English alternative rock band, The Cure, released their first album after a 16 year hiatus from studio albums on Nov. 1. Eight songs and almost 49 minutes in length, “Songs of a Lost World” has brought the gothic band out of hiding as a remarkably successful album.
“Songs of a Lost World” made number one in the U.K. and hit the top of multiple charts in the U.S., making it the band’s most successful debut since their 1992 studio album “Wish.” The collection also topped the sales charts for CDs and vinyls upon its release.
Kicking off the debut of “Songs of a Lost World,” The Cure performed the album for the first time live in London. This performance also featured some of their classic tracks outside of the new album.
For fans unable to attend the show, The Cure generously treated their worldwide audience to a free concert by live streaming the three hour event on YouTube and posting the recording on their channel.
Robert Smith, the gothic rock band’s lead singer-songwriter, has been the mastermind behind The Cure’s top crowd-pleasing tracks. “Boys Don’t Cry” is one of the widely adored songs from the band’s 1979 debut album “Three Imaginary Boys.” Another hallowed song produced by the band is “Friday I’m in Love,” from their resounding album “Wish,” which debuted in 1992.
For me, “Songs of a Lost World” easily ranks in the top three albums released by The Cure, next to “Wish” and “Disintegration” (1989). The album is representative of the band’s cathartic melodies and melancholy lyrics. Smith continues to amaze me with his voice, still sounding just as good, if not better, than he did during his and the band’s younger days.
Having been together for nearly five decades, since 1976, The Cure has gotten better and better at crafting their sound throughout their time together. They’re the best in the game when it comes to misery and they play it beautifully.
Back in May 2023, I had the pleasure of seeing one of The Cure’s performances during their Songs of a Lost World Tour. Although I’ve always been a fan, after I got to see them in concert I gained a new appreciation for them.
During this tour, The Cure played several unreleased songs, teasing their fans with the new album that was on its way. According to Smith, in an interview posted on the band’s YouTube channel, most of those tracks were released as part of the “Songs of a Lost World” collection.
“This is the end of every song we sing” was a lyric from The Cure’s ten minute finale “Endsong” performed during the concert I attended in 2023. With lyrics like this, I couldn’t help but worry that this was a foreshadowing of The Cure’s last hurrah. However, Smith has hinted to his fans that there will be at least a couple more releases to come.
Since last month when the album came out, I’ve had “Songs of a Lost World” on a constant rotation. I was gifted the album on a cassette tape that I keep in my car. With every listen, I continue to unearth more and more poetic meaning from the emotional tracks.
With reflections spanning from the miserable state of the world, to mourning the loss of Smith’s older brother, to gothic love songs, it’s no wonder that “Songs of a Lost World” has topped so many charts. The release of this collection has reminded me why The Cure has held such a fond place in my heart for so long.
The impressive success of their new album has heightened fans’ anticipation for upcoming albums from The Cure. Smith’s passion for brilliant lyricism coupled with the band’s legendary track record together explains why The Cure has been at the forefront of alternative rock for nearly the past 50 years.
Tessa Balc 
Tony Le Calvez