Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. Bloodflowers boasts all of the Cure's signatures: stately tempos, languid melodies, spacious arrangements, cavernous echoes, morose lyrics, keening vocals, long running times. If you want something transcendent, you're out of luck, since the album falls short of the mark, largely because it sounds too self-conscious.
  2. Wisely, Bloodflowers is every crotchet a Cure album. True, there's no blatant hit single - one of those sudden shifts into gloriously barmy pop frenzy - but there's still ample compensation to be had...
  3. Smith is incapable of writing five bad songs in a row; even hopeless records (1992's Wish) sport some saving grace ("Friday I'm in Love"). But he can write four bad songs in a row, and Cure albums tend to leak filler like an attic spilling insulation. The latest, Bloodflowers, is half dismissible droning, an unforgivable ratio considering it's only nine tracks long.
  4. Cure fans will enjoy this record, it's well-made and Smith doesn't break character. Everybody else, no sequels to "The Love Cats" will be found herein. Feel free to stay the hell away.
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 54
  2. Negative: 3 out of 54
  1. May 10, 2011
    10
    Would have been the perfect album to end their career with but, we're all human so they went further than this. This is one of the bestWould have been the perfect album to end their career with but, we're all human so they went further than this. This is one of the best productions I've ever heard and I can't stop listening to it. Easily some of Smith's best lyrics and the bands most expansive arrangements since Disintegration. Full Review »
  2. THM
    Dec 21, 2011
    9
    This was probably their last best album. The lyrics are what make it. The music is akin to Wild Mood Swings, Wish or an upbeatThis was probably their last best album. The lyrics are what make it. The music is akin to Wild Mood Swings, Wish or an upbeat Disintegration. Typical Cure. The lyrics are truly transcendental, though. Full Review »
  3. AliceX
    Jan 8, 2006
    10
    Truly this is one of the most beautiful albums The Cure have ever produced. It combines the simple instruments and arranges them in such a Truly this is one of the most beautiful albums The Cure have ever produced. It combines the simple instruments and arranges them in such a way to create something complex and full. Many will frown upon this album - do not listen to them, listen to the album. It captures a curtian emotion that not everyone can grasp. It does not sound like the typical Cure albums. It is mature, more developed. Full Review »