Album Review: Stereophonics - Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait

The title might suggest a long tease, but Stereophonics haven’t made fans wait too long. Their last album came out in 2022, and this follow-up arrives just three years later — a reasonable gap by today’s standards. What they’ve delivered is a compact and confident record. With eight songs clocking in at under half an hour, Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait wastes no time and leaves no room for filler.

Many bands from the same era have softened with age or lost their edge to overly polished production. That’s not the case here. The album sounds sharp and alive. Each instrument is clearly defined in the mix, and Kelly Jones’ voice is placed front and center, where it belongs. He’s always been a strong vocalist, but here he sounds even more assured — expressive without oversinging, gritty when needed.

“Mary is a Singer” is a standout in that regard. It has the charm of a mid-period Kinks song, with warm slide guitar and a chorus that resolves in a way that feels both classic and fresh. “Backroom Boys” takes a more acoustic approach, with simple strumming, a touch of piano, and an easy energy that gives it an almost Americana feel. On the other end of the spectrum, “Eyes Too Big for My Belly” goes straight for the gut. It’s a raw, garage-influenced track with a heavy riff and a playful chorus. The synth line that doubles the guitar riff adds just the right amount of color, and it’s easy to imagine this one firing up the crowd at future shows.

The more melodic material is just as strong. “Made It On Your Own” could easily be mistaken for early Coldplay, in the best sense of that comparison. It’s driven by a steady beat, filled with soaring melodies, and lifted by tasteful string synths. A short guitar solo adds just enough bite, and the doubled vocals at the end give it a lift without feeling overdone.

“There’s Always Gonna Be Something” shifts toward pop, with a feel that recalls modern Bryan Adams — polished, catchy, and surprisingly light on its feet. It’s unexpected, but it works. “Seems Like You Don’t Know Me” returns to a darker tone, blending acoustic guitar with a more processed lead. The mood is restrained but effective.

Then there’s “Colours of October,” which might be the emotional centerpiece of the album. Built on piano and gradually layered with strings, the song grows slowly and beautifully. The arrangement is simple, but the emotion builds naturally, and Jones’ vocal carries it with real feeling. The closing track, “Feeling of Failing We Crave,” continues in that reflective vein. It’s slower, leaning again into Americana influences, and it ends the album on a thoughtful, subdued note.

If there’s anything to nitpick, it’s that the album could use one more driving, upbeat track to balance the mood. But that’s a small complaint. These eight songs are all strong, and none overstay their welcome. If the band decided to perform the entire album live, it would hold up easily — each track feels built to last.

It’s still early in the year, but Make 'em Laugh, Make 'em Cry, Make 'em Wait already feels like a serious contender for album of the year. It might even be one of the best records Stereophonics have made — which, given their catalogue, is saying quite a lot.

Genre: Rock
Release date: April 25th, 2025
Produced by: Kelley Jones
Label: EMI
Rating: 9/5