The Cure’s final album, Songs From a Lost World, which is their first in 16 years, serves as an ode to their long-standing career of dark yet-beautiful music. The first song, “Alone,” begins with over three minutes of atmospheric instrumentals, leading up to the lyrics, “This is the end of every song that we sing / The fire burned out to ash.” These lyrics make it very clear that this is truly the band’s end, that the years upon years of ‘fire’ has finally lost its flame. 

The band had a global tour titled “Shows of a Lost World” throughout 2022 and 2023, making their way to 33 countries. This arena tour had tickets as low as $22 for major cities such as Chicago, making it unique in its affordability, especially considering how important the band is to many lifelong fans, making it all the more special and granting many people the ability to go who otherwise would not be able to. On this tour, they introduced a few of the tracks from the album, although the new music was no surprise. Songs From a Lost World was over 16 years in the making, having been teased over and over to fans. 

The album was a vessel for the grief of the frontman of the band, Robert Smith, who unexpectedly lost his brother, as well as the grief that comes with the passing of time and gripping his mortality as he ages. The Cure has always been battling dark themes, yet this album dealt with them in a very personal way that gives it a more sentimental tone, touching the cold hearts of those who waited nearly a decade for new music. 

The album, as well as the band’s discography, closes with “Endsong,” the very last line being, “Left alone with nothing at the end of every song.” This leaves listeners empty, just like the feeling this lyric alludes to.