LP review: Smoking Popes – “Lovely Stuff”

Anxious & Angry – 04 Apr 2025

Classic Popes with a couple of twists.

Chicago’s legendary Smoking Popes return with their first full length in seven years with Lovely Stuff. According to lead singer Josh Caterer, this record has been in the works for over two years. The name Lovely Stuff is a definite departure from their normally negative titles such as Born to Quit, Destination Failure, and Into the Agony. This new album contains the same melodic punk sound we have come to treasure over the course of their career, but they toss in a few surprises as well. The content follows the typical stories of woe with tales of love, longing, and regret while leaving us with a splash of hope. 

Things kick off with the glaringly positive message of “Golden Moments”. For those of us who have been fans for a long time, we are likely hitting our midlife crises. The song is so apropos “Time is unstoppable / don’t even try to hold on to it” leaving us wondering where the time went? Lyrics like “life can be beautiful / when you’re in love with life itself” encourages us to appreciate the little everyday things in life. Teenage angst is quickly set aside with this deep, meaningful cut. We are encouraged to cherish the glimmers that enter our lives even for a second because by now, hopefully, we realize they are fleeting. 

“Racine” was originally written for Josh’s side project, Duvall, in the early 2000’s. The band consisted of some members of Smoking Popes so it’s a cover, or a sort of cover. Either way, both versions are awesome although fairly similar. Knowing this is a remake may shed some light on currently defunct Duvall and bring more fans their way. 

Did the Smoking Popes just write the sequel to “Pretty Pathetic”? “Pretty Pathetic” (Destination Failure, 1997) describes the raw open wound that is exposed after a breakup. Flip to “Never Gonna Break” with lyrics like “you’re never gonna have the satisfaction of knowing that you hurt me anymore than I could take” and “It’s only gonna bleed a little while / I won’t be falling all the way apart / that’s not my style.” It poetically provides everyone who has lost the love of their life hope. All you need to do is keep calm and carry on because you are certain to heal and eventually be okay. 

Fans are already familiar with “Madison” as it was released as a single a while back. This one screams classic Popes. It is especially catchy and the lyrics hit just right. Perfect pop punk lead guitar throughout and repetitive leads support this song. I am left with the question whether the chorus is referring to the capital city in Wisconsin or a girl named Madison. Let me know guys…

Unplugged beauty “You Will Always have My Heart” stands out among the other tunes. Featuring acoustic guitar and enchanting stringed instruments as Caterer’s crooning voice carries us through the song. This one is an absolute dream. It is easy to imagine the possibilities the ballad could have with a full orchestra behind it, but the simplicity of it on this album is absolutely lovely. 

It takes talent and courage for an artist to tackle a popular staple from forever ago and make it their own. Judy Garland and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole nailed their respective versions of the timeless “Over the Rainbow”. Now add Smoking Popes to this list. They put an absolutely Popes-esque twist to it while keeping the same whimsical and time-honored feel we all adore. Years back they covered the classic “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory much to all us 70s and 80s kids’ delight. I have personally heard them sing it live several times and am crossing my fingers they throw this new one into the setlist for our listening pleasure. 

Lovely Stuff releases across all channels this Friday, 04 April 2025. Preorders on LP are available at the Anxious & Angry webshop, and you can hear more Popes at their Spotify page. Smoking Popes are currently on tour with dates all across the U.S. through the end of June.