Is the new Cure album thoroughly bleak? Yes, but that’s what makes it the perfect remedy
The fans of The Cure have been eagerly anticipating new music since 2019 when Robert Sm
The prince of melancholic pop, Goth’s iconic figure, initially hinted at their new album “Songs of a Lost World” back in 2008 when they revealed their last project, “4:13 Dream,” on MySpace.
This British band, known for their elegant approach to sad music rather than a gloomy one, has seen some changes over the years. Notably, keyboardist Roger O’Donnell made his comeback in 2011 after taking a six-year break, and guitarist Reeves Gabrels became a full-time member in 2012.
The songs were completely composed and organized by Smith, 65, the iconic frontman of The Cure, known for his distinctive look featuring wild hair and bold red lipstick.
Fans who attended The Cure’s highly successful summer tour in 2023 experienced some of these tracks live, as the band included them in every performance during their first tour in almost seven years.
Think of “Songs of a Lost World” as the final touch after five years of anticipation.
Musically, it embodies classic Cure, fluctuating between enchanting minor key piano melodies in tracks like “A Fragile Thing,” and aggressive industrial rhythms found in songs like “Drone:NoDrone.”
Yet, it’s Smith’s unique vocals and somber lyrics that make you want to listen again and again.
His voice has a trembling quality that As he reflects on mortality, a wave of emotions washes over him. In the song “Alone,” he conveys feelings of coldness and fear with lines like, “Cold and afraid/the ghosts of all that we’ve been/we toast with bitter dregs/to our emptiness.” Similarly, in “I Can Never Say Goodbye,” he expresses sorrow over loss with, “Something wicked this way comes/to steal away my brother’s life.”
Among this profound exploration of emotions, these two tracks stand out on the album “Songs of a Lost World.”
‘And Nothing is Forever’
The second track starts off gently.
Smith is cautiously hopeful as he confronts the truth that nothing lasts forever, while also cherishing the current moment. He acknowledges that although his “world has aged,” he is ready to embrace love if you assure him, “we will be together.”
As the melody approaches its conclusion, the strings create a mesmerizing atmosphere that is just as enchanting as the lengthy introduction, framing the piece in elegance.
‘Endsong’
This over 10-minute finale, one of the grand compositions introduced during last summer’s tour, showcases exceptional artistry in instrumentation.
The drums emit a jogging rhythm, echoing the steady beat of sneakers hitting pavement, while a wave of sound unfolds.
The electric guitar makes its entrance.
Smith’s voice doesn’t appear until after the six-minute mark, where the troubled narrator comes to terms with the fact that his childhood world has become obscured, and the future feels bleak.
“Everything is lost/no hopes/no dreams/no world/no, I don’t fit in here anymore,” he expresses with a pained tone.
This may present a somber ending even to an album rich in introspection.
While the sentiments expressed are deep, a truly authentic Cure experience wouldn’t be complete without a touch of sadness at the end.