Bloodflowers

Sting may have laid claim to the title King of Pain, but diehard Cure fans know that this appellation really belongs to morose, mascara-streaked frontman Robert Smith. And if Bloodflowers is to be, as has been widely reported, the Cure’s comeback and last hurrah, Smith has a chance to go out like Michael Jordan did—on top. Moody, gothic, and full of smart lyrics, the album measures up to the band’s best—even if the sound is a bit dated. So drag out that black trench coat one more time; tonight we’re gonna wallow like it’s 1982.