The Cure breathes new life into recent album with ‘Mixes of a Lost World’

Mixes of a Lost World finds The Cure handing over their 2024 album Songs of a Lost World to a diverse group of remixers, producers, and experimental artists, and the results are a compelling reimagining rather than a simple rework. Curated by Robert Smith, the project breathes new life into the source material with 24 remixes that span everything from club-ready beats to ambient soundscapes. With contributions from Four Tet, Paul Oakenfold, Orbital, Mura Masa, Mogwai, and Chino Moreno, this remix collection is both wide-ranging and impressively cohesive.

This is the band’s third remix-focused release, following Mixed Up in 1990 and Torn Down in 2018. What sets Mixes of a Lost World apart is its tight focus: all eight songs from Songs of a Lost World are remixed three times, offering distinct perspectives on the same core material. The album’s structure gives it a real sense of depth and range, and really shows how differently each track can evolve depending on who’s behind the controls.

The collection kicks off with Paul Oakenfold’s “Cinematic” take on “I Can Never Say Goodbye, ”a lush, strong opener that sets the tone for the album. From there, the first half of the album leans into rhythm and momentum. Four Tet’s “Alone” adds a subtle two-step shuffle, Daniel Avery’s “Drone:Nodrone” is a foggy, hypnotic slow-burn, and Orbital’s version of “Endsong” balances atmosphere with groove. Cosmodelica’s remix of “And Nothing is Forever” brings a bright edge that lifts the mood while staying true to the original’s emotional weight. These more beat-driven tracks keep the album moving, offering plenty of new textures without losing The Cure’s signature moodiness. One thing that the album undoubtedly provides is variety; there’s something for everybody.

The second half of the deluxe edition slows things down and turns inward. With remixes from Chino Moreno, Mogwai, Trentemøller and 65daysofstatic, the tone shifts toward the ambient and post-rock end of the spectrum. These versions are longer, heavier, and sometimes even more brooding than the originals. They won’t be for everyone — some listeners may find themselves wondering if these already somber tracks needed to get darker — but they’re clearly made with care and add another dimension to the project. These ambient mixes are available only on the deluxe 3LP and 3CD editions, as well as digitally.

Remix culture has always been part of The Cure’s story. In the 1980s and 1990s, they released extended versions and club edits that showed a different side of their sound. Mixed Up, in particular, was ahead of its time in the way it pushed their catalog into dance territory without abandoning their core identity. Since then, the band has continued to use remixes as a way to experiment, and Mixes of a Lost World is a natural continuation of that legacy.

Adding even more depth to the release is its purpose. All of The Cure’s royalties from Mixes are being donated to War Child UK, a nonprofit that supports children affected by conflict. War Child provides education, protection, and mental health services in war zones and has a strong connection to the music world. The band’s decision to use this project as a way to give back adds genuine meaning to the album and aligns well with its collaborative, community-driven spirit.

Whether you were already into Songs of a Lost World or are just curious to hear how top-tier artists reinterpret The Cure’s sound, Mixes is a rich, rewarding listen. It strikes a smart balance between reinvention and reverence—proof that even after four decades, The Cure is still finding new ways to evolve.

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