Standing on a Beach
The Cure · 1986
85 min · 25 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · post-punk
A compilation of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that encapsulate The Cure's evolution from post-punk to gothic pop.
Why listen to this
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys atmospheric background focus
- Context
- Released on May 6, 1986, 'Standing on a Beach' was The Cure's first greatest hits album, capturing their rise in the alternative rock scene. This compilation followed their critically acclaimed album 'The Head on the Door' (1985) and showcased the band's genre-defining sound up to that point. It served to solidify their status as leading figures in the post-punk and gothic rock movements.
- If you like
- alternative rock, new wave, post-punk
Standing on a Beach is an album by The Cure, released in 1986. A compilation of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that encapsulate The Cure's evolution from post-punk to gothic pop. 'Standing on a Beach' became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving positive reviews for its cohesive representation of The Cure's early work. The album's title track, 'Boys Don’t Cry,' remains an anthem for emotional expression and has influenced countless artists within the alternative music scene. Its impact is evident in both its chart performance and its enduring legacy in popular culture. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Standing on a Beach sound like?
A compilation of haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that encapsulate The Cure's evolution from post-punk to gothic pop. Rooted in alternative rock and new wave.
What makes Standing on a Beach by The Cure notable?
'Standing on a Beach' became a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving positive reviews for its cohesive representation of The Cure's early work. The album's title track, 'Boys Don’t Cry,' remains an anthem for emotional expression and has influenced countless artists within the alternative music scene. Its impact is evident in both its chart performance and its enduring legacy in popular culture. Released on May 6, 1986, 'Standing on a Beach' was The Cure's first greatest hits album, capturing their rise in the alternative rock scene. This compilation followed their critically acclaimed album 'The Head on the Door' (1985) and showcased the band's genre-defining sound up to that point. It served to solidify their status as leading figures in the post-punk and gothic rock movements.
Who is Standing on a Beach for?
Standing on a Beach works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and atmospheric background focus.
How many songs are on Standing on a Beach?
Standing on a Beach has 25 tracks, running approximately 85 minutes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Killing an Arab 2:22
- 2 Boys Don’t Cry Standout 2:35
- 3 Jumping Someone Else’s Train 2:56
- 4 A Forest Standout 4:55
- 5 Primary 3:35
- 6 Charlotte Sometimes 4:14
- 7 The Hanging Garden 4:22
- 8 Let’s Go to Bed 3:33
- 9 The Walk 3:29
- 10 The Lovecats 3:39
- 11 The Caterpillar 3:40
- 12 In Between Days Standout 2:56
- 13 Close to Me 3:40
- 14 I’m Cold 2:43
- 15 Another Journey by Train 3:04
- 16 Descent 3:06
- 17 Splintered in Her Head 5:14
- 18 Mr Pink Eyes 2:42
- 19 Happy the Man 2:45
- 20 Throw Your Foot 3:33
- 21 The Exploding Boy 2:50
- 22 A Few Hours After This 2:26
- 23 A Man Inside My Mouth 3:03
- 24 Stop Dead 4:02
- 25 New Day 4:07
Release Date
May 6, 1986
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
85 min 31 sec
Learn More
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.
