Album Review: Talking is Hard by WALK THE MOON

Photo from walkthemoonband.com

Words by: McClaren Skinner

I first heard Walk the Moon at a Panic! at the Disco concert this July. The were the second act and right off introduced themselves as something to dance to. When they play their at the time new song “Shut Up and Dance,” I was hooked. They released their new album “Talking is Hard” in November of 2014 and I was not disappointed.

Different Colors- The band opens with the song Different Colors. Although it does not jump out at you like some of their other songs, it blends in nicely with WTM’s dancey vibe.

Sidekick- This is one of my favorite songs from the album. The blend of creative lyrics and a quick tempo keeps you moving and before long you are singing along.

Shut Up and Dance- My go to on a Friday night. This is the ultimate dance track as that is exactly what it wants you to do. So I’ll “Shut Up” and let this track speak for itself.

Up 2 U- This is a very interesting song. The opening lyrics peak your interest as to the content of the song, “It’s not the monster under your bed, it the one with you in the sheets.” However, the song appears to be about society’s dependence on money. To be honest the song could be about cheese and I would probably still dig it for its catchy music and its ability to keep your interest.

Avalanche- Another one of my favorites. This one didn't originally introduce itself as a front-runner, but as I became more familiar with the songs, it began to stand out. It’s a song about seeing the perfect person and throwing caution to the wind saying “I have to make a move.” However the way they do this is by telling this “18000 year love song” as they've known this person in every form since the beginning of time. Their big sell is “I don’t want to wait til the next life.” It’s a really cool song and really well done.

Portugal- Long story short this song is incredible. My interpretation is sort of like the saying “we loved each other just not at the same time.” It’s about growing up and moving away from someone that could have been. My absolute favorite line is “one summer turns into ten summers, one lover turns into ten others,” as it illustrates this lasting regret of what could have been.

Down in the Dumps- In my opinion this song is alright. It’s not a favorite. It sort of reminds me of an 80’s song like the beginning always sounds like “Dancing Queen” to me. To each their own.

Work This Body- I LOVE this song. It so fun and face paced and vaguely “Hot, Hot, Hot.” Another that makes you want to dance until the cows come home (sorry, I grew up in a farming community).

Spend your $$$- This song is also about money, obviously. It’s a good song but not a front runner. It fits in nicely with the theme of the album but not every song can be a home run.

We Are the Kids- This is a great song for overthrowing the government and eating dino-shaped chicken nuggets. It reminds me of that song from Jimmy Neutron movie “Kids in America.” Don’t act like that wasn’t your jam.

Come Under the Covers- Fast yet meaningful. This is a good alternative to a slow song that could possibly kill my vibe when I’m getting pumped up.


Aquaman- THE 80s ARE ALIVE AND SORT OF DEPRESSING. Another song that is 80’s sounding and I am not buying it. I could do without this song. I don’t like it at all. Especially with a title like Aquaman you are expecting something awesome and possible nautical, not 8th grade school dance worthy. *Streamers not included.