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Talking Is Hard
The band members of Walk the Moon wear white t-shirts that spell out Talking Is Hard in front of a yellow backdrop.
Studio album by
Walk the Moon
ReleasedDecember 2, 2014
StudioRancho Pagzilla (North Hollywood, California)
Genre
Length43:11
LabelRCA
ProducerTim Pagnotta
Walk the Moon chronology
Walk the Moon
(2012) 		Talking Is Hard
(2014) 		What If Nothing
(2017)
Singles from Talking Is Hard
  1. "Shut Up and Dance"
    Released: September 10, 2014
  2. "Different Colors"
    Released: May 5, 2015
  3. "Work This Body"
    Released: February 23, 2016

Talking Is Hard is the third studio album by American rock band Walk the Moon, released on December 2, 2014, by RCA Records. The band chose to work with Tim Pagnotta to produce an album that would explore different influences and sounds to differentiate it from their self-titled major label debut (2012). Described as an indie pop, new wave and pop record, the album takes inspiration from multiple artists of the 1980s.

Three singles were released from Talking Is Hard, with the lead single "Shut Up and Dance" becoming Walk the Moon's biggest hit in the United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also an international hit for the band, reaching the top ten in multiple countries. The album is Walk the Moon's most commercially successful record to date, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard 200 and receiving a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Background

[edit]

Around the time of the Tightrope EP's release in 2013, Walk the Moon had already begun working in the early stages of their next studio album. Lead singer Nicholas Petricca stated to Billboard that the band had "a bag of songs that are in different degrees of completion" and were looking "to go in the studio sometime in the spring and get started". While they were still considering producers at this time, Mark Needham, who had previously produced the band's self-titled album (2012) and the Tightrope EP, was mentioned as an early favorite.[1] The band took a long-anticipated break from touring soon after.[2]

The majority of the album was written in June 2013 in a building located in northern Kentucky that used to be an old Masonic lodge, dubbed the Mason Jar by the band.[3][4] They wrote about 50 songs for the record, which later got cut down to 14 before settling with the 12 tracks that made it onto the final track list.[4] The band then flew to North Hollywood, Los Angeles to record their songs at Rancho Pagzilla.[2][5] The album's drum tracking was completed over a span of ten days. Drummer Sean Waugaman primarily used a 1965 Ludwig black oyster pearl drum kit with Paiste 602s, Signatures, and Zildjian Constantinople cymbals.[6] The band members ended up choosing Sugarcult frontman Tim Pagnotta to produce Talking Is Hard. Guitarist Eli Maiman spoke with Alternative Addiction about their experience working with Pagnotta, saying that he "very quickly became part of [their] family" and "made the whole process easy and fun" due to how natural the fit was. Maiman also said that the band "weren't afraid to explore different influences and different sounds" to stray away from making their previous record again.[3]

The album cover for Talking Is Hard features a photograph of the band members taken by Shervin Lainez.[7] During the photo shoot, the band was having fun improvising with the photographer to explore a new look for them "that was not all wild colors and tank tops and Peter Pan".[4] Maiman stated that the final cover used was "just supposed to be a promotional shot" and that the band had "a whole other cover planned that didn't have [them] on it at all".[8] Regarding the album's title, Petricca said to Fuse that "[t]alking is the way that [everyone] communicate[s] everyday, all day, to each other, but words just don't fully convey everything that you have inside," which is "why [they] have music" to express "[a]ll those thoughts and feelings".[9] He also mentioned how "[p]eople of [their] generation are scared to express [them]selves" since they are "stuck on [their] phones communicating with people on the other side of the world, but find it hard to hold a conversation with people across the table".[10]

Music and lyrics

[edit]

Talking Is Hard has been described as an indie pop, new wave and pop record, incorporating sounds present in 1980s music.[2][11][12] Petricca told Rolling Stone that the band pulled from a multitude of different eras, especially from "stuff that has a hint of weird". He cited Talking Heads, Prince and David Bowie as influences for the album, artists who he said were "unafraid of being kooky".[2] Bassist Kevin Ray said that the album "ended up exploring a lot of heavier topics", which include songs "about interpersonal relationships and [the band's] relationship with the planet and bigger-scale things".[13]

