We All Face the Same Way

Introduction:

It has taken me a while to write this post, I have written similar ones on other bands I love, including Blur and The Smiths, but writing a post on Stereophonics proved to be more difficult. They are the first band I really fell in love with, a band that has been ever present in my life for as long as I can remember. One of my very first memories ever, is listening to a Stereophonics song, they are the first band I ever saw live aged ten. They have given me countless memories and continue to this day be a constant in both my music habits and in my life itself.

Early Years:
Formed in 1992 in the small mining town of Cwmaman, Wales, Stereophonics originally consisted of Kelly Jones (vocals/guitar), Richard Jones (bass), and Stuart Cable (drums). Their early years were marked by local gigs and the release of their first couple of singles, slowly gaining recognition for their raw, unfiltered sound.  A sound that was needed at that time, Britpop was coming to an end, the party was on a come down and many were feeling the affects of the Britpop hangover.

 
Breakthrough Album:
"Word Gets Around": The turning point for Stereophonics came with their debut album, "Word Gets Around," released in 1997. Fueled by the success of singles like "Local Boy in the Photograph" and "A Thousand Trees," the album garnered critical acclaim and catapulted the band into the mainstream. The raw energy and Jones' distinct gravelly voice became synonymous with the Stereophonics sound. This debut album was a raw visceral effort written about the bands circumstances and surroundings. They really were living in a goldfish bowl. Everyone knew everyone, and more importantly everyone knew each others bsuiness. Kelly Jones brought those people and those stories to life on that album

25 plus years on this album still sounds amazing, the stories are beautifully told and it covers a whole host of subjects, from suicide, to wedding nights, affairs and how rumours can spread. Anyone who lives in a small town can relate to this album. By the time the band had released this album they had already been playing and rehearsing together for a number of years. They didn't need time to learn each others sounds and strengths. That had already been done, all three of them are so musically tight on this record. For some fans they never bettered "Word Gets Around" and although I am not one of those fans I can see where they are coming from.

Evolution of Sound:
As the years unfolded, Stereophonics displayed a remarkable ability to evolve their sound while retaining their core identity. The albums that followed, including "Performance and Cocktails" (1999) and "Just Enough Education to Perform" (2001), showcased a maturing band exploring various musical avenues.

"Performance and Cocktails" (1999) built upon what they had done two years previously. Increasing the tempo on some songs and showcasing the unique story telling ability of Kelly Jones. From the infectious energy of "The Bartender and the Thief" to the introspective balladry of "I Stopped to Fill My Car Up," "Performance and Cocktails" displayed a spectrum of emotions and sonic textures as well as a brilliant story, that acts as almost a monologue to the listener.

Commercially this album was a massive success, debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart. The record produced several hit singles, including "Just Looking," "Pick a Part That's New," and the aforementioned "The Bartender and the Thief." These tracks not only dominated the airwaves but also became integral to Stereophonics' live performances.

Talking of live performances 1999 saw the band play a huge show at Swansea's Morfa Stadium to 50,000 people. 

This was the start of something big for the band, selling 50,000 tickets is no small ask. To do it two years into your career is nothing short of extraordinary, and the crazy thing is they were only just getting started.

The band would release Just Enough Education to Perform" (2001) and this would see them become the biggest band in the world very briefly. A notable shift in sound from the first two albums a much more acoustic driven affair. With the hit singles "Have a Nice Day" and "Handbags and Gladrags" becoming fan favourites and live staples. Around this time the band began to play in arenas, and were getting further and further up festival lineups. Headlining Reading & Leeds in 2000, Donnigton Park in 2001 Slane Castle in 2002 and even headlined Glastonbury in the same year. Morfa was just the start, three albums in the band were becoming a real force. 

The songs were getting better too, Kelly was a really mature songwriter, 'Step on My Old Size Nines' for example was a brilliantly crafted piece of music and is still to this day one of their best lyrically. It's hard to believe he was only in his early 20's. By the time they had got to this album they had already seen and been through a lot, and this really reflects in the songs. 'Nice to Be Out' acts as a world tour in a song, 'Mr Writer' describes the bands relationship with the press. It's a brilliant collection of songs. The work of a band operating at their very best.

In 2003 the band would release "You Gotta Go There to Come Back" there most honest record to date. A real emotive affair which saw them embrace both rock and soul music. The soul influence can be heard throughout the album but in particular on the albums most successful song 'Maybe Tomorrow' it's a real emotionally driven affair, and in places is almost autobiographical. Around this time the band were experiencing struggles, Kelly was coming out of a long term relationship and Stuart was struggling to deal with the lifestyle and the perils of fame. 

It was a real circumstantial record, and saw the band take stock of where they were at that time. Trying there best to learn who they were both as individuals and as a band.
The band faced a significant change in 2003 with the departure of drummer Stuart Cable. Due to him missing rehearsals and focusing on other things away from the band such as TV Show 'Cable TV'

Javier Weyler stepped in, and the band continued to produce music that resonated with fans. The chemistry among the remaining members remained strong, allowing Stereophonics to navigate the challenges of personnel changes.

International Success:

Stereophonics achieved international success with albums like "Language. Sex. Violence. Other?" (2005) and "Pull the Pin" (2007). 

"Language. Sex. Violence. Other?" (2005) saw the band do a u turn on what they done on the previous record, whereas the previous album was full of backing vocals and overdubs. On this record they took things back to basics. Marking there first recording with Javier Weyler it also gave the band their first and only number one single, "Dakota" The second single from the album was "Superman". However, that song did not repeat the success of "Dakota", peaking at number thirteen. After "Superman" came "Devil", featuring a controversial video and reaching number eleven in the charts. They were still an important band, even five albums in and with a changed lineup. It proved that they were still wanted by the public, even if they were no longer the press darlings.

Pull the Pin was released in the UK on 15 October 2007, along with a download-only taster; "Bank Holiday Monday". The track was also available for free to people who pre-ordered tickets for the band's concerts in 2007. The album was written and recorded by November 2006 but held back for release until late 2007. "It Means Nothing" was the first single of the album, released in September before the LP was released a week later on 15 October. The album contains twelve songs and reached number one in the UK's official album chart. The next single, "My Friends", reached number thirty-two in the UK charts, their poorest chart performance since "More Life in a Tramps Vest" from their debut album. 

Although the songs on this album hadn't been received too well in the charts. The band continued to have a devoted following, and continued to sell out shows overseas and in the UK. Even today, Stereophonics will sell out arenas and huge outdoor gigs. Another sold out tour followed "Pull the Pin" which saw the band perform in venues across the UK.

A year later the band would release a greatest hits album. Decade in the Sun: Best of Stereophonics  It features tracks from all six of the band's previous albums, beginning from the 1997 debut release, Word Gets Around, all the way through to 2007's Pull the Pin, plus two brand new songs, "You're My Star" and "My Own Worst Enemy" even on there compilations Stereophonics are not a band to rest on there laurels always wanting to release new music to fans. Again this album got it's own tour, and fans were treated to a best of set by the band that saw them dive deep into there back catalog.

After a decade in the industry, Stereophonics had solidified its status as one of the UK's premier live bands, seamlessly adapting to the grandeur of massive concerts. Whether gracing the stage in arenas or commanding stadiums, they exuded a sense of belonging. Despite not consistently dominating the charts with singles, their albums continued to soar to the pinnacle of success. The enduring appeal of Stereophonics was evident in the unwavering demand for their live performances; audiences gravitated towards their concerts, recognizing the unparalleled experience they offered in a live setting.

Later Years:

The band's later years saw them experimenting with their sound on albums like "Graffiti on the Train" (2013) "Keep the Village Alive (2015),  "Scream Above the Sounds" (2017) and "Kind" (2019). 

"Graffiti on the Train" is a real career highlight and contains some of the bands best work, a cinematic record that sees the band embrace new sounds and ideas. The songs on this record follow a number of themes, from young love through to self reflection. I think this might be my favourite Stereophonics album. 

It's full of brilliant songs, and after a disappointing record, 2011's "Keep Calm & Carry On" this was a real return to form. The tour for this album also saw the band play in some smaller venues which gave fans like myself some of the best gig experiences. Seeing a band that good in those small venues, was quite the experience. “Graffiti on the Train” suited a more intimate setting, ifs an album that showcases one of Britain’s great story tellers.

