Stereophonics released new album Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait this week.
It’s only 8 tracks long so it’s a little snack of an album but there’s plenty to enjoy. The opening songs, Make It On Your Own and There’s Always Gonna Be Something are pure classic Stereophonics. The style is so familiar It feels like you already know them and they blend seamlessly with the bands back catalogue.
It always makes me nervous when an album is written and produced exclusively by the lead singer of the band, as there’s always a risk of it turning into an indulgent personal project that loses sight of what the band is actually about. Thankfully Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait doesn’t fall into that trap. It’s beautifully done and there’s enough of what you’ve come to expect from Stereophonics in there. The tracks are balanced wonderfully to show off Kelly Jones’ voice with its beautiful gravelly texture, and there’s enough little surprises mixed in there to keep it interesting.
Eyes Too Big For My Belly is one of these surprises. It’s a delightfully rocky , Royal Blood-esque track. It sits outside the general vibe of the rest of the album which is softer rock/pop but for me it is an absolute highlight (could we have an entire album like this please?)
I also really liked Colours of October. This sad track is bursting with emotion. I teared up a little listening to it and I’m pretty sure that’s not just because I’m very sleep deprived.
It’s 10:30 in the morning and I’m on my third listen of Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait so I think it’s safe to say this one is going to be on repeat for the foreseeable!