# In 1985, The Cure released their biggest pop record. They spent the rest of their careers trying not to do it again

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1985-the-cure-released-their-biggest-pop-record-they-spent-the-rest-of-their-careers-trying-not-to-do-it-again/
- Published: 2026-11-04T17:30:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T06:38:58+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1985-the-cure-released-biggest-pop-record/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- *The Head on the Door* expanded The Cure’s audience.
- Robert Smith resisted repeating its pop formula.
- The follow-up embraced both bright and darker moods.

## Summary

The Cure’s 1985 album *The Head on the Door* brought the band wider attention, particularly in the United States, through accessible singles such as ‘In Between Days’ and ‘Close to Me’. Frontman Robert Smith resisted pressure to repeat that pop-focused approach, arguing that the band’s success should not dictate its next artistic direction.

The follow-up, *Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me*, ranged from the exuberant ‘Why Can’t I Be You?’ to darker songs including ‘The Snakepit’ and ‘Fight’. Smith said the band ignored record-company suggestions, including using an American mix engineer, and wanted to preserve The Cure’s varied sound. He saw the broader audience gained through pop songs as an opportunity to introduce listeners to less cheerful or more unconventional music.

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