Songs Of A Lost World

Excellent album. I was shocked by how good this was when it came out. Bands that have been making albums for 45 years usually don't release quality stuff like this. For my taste this is easily the best album added in the revised book and probably the only one I'll revisit with any regularity. Just like the classic Meatloaf song, 1 out of 13 ain't bad.

The Cure find consistency for the first time since 1989's Disintegration! A good return to form for the band, their best album since Wish. To me, Songs From a Lost World had a lot more drama than other records by The Cure, lots of heartfelt strings, crunchy riffs, deep and longing synths, and they all exist to amp up the emotional factor. The second song And Nothing Is Forever has always been a bit off-putting for me because the strings seem a bit too overbearing, although I did enjoy the song this time around. There's an almost post-rock sound to this album, with a greater focus on creating soundscapes for Smith to wail over rather elongated pop tunes. That's not to say that the album isn't poppy, it is, but The Cure seem to have taken a cinematic approach to the album. There's ups and downs to this, Endsong is a brilliant example of how to do it, the intro that takes up over half of the song let's your mind soar. I guess the band has always had this attribute, but it feels a lot more forceful here. Musically the foreboding and spacey sound makes me think of ageing, something that seems to be corroborated by the lyrics. The soundscapes give a feeling of eternity (or lack of it), and I'm impressed that the band manage to make me think of my own mortality just from the music alone. Also Robert's voice still sounds great! Was it a good addition to the list: Yes and no. It is one of the best albums to come out since the release of the last book (The Cure are my favorite band so I'm a little biased in that regard), but if we're adding a FOURTH Cure album, it either has to be The Head on the Door, Kiss Me, or Wish, one of the albums that show off the poppier side of the band. Ultimately I wouldn't have added it. Top 3 songs: Alone, All I Ever Am, Endsong

This is what it sounds like when instruments sing. This is also what yearning sounds like. One of the best cure albums, period.

Those sad goth boys did it again.

I know everyone got very excited when the Cure released their first album in 16 years, but this is charmless and stodgy. The Cure were never in a hurry -- they love those 3-minute instrumental intros before the vocals even start -- and had a tendency towards moodiness, but I don't hold that against them. But the plodding drums, formless songs and unfocussed playing make this an interminable listen.

one of the most thrilling returns to form i've been around to witness. how great for the world it is that this album is so good

Wow! The Cure with just a beautiful album in 2024!

The Cure is great. This album is solid. Did they need to add another Cure album to the list when there is so much new music coming out and nothing about this album is breaking new ground for The Cure or for the genre, in general? No. But based on the really new stuff they're adding to the list, I guess I'll take more new music from an old band. FML the new stuff is bad.

First of the newbies... The Cure - Songs of a Lost World. Its quite frightening how good this is. Especially as 4:13 Dream is okay, and self titled is ..okay I worried that the huge time between albums would have made the album a bit baggy or too broad, but to come back with this is incredible. To get it under 50mins, to make it sound different but incredibly familiar. It would have been easy for them, in the current era in where a lot of young popstars are name checking the cure, to try and make a poppy song. Its almost weird to think, but in 2024, they have released a top...5(?) Curr album. I'm going 5 lads

An extraordinary, tight collection of songs that doesn't waste a single minute. It captures the band's trademark goth-rock grandeur with absolute clarity and emotional weight.

Should have called it The Album of the Long Intro. What was that all about? Rob decided no I'm not going to sing until we are two minutes in...damn you all! A terrible production, the epitome of the 21st century "flat" sound. Simon Gallup is still in the band and yet you can hardly hear his bass playing. And..oh dear, Robbie writing all the tunes is always a mistake, when he let's the others like Simon get into shaping songs they are always better. Drone is good, a good album track sound from his previously better work. But no Bob doesn't just sound downcast and miserable here, nothing wrong with that, he sounds genuinely sad and that only worked in the past when the downbeat lyrics were juxtaposed with a lovely upbeat melody. This was pretty miserable to listen to, and not in a good way sadly.

