Studio Album · No. 6

The Head on the Door Songwriting Credits by The Cure

1985 Fiction Records 10 tracks 37 min

Produced by Robert Smith, David M. Allen  ·  Engineered by Frank Barretta

Fiction Records New WavePost-PunkArt PopAlternative Rock
100%
Authorship
Complete Artist

Holds writing credit on 10 of 10 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 10 / 10 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether The Cure carries a lyricist or composer credit.

100%
10 trackswritten by The Cure 0 tracksoutside writers
The Cure's roles on this album

Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer100%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

10
Tracks
1
Lyricists
2
Producers
1985
Released
Data Insight

The Head on the Door is the album where Robert Smith took full and sole authorship, writing every song on the record himself. With a restored band lineup behind him, including the returning Simon Gallup on bass, Smith channeled that control into the band's most deliberately pop-oriented set to date, balancing bright singles with darker textures. David M. Allen co-produced the album with Smith. The accessible songwriting helped The Cure reach a far wider audience across Europe and North America.

The Cure's sixth album came out on 30 August 1985 and entered the UK chart at number seven, their highest placing at the time. It reached number 59 on the Billboard 200 and is certified gold in the US, the UK and France. Simon Gallup and Porl Thompson were both back in the lineup, and Boris Williams joined on drums.

Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
In Between Days #15
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
2
Kyoto Song
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
3
The Blood
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
4
Six Different Ways
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
5
Push
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
6
The Baby Screams
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
7
Close to Me #24
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
8
A Night Like This
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
9
Screw
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)
10
Sinking
Robert Smith Robert Smith Robert SmithDavid M. Allen Robert Smith (Lead Vocals)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 2 contributors

RS
Robert Smith
Writer · Producer · Vocals
On this album10 written
DM
David M. Allen
Producer
On this album10 produced

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Frequently Asked Questions The Head on the Door

Who wrote The Head on the Door by The Cure?
Robert Smith wrote every song on The Head on the Door by himself. It was the first Cure album where all material was credited solely to Smith. The full authorial control coincided with a more focused, pop-leaning direction.
What are the singles from The Head on the Door?
The album produced two singles, 'In Between Days' and 'Close to Me.' 'In Between Days' reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart, and 'Close to Me' reached number 24 in its 1985 original release. Both became enduring staples of the band's catalog.
Who produced The Head on the Door?
The Head on the Door was produced by Robert Smith and David M. Allen. It was recorded at Angel Recording Studios in London and engineered by Frank Barretta. The pairing of Smith and Allen defined the band's mid-1980s sound.
Why is The Head on the Door considered a turning point for The Cure?
The Head on the Door marked The Cure's clearest move toward accessible pop songwriting while keeping their gothic edge. Melody Maker named it the best album of the year in December 1985. Its success widened the band's audience across both Europe and North America.
How did The Head on the Door perform commercially?
The album reached number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and number 59 on the US Billboard 200. It earned Gold certifications in the UK, US, France and New Zealand. The chart success reflected the band's growing international reach.
How did the single In Between Days perform?
'In Between Days' was the lead single and one of Robert Smith's brightest pop songs. It reached number 15 in the UK and was the band's first single to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 99. The track set the tone for the album's wider commercial appeal.

Sources

Wikipedia: The Head on the Door Wikipedia: In Between Days Wikipedia: Close to Me (The Cure song) MusicBrainz release group Cover Art Archive front cover Cover Art Archive: The Head on the Door by The Cure