Search - The Cure :: The Only One (Mix 13)

Sounds like Wish, blah blah blah...Best slice of Cure-pop si

Eric Edelin | Baltimore, Maryland USA | 05/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A lot of times when a veteran group releases an album, the critics and reviews like to compare it to past achievements as if to give the new release some credibility (or if we're going to be really cynical, to help the record sell) or to help it resonate amongst the old fans. After one listen to the new single, it became immediately apparent that sometimes the voices are actually right.



'The Only One' sounds reminiscent, without being a total retread or rip-off, of that jangly 'Wish' sound, ESPECIALLY the lead-off single, 'High.' Despite being a bit less wistful, and more quirky than 'High' the sound is all there. 'NY Trip' is a bit less spunky sounding, but no less energetic, showcasing a nice wah-wah lead guitar and Smith's howl during the refrain. Honestly, 'NY Trip' is a close cousin to the b-sides from the 1995-1996 'Wild Mood Swings' sessions, particularly 'A Pink Dream' and to some of the 2004 b-sides like 'Fake'.



For better or for worse (depending on what type of Cure fan) The Cure has settled into a sound, with 'Wish' being the real starting point to that sound. Gone are the lush keyboards that textured their '85-'89 period and made for some great songs. One feels like Smith was never quite as comfortable with previous lineups of the band as he is with his current lineup (Porl Thompson and Simon Gallup both being Cure stalwarts on and off since the early days) and the sound of these new songs really shows that. Since the 90s, Smith has effectively reduced the amount of keyboards from the albums, with 'Bloodflowers' being the major exception; but wasn't that supposed to be a sequel to 'Disintegration' anyway?



Overall, there was an uncertainty about the departure of long-time keyboardist, Roger O'Donnell. Many people even blamed the bland sound of their self-titled album on the lack of keyboards (yet 'Wish' and its near-lack of keyboards remains a fan-favourite). After a successful run of festival shows and now a full-fledged tour, Smith and company are more than proving that they can function very well without all the keyboards that spoiled so many of us Cure fans. This single, as well as the new songs being debuted on this current tour, is evidence that The Cure is still a steadily-evolving rock group that can still look forward, with its feet firlmy planted in the past, and put out solid music despite rumours and expectations."

Similar to Wish, Yes, but Fresh Sounding As Well

A. Ferguson | Albuquerque, NM | 05/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Many people are comparing this single to songs from Wish, and...having enjoyed several listens, I'm going to agree. There is a very similar carefree and happy feeling found in the A-side that is reminiscent of "A Letter to Elise" and "Friday I'm In Love." Lyrically as well; as with songs like "High" and "Doing the Unstuck," there are a few 'silly' word choices, but, Robert makes them work as part of the song's charm.



"NY Trip" has a nice hook. Also Wish-sounding, though a bit funkier like perhaps -- if you want to extend the Wish comparison -- "Wendy Time." Like the chord progression on the verse, catchy.



The single stands on it's own. Rather than pidgeon-holing this single as a Wish knock-off, I'd offer that this is simply the sound that comes from Robert when he feels a certain way, whether it's 1992 or 2008, and we are experiencing those feelings with him all over again. Good stuff, I am hoping for a great new album."

The Only One

Andrew Vice | Plano, TX | 06/18/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"As the first single from the Cure's forthcoming 13th album, The Only One sets the tone for what Cure fans can expect of this latest album. The single is poppy and jangly, in the style of The Head on the Door and Wish, and though the song itself isn't as strong as some of the singles from those records, it is a nice single, and a good choice as an opener for the set of four singles. The b-side is an interesting, slightly darker affair, but both songs share a sort of sick fascination for erotica in the lyrics, which are rather X-rated depending on how you interpret them. If The Only One is the worst song on their upcoming album, Cure fans will have much to rejoice about. Though the sound may not be as groundbreaking as that of Disintegration or Bloodflowers, it is a sound that will please many fans that were disappointed their the 2004 self-titled album."