9/10 In the three days since new albums were added to the list, I've gotten two. I'm not saying that's unusual, but it is curious. At first blush, this album is representative of some of my biggest issues/complaints with this project: some (many) groups and genres are over-represented; it is nonsensical to me that groups whose heydays were in the 60s/70s/80s suddenly have a more recent album on the list when the album was barely critically acclaimed, had little to no cultural significance, and doesn't even sound good; and I don't really think albums released in the last five years should be on the list (because who's to say if it's "something you should listen to" before we even know if it's relevant???). So yeah, needless to say, I was shocked when I started listening to this 2024 album by The Cure (four albums on the list, most recently represented by one from 1989) and, well... loved it. It's really, really good. In a way it's timeless, with Robert Smith's characteristic vocals sounding almost identical to how they were in the 80s, and music that sounds like a natural progression from what they were doing back in the day. The album is deeply introspective, with many of the tracks starting with a several-minute-long instrumental, and lyrics such as the following from Endsong: And I'm outside in the dark Staring at the blood red moon Remembering the hopes and dreams I had And all I had to do And wondering what became of that boy And the world he called his own I'm outside in the dark Wondering how I got so old Rather than being stuck in the same 1980s rock-star slump as so many other legacy acts, regurgitating their own music because they can't fathom any other way to make it, here the Cure are acknowledging their past AND their present, and responding in a nostalgic yet melancholic fashion. It's nice to see a band grow up. I may rail against the issues with this list in my reviews (and to various people in my life... on a daily basis........ sorry y'all.........), and I be hyper-critical of the inclusion of various artists and albums, but I can acknowledge when an album is good: and this one is really, really good.

1. alone - 1 2. nothing - 1 3. fragile - 1 4. uuar - 1 5. drone - 0 6. never - 1 7. ever - 1 8. zong - 1

This is me discovering that they’ve added new albums to this list?! This is the second The Cure album I’ve listened to so far and I can confirm I really like their sound!

oi. it was brutal. the cover album describes the sound well… hard, grey, motionless, emotionless. it was torture.

Was never a big fan of The Cure, they have some fine songs, but nothing I'm gonna seek out. This was more of the same, did nothing to change my opinion, a fine band, but not for me.

Wonderfully bleak.

I am a fan of The Cure, and I know that this album does not belong on the list. Especially not before their more vital albums THE HEAD ON THE DOOR and KISS ME, KISS ME, KISS ME are not yet on the list.

Intros are long and quite a depressing album but great lyrics and enjoyed it musically

spoko

Nice

I love The Cure, but this album just doesn't click for me.

Songs of a Lost World by The Cure must be one of the newest entries in this challenge, and what an album it is! I've always loved The Cure, and I remember being incredibly excited when this was announced. I listened to it as soon as it came out, and it absolutely blew me away. I genuinely think this is a modern classic. In fact, looking back over the last two years, I can't think of another album I'd give a 5/5 to. That's how good I think this record is. There's something incredibly moving about this album. It's dark, atmospheric and melancholic, but also full of beautiful melodies and fantastic musicianship. Robert Smith's voice is as distinctive and emotional as ever, and the songwriting is simply brilliant. It's remarkable that a band that's been around for so long can still produce music of this quality. "Endsong" is an absolutely stunning piece of music. What a track! It's emotional, powerful and beautifully constructed, building into something quite extraordinary. One of those songs that really stays with you long after it's finished. "Alone" is another masterpiece and such a brilliant way to open the album, while "A Fragile Thing" is simply gorgeous. There isn't a weak moment on this record, and despite the longer tracks, nothing feels unnecessary. This is an album that deserves to be listened to from beginning to end. I honestly can't praise *Songs of a Lost World* enough. It's everything I love about The Cure, and to release something this good so late in their career is an incredible achievement. I loved it when it first came out, I love it just as much today, and I suspect I'll still be listening to it for many years to come. A modern classic and an easy 5/5. Favourite tracks: "Alone", "A Fragile Thing" and "Endsong". Three absolutely outstanding pieces of music. "Endsong" in particular is something special. Least favourite track: Absolutely nothing. There isn't a single skippable track on this album. You really need to listen to the whole thing to appreciate just how good it is. Album artwork: Brilliant. Such a striking and memorable cover. It's one of those album covers you see once and never forget.

This was one of the better Cure albums, I much preferred it over their older stuff. They've matured a lot in their production, which I guess is only to be expected 45 years after their debut release. Still not exciting enough for me to rate it higher than a 3, but it's passable.

