The Cure's first album in 16 years is romantic and melodic, says NPR critic

4 Nov 2024

The Cure, the British rock band that has dominated a shadowy and enigmatic niche in music for many years, has just launched its first album in 16 years.

The Cure, the iconic English rock band that has long dominated a shadowy niche in music, has just put out its first album in 16 years. Titled "Songs Of A Lost World," the album is filled with a mix of moody drama, romance, and melodic undertones. This should delight longstanding fans who have been following the band since the '80s when they released classic albums like "Disintegration" and "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me." So, what can listeners expect from The Cure in 2024? NPR music critic and correspondent Ann Powers is here to share insights on the new release. Hi, Ann.

ANN POWERS, BYLINE: Hi Scott! How's everything going?

DETROW: I'm doing well. I have to admit, I'm somewhat taken aback by this. Would it be accurate to say this is unexpected?

POWERS: It's a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, The Cure has been performing tracks from this album during their recent tours, so fans were somewhat prepared for its release. However, the real surprise is that this album stands out as one of the top rock records of the year. It could very well be...

POWERS: ...This is definitely the top rock album of the year. The sound captures the essence of The Cure's legendary records, such as "Disintegration," while still feeling modern and vibrant, especially with tracks like "And Nothing Is Forever."

(Note: If you want to keep it as a specific reference, you may simply mention it as "a clip from the song 'And Nothing is Forever'.") (Excerpt from the song "And Nothing is Forever")

THE CURE: (Singing) Promise you'll stay by my side until the end. Assure me that we'll always be united, and that you won't let go of our memories. No matter the distance, I need you to think of me tonight.

POWERS: One aspect to highlight is that this album truly showcases the band as a collective. Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, was responsible for writing all the tracks on this record. Although the group hasn't put out a new album since 2008, the current lineup has been touring together for over ten years, and their chemistry is remarkable. They're exceptionally tight and energized. I especially want to give a nod to the rhythm section—drummer Jason Cooper and bassist Simon Gallup. They consistently drive the music forward, even when the songs reach epic proportions.

DETROW: Let's take a moment to discuss Robert Smith. He’s one of those individuals who, even in his 20s, appeared to have an old soul, don't you think?

DETROW: He is now 65 years old.

POWERS: A symbol of boredom (chuckles).

DETROW: Now that he's 65, how does that sense of sadness come through at this point in the band's journey?

POWERS: You know, Scott, there are times when you come across an artist and you just feel that they were destined to be exactly where they are today.

POWERS: For me, that's the heart of this album. The band creates an intense atmosphere in their songs, tackling themes like death, loneliness, and both personal and global struggles. This intensity resonates particularly well for someone who's 65, you know? It feels especially relevant for someone in the later stages of their life. In "Songs Of A Lost World," the artist reflects on the loss of several close family members, including his parents and his older brother, who played a key role in introducing him to music. Smith has always conveyed a sense of existential worry, which has become a signature of his work. However, he’s now confronting his own mortality in a very real way, which is incredibly impactful—just listen to the track "I Can Never Say Goodbye."

(SOUND CLIP OF THE TRACK, "I CAN NEVER SAY FAREWELL")

The Solution: (Singing) There's no place to escape to anymore. No matter how much I struggle, I just can't break free from this restless slumber.

DETROW: The Cure is often recognized for their dark, gothic vibe. However, they also have some massive hits like "Friday I'm In Love," which has a completely different style. Is there anything like that in this new album?

POWERS: I'm happy you mentioned that. Essentially, The Cure can be seen in two ways. On one hand, there's the lighthearted, catchy band known for hits like "Friday I'm In Love," which we all enjoy hearing on those '80s greatest hits albums. On the other hand, there's a more intense, almost metal-like side of the band that produces tracks stretching eight to ten minutes, taking listeners on a deep, psychedelic experience. This album definitely falls into that latter category. You can expect this style from the songs, even though many of them still retain a memorable hook.

POWERS: We’ll keep singing together.

DETROW: The Cure hasn't typically been known as a politically charged band throughout their career, has it? However...

DETROW: ...It seems like there might be a change of direction with one specific song, "Warsong," which tackles some serious topics. Is this a turning point?

POWERS: Initially, I assumed the song was about something different when I first heard it. However, after looking into it, I discovered that Smith mentioned it’s about a complicated friendship where people have their ups and downs. Despite that explanation, the sound of the song gives me a sense of something much larger. It feels like a battlefield, and to me, it reflects the broader global issues we’re all facing.

(Excerpt from the song, "WARSONG")

THE REMEDY: (Singing) Oh, it’s such a struggle how we clash. We split the darkness in half, all for difficult conclusions.

DETROW: As much as I dislike admitting it, we're quite a distance away from the 1980s now.

DETROW: The post-punk era feels like ages ago, and The Cure certainly left a significant impact during that time. So, why are we still drawn to this band today? What can The Cure offer us in 2024?

POWERS: The Cure provides deeply engaging music that tackles some of the most intense and complex feelings we go through as humans. Let's be honest – we’re living through a tough period in history at the moment. For me, getting lost in an album like this really helps me manage those emotions.

DETROW: That's definitely a positive development.

POWERS: Absolutely, we definitely need it.

DETROW: That was Ann Powers, NPR’s music critic and correspondent, sharing her insights on The Cure's latest album titled "Songs Of A Lost World." If you want to catch more of her opinions, check out the NPR music podcast, New Music Friday. Thanks, Ann!

POWERS: I really appreciate it!

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