Photo Credit: James D Kelly
When does an EP change to being considered an album? This is a relevant question as the latest Stereophonics release, Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait, contains only eight tracks. When you compare that figure to the fifteen on their 2022 album Oochya! it does beg that question – but all these songs will surely be anthems during the summer months. Stereophonics have released this record in perfect timing, before they embark on a massive European and UK tour including massive shows at London’s Finsbury Park, Bellahouston Park in Glasgow and two shows in their homeland at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The first track Make It On Your Own is such an atmospheric opener, which contains everything you could possibly want: great vocals from the unmistakeable voice of Kelly Jones, with some outstanding guitar work from Adam Zindani thrown in and even some violin, making it one of the standout tracks from the album with such positive vibes alongside. There’s Always Gonna Be Something will be one of those tracks that hits the playlists of the beer gardens during the summer to help make your day even better somehow – well we hope so anyway. Jones leads the way with more of his raspy trademark vocals, with a mellow piano backdrop making it one of the most laid-back tracks on the record.
Seems Like You Don’t Know Me, one of the singles from the record, is one that will sound great live on the band’s upcoming tour. There seems to be a theme developing already with each band member creating something special. It’s lyrically clever too: “seems like you don’t know me, and I don’t know you at all/so how you doing, road to ruin now my back’s against the wall” sings Jones. The acoustic guitar is also a standout on this track. Jones is at it again during Colours Of October as he belts out the lyrics: “There’s nothing like the colours of October/makes you feel that you can start all over” – if ever there is a breakup song then this is it. It is maybe one of the shortest on the LP but it’s also very hard-hitting.
The blues influenced Eyes Too Big For My Belly is another short one. The classic line of “I’m in and out of style like a pinstripe suit” sticks in your head long after the song comes to an end while Zindani once again excels on guitar. Mary Is A Singer begins with some harmonica, before Jones takes over with some beautiful vocals – this guy must have one of the most distinctive voices in music. This album is very laid back, as Backroom Boys is a perfect mix of guitars and piano. Stereophonics have nothing to prove now – they have been an established band for so many years that they have almost become part of any household. An acoustic track, Feeling Of Falling We Crave, concludes an album that suits whatever mood you may be in.
With eight number one albums to date from twelve releases, we hope that Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait will take the number one spot. We’ve been following Stereophonics since the early days (did they really form in 1992!) and they always seem to come up with a fresh approach to their music. We suppose that’s what great musicians do.
10/10
Standout Tracks: Make It On Your Own, Seems Like You Don’t Know Me, Colours Of October
For Fans Of: Manic Street Preachers, Kasabian, Razorlight
Written by: Alan Brown
