In the realm of post-punk and gothic rock, few tracks have left as indelible a mark as The Cure's "A Forest." Released in 1980, this iconic song has not only stood the test of time but has also carved a unique niche in the annals of music history. Its haunting melodies and evocative lyrics continue to captivate audiences, making it a staple in The Cure's discography. As we delve into the streaming milestones and industry impact of "A Forest," we uncover the layers that contribute to its enduring legacy.
The Cure's "A Forest" Chart Performance"A Forest" has enjoyed a remarkable journey on the charts, reflecting its timeless appeal. Initially released as a single from the album "Seventeen Seconds," it quickly climbed the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 31. Over the decades, its popularity has surged, particularly with the advent of digital streaming. The track has seen resurgences in chart positions, notably re-entering the charts in various countries following sync placements and renewed interest in The Cure's early work. OutFndr's analytics tools have been instrumental in tracking these resurgences, providing insights into the song's enduring popularity.
Performance Facts
"A Forest" is a masterclass in atmospheric soundscapes and minimalist instrumentation. The track opens with a repetitive bassline that sets a hypnotic rhythm, complemented by Robert Smith's distinctive guitar work. The lyrics, though sparse, are rich in imagery, painting a vivid picture of a dark, enchanted forest. This combination of musical and lyrical elements creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that has captivated listeners for decades. OutFndr's music analysis features can help dissect these elements, offering a deeper understanding of the track's composition and its emotional resonance.
Songwriting Techniques in "A Forest"Robert Smith's songwriting in "A Forest" showcases his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet effective techniques. The use of repetition in both the lyrics and the instrumental parts creates a sense of continuity and immersion. The song's structure is unconventional, with a focus on building atmosphere rather than adhering to traditional verse-chorus formats. This approach allows the listener to be drawn into the song's world, making it a powerful example of how less can be more in songwriting. Utilizing OutFndr's songwriting analysis tools can provide aspiring musicians with valuable insights into these techniques.
"A Forest's" Cultural Impact"A Forest" has had a profound cultural impact, influencing a wide range of artists and genres. Its dark, atmospheric sound has been a touchstone for the gothic rock and post-punk movements, inspiring countless bands to explore similar themes and styles. The song's influence can be seen in the work of artists ranging from The Smashing Pumpkins to Interpol, demonstrating its far-reaching impact. Additionally, "A Forest" has been featured in various media, further cementing its place in popular culture. OutFndr's cultural impact tracking can help quantify and visualize this influence, offering a comprehensive view of the song's legacy.
Comparable Track Performance
"A Forest" is iconic for several reasons. Its innovative sound, combining minimalist instrumentation with rich atmospheric textures, set it apart from its contemporaries. The song's lyrical themes of darkness and mystery resonate deeply with listeners, creating a timeless appeal. Furthermore, its influence on subsequent generations of musicians has solidified its status as a classic. The track's ability to evoke strong emotions and its unique composition have made it a standout in The Cure's catalog and a benchmark in the post-punk genre. OutFndr's iconic track analysis can help uncover the specific elements that contribute to its legendary status, offering a detailed look at what makes "A Forest" truly special.
Record Breaker
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "Post-punk Anthem: the Cure's 'a Forest' Streaming Triumphs & Impact", "description": "Explore 'A Forest' by The Cure: Streaming Success & Music Impact | OutFndr's Insights on Post-Punk Anthem", "datePublished": "2025-07-18", "dateModified": "2025-07-19", "author": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "OutFndr", "url": "https://outfndr.com" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "OutFndr", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://outfndr.com/logo.png" } }, "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://outfndr.com/post-punk-anthem-the-cures-a-forest-streaming-triumphs--impact" } }
Frequently Asked Questions"A Forest" by The Cure peaked at No. 31 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980 and did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it has since become a cult classic, with its enduring popularity reflected in its consistent performance on alternative and post-punk charts. According to OutFndr's track analytics, its peak positions are more notable in alternative music circles, where it often ranks within the top 10 of post-punk revival lists.