Didn't realize The Cure released a fairly new album. It was a really good album - I little more subdued than what I typically like but enjoyed it.

8/10

What a return for the fellas. Belts hard. Surely we could have added something from a more contemporary band rather than a 4th Cure album.

What an incredible comeback this is and the most impressive part to me is that Robert Smith sounds the exact same as he did in his prime

Was surprised by this album's regression to the deep, ethereal and atmospheric musical landscape of Disintegration (which I love) after a two-decade hiatus. Having just proved on tour that their four-decade catalog of pop-sensible hits still resonates well, my expectations were set differently, so this was a bit of a let down.

Classic

Honestly, better than I thought it would be going into it. I don’t think I liked it enough for it to be a 4 though but it’s on the edge there.

The Cure are a bit of an odd band for me, because their image and reputation doesn't align with most of their well known music. This comeback album definitely aligns better with that image, and is a good addition to the list. It's dark but absolutely beautiful. It's obviously noteworthy to fans of the group as a strong comeback 16 years after their previous album, but even taking that aside I think it still warrants a place on the list for the quality of musicianship, and consistent quality of songs from start to finish.

Wow. They still sound great. Still not much a fan, though, but good for them.

The cure are fine could probably be a 4 star if I was in a different mood but yesterday it was a 3 star.

A good listen from The Cure as always. A lil whiny but oh well

Favorite track(s): Alone, And Nothing Is Forever, A Fragile Thing, Warsong, Endsong You did it. You crazy sons of bitches, you did it.

02/11/2026 A strong album even if it would be too new that I would not consider it great. Spotify listeners: 26.3 million

7.5/10

Really like, great ‘comeback’ album!

It's impressive that a band that's been around as long as The Cure can release an album that's still relevant to even those outside their very core fans. While this really isn't my thing, I get why this has gotten good reviews. For me, it's a 3

Maybe the best album by the cure on this list. I enjoyed it a lot more than the other albums I had. Dark and moody and room for the song to develop. The drums sounded really good.

I really love their older stuff but I never got around to listening to this one when it came out. I'm pleasantly surprised to find that it's in fact very good. Usually when a band releases an album after such a long gap it feels like a cash grab but this genuinely feels like another great Cure album. I love the amount of time it spends instrumentally and the really effective mix of light and dark.

Five Bags of Popcorn and one tube of red lipstick

the cure has once again made an amazing album, the fuller and more polished sound on this one separates it from their previous ones but i love it

Ik dacht, 'hee, we krijgen nog weer eens een oudje tussen alle nieuwe platen'... Niet dus, dit is The Cure anno 2024. Want er stond nog niet genoeg The Cure in het boek? Deze vierde was echt nodig? Da geleufde toch zelf nie. Het is precies hetzelfde als wat de heren in de jaren tachtig maakten. IJle tonen, langzame synthesiserpop. Niet megaslecht, maar ik ga deze snobkeuze niet nader belonen.

The Cure stond al drie keer in de lijst met hun albums uit de jaren '80. Als je vervolgens een nieuwe notering toevoegt uit 2024, dan zou die nieuwe notering logischerwijs het volwassen geluid van zo'n band moeten laten horen. Eén probleem in het geval van The Cure: zij hadden in die jaren '80 al dat volwassen geluid. Goed, het kan iets gelikter met de techniek van de huidige tijd en daarvoor heeft de band niet de kop in het zand gestoken. Maar daar heb je de vernieuwing wel mee te pakken. Als ik het nieuwe album kort moet beschrijven, dan kom ik dus ook eigenlijk op dezelfde teksten als ik bij de oude albums schreef. Ik heb veel moeite met de saaie zang, maar het valt perfect samen met de muziek en het zorgt voor een eigen sfeer. 3,5 ster

