"Boys Don't Cry" is the debut American compilation album by British alternative rock band The Cure. Originally released on 5 February 1980, this album was essentially a re-packaged version of the band's debut UK album "Three Imaginary Boys" with a modified tracklist and cover art.
The Cure was formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1978 by Robert Smith, Michael Dempsey, and Lol Tolhurst. As the band's original frontman, Smith is the Cure's only consistent member throughout its history. The band is known for their dark, gloomy, and introspective lyrics that have made them a prominent fixture in gothic rock.
Boys Don't Cry differs from Three Imaginary Boys with several track changes. It includes new tracks such as "Boys Don't Cry" and "Plastic Passion," replacing "Object," "World War," And "Meathook." The notable title track "Boys Don't Cry" was a hit in the UK and has since become one of the band's signature songs.
Even though it was not initially a commercial success, Boys Don't Cry has garnered much retrospective acclaim. The album is appreciated for its powerful, guitar-driven tracks and is considered a cornerstone in the development of the post-punk and new wave genres. The album successfully introduced the band to an American audience, setting them on a path to wider popularity in the following years.
