Boys Don't Cry 86 Mix CD Single: What the 2026 Remaster Adds
By The Sound Of Vinyl - Shop Vinyl Records | The Sound of Vinyl | Published: 2026-11-04
Category: 產品評論
The Cure's 1986 mix of "Boys Don't Cry" gets its first digital release on CD single. Compare it with the familiar album version and decide if this collectible belongs in your shelf.
Quick answer
If you already know and love the album version of "Boys Don't Cry," the 86 Mix CD single is a worthwhile pickup only if you want the historically distinct 1986 mix in a physical format. For casual listeners, the album version remains the more familiar and widely available choice.
What the 86 Mix actually is—and why it matters
The 86 Mix is not a remaster of the original 1979 single; it is a separate 1986 mix that has been unavailable digitally until this 2026 release. That makes the CD single a document of how the song was reworked for a later era, not just a louder or cleaner version of the original.
Because the catalog does not list the specific differences between the 86 Mix and the album version, treat this as a historical curiosity rather than a definitive upgrade. If you are looking for the version you stream every day, the album version is still the safer bet.
CD single vs. album version: the trade-off
A CD single gives you one track in a dedicated package, while the album version comes as part of the full debut album. The single is for collectors who want the 86 Mix on its own and value the physical artifact; the album is for anyone who wants the song in its original context alongside the rest of the record.
The catalog price of USD 5.99 (compared with a listed USD 11.98) makes the single a low-cost entry point, but it is still a single-track purchase. Weigh that against how often you actually reach for a one-song disc.
Key trade-offs to weigh
- Historical exclusivity vs. everyday listening: The 86 Mix is a first-time digital release, so the CD single is the only way to own this specific mix physically. If you mainly want the song for casual listening, the album version is more familiar and likely already in your collection. Decide whether you are buying for the mix or for the song.
- One track vs. full album context: The CD single contains only the 86 Mix, while the album version places the song within the original debut album. Choose the single if you want the standalone artifact; choose the album if you want the surrounding tracks. Check whether you already own the album before adding the single.
- Price vs. perceived value: At USD 5.99 (catalog comparison price USD 11.98), the single is inexpensive, but it is still a single-track disc. If you rarely play CD singles, that money may be better put toward a full album or a different collectible. Set a budget for single-track purchases so they do not crowd out albums you will play more.
Product facts
- Boys Don't Cry (86 Mix / 2026 Remaster) (CD Single): The 1986 mix of "Boys Don't Cry" is being made available digitally for the first time ever, in line with its 40th anniversary. This is the main reason to choose the CD single over the album version: it offers a mix you cannot stream elsewhere.
Boys Don't Cry (86 Mix / 2026 Remaster) (CD Single)
Who should buy this CD single
Best for
- Cure collectors who want the 1986 mix in a physical format
- Fans who already own the album and want the alternate mix as a companion piece
Not for
- Casual listeners who only need the familiar album version
- Buyers who prefer full albums over single-track discs