Je vraagt je af, wat voegt een plaat van een band die zijn hoogtijdagen vierde in de jaren 80 (zie de 3 eerdere albums varierend van 1980 tot 1989), wat voegt dan een plaat uit 2024 nog toe 35 a 40 jaar na dato? Ik ben niet zo bekend met het werk na Disintegration, dus ik heb ook geen idee of ze deze muziek al die tijd nog hebben gemaakt of tussendoor een andere weg zijn ingeslagen. Als ik het zo hoor doen ze hier eigenlijk precies hetzelfde trucje wat ze in de 80s ook al deden. Is dat erg? Nou, ik vind het eigenlijk helemaal niet erg, want het is nog steeds erg goed. En ik snap niet zo waarom andere bandjes dit soort kwaliteit intussen niet kunnen bieden. De gelaagdheid, de opbouw, de sfeer, het is ouderwets goed. Net zoals bij de Rolling Stones, de ouwe bazen laten nog wel even zien waarom ze zo succesvol zijn. Voegt het iets toe? Nee. Hoor ik dit liever dan de helft van de andere snobalbums? Ja. Het mist misschien een soort van urgentie of hoe je het mag noemen, maar ik vind dit toch echt een hele dikke 4 wederom. Maar het had er van mij niet in gehoeven.

The Cure's comeback album, if there ever was one. Robert Smith wrote it all and perhaps it's better for it. Just as striking beautiful and melancholic as the brightest spots in the Cure's catalogue. It is very much deserving of the praise it has gotten upon release, and it is comforting to know that they still have the sauce, so to speak. Wonderful addition.

It’s been 16 years since The Cure last put out an album, so they had plenty of time to get this one just right, and they definitely did. I’ll be honest, I was skeptical going in, because their last few albums didn’t leave much of a lasting impression on me. But this album is the real deal. Every single track feels intentional, and the flow of the album shows just how much thought went into it, from the songwriting to the track arrangement. If I had to pick a favorite under pressure, it would be “I Can Never Say Goodbye,” the piano on that track really hits deep. It’s honestly great to see that after all these years, The Cure can still deliver something this strong, especially at this stage in their career.

Guys, I love The Cure but was NOT excited to listen to a new Cure album released in 2024 that JUST got added to the list. Like, who would be? That new Rolling Stones album they added to the list was pretty mediocre. But can I say something? Can I be honest? This album fucking rocks. This is, like, the best Cure album in maybe 30 years? Disintegration is one of my favorite albums of all time and this often times feels and sounds like Disintegration Part 2. The sonic, moody soundscapes are there. The sad and poetic imagery of the lyrics. Smith sounds PERFECT. Perfect! His voice has not changed a bit. This is an album that feels like it was uncovered from the Cure’s heyday, and they just got around to releasing it. Really loved this!

This was such a mood.

Melancholia set to music. Kinda like it.

My seasonal affective disorder likes this. Good for lying in a dark room and wondering “why? Oh god, why?”

Nice as moody background noise for a road trip

It has moments I enjoyed, but they’re few and far between.

Mostly dreadful with a sprinkle of nostalgia that made me remember when I enjoyed misery. Robert, I came for a little eyeliner and an old feeling. You’ve made me executor of your estate. 🖤

I had a better reaction to this than to the Rolling Stones album that was added in the latest addition, but at the end of the day I’m left with a similar question - what is the cultural or musical impact of The Cure’s 2024 album, so much so that it should be considered essential listening? And maybe it is an unfair question since The Cure is essentially a known quantity at this point, and the album in a vacuum is a pretty solid listen. But absolutely essential listening for everyone’s musical edification? No.

It’s fine if you like The Cure.

It's really incredible that they came out with one of their best albums in 2024! 4.5+/5

While I kind of liked everything on here, I also feel like I've heard it all before. There were a few moments that piqued my interest: the bass tone on Alone was nice and skwonky, Warsong was great, and the sprinkling of mellotron throughout was real nice. Overall not bad, not great, though it merits some future listens. 3.25/5

I don't fw The Cure that much, even though I really love their debut album. I bounce of most of their releases, but this one is pretty great. I thought it was very engaging. 4/5

Abysmal, boring

Rate: 8/10.

Pretty decent.

How are they still doing it in the year of our Lord 2024!? Insanity. Keep it up, boys.

Very very good. Possibly even their best album?

3.6 - It does warm my heart to see these rock legends still creating consistently solid music. But why does almost every song on this record sounds like it comes with opening and closing credits?

