THE CURE: The Head on the Door (Universal)

MUCH of The Cure's back catalogue is being reissued, digitally remastered by Robert Smith with extra packaging. This 1985 album followed the much darker The Top, and marks the moment when The Cure briefly became pop happy hit machine. As ever, there's more to Smith's band than the singles, and The Head on the Door and '87 follow-up Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me do represent a pinnacle, particularly for those who don't favour the band's droning dirges. In Between Days and Close to Me are the infectious singles, but The Blood, Push and The Baby Screams are every bit as good, if not as immediate. Kiss Me is less cohesive, but gems Why Can't I Be You? and Just Like Heaven rank among Smith's best songs.

JEFF CRAWFORD