Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait

You think you know what you’re getting with a Stereophonics album. Heading for three decades since their debut record, <i>Word Gets Around</i>, the Welsh heroes can be relied upon for radio-friendly singles, selling out stadiums and nailing observations about the everyday that apply to both normal and rock-star life. But their 13th album <i>Make ’em Laugh, Make ’em Cry, Make ’em Wait</i> finds Stereophonics with a lyrical restlessness and an urge to challenge the state of the world, cleverly wrapped up in their trademark catchy tunes. It’s not the sound of standing still and accepting your lot. “There’s Always Gonna Be Something” sees Kelly Jones lament the relentlessness of carrying on with life when you’ve “got the weight of the world on fire”. On “Colours of October” he senses that a “white flag in this warring feels hopeless”, but none of these darker thoughts dampen the Stereophonics’ sound, which burns brighter than ever. There’s a welcome hint of nostalgia on “Backroom Boys”, where Jones recalls the days of kissing at the bus stop and sneaking a beer: “Nothing makes me feel alive/Like the sound of rock ’n’ roll/Not the time of mobile phones.” No word or chord is wasted in the eight tracks and Jones’ distinctive vocals are polished to perfection without losing their soul. This is a band who were thankful they were around then—and are grateful they are now—tapping into the mindset of their loyal fans and always delivering the goods, with a few surprises.