J.O — ORIGINAL WORK
16 December 2024
Persuasive Essay
Robert Smith: A Polymath and Modern Renaissance Man
Robert Smith, the figurehead of The Cure, exemplifies the qualities of a modern Renaissance man through his multifaceted talents and cultural influence. From his profound contributions as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist, to his work as a visual artist, lyricist, and cultural icon, Smith has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to excel across diverse creative fields. His life story, multiple talents, and legacy continue to inspire future generations to embrace creativity and individuality.
Born on April 21st, 1959, in Blackpool, England, Robert James Smith grew up in a musical household. He was the third of four children in a family that encouraged creativity and exploration. As a child, Smith was surrounded by music, learning to play the piano at an early age before switching to guitar. His older brother, Richard, exposed him to a wide array of music, including The Cocteau Twins, The Beatles, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones, which would later influence his own style (Last.fm). Smith attended St. Wilfrid's School in Crawley, where he met future bandmates Lol Tolhurst and Michael Dempsey. In 1976, the trio formed The Easy Cure, a precursor to The Cure (Britannica). By the late 1970s, Smith had assumed leadership of the band, renamed simply The Cure, and began shaping its sound and identity.
The Cure released their debut album, Three Imaginary Boys, in 1979, followed by a string of critically acclaimed records such as Seventeen Seconds (1980), and Faith (1981), along with their first hit single “A Forest,” which cemented their reputation as prominent band in the gothic post-punk rock landscape, standing with the likes of Joy Division, The Cult, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. However, Smith refused to be confined to a single genre. Albums like The Head on the Door (1985) and Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me (1987) showcased a more eclectic sound, blending pop, rock, and experimental elements (Britannica). Despite his fame, Smith has remained very private, preferring to let his art speak for itself. Today, he continues to create and perform, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in modern music, accompanying the band's first album in 16 years (Radio X) —Songs of a Lost World—which was released in November of 2024.
Robert Smith’s primary talent lies in his music. As the lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter for The Cure, he has been the genius behind some of the most iconic songs of the past four decades. Tracks like “Just Like Heaven,” “Boys Don’t Cry,” and “Friday I’m in Love,” for example, have become timeless classics. Smith’s songwriting is characterized by its poetic quality, often blending themes of love, loss, and existentialism (Radio X). His lyrics, which range from introspective and melancholic to whimsical and surreal, resonate deeply with listeners. As a guitarist, Smith is known for his innovative use of effects and unique playing style. He frequently uses reverb and delay to create ethereal sounds, as heard in tracks like “A Forest” and “Plainsong.” His approach to guitar playing has influenced countless musicians, including artists such as The Cranberries, Radiohead, and The Smashing Pumpkins (Music Data Blog).
Beyond his music, Smith has made significant contributions to the visual arts. He has a passion for painting, often auctioning them for organisations such as the HeArt Project for Heart Research UK (Heart Research UK). His artwork provides insight into his creative mind and his ability to work across mediums. Additionally, Robert Smith has also played a key role in shaping The Cure’s visual identity. He has collaborated on album covers, stage designs, and music videos, ensuring that the band’s aesthetic aligns with its music. The striking artwork for albums like Disintegration (1989) and Wish (1992) reflects Smith’s artistry and enhances the emotional impact of the band's music.
Beyond his music career, Smith is known for his distinctive appearance, marked by his disheveled hair, eyeliner, and dark clothing—a look that has become synonymous with the goth subculture (Rockarchive). Smith’s influence on fashion is evident in the enduring popularity of goth-inspired clothing and makeup. Prominent designers such as Alexander McQueen have drawn inspiration from his aesthetic, highlighting his impact on the broader fashion world (Vogue).
In addition to his work with The Cure, Smith has collaborated with numerous artists across genres. He has performed with Siouxsie and the Banshees on tour, contributed vocals and guitar to tracks by artists such as Crystal Castles on “Not in Love”, and Blink-182 with their song “All of This.” His collaborations demonstrate his ability to adapt his talents to different musical contexts, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist.
Furthermore, Robert Smith has also demonstrated his talents as a cinematographer, further cementing his status as a modern Renaissance man. Smith contributed to the film industry through his involvement in projects such as The Crow (1994), Judge Dredd (1995), and Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) (IMDb). Smith's work in cinematography highlights his versatility as an artist who can work in different creative fields, ensuring that the visual and emotional narratives of his projects resonate deeply with audiences.
Robert Smith’s life and career serve as a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring artists, musicians, writers, and creatives. His ability to excel in multiple disciplines challenges traditional notions of artistic identity and encourages individuals to embrace their multifaceted talents. By exploring a wide range of musical styles and artistic mediums, he has shown that creativity knows no bounds. His willingness to experiment has inspired countless artists to push the limits of their own work. Additionally, Smith’s commitment to authenticity has made him a role model for those seeking to express themselves. His distinctive style and unfiltered approach to songwriting demonstrate the power of staying true to one’s vision. In an industry often driven by commercial trends, Smith’s career is a testament to the value of individuality and artistic integrity (Psylo).
As a central figure in the post-punk movement (Music Data Blog), Smith has inspired generations of fans to embrace alternative forms of self-expression. His music and aesthetic have provided a sense of belonging to those who feel alone, creating a global community united by shared values of creativity and individuality. Robert Smith embodies the essence of a modern Renaissance man or polymath through his contributions to music—particularly vocals and guitar—visual art, songwriting, cinematography, fashion, and culture. His ability to excel in diverse fields while remaining true to his artistic vision sets him apart as a multi-talented legend. By celebrating his achievements, we honour a legacy that continues to inspire creativity, innovation, and individuality in future generations.
Works Cited
Borrelli-Persson, Laird. “Tracing Alexander Wang’s Gothic Inspiration from Siouxsie Sioux to The Cure.” Vogue, 14 Feb. 2015, https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/fall-2015-trends-alexander-wang-goth.
Gonzalez, Tomas. “The Cure and Robert Smith Influences: Goth Rock Explained.” Music Data Blog, Neve, 29 Dec. 2023, https://musicdatablog.com.ar/en/influences/the-cure-robert-smith-style/.
Heart Research UK. “Robert Smith and Heart Research UK.” Heart Research UK, HRUK, https://heartresearch.org.uk/robert-smith/.
Holmes, Kevin. “The Cure: A Perfect Dream - Robert Smith’s Rise from Art-Punk Teen to Goth Royalty.” Rockarchive, 23 Aug. 2018, https://www.rockarchive.com/news/2018/the-cure-biography-book-robert-smith.
IMDb. “Robert Smith.” IMDb, Amazon, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0809733/.
Last.fm. “Robert Smith Biography.” Last.Fm, CBS Interactive, 28 Jan. 2012, https://www.last.fm/music/Robert+Smith/+wiki.
Parentini, Matilde. “Robert Smith: The Immortal Icon Who Redefined Dark and Alternative Fashion,” Psylo, 14 Nov. 2024, https://psylofashion.com/blogs/blog/robert-smith-the-immortal-icon-who-redefined-dark-and-alternative-fashion.
Radio X. “The Cure’s Best Lyrics: 25 Classic Lines from Robert Smith.” Radio X, Global, 1 Nov. 2024, https://www.radiox.co.uk/artists/the-cure/best-lyrics-song-words/.
Rafferty, John P. “The Cure.” Encyclopædia Britannica, 15 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/topic/the-Cure.
The Cure. “The Cure Bio.” The Cure, https://www.thecure.com/bio/.