Epic goth-pop with sumptuous production at times recalls label 4AD's pioneering sounds but with The Cure the sound is completely fleshed out for an accessibly dark enjoyment. Although the pacing and sometimes stark minimalist instrumentation veer towards plodding, the band had a knack for letting these confined compositions stretch out and breathe on this very solid, often considered quintessential, release.

This review is meant for folks who wouldn't consider themselves hard-core fans, but who are interested in The Cure.

80's Alternative remains my music of choice even in 2008. I've always been a fan of The Cure, but wouldn't have called myself "hard-core" - up until this album I owned only four Cure albums. I pulled out KISS ME KISS ME KISS ME to introduce The Cure to a friend belonging to the generation below mine (I'm an X-er), who loves current dark, brooding Alternative music. I explained that The Cure did for Alternative music what Led Zeppelin did for Rock music, and invited him to explore the roots of Alternative. Not having listened to the album in a while, and feeling sort of reintroduced to it myself, I got a hankerin' for more, and went on Amazon to look for my next Cure purchase. I decided to check out DISINTEGRATION because I recognized a few songs, and the reviews for it were outstanding. In fact, the reviews were all so good, that my expectations were so high that I was afraid I would be let down. Trust me when I say, it did not disappoint.

I can't get the stinkin' thing out of my CD player at work. It reminds me of a concept album of sorts, flowing so easily from one song to the next, not changing your mood, but holding you hostage to hear the entire record. I find myself rewinding the song if I leave my office for even a moment. The vibe of the record isn't quite as dark as I expected, but to me, very sensual and alluring.

I am so looking forward now to building my Cure collection. By the way, this is most definitely my favorite of my now five Cure albums. Based on many helpful reviews, I think I'll try BLOODFLOWERS next.

The world has seen such great works by the likes of Mozart, Chopin, The Beatles, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, etc. Their music has inspired generations and has helped them established their role in the annals of music history. Above all their great works, there is, however, one musical work of art that will forever stand as the single greatest compilation of songs ever put together to form an album. That album is The Cure's Disintegration. It is indeed a masterpiece. The music contained in this album could not have been done any better. It is perfect in everyway. It is a musical journey that takes the listener to emotional worlds that are only limited by the imagination. It is dark, sorrowful, complex, and intense. The compositions speak of despair, loneliness, forgotten love, and desolate places. It is a true testament of the beauty of music in all its glory. It is an example of what human beings are capable of accomplishing. To this date, nothing in the world of music has approached the level of beauty and grandeur of Disintegration. Quite frankly, nothing before Disintegration approached the level of beauty and grandeur of Disintegration. Before Disintegration, the world was content with Sgt. Pepper's. After Disintegration, there was nothing left to do. The pinnacle of music was reached. Disintegration is proof that God does indeed exist.

This is the best The Cure album-Period!
A real Gem. It's one of my favorite albums ever.
Opening song is amazing. They started with "Plain Song" concert in September 1996 in NYC in Radio City Music Hall. It was the best concert I have ever seen.
I don't want to analyze music on this album, it's simply flawless. Songs like "Plain Song", "Love Song", "Pictures of You" or amazing "The Same Deep Water as You" are example of musical perfection and beauty. Thank you The Cure!

I'll keep this short and sweet. This is one of the greatest albums of all time. Unbelievable instrumentation, amazing lyrics, flawless production. You cant go wrong with this CD. Even if you aren't a Cure fan, you should pick this up for the sheer musical brilliance.