Two years later, the band released “Keep the Village Alive” which again gave us some of the bands most well loved songs. Take the first single “C’est La Vie” a song that introduced a whole new demographic to the band, a song that cemented itself in the set list and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. “I Wanna Get Lost With You” is a classic Stereophonics ballad, with a modern feel. One of the bands very best pieces of work. It’s an album full of gems. “White Lies” and “Mr & Mrs Smith” being the standout tracks. Another arena tour followed and the band continued to fill these large rooms. Stereophonics have been a constant, they always seem to be there. Making new music and out on the road. To end the tour of this album the band took to some huge stages, Wrexham, Manchester, the Isle of Wight Festival and Cardiff. Playing at the top of festival bills and in huge outdoor venues. It was a real celebration.  

2017 saw the band celebrate 20 years together and rather than releasing a compilation record they took to the studio to record and release new music. “Scream Above the Sounds” was what the band came up with a classic Stereophonics album that saw them take aspects from their career, with soaring rock classics like “Caught by the Wind” and “Geronimo” to acoustic gems like “Elavators” as well as beautiful tribute to Stuart Cable the bands former drummer who sadly lost his life in 2010, with the song “Before Anyone Knew Our Name” a real emotive affair, where we see Kelly deal with his personal grief. It’s unlike anything the band had done before and unlike anything they’ve done since.

“Kind” came in 2019 another gem of a record, a much slower paced affair. That sees Kelly’s lyrics come to the fore front. An album that gave us “Fly Like an Eagle” and “Don’t Let the Devil Take Another Day” two personal songs almost autobiographical songs. This is the sound of a band looking inward something they had done before, this collection of songs is a brilliant cohesive effort. Even the NME liked it! Which is not always the case with Stereophonics records.

The band celebrated 25 years in 2022 and just like they had done for 20 years they released some new music. Originally intending to release a compilation record, the band actually ended up recording “Oochya”which contains some of my favourite Stereophonics work ever. “Forever” is up there with the very best work they’ve ever done. “Right Place Right Time” sees the band discuss there journey from rock upstarts in Wales to the Top of the Charts. “Do Ya Feel My Love” is the long lost brother to “C’est La Vie” and has gone on to become a live classic. It’s a very good album, but it does have some weak tracks on it. “Jack in a Box” for example is the worst thing the band have written! Sorry Kelly, it’s awful. That one blip aside it’s a very good album, and to still be pursuing new music 25 years in, is a skill in itself.

Legacy:
As we reflect on Stereophonics' history, it's evident that their legacy extends beyond chart-topping hits. Their longevity, adaptability, and dedication to their craft have made them a fixture in the realm of British rock. Stereophonics' influence on subsequent generations of musicians is a testament to their enduring impact.

I have proclaimed that Kelly Jones is Britains best songwriter in the past and I’m unsure if I still think that way. However I can say he’s the most underrated. Some of the songs he has written, if they were written by a Morrisey, McCartney, Weller, Winehouse, Curtis, Gallagher etc would be talked about in such a higher regard. “Traffic” is a master piece. “Local Boy in the Photograph” is a beautiful tribute to a young life lost too soon. “Have a Nice Day” is pop gem, “Dakota” a indie classic that some of the other bands at that time could only dream of writing.

Because of what they have or often haven’t done. They get criticised or even overlooked. By the critics, and the music press. However they must be doing something right. To still be a band after 25 years is some achievement. All of them seem to be on the same page too, not wanting to sit on past glories. They want to make some more music and some more memories.

Fingers crossed I get to make some more memories with them, they are the band that started off my obsession with music. The band my dad first played to me, the band I first saw live in the flesh, the band whose albums I still play today. The band I put on when I’m feeling down, up and everything in between. The band I know inside out and back to front. The band I’ll buy tickets for every time they tour.

Without Stereophonics igniting something in me, I wouldn’t have started this musical journey. Beyond the Grooves doesn’t happen. I probably don’t find Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac. The list goes on.

This post was always going to be written, and writing it has been a real labour of love. I love writing this style of content and I definitely plan on doing more.

Thank you for reading x

And thank you for sticking with me x