictures of You was the second song they played, I had goosebumps all over and couldn’t help but shed a tear…his voice is just as good as it was 40 years ago and it was nearly 3 hours of pure bliss!
I played “Disintegration” nonstop when it was released. It was just so brilliant. The shimmering “Pictures of You” was a lush masterpiece. Years later , I would go through a painful divorce , and I couldn’t bring myself to listen to it anymore. It was too much. It was as if Robert Smith had embodied my feelings in that song. It took years for me to be able to listen to it again.
Totally agree, Pictures of You is a genius masterpiece...which is understating it, there are no words for it.I lost my husband of 35 years in Nov 2019 and the last line, 'there was nothing in the world that ever wanted more was to never feel the breaking apart of my pictures of you' is both gut wrenching and heartbreaking...coz it's true as the clarity of memories start to fade.
Pictures of You is a masterpiece. My personal favorite song of all time.
I grew-up enjoying The Cure's music and I still do! Now that I'm a born-again Christian, I've been reevaluating what is "safe" to still listen to and some of my fave songs didn't make the cut but THEIR songs were "iffy" until I saw this! You made me realize that Robert and his band are secular musicians, not part of the (sadly) ignorant satanic bunch we have now! I was liking some of Beyoncé and Taylor's songs but hearing they perform satanic rituals during concerts, breaks my heart for them, as people and artists! I'm relieved to know I can CONTINUE enjoying my fave The Cure songs with a new appreciation and understanding! Thank you for sharing your time, research and love for your profession! Please keep posting and imparting wisdom...
God bless you, Sir!💕🎶
🎸🥁📻💿🙏🏼🙇🏼♀️✝️
Heartfelt song for sure. A pure song in honesty and reflection. I love it!
Me too.😊😊
Their melodies are second to none
The Cure was never really (for the most part) my style of music, but last year I rediscovered both Pictures of You, and Love Song. Love both songs, and both songs sound great in the many live versions you can find on UA-cam, but the live version of Love Song from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show was breathtaking.
I had to give a standing ovation to that one.
Maybe Robert was especially emotional singing LOVE SONG during the Rock Hall show because Mary was in attendance at the induction with him, and he wrote LOVE SONG to her as his wedding gift to her??-- They are an enduring couple, it seems!!
Truly one of the great albums of all time. Not just the 80s. Maximum respect for dusting this one off. Do yourselves a favor. Anybody who has a listen to this record, it’s everything the professor says it is.
I'm not the biggest Cure fan. Robert Smiths voice grinds my gears most of the time. But that said Pictures of You sits in my top 10 all time favorite songs. It is so well put together, from the drums, the bass and guitar. And then Smith's voice...his voice fits this song so well.
Thank you, Adam for another wonderful video.
What’s wrong with Robert Smith? I think he’s cool. But I agree on the rest.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I never said he wasn't cool. In listening to other songs he's written, I think they are amazing songs, I'm just not a fan of his voice. If you like his singing, awesome, enjoy. Just his voice is not for me.
@@ErikSamys I love his voice, personally. Music is subjective, so I give you a pass.
It is odd how they are the soundtrack of my life but I have grown tired of this song - we are all full of weird circuitry I think-
I was already a huge fan when Disintegration came out. I bought the album because I was having my wisdom teeth pulled and would be home resting. I dropped the CD in and drifted in and out from my pain meds. Everything blended and is still my most memorable moment of listening to music.
A Sunday drop? What a surprise!
I was so lucky to see The Cure play Pine Knob 2023. I was not prepared even being a fan since 82.. he sounded better live than the cds. Every song was amazing!! I couldn’t believe he sang that good live. I had tears in my eyes throughout most of the show. Just amazed by him. The crowd just went crazy for him. He loved it. He was so thankful n kind to the audience.
