The Cure – Japanese Whispers: The Cure Singles Nov 82 : Nov 83

The Cure – Japanese Whispers: The Cure Singles Nov 82 : Nov 83

Released in December 1983, Japanese Whispers is The Cure's second compilation album and brings together the singles and B-sides issued during one of the most interesting transitional periods in the band's early career. Originally released in the UK on Fiction Records as FIXM8, the album reached No. 26 on the UK Albums Chart.

The collection opens with three of The Cure's best-known singles from this period: “Let's Go To Bed”, “The Walk” and “The Love Cats”. These songs marked a noticeable change in direction following the dark intensity of 1982's Pornography, introducing a more playful, rhythmic and pop-oriented side to Robert Smith's songwriting without completely abandoning the band's distinctive alternative sound.

The accompanying B-sides make the album particularly worthwhile for collectors. “The Dream”, “Just One Kiss”, “The Upstairs Room”, “Speak My Language” and “Lament” provide a broader picture of The Cure's development during 1982–83, moving between atmospheric post-punk, synth-driven new wave and the increasingly melodic style that would become more prominent later in the decade.

The original recordings span November 1982 to August 1983, with the original UK LP's insert identifying “Let's Go To Bed” and “Just One Kiss” as November 1982 recordings, while “The Dream”, “The Upstairs Room”, “The Walk” and “Lament” came from April 1983 sessions. “The Love Cats” and “Speak My Language” were recorded later in 1983. The compilation therefore captures The Cure during a pivotal period between Pornography and The Top.

Tracklist:

Side A
A1. Let's Go To Bed
A2. The Dream
A3. Just One Kiss
A4. The Upstairs Room

Side B
B1. The Walk
B2. Speak My Language
B3. Lament
B4. The Love Cats