Albums: Stereophonics Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait

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

Make It On Your Own; There's Always Gonna Be Something; Seems Like You Don't Know Me; Colours Of October; Eyes Too Big For My Belly; Mary Is A Singer; Backroom Boys; Feeling Of Falling We Crave

Label: EMI

Nearly 30 years have disappeared since Stereophonics debuted with Looks Like Chaplin. Born after founding members Kelly Jones and Stuart Cable reconnected after a stilted start in the aftermath of the garage-born project Zephyr, Stereophonics have achieved over 15 million record sales, boast twelve studio albums (8 of which hit the UK #1 slot) and have duetted with everyone from Cerys Matthews to Sir Tom Jones. They are much more than Welsh music stars; they are icons whose loyal audience has grown over time rather than dwindled. As they release album #13—Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait—can they not only clock up their 9th #1 album but also maintain the pedigree of their back catalogue?

The Stereophonics are sometimes criticised for their mellowed sound over the years. While they were known for their fight and bite back in the early years, some of those fans from the 90s have not enjoyed the change in direction. For those, this might not be the album. However, for those who appreciate a solidly structured song delivered by one of the finest vocalists out there, this album has all the key components.

Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait does as the title suggests. This is an album that does not shy away from looking at the tougher moments, but it also has a lovely counterbalance of lighter moments. It is easy on the ear and is happy in shoulder-sway terrain as opposed to trying to replicate the mosh-driven spirit of some of the earliest anthems.

Former single Seems Like You Don't Know Me and the truly tender Colours of October are beyond words lush. Kelly Jones' vocals truly shine, leaving a profound impact on listeners and undoubtedly becoming highlights of future live shows. However, for those that want a little more rock in the mix, the playful Eyes Too Big For My Belly does show that the band still has that bounce in it.

Hosting only eight songs, Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, and Make 'em Wait is brief but beautiful.