Album of the Day

Over the course of the 1980s, British alternative rockers The Cure rose to become a commercial juggernaut, an ascent capped by DISINTEGRATION. The growing adulation left leader Robert Smith uneasy, and that despair can be heard throughout the record, but if his intent was to turn away from pop success, it didn't work. Singles “Fascination Street,” “Lovesong” and “Pictures of You” were irresistible, and the collection sold more than three million copies worldwide to become the band's commercial high-water mark. Released 30 years ago today, DISINTEGRATION is also among The Cure's most acclaimed, with such outlets as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork and Entertainment Weekly citing it as one of its decade's best albums.