How many weeks did "A Forest" spend on the charts?"A Forest" spent a total of 8 weeks on the UK Singles Chart. While its initial chart run was relatively short, the song's longevity is evident in its recurring appearances on various alternative and indie charts over the decades. OutFndr's data shows that tracks with similar cult followings, like Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart," often have multiple chart re-entries due to enduring fan interest.
What chart records does "A Forest" hold?"A Forest" does not hold any official chart records, but it is often cited as one of the most influential post-punk tracks of all time. Its impact is more qualitative, with many alternative and indie artists citing it as a major influence. OutFndr's analysis highlights that while it may not have broken chart records, its influence is comparable to that of other seminal tracks like "Bela Lugosi's Dead" by Bauhaus.
How did "A Forest" perform internationally on the charts?Internationally, "A Forest" did not achieve significant chart success upon its initial release. However, it has since gained a global following, particularly in countries with strong alternative music scenes like Germany and the United States. OutFndr's international performance data indicates that the track's streaming numbers are highest in these regions, reflecting its enduring appeal.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "A Forest"?As of 2023, "A Forest" has garnered over 50 million streams on Spotify alone. With an average payout of $0.003 per stream, this translates to approximately $150,000 in streaming revenue. OutFndr's revenue analytics suggest that this figure is comparable to other post-punk classics, though it lags behind more mainstream hits from the same era.
What is the sync licensing value of "A Forest"?The sync licensing value of "A Forest" is estimated to be quite high due to its iconic status and atmospheric sound. While exact figures are proprietary, OutFndr's sync licensing data indicates that tracks with similar cultural cachet, like "This Charming Man" by The Smiths, can command fees ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per placement in films or TV shows.
How much has "A Forest" earned in radio performance royalties?"A Forest" has earned substantial radio performance royalties over the years, particularly on alternative and college radio stations. While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, OutFndr's royalty estimates suggest that the track has likely generated over $200,000 in radio performance royalties, given its frequent airplay since its release in 1980.
What are the total estimated earnings of "A Forest"?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio performance royalties, and physical sales, the total estimated earnings of "A Forest" are likely in the range of $1 million to $1.5 million. OutFndr's comprehensive earnings analysis indicates that this figure is conservative, as it does not account for merchandise sales or other indirect revenue streams associated with the track.
What is the cultural influence of "A Forest"?"A Forest" has had a profound cultural influence, particularly within the post-punk and alternative music scenes. It is often cited as a pioneering track that helped define the dark, atmospheric sound of these genres. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics show that the song's influence is comparable to other seminal tracks like "Blue Monday" by New Order, which have shaped entire musical movements.
How many times has "A Forest" been sampled or remixed?"A Forest" has been sampled and remixed numerous times, reflecting its enduring appeal and versatility. While exact figures are hard to come by, OutFndr's sampling data indicates that the track has been reinterpreted by various artists across multiple genres, from electronic to metal, showcasing its broad influence.
In what media has "A Forest" been featured?"A Forest" has been featured in various films, TV shows, and video games, often to evoke a sense of atmosphere or nostalgia. Notable appearances include the soundtrack for the film "The Hunger" and the TV show "Stranger Things." OutFndr's media usage tracking highlights that the track's moody, atmospheric qualities make it a popular choice for sync licensing in dark or suspenseful scenes.
What industry recognition has "A Forest" received?While "A Forest" has not won any major industry awards, it is widely recognized as one of the most influential post-punk tracks of all time. It has been included in numerous "best of" lists by music critics and publications. OutFndr's industry recognition data shows that the track's accolades are more qualitative, reflecting its enduring impact on music and culture rather than quantitative awards.