A new addition to the new edition! Very good inclusion and The Cure still has it 5/5

01) Alone - 8,5 02) And Nothing Is Forever - 8,0 03) A Fragile Thing - 8,5 04) Warsong - 8,0 05) Drone:Nodrone - 7,5 06) I Can Never Say Goodbye - 8,5 07) All I Ever Am - 7,5 08) Endsong - 8,0 TOTAL: 8,06 (81/100) Current ranking: 278/1082

There are some nice moments for sure but let's be real. This wasn't added because it's influencial, it's added because of author bias

Fave Song: Endsong 3.9/5

3.8/5

Such a terrific “comeback” album for a band that never fell off imo. As dreamy and shorgazey as ever!

Quite long songs with nothing much happening during the instrumental bit. Pretentious. But some nice moments.

What a comeback release! Never been a huge fan of The Cure, but this one is so big! Still at their best. And Drone:Nodrone is my new №1 of their songs.

Woah, a recent album on this list? From The Cure? What world am I in. I’m curious about this one. I get that it’s the cure but man, starting off your album with a 2 minute instrumental lead in is wild. This was more of an enjoyable album than I thought. Didn’t love it but didn’t hate it. Not what I would call a typical Cure album but then again, I don’t know much about them album wise, just what their sound is and that Robert Smith looks like a grandma who still puts lipstick on even though it gets lodged in the cracks of his wrinkly skin and makes him look kinda crazy. I don’t think one would use this album as an introduction to the band but it’s good to throw in their 3 albums deep or so

The Cure are harder at times than I was aware of. I loved “Drone:Nodrone” which was hard but softened by the vocals. Nice feel to this album.

This is lacking in that something that made The Cure stand out from the crowd back in the day. I’m not sure I can articulate it very well. A lightness of touch? (Not of mood obviously). It’s all a bit samey and dirge like. The lyrics may be acclaimed but that alone does not make for a good album. Disappointing

Although this isn't the band at their peak it's really quite solid all things considered. I listened to it when it came out and enjoyed it, so it gets four stars. I like that many of the songs are about getting old.

Songs of a late life existential crisis. Someone check on Gen X because there somewhere crying to this.

This album massively impressed me when it came out. How many artists are releasing albums this good after so long making music? Just beautiful.

I'm not 100% sold on having a 2024 album by the Cure, great as the band's previous records may be. We simply haven't had enough time since the release date to judge this record as a genuine cornerstone of 21st-century music. The music is pretty solid; I prefer it over Pornography, but slightly prefer Disintegration over both. Songs could use some slimming down. We begin with a slow, dramatic instrumental in the first half of Alone, made almost cinematic with its slowly drifting string parts. Smith's singing comes in smoothly, emotively, with just a tinge of rock flavour – sort of emulating David Gilmour (during late-stage Pink Floyd). A second semi-epic in a row with the even more cinematic, intense And Nothing Is Forever. Certainly lives up to the name using just its sound. I like the use of electric guitar as a textural, but not front-and-centre, addition. Some subtle piano, synths, bass... nothing screeches into the limelight, and the music gains so much as a result. Not a huge fan of the singing here – it sounds a bit half-assed – but man, those strings. Absolutely beautiful. But even despite the beauty of all that previous stringiness, A Fragile Thing does perfectly well without it. A cohesive, full-sounding alt-rock piece. Warsong toes the line between dreary and victorious, mirroring warfare itself. It continues the theme of "big sound, without vocals for a while, then with vocals, heehee". Easily the most upbeat and radio-friendly track in Drone:Nodrone. It plays a similar role to Optimistic from Radiohead's Kid A: one side full of weirdness and (relative) experimentation, then side 2 is kickstarted with something a little more palatable to fans and normies alike. I love the guitar solo, even if it's a bit muted. Though I Can Never Say Goodbye continues the formula, it's oddly stadium-esque – the sort of song to which you'd slowly wave your phone light. Decent, though the weakest track so far. Another strong, if exceptionally blurred, guitar solo. All I Ever Am reads pretty similarly. There's the feeling of a slow build without a build actually happening, which I don't think I've heard in a song before. Finally, Endsong pulls a The Doors (The Doors) with a 10-plus-minute final track. Great dramatic percussion line throughout. 4/5 Key tracks: A Fragile Thing, Drone:Nodrone, Endsong

a nice cure album but maybe not an essential add to the list in 2026. i really hated the second track but it redeemed itself by the end of the album. 3.5

3.5 - not a favorite The Cure album, not sure they needed another on the list, but you also can't catch me complaining very much.

