4 of the Best (And Most Essential) Goth Albums Ever

If you’re a fan of goth music, there are a few legendary albums from years passed that are absolutely essential listening. From The Cure to Joy Division, let’s look at just a select few goth albums that every self-respecting goth should listen to at least once! This list isn’t exhaustive, but we do love these four records quite a bit.

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1. ‘Disintegration’ by The Cure

This is the goth album of goth albums. There’s no way around it.

Disintegration by The Cure was released in 1989 and marked an important moment in the gothic rock band’s career. They were already pretty big before, but the release of this album launched them into international stardom, much to the chagrin of frontman Robert Smith. There’s really so much to love about this album, and it isn’t all doom and gloom, either. “Lovesong” is a fan favorite for a reason.

2. ‘It’ll End In Tears’ by This Mortal Coil

This Mortal Coil could be seen as a gothic rock supergroup or music collective, more than just any old band. That’s why we love them, after all. 

The band’s debut album is on another level, too. It’ll End In Tears was released in 1984 and goes beyond the expectations one could have of a 1980s gothic rock band. There are elements of dream pop and ethereal wave on this album, with a laundry list of contributors that each made it the iconic record it is today, decades later.

3. ‘Tender Prey’ by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Nick Cave managed to avoid being pigeonholed as a gothic rock artist, and it makes sense why. So much of his discography leans toward blues and even country, rather than just gothic rock. Still, the most on-brand album from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds has to be Tender Prey from 1988. 

“The Mercy Seat” is considered Cave’s signature gothic rock song, but the whole of the album is definitely essential listening.

4. ‘Closer’ by Joy Division

What would a list of goth albums be without including Closer by Joy Division?  This 1980 post-punk work of art is still held near and dear to goth culture today, and no band has been able to replicate the sound that Joy Division managed to create. 

It’s a dark, almost spooky, and special creative work that has immortalized Ian Curtis’ magic.

Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

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