Three Imaginary Boys cover

Three Imaginary Boys

The Cure · 1979

99 min · 33 tracks · alternative rock · new wave · post-punk

A raw and energetic blend of post-punk rhythms and gothic undertones, infused with youthful angst.

Why listen to this

Best for
youthful angst and raw energy dynamic flow with varied intensity short bursts of expression
Context
Released on May 8, 1979, 'Three Imaginary Boys' marked The Cure's debut album, introducing their distinct sound during the early days of the post-punk movement. At this point in their career, the band was still finding its identity, experimenting with darker themes and textures that would define their future work.
If you like
alternative rock, new wave, post-punk
What next
Boys Don't Cry — Continues the energetic post-punk sound with similar themes of youth and angst.

Three Imaginary Boys is an album by The Cure, released in 1979. A raw and energetic blend of post-punk rhythms and gothic undertones, infused with youthful angst. The album was well-received in the UK, peaking at number 44 on the charts, and is often credited with establishing The Cure as pioneers of the gothic rock genre. Its influence is evident in the later development of alternative rock and new wave music, impacting a generation of artists who followed. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Three Imaginary Boys sound like?

A raw and energetic blend of post-punk rhythms and gothic undertones, infused with youthful angst. Rooted in alternative rock and new wave. Start with "10:15 Saturday Night".

Is Three Imaginary Boys a good place to start with The Cure?

Yes, Three Imaginary Boys is recommended as a starting point for new The Cure listeners. A raw and energetic blend of post-punk rhythms and gothic undertones, infused with youthful angst. Released on May 8, 1979, 'Three Imaginary Boys' marked The Cure's debut album, introducing their distinct sound during the early days of the post-punk movement. At this point in their career, the band was still finding its identity, experimenting with darker themes and textures that would define their future work.

Who is Three Imaginary Boys for?

Three Imaginary Boys works well if you're into youthful angst and raw energy, dynamic flow with varied intensity and short bursts of expression.

How many songs are on Three Imaginary Boys?

Three Imaginary Boys has 33 tracks, running approximately 99 minutes.

Tracklist

33 tracks·99:59

New here? Start with 10:15 Saturday Night.

Disc 1

  • 1 10:15 Saturday Night Start here 3:42
  • 2 Accuracy 2:17
  • 3 Grinding Halt Standout 2:49
  • 4 Another Day 3:44
  • 5 Object 3:03
  • 6 Subway Song 2:00
  • 7 Foxy Lady 2:29
  • 8 Meathook 2:17
  • 9 So What 2:39
  • 10 Fire in Cairo 3:23
  • 11 It’s Not You 2:51
  • 12 Three Imaginary Boys 3:32
  • 13 The Weedy Burton 0:53

Disc 2

  • 1 I Want to Be Old (studio demo) 2:36
  • 2 I’m Cold (studio demo) 3:21
  • 3 Heroin Face (live) 2:40
  • 4 I Just Need Myself (studio demo) 2:14
  • 5 10:15 Saturday Night (home demo) 4:36
  • 6 The Cocktail Party (home demo) 4:17
  • 7 Grinding Halt (home demo) 3:31
  • 8 Boys Don’t Cry (studio demo) 2:45
  • 9 It’s Not You (studio demo) 3:16
  • 10 10:15 Saturday Night (studio demo) 3:41
  • 11 Fire in Cairo (studio demo) 3:42
  • 12 Winter (studio out-take) 3:46
  • 13 Faded Smiles aka I Don’t Know (studio out-take) 2:16
  • 14 Play With Me (studio out-take) 3:30
  • 15 World War 2:38
  • 16 Boys Don’t Cry Standout 2:37
  • 17 Jumping Someone Else’s Train 2:59
  • 18 Subway Song (live) 2:27
  • 19 Accuracy (live) 2:36
  • 20 10:15 Saturday Night (live) 4:38

Release Date

May 8, 1979

Genre

alternative rock, new wave, post-punk

More albums in post-punk

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Runtime

99 min 59 sec