The Cure - 4:13 Dream

4:13 Dream may open with the doomed romanticism of "Underneath the Stars," but that slow-crawling mini-epic is a feint, momentarily disguising how this is the Cure's poppiest album since 1992's Wish. But despite the preponderance of sprightly tempos and singsong hooks, nothing about 4:13 Dream feels especially light, perhaps because Robert Smith chooses to pair these songs with a heavy dose of angst. On the "The Reasons Why," the catchiest tune here, Smith sings about suicide with no trace of irony. The pristine production emphasizes Smith's stylized mannerisms -- nowhere more so than on "The Only One," where his caterwauls are clearly articulated. Buried in the back of 4:13 Dream are two songs with hooks that nevertheless dig underneath the skin: "The Perfect Boy" and "This. Here and Now. With You." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Name Credits Brian Gardner Mastering Catsfield Sub Rhythm Trio Clapping Jason Cooper Percussion, Loop, Group Member, Drums Keith Uddin Engineer, Producer, Mixing Matt Hendry Assistant Porl Thompson Guitar, Group Member Robert Smith Producer, Keyboards, Vocals, 6-String Bass, Group Member, Engineer, Mixing Simon Gallup Bass, Group Member Simon Wakeling Assistant Smud Percussion, Programming Vincent Van Gogh Author