1985's Love displayed a marked improvement over the Cult's early material, and though it remains underappreciated in America (worldwide it was a smash), this exceptional record has actually aged better than the band's more notorious (and equally important) releases: Electric and Sonic Temple. Equal parts psychedelic hard rock and new wave goth, the songs on Love emanate a bright guitar sheen, tight arrangements, crisp drumming, and a command performance from vocalist Ian Astbury, who as usual says a lot more with less than most singers. Overall, the album benefits from a wonderful sense of space, thanks in large part to guitarist Billy Duffy (who is much more subdued here than on future releases), whose restraint is especially notable on "Revolution" and the remarkably uncluttered title track. Duffy also provides compelling melodies ("Hollow Man," "Revolution"), driving riffs ("Nirvana," "The Phoenix"), and even a U2-like intro to "Big Neon Glitter." Also on offer is the near-perfect "She Sells Sanctuary" and the smash hit "Rain," quite possibly the band's most appealing single ever. Considering the musical schizophrenia that would plague each subsequent Cult release, Love just may be the band's purest moment.
Regardless of whether you were born in the 80's, 90's, or even within the 21st Century, you will surely have heard arguably one of the biggest sounding Rock anthems, 'She sells Sanctuary', at least once. Thing is, you don't even have to seek out The Cult's second and certainly most successful album, 'Love', to hear it, since it can easily be discovered in pretty much any Rock or Heavy Metal compilation, can be heard daily on Radio stations, and the video itself can also be viewed frequently on Kerrang!, MTV, Scuzz or perhaps even the Q! Music channel.
Of course, what I'm actually getting at here is the fact that The Cult were verging on worldwide success even before 'Love's release date was announced. People who lived through and loved every single Rock band that the 80's had spawned will surely tell you that The Cult couldn't be any more popular had they made a film based on the album itself. It's actually quite interesting and indeed surprising to me how nobody on Sputnikmusic has even reviewed this album yet.
Musically, this album has 'Sound of the 80's' written all over it-lush melodies, crisp clean production, groovy bass lines, sinister yet (in some fans' eyes, certainly) 'sexy' vocals and some of the biggest guitar hooks and riffs you could ever find on a Rock album. Whilst this all sounds very fantastic and fabulous however, it is actually nowhere near a perfect record. Let's start with what I perceive to be the negative aspects of this record.
