‘Songs of a Lost World’: The Cure’s triumphant return after 16 years

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As a long-time fan who has witnessed The Cure’s evolution through the decades, I must say that their latest album “Songs of a Lost World” is a testament to Robert Smith’s timeless songwriting and the band’s enduring appeal. Their performances at BBC Radio Theatre were nothing short of magical, offering a perfect blend of old favorites and new gems.

In case you missed it: The long-awaited album, titled “Songs of a Lost World“, by The Cure was officially released on November 1, 2024. To celebrate the launch, they played two exclusive shows at the iconic BBC Radio Theatre. This is their 14th studio album and it’s been 16 years since their last release, “4:13 Dream“. The new album captures the band’s classic gothic sound while exploring fresh themes of mortality and loss.

The performances were part of special broadcasts, with one session recorded for Huw Stephens on BBC 6 Music and another as part of the Radio 2 In Concert series. Robert Smith of The Cure had said: “It’s not often we perform such intimate shows, so we’re really looking forward to this, and to sharing more tracks from the new album for the first time on 6 Music and Radio 2.”

In this second performance, both invited guests and contest victors filled the venue, underscoring the enduring appeal of the band, as evidenced by the immense number of application submissions, reaching into the millions. It’s evident that this band is far from facing challenges in expanding their fame.

6 Music’s lineup showcased a mix of fresh and timeless pieces. Noteworthy performances from the latest album showcased live versions of “And Nothing Is Forever,” “I Can Never Say Goodbye,” and introduced “All I Ever Am” for the first time.

The Cure has plenty of classic tracks

Classic tracks performed included songs from their seminal 1989 album, Disintegration, such as “Plainsong” and “Prayers For Rain,” alongside fan-favorites “A Forest” and “Burn” from The Crow soundtrack​. To show how wide-ranging their release regimen is, you can even buy the album on cassette!

In the second show, tailored for a wider audience on BBC Radio 2, lead singer Robert Smith was joined by his long-standing band members: bassist Simon Gallup, keyboardist Roger O’Donnell, multi-instrumentalist Perry Bamonte, drummer Jason Cooper, and guitarist Reeves Gabrels.

Smith, known for his understated performance style on stage, scarcely spoke, jokingly conceding he might have prepared more if he considered himself a more dynamic frontman (though his charm remains undeniable). The concert then morphed into an impressive sequence of hits. Among them were cheerful versions of “Pictures Of You,” “Lovesong,” “Lullaby,” “In Between Days,” and “Just Like Heaven.” These tracks demonstrated The Cure’s unique talent for blending their darker undertones with mainstream accessibility.​

The new album, titled “Songs from a Forgotten Era,” is entirely penned by Smith. Critics describe it as intensely personal, delving into topics of aging and grief. It was produced at Rockfield Studios in Wales, a venue renowned for producing hits like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and other iconic tracks. The album includes songs such as “Alone” and “Endsong,” which mark the beginning and end of the album with poignant musings on loss.

Critics have drawn comparisons between its somber tone and the album “Disintegration,” praising its deep emotions and intricate instrumentation. Smith, who is the sole original member since The Cure’s formation in Crawley, England back in 1976, skillfully combines melancholy with melody, making their music relatable to listeners across different generations.

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2024-11-14 17:31