The Cure frontman Robert Smith has revealed that his wife, Mary Poole Smith, played a pivotal role in finalising the track listing for the band’s long-awaited 14th studio album, Songs Of A Lost World. Released last Friday (November 1), the album marks a major milestone for the band and arrives following a series of intimate performances, including two shows at the iconic BBC Radio Theatre and a full album play through at London’s Troxy.
Speaking to BBC Radio 6 Music’s Huw Stephens, Smith shared how Poole Smith’s insight helped shape the final order of tracks. “I was finishing the doom and gloom ones,” Smith admitted, “and [Mary] said, ‘No, no, no, your best albums are the ones that just have a couple of… more upbeat tracks.’ She was right.” The frontman revealed that his initial instinct was to include all the tracks he’d written, as if they were “little children,” not wanting to play favourites. But his wife’s advice encouraged him to incorporate a more balanced feel.
Smith has previously said that Songs of A Lost World was inspired by his personal experiences with loss, including the deaths of his mother, father, and brother. In a 2019 interview, he described the album as a reflection on “life’s darker side,” which is evident in much of the record’s introspective and melancholic tone. However, with Poole Smith’s suggestion, the final track listing blends this darker material with lighter, more uplifting moments—something that Smith acknowledges as crucial to the album’s emotional depth.
Fans can expect more music from The Cure in the near future, as Smith assures that “everything will work out this time.” For now, Songs Of A Lost World is a masterful reflection on loss and life, and the band’s creative journey is far from over.
Songs Of A Lost World is out now, with a second album virtually complete and a third still on the horizon.
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