Three Imaginary Boys Songs Ranked

Three Imaginary Boys is the debut studio album by English rock band The Cure, released on 8 May 1979 by Fiction Records. It was later released in the United States, Canada, and Australia with a different track listing as a compilation album titled Boys Don’t Cry. Three Imaginary Boys was released on 8 May 1979 by record label Fiction. The record company decided which songs were put on the album, as well as the cover artwork, without Robert Smith’s consent. For all Cure albums since, Smith has ensured that he is given complete creative control over the final product before it goes on sale. The “Foxy Lady” soundcheck, with vocals sung by Michael Dempsey, was not supposed to be on the album and was removed for the American release. Smith has stated that “songs like ‘Object’ and ‘World War’ and our cover of ‘Foxy Lady’ were Chris Parry’s choice”. Here are all of Three Imaginary Boys’ songs ranked.

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13. Foxy Lady

“Jimi Hendrix cover “Foxy Lady” which actually features then-bass guitarist Michael Dempsey on lead vocals, and sounds mind-bogglingly like Devo.”

12. The Weedy Burton

“The Weedy Burton” might be the last track, but it’s just a quick jam to finish the record. Some may not like apathetic and lethargic undertones of this record, but to me, just enough energy shines through to make it a keeper. I spinned this an insane amount of times and continue to do so.”

11. Meathook

“Meat Hook” is mostly memorable for its irresistible guitar track, which consists of playful chords and a somewhat stark muffled riff, but it’s a rather tepid cut and not one of the album’s standouts.”

10. Accuracy

“To my amazement, Smith has claimed this to be one of his favorite Cure songs (although it was back in the 80s when he mentioned this in some interview). I don’t share his opinion. “Accuracy” is too “sing-songy” for my tastes. This early bootleg does nothing to change my opinion of it.”

See more: The Cure Albums Ranked

9. It’s Not You

“It’s Not You” is more of a punk cut than Post-Punk, which makes it forgettable as well.  Cool song, very good version, some different lyrics.”

8. So What

“So What” has an irresistibly catchy, riffy backing track. “So What” is a decent cut and it’s one of the few instances on the album where the band gets relatively loud.”

7. Grinding Halt

“The group often displays a sense of humor here that’s completely absent from the next few albums. Songs that point this out include “Grinding Halt”, with its ‘bouncing ball’ intro and ‘dying engine’ ending;”

6. Object

“Although many of the tunes sound underwritten, there’s lots and lots of ear-catching stuff here. “Object” is surprisingly punkish; and the uptempo”

See more: The Cure Songs Ranked

5. Another Day

“Another Day”, with its woozy-sounding guitar intro, is a very fine tune with a melancholy, yet strangely uplifting feel. “Another Day” starts off with a dissonant guitar chord that acts as an omen of where The Cure’s sound would go. Not to mention, Robert Smith’s morose lyrics have a permanent stay throughout the record.

4. Fire in Cairo

“Fire In Cairo” is a wonderfully catchy, mellow, mid-tempo minor-keyed tune; and also excellent is the title track which strongly foreshadows the direction the band would take on the following album “Seventeen Seconds”.

3. Subway Song

“There are also no noticeable keyboards anywhere on the album. A harmonica crops up on “Subway Song”, but that’s basically the only deviation from the guitar-bass-drums instrumental arrangements. Somewhat ironically though, this album actually comes across as a bit more diverse than the next couple.”

2. Three Imaginary Boys

“Listening today to The Cure’s debut album “Three Imaginary Boys”, originally released in May of 1979, it’s intriguing to see how it compares with their subsequent ’80s records. But don’t get the wrong idea–even though Robert Smith himself has admitted over the years to not being particularly happy with this album, “Three Imaginary Boys” is far more than a mere curiosity for diehard Cure fans; this is a highly impressive debut album.”

1. 10:15 Saturday Night

“I am so thrilled to have this version. Just a young Robert Smith, home alone on Hammond organ, guitar and drum machine. This version captures the bare essence of the song. Robert sounds so anguished!”