Laugh Now, Laugh Later cover

Laugh Now, Laugh Later

Face to Face · 2011

36 min · 11 tracks · punk rock

Energetic punk rock anthems fuse catchy melodies with biting lyrics reflecting on personal and societal turmoil.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It's Not All About You — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and serves as a critique of self-centered behavior, encapsulating the album's blend of humor and serious commentary.
  • →
    Blood In The Water — The song combines driving rhythms with poignant lyrics about conflict and consequences, showcasing the band's ability to tackle weighty themes within a punk framework.
  • →
    Bombs Away — With its fast-paced energy and catchy hooks, this track exemplifies Face to Face's classic punk sound while addressing themes of urgency and action.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Energetic punk rock with sharp lyrics, but lacks some cohesion in pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy level with fast tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, while the second half introduces more varied dynamics.
  • Many tracks feature a call-and-response vocal style, enhancing the anthemic quality of the choruses.
  • The lyrics often tackle themes of disillusionment and societal issues, with a direct and confrontational approach.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • punchy anthems for quick energy
  • introspective moments between bursts
  • short tracks for focused listening
  • playful yet reflective vibes
  • cathartic release in each track

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of lengthy epics
  • prefer slow, soundscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2011, Laugh Now, Laugh Later is Face to Face's sixth studio album and marks their return after a hiatus following their 2003 release, How to Ruin Everything. The band had reformed in 2008, revitalizing their sound while maintaining the punk ethos that defined their earlier work.
Stylistic neighbors
Pennywise· NOFX· Bad Religion

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Should Anything Go Wrong

    The narrative shifts from uncertainty to resolve, highlighting personal struggles against a backdrop of social chaos.

    This transition reflects an internal growth that contrasts with the chaotic environment, emphasizing resilience amidst external pressures.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Should Anything Go Wrong 3:05
  • 2 It's Not All About You 3:02
  • 3 The Invisible Hand 3:03
  • 4 Bombs Away 2:59
  • 5 Blood In The Water 3:43
  • 6 What You Came For 3:12
  • 7 I Don't Mind And You Don't Matter 3:42
  • 8 Stopgap 4:33
  • 9 All For Nothing 3:07
  • 10 Pushover 2:27
  • 11 Under The Wreckage 3:03

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata