Saint Etienne are going out with a bang: New album ‘International’ is their last, but not the end

Pop legends and synth-pop romantics Saint Etienne have just dropped some bittersweet news wrapped in shimmering pop goodness: their 13th and final studio album, ‘International,’ lands on September 5 via Heavenly Recordings. But don’t panic—the trio aren’t breaking up. They’re just gracefully bowing out of the album game with one last glorious record.

And they’re not easing into the goodbye. They’re doing it Saint Etienne style—with a luminous new single called Glad, co-written and produced with Tom Rowlands of the Chemical Brothers, and featuring Jez Williams from Doves on guitar. Yep, it’s every bit as euphoric as it sounds.

“We asked Tom if he had any songs in progress that might suit Saint Etienne and he sent a backing track that he’d been working on with Jez from Doves,” said Sarah Cracknell. “We fell in love with it straight away.”

“The song is about taking pleasure in everyday things like nature and the outdoors when life is otherwise getting you down,” added Pete Wiggs.

(Same, Pete. Same.)

You can check out the video and fall in love with Glad yourself right now—it’s that kind of feel-good earworm that Saint Etienne have always delivered with heart and sparkle.

Listen to Glad HERE

Now let’s talk ‘International’. This album isn’t a soft fade-out—it’s a vibrant, collaborative celebration of their legacy. Unlike last year’s dreamy, ambient ‘The Night,’ this new record sees the trio calling in some friends and musical soulmates: Confidence Man, Erol Alkan, Vince Clarke, Nick Heyward, Paul Hartnoll (Orbital), and more.

There’s Brand New Me, a funky, ‘91-meets-now banger with Confidence Man’s Janet Planet joining Sarah on vocals. The Go Betweens sees a duet with Nick Heyward, while Two Lovers brings Vince Clarke’s synth magic into the fold. The whole album feels like a big, joyful reunion—one last dancefloor spin through their world of beautifully crafted pop.

And yes, the final track is called The Last Time. Bring tissues.

The band, formed in 1990 by childhood friends Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs and soon joined by the iconic Sarah Cracknell, has done more than just music over the years. From making films and books to being artists in residence at the Southbank Centre, they’ve always been about more than just the beat. But when it comes to albums, ‘International’ is where they’re drawing the line.

There will be live shows in 2026, so you haven’t seen the last of them yet. For now, let’s enjoy this parting gift: a record that sounds like everything we’ve loved about Saint Etienne—and more.

‘International’ track list

1. Glad
2. Dancing Heart
3. The Go Betweens
4. Sweet Melodies
5. Save It For A Rainy Day
6. Fade
7. Brand New Me
8. Take Me To The Pilot
9. Two Lovers
10. Why Are You Calling
11. He’s Gone
12. The Last Time

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