Description
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Released in 1981, Faith is the second installment and arguably the finest entry in The Cure’s ‘Fatalistic Kingdom’ trilogy of albums. Fueled by the masterful skills of Simon Gallup on his Fender bass, the album effortlessly transitions between deep, angular, growling, and comforting sounds, making it one of the most minimal and distinctive records to emerge into the mainstream.
The album’s monochromatic cover image, featuring a misty depiction of Bolton Priory painted by Porl Thompson, sets the tone for the somber and brooding atmosphere prevalent throughout Faith. With a production heavily influenced by Joy Division, the album’s brilliance becomes evident. It is tracks like “All Cats Are Grey,” which flawlessly blend synths, bass, and percussion, that have laid the foundation for countless electronic music pioneers over the past four decades. The closing title track, “Faith,” takes this formula even further, offering a delicately treated drum track that showcases forward-thinking brilliance, capable of capturing the listener’s attention indefinitely.
Although Robert Smith’s songwriting prowess shines on tracks like the catchy “Primary” and “Doubt,” as well as the foreboding “Funeral Party,” Faith is ultimately defined by its remarkable sound and production. While Disintegration (released nearly a decade later) may be grander and more ambitious in scope, it is Faith (and to a slightly lesser extent, Seventeen Seconds) that stands as the most conceptually cohesive and enduring work in The Cure’s extensive catalog. The album’s influence is often heard in the periphery of various artists, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts craving meticulous production that utilizes space to its fullest extent.