The album opens with "Different Colors", a song that celebrates and embraces each other's differences and "speaks out against discrimination of all kinds".[14][15] "Sidekick", the album's second track, is made up of bubbly synthesizers and funky disco vibes. Petricca said that it "has a lot of elements [that] tie [the band] to where [they] came from" with "semi-embarrassing, true story lyrics" and "some of [his] favorite bass stuff on the whole record".[16] Petricca called "Shut Up and Dance" a 'dork rock' anthem and stated that it was inspired by songs like "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" (Pat Benatar) and "Jessie's Girl" (Rick Springfield), which he referred to as "real heart-on-your-sleeve kind of anthems".[17] The following track, "Up 2 U", is an effects-heavy shredder that was described by Petricca as "really ferocious" and "a lot heavier than anything" they have ever done.[18][19] The song "Avalanche" is said to be about both "a story [of] a Midwest kid looking beyond and seeing what is out there and dreaming big" and the "moment of seeing someone and getting that jolt of 'know[ing] them somehow, but never me[eting] them'".[19] "Portugal" is "a synth-driven, slower song" that Maiman had "the heaviest hand in" and is the only song on the album to not "have a single guitar part".[19] Petricca explained in a Spotify track by track commentary that it serves as a reminder that the people who he loved and have left "are still close" and a "part of [him] and [his] life".[11]

Opening the second half of the album, "Down in the Dumps" is a song about getting out of a negativity cycle and "sucking it up".[16] The eighth track, "Work This Body", employs a worldbeat element with a lot of Latin American-influence; the rhythm and percussion is said to have "a very Zamba vibe".[20][21] Lyrically, the song is about "being unafraid [of] chas[ing] your dreams and go[ing] after what you really want".[22] "Spend Your $$$" is a buoyant pop march that has Petricca switching between his normal voice and a soaring falsetto.[23] The song's chorus came from a statement Waugaman made, declaring that "no one would rob him because he's got 'nothing of value,'" in a very David Byrne-esque manner.[8] "We Are the Kids" is a slick, R&B-infused anthem about survival that takes a darker vibe, inspired by Michael Jackson and Tears for Fears.[11][12][19] The album's final moments were described as "reveal[ing] a more understated side of Walk the Moon".[13] "Come Under the Covers", the penultimate track, is a power pop song that started off as a guitar riff that Maiman played for a soundcheck in Austria. As the band immediately began playing along to it, Petricca took out his phone to record the song.[11][16][24] The album's final track, "Aquaman", is soundwise "a modern homage to the '80s".[11]

Release and promotion

[edit]

On October 30, 2014, Radio.com reported on the announcement of Walk the Moon's upcoming album Talking Is Hard, along with its release date.[25] Pre-orders for the album were made available through the band's online store.[26] The band revealed the track list for Talking Is Hard on their Facebook page, along with individual artwork for each of the songs, on November 10, 2014.[27] The album was made available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon on November 17, 2014.[28] A week before the album's release, handwritten lyrics for each track were revealed over a three-day period on MetroLyrics.[29] On December 2, 2014, Talking Is Hard was released in the United States through RCA Records.[28] Walk the Moon embarked on a Talking Is Hard Tour in 2015 to promote the album.[30] They performed the album's lead single, "Shut Up and Dance", on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,[31] The Ellen DeGeneres Show,[32] and Jimmy Kimmel Live.[33] An expanded edition of the album was released in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2015, and in Japan on August 12, 2015.[34][35]

Singles

[edit]

