After seven years between records, The Twilight Sad have returned with It’s the Long Goodbye, an album forged through grief, survival and renewal. Was it all worth it? Well, listen for yourselves. And do keep in mind that the album ranks 4th so far on the Album of the Year 2026 best-of league. Not that we advocate music as a competition. Just saying, some albums are clearly worth the work. Speaking to David Freer on this episode of The Art of Longevity Podcast, vocalist James Graham and guitarist Andy MacFarlane reflect on the emotional weight behind the record, the realities of touring in modern music, and how the band have managed to stay creatively vital two decades into their career. And, not that they would ever mention it themselves, it’s a known fact that we are talking about Robert Smith’s favourite band. On the band’s Spotify profile is Robert’s testimony: “They are the best band playing the best songs – consistently brilliant, emotional, intense, inspiring, entertaining.” The Scottish band’s sixth album arrived after what Graham describes as an intensely difficult period, shaped by personal loss and the long emotional aftermath of caring for his mother through Alzheimer’s disease. Yet despite the darkness surrounding its themes, there is a sense of optimism running through both the music and the band themselves. It transpires this is their most uplifting and dare we say, accessible record to date. And it may well be their best (not that we advocate a band should always compete with itself). Now, who is going to argue with Robert Smith then, a?What a fantastic band on a creative roll. Jump on and get your fxxks back. The Art of Longevity Season 13 is powered by Bang & Olufsen. The book of the podcast, Riding the Rollercoaster, is now available. Support the showGet more related content at: https://www.songsommelier.com/