Stereophonics return with their 13th album, and in many ways, it’s a reaction to 2022’s fun-but-flawed Oochya! Featuring eight flab-free tracks, Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait is a more focused and enjoyable affair than its predecessor. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel, but about dazzling listeners with some shiny new additions.

The euphoric ‘Make It On Your Own’ kickstarts proceedings in style. A string-swept feelgood number, there’s a little McAlmont & Butler in its DNA. Another treat is the raunchy, ‘70s-steeped rocker ‘Eyes Too Big For My Belly’ – infused with some T. Rex swagger, it goes full on ‘War Pigs’ for its fiery conclusion. There’s also a fistful of country and Americana-influenced offerings, which call to mind Kelly Jones’ recent side project Far From Saints.

‘Backroom Boys’ is a sweet song about loving rock ‘n’ roll but hating modern life, while the pedal steel and organ-driven ballad, ‘Feeling Of Falling We Crave’, affirms these stalwarts still have some surprises up their sleeves. Make ‘Em Laugh, Make ‘Em Cry, Make ‘Em Wait is a very fine record indeed.

7/10

Out now

Read our interview with Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones in the current issue of Hot Press: