Saint Etienne – International

International marks the 13th and final studio album by Saint Etienne, serving as both a farewell and a celebration of their 35-year journey in pop. The trio leans into lush indie-dance production, hook-laden melodies and shimmering synths, embracing collaborations and nods to their past while maintaining a sense of freshness. Throughout the album, there are moments of joy, reflection and bittersweet nostalgia—tracks like “Glad” and “Brand New Me” illustrate the band’s knack for uplifting pop, while the closing song “The Last Time” looks back with poignancy, closing their discography with grace and emotional weight.

While International never shies from Saint Etienne’s long-standing signature blend of dance grooves, synth-pop, and wistful lyrics, it also feels like a thoughtfully crafted send-off. There’s warmth in its tone, sincerity in its vocal delivery, and a willingness to revisit favourite influences without relying solely on them. The album doesn’t attempt to be avant-garde; instead it embraces what the group do best with affection, polish and a sense of culmination, making it a fitting capstone to an enduring and influential career.