The Cure’s Robert Smith {thanks, AP}

The Cure — 4:13 Dream
Obsessed, not depressed, Robert Smith brings on the 13th album from The Cure. 4:13 Dream reprises the beloved dense, trippy, arena-ready double-guitar onslaught.

The mind-bending opener “Underneath the Stars” pulsates into intense cymbal crashes as Smith’s relentless vocal attack meets up with guitarist Porl Thompson’s serrated yet sublime leads to recall the best of the band’s ’80s and early ’90s output.

While the plucky fun on the adorable, innuendo-laced “The Only One” should provoke smiles, its carbon-copy can be found on “High” from Wish. 4:13 Dream nearly acts as a long-awaited encore to Disintegration and Wish, with tempo and sonics that seem to fall in line with the forbearers.

But then the album dramatically alters course. A vintage replica morphs into more straight-ahead rock. “Freakshow” sounds very current in its intensity — plus, the supersonic wah-wah solos are wickedly good.

Still caked with eyeliner and lipstick and approaching 50, Smith lays it on the line on “Sleep When I’m Dead.” The message for his fans and critics: “They say I would be the chosen one if I took one for the team.” Suffering for art never sounded so good.

Snow Patrol — A Hundred Million Suns
The Scottish/Northern Irish alt-balladeers have found a winning formula.

Frontman Gary Lightbody’s earnest, buttery smooth vocals and world class hooks add up to sincerity that cannot be faked. Find affirmation on “Take Back the City.”

Producer Jacknife Lee’s punchy arrangements help thin out any syrup on the slower songs, and before you can say, “Guys, take some chances, please,” they close out with a gutsy, 16-minute epic, “The Lightning Strike.”

Mouths may be eagerly open to criticize, but Snow Patrol’s likeability takes the words right out.

Ingrid Michaelson — Be OK
Aside from another clap-happy single (the title track), the record dishes out mostly nuggets for die-hards, including a pale Don Ho imitation of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and a plaintive King cover, “Can’t Help Falling in Love with You.” Live versions of “The Way I Am” and the revealing “The Chain” show off Michaelson’s formidable rock performance chops.

The spooning anthem “You and I” closes out the set. Adorable, but Ingrid, when can we get a proper sophomore album?

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