Robert Smith said that The Head on the Door (1985, their 6th) was inspired by Siouxsie and the Banshee's Kaleidoscope and the the Human League's Dare. It has many different styles and moods.
The Cure’s 1989 album, released during what was arguably the band’s peak period. As the liner notes advise: "this album was mixed to be played loud, so turn it up.”