The Cure's 'Wish' Turns 30: A Masterpiece of Happy-Sad Pop
On April 21, 1992, The Cure released 'Wish,' an album that fused the band's dark and light sides into a perfect synthesis. Originally conceived by Robert Smith as two separate records—one upbeat (Higher) and one melancholic (Music for Dreams)—the final album blended these opposing energies. The result was the band's highest-charting album, reaching No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US. Singles like 'Friday I'm in Love' and 'High' showcased a jangly, joyful sound, while deeper cuts such as 'A Letter to Elise' and 'From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea' explored heartbreak and longing. The album's cover art includes a quote from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem 'To a Skylark,' underscoring its bittersweet essence. The Cure's ability to balance happiness and sadness in 'Wish' remains a defining characteristic of their music.
Key facts
- The Cure released 'Wish' on April 21, 1992.
- Robert Smith initially planned 'Wish' as two separate albums: 'Higher' (upbeat) and 'Music for Dreams' (melancholic).
- 'Wish' reached No. 1 in the UK and No. 2 in the US, the band's highest chart positions.
- Singles include 'Friday I'm in Love,' 'High,' and 'A Letter to Elise.'
- 'Friday I'm in Love' was directed by Tim Pope and features a carnivalesque party scene.
- 'A Letter to Elise' was inspired by Franz Kafka's letters to Felice Bauer.
- The album includes a quote from Percy Bysshe Shelley's poem 'To a Skylark.'
- The Cure performed 'A Letter to Elise' on MTV Unplugged in 1991 with slightly different lyrics.
Entities
Artists
- Robert Smith
- Porl Thompson
- Kate Wilkinson
- Tim Pope
- Franz Kafka
- Felice Bauer
- Percy Bysshe Shelley
- Terry Gilliam
- Morrissey
- Hal Hartley
- Yo La Tengo
Institutions
- The Cure
- MTV
- Artribune
Locations
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Auburn Hills
- Michigan