Saint Etienne’s thirteenth and final album, ‘International’, is an exuberantly uplifting pop collection filled with infectious dance beats and shimmering synths. After 35 years of collaboration, the band members remain friends and feel it’s time to stop recording, preferring to exit with a flourish, which ‘International’ certainly accomplishes. Their final album does not dwell on their end but instead portrays a lively farewell.
The lead single, ‘Glad’, co-written and produced by Tom Rowlands of the Chemical Brothers, is an upbeat and vibrant track that sets an optimistic tone for the album. Pete Wiggs conveys that the song celebrates finding joy in nature as a remedy for difficult times. Additionally, ‘Glad’ features guitar by Jez Williams of Doves, enhancing its cheerful vibe. Sarah Cracknell shares, “We asked Tom if he had any works in progress that might appeal to Saint Etienne, and he sent us a backing track he’d developed with Jez from Doves. We instantly adored it, and the melody and lyrics for ‘Glad’ came to us effortlessly.”
The positivity continues beyond 'Glad', extending to ‘Dancing Heart’, co-written and produced by Tim Powell of Xenomania, and ‘The Go Between’ featuring Nick Heyward of Haircut 100. Both artists are renowned for crafting enduring pop songs, which contributes to the album's representation of the various pop and electronic styles that Saint Etienne has historically embraced.
‘Sweet Melodies’ introduces a slight lull in the high-energy pop with a more seductive and mysterious tone. Collaborating with Erol Alkan, this track provides a necessary pause, preventing the songs on ‘International’ from blending into one another. A highlight of Saint Etienne’s farewell is the collaborations; the trio invited friends and inspirations to contribute to this album, creating a fitting send-off.
This collaborative spirit shines in the single ‘Brand New Me’ featuring Confidence Man, an exuberant track that fuses traditional and contemporary styles. With Confidence Man crafting vibrant choruses and Saint Etienne adding their characteristic calm delivery, it feels like a reunion of Saint Etienne’s earlier hit ‘Nothing Can Stop Us’. This single is accompanied by a colorful video inspired by Hanna Barbera, created by Kyle Platts and Matt Lloyd.
Another significant single is ‘Take Me To The Pilot’, co-written and produced by Paul Hartnoll of Orbital. This darker and enigmatic track delves into themes of escapism and the pursuit of exhilarating new experiences. Bob Stanley even suggests that ‘Take Me To The Pilot’ might feature their finest bassline to date, making it a strong contender.
The closing track, ‘One Last Time’, marks a moment when the optimism wavers, allowing Saint Etienne to bid farewell. It provides the band with an opportunity to reflect on their journey as a trio, the music they’ve crafted, and the memories they've shared. Overall, ‘International’ revisits the band’s confidence in creating bright, catchy pop tunes, while emphasizing that although the group may no longer continue, their vibrant legacy remains unmistakably global.
7/10
Words: Amelie Grice
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Saint Etienne's 13th and final album, ‘International,’ is a vibrantly uplifting pop record packed with joyous dance rhythms and shimmering synths.