The Cure is as far removed from a cookie-cutter band as it possibly can be. To be sure, from the moment of inception, the band has trailblazed an uncharted and meandering path in the sonic universe of alternative music, tapping into the roots of Goth, Post-Punk, and other musical influences.
Returning with their first studio album in sixteen years, Songs of a Lost World, released in 2024, it goes without saying that fans were excited and curious. An album that found tunesmith Robert Smith single-handedly crafting and forging every single lyric, with eight tracks that melded into an emotional thread. This ensured that the album could withstand the intense heat scrutiny of all those who dared to click and listen. The drawn album arrow hit the heart target center and created a euphoric boom throughout the continents.
After the accolade furor subsided, a brainstorm of remixes took root, and the tracks from the acclaimed album Songs of a Lost World were intentionally chopped up, reassembled, and combined with other melodies and lyrics from popular artists. These remastered songs were sequenced into a twenty-four-track, long, eye-popping, packaged album called Mixes Of A Lost World. The Cure’s third remix album (behind 1990’s Mixed Up and 2018’s Torn Down), Mixes Of A Lost World, was set ablaze by Fiction/Capitol Records on June 13, 2025, for the public to toast their marshmallow treats to a gooey consistency.
Remixes can be best described as a creative transformation of an original album track, designed to heighten or deepen the impact of the lyrics and emotional state. It is akin to waving a magical wand and creating something with a different flavor and musical texture, like the musical Fairy Godmother. Changing the tempo to a faster one creates a background of danceable beats that inevitably build up to a euphoric state.
So, what makes Mixes Of A Lost World stand out from the rest? The creativity that went into creating these unique pieces of musical art will not only reach a wider audience but also the collaborative effort that went on behind the scenes. This showcases what can be achieved when one has the mindset and perseverance to accomplish it. With so much to take in, there are a few standouts that are sure to be personal favorites.
The original “Endsong” was a slow-paced piece with intense guitar interplay. The vocals sounded like they were wrung from a melancholy-drenched towel and lay glimmering in the sunlight. Sorrow pulsed from the melody and covered the body as a funeral shroud. The world of darkness is encompassed in musical vibrations and tones.
With this in mind, “Endsong” (Orbital Remix) has incorporated the essence of electronic synths and tempo shifts, altering the ambiance of the track. The pulsating tempo creates a hypnotic trance where the lyrics have greater impact and resonance than in the original.
Furthermore, the original track of “I Can Never Say Goodbye” was vocally raw and darkly introspective. This conjures a vision of a solitary figure at twilight staring out at the ocean, standing with arms outstretched in a T-pose, trying to make sense of the pain and chaotic thoughts that ping and ricochet in a mind that grapples with a wound that will never heal. Robert Smith’s voice leaves an indelible voiceprint that resonates with everyone who has lost an irreplaceable person in their life. The music just clings to your soul.
In contrast, “I Can Never Say Goodbye” (Paul Oakenfold ‘Cinematic Remix’) has an otherworldly sound, punctuated with intermittent synthesizer sounds that compete melodically with other instrumental elements. The lyrics are not intensely vocalized, but instead echoed and blended. Overall, the piece features enhanced melodic textures with a cinematic buildup of sound that places the emotional focus on an external level.
Again, quite extensive, the remainder of Mixes of a Lost World is a welcome and unforeseen treat to be savored and cherished. Rather than spoil the surprise by disclosing more, it is best to sit down and listen. This is a raw diamond of an album, as it creates colorful hues and visuals paired with melancholy lyrics, adding another dimension to enjoy and share music. Remixes can add depth, a mind-numbing tumble into the world of programmed light shows. Musical tension increases suspense. A flash of name recognition, dips and swirls, and builds momentum.
Mixes of a Lost World is The Cure’s prescription for what ails you. Remixes are a great way to combine genres and favorite songs, giving them a fresh vibe and polish. It offers popular songs an extended longevity and a memorable footprint in the minds of listeners. A different take on great songs, Mixes of a Lost World demonstrates a high level of creativity, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives it 5 out of 5 stars.
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