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What peak positions did \"A Forest\" by The Cure achieve on major charts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" by The Cure peaked at No. 31 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980 and did not chart on the Billboard Hot 100. However, it has since become a cult classic, with its enduring popularity reflected in its consistent performance on alternative and post-punk charts. According to OutFndr's track analytics, its peak positions are more notable in alternative music circles, where it often ranks within the top 10 of post-punk revival lists." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many weeks did \"A Forest\" spend on the charts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" spent a total of 8 weeks on the UK Singles Chart. While its initial chart run was relatively short, the song's longevity is evident in its recurring appearances on various alternative and indie charts over the decades. OutFndr's data shows that tracks with similar cult followings, like Joy Division's \"Love Will Tear Us Apart,\" often have multiple chart re-entries due to enduring fan interest." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What chart records does \"A Forest\" hold?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" does not hold any official chart records, but it is often cited as one of the most influential post-punk tracks of all time. Its impact is more qualitative, with many alternative and indie artists citing it as a major influence. OutFndr's analysis highlights that while it may not have broken chart records, its influence is comparable to that of other seminal tracks like \"Bela Lugosi's Dead\" by Bauhaus." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How did \"A Forest\" perform internationally on the charts?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Internationally, \"A Forest\" did not achieve significant chart success upon its initial release. However, it has since gained a global following, particularly in countries with strong alternative music scenes like Germany and the United States. OutFndr's international performance data indicates that the track's streaming numbers are highest in these regions, reflecting its enduring appeal." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by \"A Forest\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "As of 2023, \"A Forest\" has garnered over 50 million streams on Spotify alone. With an average payout of $0.003 per stream, this translates to approximately $150,000 in streaming revenue. OutFndr's revenue analytics suggest that this figure is comparable to other post-punk classics, though it lags behind more mainstream hits from the same era." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the sync licensing value of \"A Forest\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The sync licensing value of \"A Forest\" is estimated to be quite high due to its iconic status and atmospheric sound. While exact figures are proprietary, OutFndr's sync licensing data indicates that tracks with similar cultural cachet, like \"This Charming Man\" by The Smiths, can command fees ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per placement in films or TV shows." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How much has \"A Forest\" earned in radio performance royalties?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" has earned substantial radio performance royalties over the years, particularly on alternative and college radio stations. While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, OutFndr's royalty estimates suggest that the track has likely generated over $200,000 in radio performance royalties, given its frequent airplay since its release in 1980." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What are the total estimated earnings of \"A Forest\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio performance royalties, and physical sales, the total estimated earnings of \"A Forest\" are likely in the range of $1 million to $1.5 million. OutFndr's comprehensive earnings analysis indicates that this figure is conservative, as it does not account for merchandise sales or other indirect revenue streams associated with the track." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the cultural influence of \"A Forest\"?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" has had a profound cultural influence, particularly within the post-punk and alternative music scenes. It is often cited as a pioneering track that helped define the dark, atmospheric sound of these genres. OutFndr's cultural impact metrics show that the song's influence is comparable to other seminal tracks like \"Blue Monday\" by New Order, which have shaped entire musical movements." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How many times has \"A Forest\" been sampled or remixed?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" has been sampled and remixed numerous times, reflecting its enduring appeal and versatility. While exact figures are hard to come by, OutFndr's sampling data indicates that the track has been reinterpreted by various artists across multiple genres, from electronic to metal, showcasing its broad influence." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what media has \"A Forest\" been featured?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "\"A Forest\" has been featured in various films, TV shows, and video games, often to evoke a sense of atmosphere or nostalgia. Notable appearances include the soundtrack for the film \"The Hunger\" and the TV show \"Stranger Things.\" OutFndr's media usage tracking highlights that the track's moody, atmospheric qualities make it a popular choice for sync licensing in dark or suspenseful scenes." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What industry recognition has \"A Forest\" received?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "While \"A Forest\" has not won any major industry awards, it is widely recognized as one of the most influential post-punk tracks of all time. It has been included in numerous \"best of\" lists by music critics and publications. OutFndr's industry recognition data shows that the track's accolades are more qualitative, reflecting its enduring impact on music and culture rather than quantitative awards." } } ] }
