ALBUM OF THE WEEK # 53 THE CULT - SONIC TEMPLE (1989)

This week's featured album is from 1989. It's the fourth studio album from The Cult, entitled Sonic Temple. The album was produced by Bob Rock and is the highest charting album for the band, making it to number 10 on the Billboard Top 200. It was certified Platinum by the RIAA in 1993. The band released four singles from the album, Fire Woman, Sun King, Edie (Ciao Baby) and Sweet Soul Sister. None of these were particularly big hits on the Billboard charts, but all 4 are very good songs.

For me, this album is about the first five songs, which are easily the best on the album. As you can see, four of those five were released as singles. Also, I love Billy Duffy's guitar playing and the sound of those guitars, especially on those first five songs. It has almost a mystical appeal to me. And it's not like the last six songs suck, they just aren't as good as the first five. I do think New York City is a pretty killer song, and Wake Up Time For Freedom is pretty good as well.

As for the artwork, I love it. It's simple, but it evokes that spirit of great guitar playing and stage presence. I give it an A easily. It's still readily available, new or used. It's going for around 13 dollars new or as little as 24 cents (plus shipping) used on Amazon.

Favorite Single: Edie (Ciao Baby)

Favorite Album Cut: New York City

Most Likely To Skip: Automatic Blues

1. Sun King

2. Fire Woman

3. American Horse

4. Edie (Ciao Baby)

5. Sweet Soul Sister

6. Soul Asylum

7. New York City

8. Automatic Blues

9. Soldier Blue

10. Wake Up Time For Freedom

11. Medicine Train

***click album cover to listen***

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Niels (Mod) on June 3, 2011 at 8:36am

I've got this on vinyl, as well as "LOVE", "Electric" and "Ceremony". My favorite is probably "Electric", but you're right about those 5 songs. I saw them open for Aerosmith, when they toured this album back in '89. They were a dissapiontment to me, live, but I never REALLY was a fan. Astbury's voice irritates me, and I don't think, that Billy Duffy is a good guitarist, though he really wants to be. Instead of going the "Heavy Rock"-way, they should probably have stayed on the "Alternative Rock" or what it was called at that time, the U2-way. I think it would have suited them better.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Scott on June 3, 2011 at 10:14am

Fire Woman is clearly the best cut followed by Sweet Soul Sister. But the album as a whole is just kind of "take it or leave"!

I remember the Cult being a big unerground kind of band. Some people got it and some didnt. I was, and still am, on the fence with these guys. Niels is right about Ian's voice, it doesnt work for an entire sitting, but to hear a track now and then its fine.

I own their greatest hits and "She Sells Sancutary" is far and away their best track ever, followed by "Fire Woman" but beyond that I have to pass....

Nice post though! I was reminded of a time when the Cult was considered cool, but looking back now, I understand why I didnt get it.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by TageRyche on June 4, 2011 at 8:07pm

I liked the album overall but yes I would agree that the first five songs are the best.

The thing that turned me off to the band was their live performance. I saw them open for Metallica and I kid you not, Ian Astbury sang every third word. I stopped enjoying the concert when I noticed it and got really ticked off about it after counting it off to discover what he was doing.