Stereophonics have previously urged us to ‘hurry up and wait’ – a sentiment echoed in their 1999 song from the album ‘Performance and Cocktails’. Now, over 25 years later, they continue to encourage us to take our time with their thirteenth studio album ‘Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait’.
In reality, the wait for a new Stereophonics album hasn't been long. It’s been just three years since ‘Oochya!’, and the development of their latest record shifted from a compilation with two new songs to a full album featuring eight new tracks. Fun fact for music lovers: a similar transition occurred with ‘Oochya!’ three years ago! So, it appears that whenever the band hints at a compilation, it transforms into a new album!
The album kicks off with ‘Make It On Your Own’, a grand, string-filled opener reminiscent of the uplifting sound of ‘A Thousand Trees’, overflowing with optimism as it includes the line ‘Love is trying to break on through’.
The excitement continues with the lead single, ‘There’s Always Gonna Be Something’. This anthemic yet emotive track features shimmering riffs, revealing that Kelly and the band are reflecting on the human experience and how the search for certainty and acceptance can sometimes evoke feelings of discomfort.
Challenging the existing norms, Kelly sings ‘got the weight of world on fire’ with sincerity, while the track showcases both his powerful vocals and Richard Jones’ impressive bass lines.
In ‘Colours Of October’, the Welsh rockers address relationship challenges using just Jones’ acoustic guitar and soft strings, conveying that the ‘white flag in this warring feels hopeless’ and employing seasonal imagery as metaphors for new beginnings.
The initial notes may feel a bit lackluster, but the melody develops into something truly touching, guiding us through an emotional and heartfelt journey. The simplicity of ‘Colours Of October’ is enhanced by Kelly’s genuine emotion and his talents as a musician and storyteller.
From the vibrant synth-driven ‘Seems Like You Don’t Know Me’ to the nostalgic ‘Backroom Boys’, which reflects on simpler times without mobile phones, bus rides, and Kelly’s gratitude to be alive ‘when the backroom boys ran wild’.
While expressing sorrow over the passage of time and the state of the world, the overall sound remains bright and uplifting, highlighting the significance of perseverance, with Jones’ distinct gravelly voice consistently shining through.
‘Eyes Too Big For My Belly’ stands out as one of the strongest tracks, radiating with swagger and 70s glam rock-inspired guitars. Kelly Jones delivers powerful, soulful nuances alongside fuzzy guitars and booming drums, featuring the memorable line ‘She’s rocking my rook in this chessboard game’ – a true checkmate!
‘Make ’Em Laugh, Make ’Em Cry, Make ’Em Wait’ is packed with hope and uplifting moments, perfectly embodying the emotions reflected in its title. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it is yet another success for Stereophonics, presenting a precise, confident, and focused album that further establishes their talent for merging rock elements with those beautiful, soaring melodies that keep their sound fresh and atmospheric.
8/10
Words: Emma Harrison // @emmahwriter
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Stereophonics have urged us to ‘hurry up and wait’—a phrase from their song of the same title on their 1999 second album ‘Performance and