Smoking Popes
Lovely Stuff
Self-Released [2025]
“Smoking Popes return with wisdom, warmth, and just enough bite.”
Album Overview: Formed in the early ’90s in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Smoking Popes earned a loyal following by blending punk energy with the warm, crooning vocals of frontman Josh Caterer. Their breakthrough came with 1994’s Born to Quit, featuring standout tracks like “Rubella” and “Need You Around.” Lovely Stuff marks the band’s first studio album in six years and reflects both patience and persistence. Created in pieces over two years, the record holds together with a surprising sense of cohesion. There’s a shift in tone here—less gloomy than some past work, and more open, even quietly hopeful. Recorded in Illinois with longtime collaborators, this self-produced album shows that the Popes still have fire, but they’re also learning to take in the view, even when the road gets rough.
Musical Style: The album leans into the band’s signature blend of brisk indie rock and classic pop-punk charm. The guitars are sharp but never overwhelming, while the rhythm section stays tight and agile. Caterer’s vocals, always distinct, carry a theatrical warmth that makes even the simplest lines feel personal. There’s a comfort here—not complacency, but a clear sense of knowing their strengths and leaning into them.
Evolution of Sound: Smoking Popes have always walked a fine line between grit and grace. On Lovely Stuff, they sound more at ease but still punchy. The album’s gradual recording process lends it a flowing, cohesive feel. There’s no dramatic reinvention, but the refinement is noticeable. This is a band working from experience rather than chasing the next big sound.
Artists with Similar Fire: There’s a familiar spark here for listeners drawn to emotionally grounded, melody-forward rock. Fans of Joyce Manor will recognize the same mix of punch and poignancy, though Smoking Popes lean smoother and more classic in tone. Think the balance of grit and heart found in bands like Alkaline Trio or The Get Up Kids, but without the heavy gloom. Supercrush also shares that sweet spot between power-pop sheen and heartfelt delivery. This record also fits right in alongside acts like The Anniversary and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.
Pivotal Tracks: “Golden Moment” opens the album with a fuzzy indie-rock wall of sound and a reflective vibe that feels well-earned. “Madison” stands out for its driving pace and Caterer’s knack for wrapping emotion in a tight structure. “Racine” keeps the momentum going with personal touches, subtle dynamics and a memorable chorus. “Fox River Dream” slows things down just enough, with Caterer’s vocals floating gently over a midtempo arrangement that quietly anchors the album’s tone.
Lyrical Strength: Caterer writes with inward focus, pairing tension with reflection and searching for calm amid chaos. His lyrics avoid big declarations, opting instead for honesty and relatability. Themes of uncertainty, resilience, and emotional honesty run throughout Lovely Stuff, delivered in a voice that feels like it’s seen some storms—but hasn’t let them win.
Final Groove: Lovely Stuff doesn’t aim to reinvent the Smoking Popes sound—it fine-tunes it. The album feels lived-in, confident, and thoughtfully assembled, and never tries to give you something completely different. It’s a solid return that old fans will enjoy, built on the band’s core strengths: sincere lyrics, melodic guitar work, and Caterer’s timeless voice. The band even surprises with a heartfelt, midtempo cover of “Over the Rainbow” that closes the album on a wistful, gentle note. If this is a snapshot of where they are now, it’s a promising sign that the Popes still have more to say—and maybe a few more surprises ahead.
SMOKING POPES REVIEW HISTORY
Into The Agony (2018) / Born To Quit [Reissue] (2012)
SMOKING POPES LINKS
Website | Instagram | Facebook
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