The Cure vs. The Smiths

Attribute	The Cure	The Smiths
Origin	England	England
Genre	Post-punk, gothic rock, new wave	Indie rock, post-punk, jangle pop
Active Years	1976-present	1982-1987
Lead Singer	Robert Smith	Morrissey
Popular Albums	Disintegration, Pornography, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me	The Queen Is Dead, Meat Is Murder, Strangeways, Here We Come

Background

The Cure and The Smiths are two of the most influential bands to emerge from the UK in the 1980s. Both bands were known for their unique sound, introspective lyrics, and charismatic frontmen. The Cure, led by Robert Smith, formed in 1976 and became pioneers of the gothic rock genre. On the other hand, The Smiths, fronted by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, burst onto the scene in 1982 with their jangly guitar pop sound.

Musical Style

One of the key differences between The Cure and The Smiths is their musical style. The Cure is known for their dark, atmospheric sound characterized by swirling guitars, haunting synths, and Robert Smith's distinctive vocals. Their music often explores themes of love, loss, and existential angst. In contrast, The Smiths' music is more upbeat and melodic, with Johnny Marr's intricate guitar work complementing Morrissey's poetic lyrics. The band's sound is often described as a blend of indie rock and jangle pop.

Lyrics

Lyrically, both bands are known for their introspective and often melancholic themes. The Cure's lyrics often delve into themes of heartbreak, alienation, and longing. Robert Smith's poetic and introspective lyrics have resonated with fans for decades. On the other hand, Morrissey's lyrics for The Smiths are known for their wit, irony, and social commentary. His lyrical style often explores themes of loneliness, unrequited love, and the struggles of everyday life.

Impact and Influence

Both The Cure and The Smiths have had a lasting impact on the music industry and have influenced countless bands that came after them. The Cure's dark and brooding sound paved the way for the gothic rock and alternative rock movements of the 1980s and 1990s. Their influence can be heard in bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Interpol, and My Chemical Romance. Similarly, The Smiths' jangly guitar pop sound has influenced a generation of indie and alternative rock bands, including Oasis, Blur, and The Strokes.

Live Performances

When it comes to live performances, both The Cure and The Smiths are known for their energetic and captivating shows. The Cure is famous for their marathon concerts, often playing for hours on end and delivering hit after hit to adoring fans. Robert Smith's charismatic stage presence and distinctive look have made him a legendary frontman. On the other hand, The Smiths were known for their intense and emotional live performances, with Morrissey's theatrical flair and Johnny Marr's virtuosic guitar playing captivating audiences around the world.

Legacy

As two of the most iconic bands of the 1980s, The Cure and The Smiths have left a lasting legacy on the music industry. The Cure's dark and introspective sound continues to resonate with fans of alternative rock and gothic music. Robert Smith's influence as a songwriter and musician is still felt today. Similarly, The Smiths' melodic and poetic music has stood the test of time, with Morrissey's lyrics and Johnny Marr's guitar work remaining influential to this day. Both bands continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.