Stereophonics - Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait (Album Review)

Photo: James D Kelly

Stereophonics have been one of the UK’s biggest bands for almost 30 years, amassing eight number one albums and 26 top 40 hits, but their new record ‘Make ‘em Laugh, Make ‘em Cry, Make ‘em Wait’ is proof of a still-functioning sense of ambition. It packs a welcome amount of variety, with their distinctive sound bolstered by strings and some more stripped back moments. 

Make It On Your Own is perhaps the ideal starting point from this perspective. Built around Kelly Jones’ undimmed vocals, it peaks with soaring orchestral accompaniment to show a slightly different side to the group when compared with lead single There’s Always Gonna Be Something, which feels like a classic Stereophonic track sure to slot in seamlessly live. 

Colours of October is closer in spirit to the sound of Far From Saints, Jones’ recent Americana side project — it has a softness to it, with another luscious string arrangement.

Feeling of Falling We Crave is in a similar ballpark, with slide guitar and a more acoustic vibe. 

Eyes Too Big For My Belly, though, is a real dirty blues number, pulling at a thread that ran through the band’s previous album ‘Oochya!’. Full of searing riffs, it’s a reminder that the group know how to bring the oomph when they need to.

When coupled with something like Seems Like You Don’t Know Me, which shies away from the familiar with a more electronic sound and an interesting blend of acoustic and electric guitars, it’s impressive to find a group that, after decades in the game, have lost none of their passion or drive. 

Stereophonics Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:

Sat May 24 2025 - WARRINGTON Victoria Park 
Sun May 25 2025 - WARRINGTON Victoria Park
Tue May 27 2025 - LIVERPOOL Dome at Grand Central Hall - Complex
Wed May 28 2025 - KINGSTON UPON THAMES PRYZM Kingston
Thu June 05 2025 - BELFAST Ormeau Park
Fri June 06 2025 - DUBLIN St Annes Park
Sat June 07 2025 - CORK Virgin Media Park
Sat June 14 2025 - HUDDERSFIELD John Smith's Stadium
Sat June 21 2025 - ISLE OF WIGHT Seaclose Park
Sat June 28 2025 - GLASGOW Bellahouston Park
Fri July 04 2025 - LONDON Finsbury Park
Fri July 11 2025 - CARDIFF Principality Stadium
Sat July 12 2025 - CARDIFF Principality Stadium
Sat August 16 2025 - NORFOLK Royal Sandringham Estate

Compare & Buy Stereophonics Tickets at Stereoboard.com.

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