It is the group's first album in 12 years following Ma Fleur (2007), and was supported by a tour in the second quarter of 2019.

[13] As with the group's previous work, it is jazz-inspired and features guests from the "global soul and jazz scene".

[14] Along with collaborations with Moses Sumney, Roots Manuva, Tawiah, Grey Reverend, Heidi Vogel and Dorian Concept, To Believe featured string arrangements by Miguel Atwood-Ferguson.

The album was said to feature a "widescreen touch" that "draws on the power" of the band's catalogue by Clash.

[15] It was mixed by Tom Elmhirst at Electric Lady Studios in New York.