It’s been a long 16 years since Robert Smith and The Cure released their last studio album. In that time, much has changed in and out of the music world, yet one thing remains constant: Robert Smith and The Cure have held onto the dark, melancholic essence that has always defined them. Songs of a Lost World is a testament to their reflective lyrics and a distinct, darkly gothic aura — qualities that The Cure somehow manage to make timeless and mainstream. Listening to this new work, it feels as though we’ve all aged while The Cure has stayed the same.
The Cure’s commitment to their unique style reflects the maturity and identity of the band. Unlike artists such as The The who attempt to adopt modern themes outside their understanding or try to reinvent their sound entirely, The Cure find beauty in staying true to themselves. Their new album is a nod to the past, evoking memories of their classic sound through a new theme of grief and change.
The concepts of time and change are central to the album’s message, with tracks like ‘And Nothing is Forever’ and ‘I Can Never Say Goodbye’ addressing these themes head-on. In the latter track Smith openly expresses his grief over the deaths of his brother and parents — events that profoundly shaped this track. Against a beautiful, airy synth, Smith’s soft voice asks, “Promise you’ll be with me in the end.” In another line, he reflects on growing older: “I know that my world is growing old.” This track captures the essence of the album as a journey through grief, memory, and the passage of time.
Musically, Songs of a Lost World is filled with the band’s signature guitars and keyboard. Yet this album doesn’t revisit the more playful tones of ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ or ‘Close to Me’; instead, it stays rooted in Smith’s downcast, reflective mood. One standout track, ‘A Fragile Thing’, brings an emotional intensity that’s almost uplifting. Driven by slamming drums, reverberating guitars, and a haunting piano motif, the song carries a universal message about the past’s irreversibility: “There is nothing you can do to change it back.”
The closing track, ‘Endsong,’ brings the album’s reflective themes to a powerful conclusion. Spanning ten minutes, the track is lyric-free for the first seven, allowing listeners time to absorb and reflect on earlier lyrics and themes. Its ensemble of synths and echoing guitars creates a contemplative space, which Smith’s soft voice fills in the final three minutes, repeating the refrain, “It’s all gone.” This somber statement also conveys a sense of acceptance, encapsulating the album’s beauty. With Songs of a Lost World, Smith has shared his grief, reflections on aging, and the inexorable nature of time, creating a hauntingly beautiful addition to The Cure’s legacy.
Words by Jack Dennison-Thompson
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