In part because of its collective songwriting approach, the band’s seventh studio affair demonstrates their diverse aesthetic in spades.

Where its precursor ‘Disintegration’ deliberately delves into dark atmosphere, ‘Wish’ wanders freely—even ferociously—entreating vibrancy and play.

Richer in texture than the preceding ‘Seventeen Seconds’ (1980), the band’s third LP signifies further sophistication, ushering them from blasé adolescent ennui to deep spiritual exploration.

Whereas its immediate predecessors were more collaborative group efforts, ‘Bloodflowers’ shows Robert Smith fully reclaiming the artistic reins, just as he had eleven years prior with ‘Disintegration.’