What does Harder Than It Looks sound like?

A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics, reflecting on personal struggles and growth. Rooted in punk and pop-punk. Start with "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over)".

Is Harder Than It Looks a good place to start with Simple Plan?

Yes, Harder Than It Looks is recommended as a starting point for new Simple Plan listeners. A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics, reflecting on personal struggles and growth. Released on May 6, 2022, Harder Than It Looks is Simple Plan's fifth studio album, coming nearly five years after their previous release, Taking One for the Team. During this period, the band navigated lineup changes and a shifting music landscape while maintaining their signature sound. This album marks a return to form as they explore deeper themes of anxiety and resilience.

Who is Harder Than It Looks for?

Harder Than It Looks works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, cathartic release of anxiety and for road trip vibes.

How many songs are on Harder Than It Looks?

Harder Than It Looks has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Harder Than It Looks

Simple Plan · 2022

34 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

A vibrant blend of pop-punk energy and introspective lyrics, reflecting on personal struggles and growth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare’s Over) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Ruin My Life — This track captures the essence of the album with its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics about navigating life's challenges and frustrations.
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Anxiety — In this song, the band directly addresses mental health struggles, offering an honest portrayal of feelings many face today, resonating deeply with listeners.
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Congratulations — This celebratory anthem stands out for its uplifting message, showcasing how Simple Plan blends positivity with their classic pop-punk sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album balances energetic punk rock with introspective themes but lacks standout compositions.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a high-energy tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that emphasize emotional lyrics, particularly in 'Anxiety' and 'Congratulations'.
The album closes with a soft ballad that contrasts sharply with the preceding upbeat songs, creating a sense of resolution.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
cathartic release of anxiety
for road trip vibes
uplifting moments of reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, sprawling albums
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and adaptation to contemporary issues in their sound.
Themes: mental health struggles· post-pandemic resilience
Career context: Released on May 6, 2022, Harder Than It Looks is Simple Plan's fifth studio album, coming nearly five years after their previous release, Taking One for the Team. During this period, the band navigated lineup changes and a shifting music landscape while maintaining their signature sound. This album marks a return to form as they explore deeper themes of anxiety and resilience.
Stylistic neighbors: Good Charlotte· Bowling for Soup· Fall Out Boy