With dirgelike jams and a ghoulish, mascara-soaked look, the Cure have long been the reigning kings of mopey, doom-and-gloom rock. But that image only tells half their story. Robert Smith's ever-changing band has consistently cut some of pop's most buoyant, helium-filled singles, starting with late-'70s pop-punk gems like "Boys Don't Cry," an irresistibly catchy tune made odd by Smith's distinctive yowling vocals.
Greatest Hits tracks the band through delicious synth-heavy gothic narratives ("The Walk"), quirky and bouncy expressions of desire ("Close to Me'), surprisingly sincere love songs ("Friday I'm in Love"), and grand set pieces ("Never Enough"). These tracks, along with two new songs, including the enticing "Cut Here," make a solid case for the Cure as a fun-loving singles band, showcasing Smith and company at their sunniest. Although it shares 7 of its generous 18 tracks with 1986's
Staring at the Sea collection -- including "In Between Days," "Close to Me," "Let's Go to Bed," "Forrest," and the aforementioned "Boys Don't Cry" --
Greatest Hits is the most comprehensive Cure set available (there is also a companion
DVD release of videos). As an added treat for fans, the
limited-edition version of
Greatest Hits includes a bonus CD,
Acoustic Hits, with all the songs done "unplugged." With extra helpings of piano and acoustic guitar, these new versions are sometimes even sunnier than the originals; "In Between Days" and "Let's Go to Bed" are brightened by their airy arrangements. Robert Smith clearly had a great time revisiting these songs; no doubt listeners will too.
![Title: Acoustic Hits [2LP]](https://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0081227935252_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg)
