Robinson had previously worked with rock and heavy metal bands such as
Korn,
Limp Bizkit,
Slipknot,
At the Drive-In,
Glassjaw and
the Blood Brothers. This may have contributed to the songs on the album being heavier than previous material by the band. Smith described the record as "Cure heavy", as opposed to "
new-metal heavy". Robinson said The Cure's usual process was to first create the music and Smith would later bring the lyrics. He said he encouraged Smith to write the lyrics first instead. That way the rest of the band could put the feeling expressed into the music they played. Twenty songs were created during the recording sessions. However, Robinson suggested a different sequencing; Smith explained: : Robinson insisted on the group playing together while recording songs, like a live experience. Bassist
Simon Gallup did not enjoy working with Robinson, believing that he was "contriving to be eccentric". : According to the liner notes, the entire album was recorded live in the studio. Smith said the official track listing includes the closing "Going Nowhere", which was excluded from North American pressings. The artwork was designed by Smith's nephews and nieces: children who were unaware that their drawings were to be put on the album. The drawings were supposed to be of a 'good dream' and a 'bad dream' from each niece and nephew. Smith compiled the best drawings on the album and then produced it. Robert Smith said in 2024 in an interview with
BBC Radio 6 Music presenter
Matt Everitt that the album was his least favourite: "
The Cure album is probably my least favourite album that we’ve made. I don't like some of it, it's the only album that I don’t think works." but also said his favourite song from the album was "Before Three
". == Promotion ==