Adam, with quality like this, I do not understand how you're not at 5 million subscribers yet. This is not meant to be a slight against you, but an SMH at music fans on UA-cam who have yet to discover your genius. Thank you. This song is a memory lane of melancholy and euphoria, and you explained just why it is so.
This is definitely my favorite Cure album and may very well be my favorite Cure song. So lucky I got to see them three times on this tour. In my top five shows ever and I’ve seen hundreds.
I love how you said “if you truly live with this song.” I have that same kind of feeling with “If Only Tonight We Could Sleep…” I used to play it over and over and over. It almost immediately transports me to a another realm emotionally.
As a kid (19 in '89) I barely ever heard The Cure on any local radio.
I might have to connect with this band that my local stations seemed to deem mostly unplayable.
Now at 53, I been diving back into the 70s and 80s to rediscover what I did not know was there the first time around.
It is a testament to music that a snippet can bring back the whole song or the whole album, or what you were experiencing at the time. It's the equivalent of the picture saved from the fire.
Just 10 seconds of this song can bring back amazing memories.
Finally saw them (him) in 2016 at an outdoor concert in Vancouver BC... 30 years after i first heard them and fell deep into musical love.
Professor, I totally respect your passionate honesty about music, your willingness to let it through to your heart, and the courage to admit how music has made you cry. I have the identical relationship to music that you do. Can't imagine a world without music and without musicians. Keep on rocking Professor, thanks so much for your service to music and the people who love music
Had the pleasure of seeing them in Dallas in 89. I will never forget it.
The Prayer Tour was one of the greatest tours of all time. The Album Disintegration is perfection.
I’m with you Ronald!
Pictures of You is without a doubt my favorite Cure song. As you said it is poetry. I shared the lyrics in my sophomore English class back in the day…
Robert has a very melodic, haunting voice. If it doesn't reach your soul, well.....I love The Cure. One thing you can admit about the Brits, they came out with some excellent alternative bands. What a great review of their music. Thank you!
This album was my brake up album in high school. It’s always been my favourite cure album, which is a huge statement seeing the cure is one of my all time favourite bands. It’s an absolutely masterpiece and the perfect companion for the darker times we often face in life.
It relaxes you, even, at times. What an incredible album.
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe someone else thinks of “Pictures of You” as poetry! This album came out when I was 13 and it changed my life. I used the lyrics to “Pictures of You” for an assignment in English class about modern poetry. My classmates made fun of me for using something “so depressing.” Thank you for also recognizing it’s brilliance. Also, thank you for the shout out to “Plainsong,” my favorite song on the album. I’m a professional classical singer now, but I still go back to this album time and time again. Thank you for your wonderful channel!
Tht album made me survive the worst times of my life. I love this man. If it wasn’t for him I don’t know where I would be. Tht is why music gets everyone through their emotions.
Favorite band and Pictures of You is my favorite song ever. When the chimes play I get chills. Masterpiece, indeed!
Pictures of You is a masterpiece from a Master Piece of an album Disintegration. One of the best live bands of all time, up there with Pink Floyd
This song reaches right in and rips the feelings right out of you and weaves a world of emotion you get to live in for a few minutes.
Easily a top-3 album of all time.
I love introducing people to The Cure. They definitely do not get enough air time on the radio here where I live. I would always have to call and ask if they could play their music. Rock on brother!
I'm 59 and a rank beginner.
16 and hardcore Cure fan.
@@LQOTW you are never too young to start!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 the world needs more people like you!
@@kraigpeterson3667 Why, thanks.
You’re so right. Desintegration for my opinion is one of the best albums of all time and Pictures of you the best Love Song.
Some weeks ago I visited the Cure concert in Hamburg an Pictures of You was the second song they played. It was totally unexpected and I got goosebumps and a tear left my eye. That was a really big moment for me.
This band and this song mean so much to me. To hear you talk about your love for this song, to break down the lyrics, and explain your interpretation of them was quite moving. Many thanks, I really enjoyed this video. X