Album #1096 (1,001 challenge): "Songs of a Lost World" by the Cure (2024) "Songs of a Lost World" is the 14th studio album by English rock band the Cure. Gothic rock, post-rock, ethereal wave and dark wave are the Wiki-listed genres. It was the Cure's first album in 16 years and all songs were solely composed by singer/guitarist Robert Smith who also co-produced the album with Paul Corkett. The bandmembers included Smith (vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards, arrangements), Simon Gallup (bass), Jason Cooper (drums, percussion), Roger O'Donnell (keyboards) and Reeves Gabrels (guitars). Commercially, the album reached #1 in the UK and #4 in the US. It received critical acclaim especially for its lyrics, dark sound and vocals and won a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album. "Alone" starts things off dramatically with swirling and in-and-out phasing synths and tinny, pounding drums. A reverbing guitar. Midway through the song, Smith enters singing "This the end of every song that we sing." Melancholic with a classic Cure sound. "A Fragile Thing" opens with drum cymbals and a creeping piano setting the dark tone. A bass melody in the forefront. A ringing guitar solo. Smith pondering the paradox of of love and its power and damage. This album ends strong. Smith eulogizes his brother's sudden death in "I Can Never Say Goodbye." Melancholic with the piano keys and slow drums and guitar melody. A searing guitar solo brings it home. "All I Ever Am" begins with a wavering synth also carrying the melody and pitter-patter drums. A buzzing guitar and idiosyncratic drum beat. Smith is feeling trapped. "Endsong" closes the album. The wavering synth and pitter-patter drums. The piano builds the melody slowly. Layered guitars which get louder. Smith's vocals vocals eventually comes in and he's wondering where his life went. Loud , screeching guitars appropriately end the song out. My favorite song on the album. Dark, foreboding and atmospheric. Yes, the goth box is checked. String synths, wavering synths, reverbing guitars, a prominent bass and guitar feedback are the musical instruments and effects with not one really dominating. There's no rush to any of these songs as in most songs Smith's lyrics come in midway through. The music fits the lyrics of the end of things, death, loss, promises unkept, damage caused by love, hate, self-destruction and self-doubt. This a solid Cure and overall album and probably in the upper half of their discography. Should this be in the 1,001? I don't know; they've already been shown a lot of love in the list. But anyway, an album any Cure fan should like and probably love. 4.5 out of 5

pretty good, standard cure sound, didn't sound like anything inventive for them. Overall, solid album.

Liked this more than I expected. Dark, moody and atmospheric. Typical Cure

в целом отличный альбом. любимый трек: fragile thing

🫤

ganske nice album, mye kule instrumentaler

Not the strongest Cure record. I appreciate that Smith made this but it's not their best work. And it's a weird add to the book considering their best work is already in and this record displaced other bands who did not have multiple records in the book.

my first of the new arrivals!! how can Robert Smith still sound this good after all these decades. a real treat

It's amazing (and we're fortunate) that The Cure is still cranking out amazing music after all these years. Favorite track: Warsong

Too many Cure albums on this list. Also, it's too new still in 2026 to say if this is impactful long term; it's definitely not like a Thriller or Adele level impact. Anyways. Sounds like the Cure. It's fine. If you like the Cure you'll like this.

I actually think this is one of my fave Cure albums from the Project. It's so moody and gothic, while containing very distinct songs and melody. It starts and ends really strongly, and while it dips slightly in the middle, it's very strong throughout indeed.

Infinitely better than Pornography, still The Cure. I did not feel like I was being shouted at for two hours, but I felt the energy of the whole album was low.

This album is closer to what made Disintegration and Wish be on my play list back in the early 90's (compared with the earlier album from The Cure we reviewed), but does not recreate what made those two join my rotation at that time.

Still not a fan of The Cure. These songs drag on and nothing instrumentally or lyrically grabs you. It wasn't awful but still not good.

They still got it. Robert Smith’s voice and style of songwriting have aged exceptionally well. I liked the use of heaviness in the latter half. Not sure it starts great but it really picks up its stride. All I Ever Am and Endsong are an incredible way to end the album. Favorites were Warsong, Drone:nodrone, All I Ever Am, and Endsong.

Bleak and gothic. Probably didn’t need to be on the list as we already have albums by the Cure that basically sound exactly like this one but it was still enjoyable