Pop/indie rock band WALK THE MOON debuted their third album, “Talking is Hard”, on December 2, and introduced a new but welcome change in their sound. The album is a collection of positive vibe-emitting tracks coupled with lyrics alternating between humorous, fun, and insightful. Perhaps partly due to its fast paced hit “Shut Up and Dance,” “Talking is Hard” is characterized as slightly more pop-y than its predecessors, the more alternative “I Want! I Want!” and self-titled “Walk the Moon”.

“Shut Up and Dance” is perhaps the feel good song of the year, an 80’s reminiscent dance hit that dares listeners to leave insecurities behind, shut up, and dance. “Shut Up and Dance” and other ultra-upbeat tracks with a let it go and live it up spirit like “Work this Body” and “Down in the Dumps” will appeal to all of the secret car dance partiers. Additionally, lyrically discerning music lovers opposed to the pandering, shallow, bubblegum pop of late will appreciate the bold anti-consumerist message of “Spend Your $$$.”

However, even with these perceptive themes, increasingly popular WALK THE MOON does not take themselves too seriously, penning lines like “…what’s more disarming than fake breasts and miniature terriers” (Spend Your $$$) – and that perhaps is one of the qualities that makes their music so appealing. “Talking is Hard” is arguably the perfect album: a mix of dance, pop, rock, and alternative with an 80’s twist, feel good beats and not-so-fluffy lyrics. So, stop talking and start dancing.