Disintegration

album by the Cure

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Disintegration, released in 1989, is the English post-punk band The Cure's best-selling album and marked their mainstream success. The album is noted for its sophisticated songwriting, featuring songs like "Plainsong," "Pictures of You," and "Lovesong." It showcased a blend of soaring orchestral soundscapes contrasted with more accessible pop elements, alongside tracks that conveyed dread and menace, such as "Lullaby". This album is considered a high point for the band, with critics praising Robert Smith's songwriting.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

the Cure
Mainstream success
” Disintegration (1989), which became the Cure’s best-selling album, revealed a group at the top of its game. According to most critics, Smith’s sophisticated songwriting was at its best here, with “Plainsong,” “Pictures of You,” “Fascination Street,” and other songs featuring soaring orchestral soundscapes contrasted against…
Read More
” Disintegration (1989), which became the Cure’s best-selling album, revealed a group at the top of its game. According to most critics, Smith’s sophisticated songwriting was at its best here, with “Plainsong,” “Pictures of You,” “Fascination Street,” and other songs featuring soaring orchestral soundscapes contrasted against…
Read More