"Shut Up and Dance" was released to digital retailers on September 10, 2014, as the album's lead single.[36] It was a commercial success, peaking at number four on the US Billboard Hot 100 and spending four consecutive weeks at number one on the Alternative Songs airplay chart.[37][38] The song also broke the record at the time for the most weeks at number one on the Hot Rock Songs chart, remaining at the top position for 27 consecutive weeks.[39] The opening track "Different Colors" was sent to US alternative radio stations to serve as the second single on May 5, 2015.[40] The song was Walk the Moon's second consecutive top ten hit on the Alternative Songs chart, reaching number seven.[38] The third and final single, "Work This Body", impacted US alternative radio stations on February 23, 2016.[41] Unlike the two singles that preceded it, the song experienced relatively minor success on the Alternative Songs chart, peaking at number 34.[38]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AbsolutePunk8.0/10[11]
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[12]
Alternative AddictionStarStarStarHalf star[42]

Anthony Sorendino, writing for AbsolutePunk, saw Talking Is Hard as an improvement over the band's self-titled album in every way, saying that many of the tracks on it "blow the best songs from Walk the Moon out of the water" and that it "is a step closer to Walk the Moon's full potential".[11] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic reviewed the album positively, describing it as "a 12-track slab of twisty, pulsating, yet always melodious Phoenix-, Jukebox the Ghost-, Bleachers-, and Foster the People-inspired indie pop that's as clever as it is tooth-decay inducing". He went on to say that "it's easy to forgive [the band] their trespasses" since they "are good enough at what they do and deliver their product with such confidence and verve".[12] In another positive review, the staff of Alternative Addiction wrote that one "can listen to it a hundred times and hear something new to appreciate each time through", despite thinking the album was "not as good as the last record".[42] Talking Is Hard was later included on Alternative Addiction's "Top 20 Albums of 2014" list at number 12.[43] VH1's Ali Read included it as one of her picks of the best albums released in 2014, mentioning how the album's "combination of instrumental techniques and the catchy nature of the songs" led to "a great final product".[44] In a more mixed review, Mitchell Bozzetto of Renowned for Sound thought that the album is "a step backwards rather than forwards", saying that it "lacks the excitement and energy" heard on Walk the Moon and finding a majority of the songs "borderline cheesy".[45]

Commercial performance

[edit]

Talking Is Hard debuted at number 26 on the US Billboard 200 on the week of December 20, 2014, becoming Walk the Moon's highest debut on the chart and besting the chart position of the band's previous album Walk the Moon, which entered and peaked at number 36.[46] The album eventually peaked at number 14 in the issue dated May 15, 2015, and spent a total of 58 weeks on the chart, making it Walk the Moon's most commercially successful record to date in the United States.[47] Additionally, Talking Is Hard topped the Top Alternative Albums chart and reached number 3 and 10 on the Top Rock Albums chart and the Top Tastemaker Albums chart, respectively.[48][49][50] It was awarded a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in 2016 for sales of over 500,000 units and later a platinum certification in 2018 for sales of over 1,000,000 units.[51]

Outside the United States, Talking Is Hard gained moderate success in several other countries. It charted for one week on the Canadian Albums Chart at number 31 on the week ending December 4, 2015, and earned a gold certification from Music Canada (MC) in 2017 for exceeding 40,000 units in sales.[52] Talking Is Hard also charted in Australia and France at numbers 85 and 126, respectively.[53][54] Following the release of the album's expanded edition, it debuted at number 53 in the United Kingdom, number 37 in Scotland and number 148 in Japan.[55][56][57]

Track listing

[edit]
Talking Is Hard – Standard edition[58]
No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
1."Different Colors"
  • Nicholas Petricca
  • Kevin Ray
  • Sean Waugaman
  • Eli Maiman
Tim Pagnotta3:42
2."Sidekick"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
Pagnotta2:55
3."Shut Up and Dance"
Pagnotta3:19
4."Up 2 U"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Berger
  • McMahon
Pagnotta3:23
5."Avalanche"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Pagnotta
Pagnotta3:40
6."Portugal"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
Pagnotta4:01
7."Down in the Dumps"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
Pagnotta4:25
8."Work This Body"
Pagnotta2:57
9."Spend Your $$$"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
Pagnotta3:22
10."We Are the Kids"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Ryan
Pagnotta3:37
11."Come Under the Covers"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
Pagnotta3:51
12."Aquaman"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Matt Radosevich
Pagnotta3:59
Total length:43:11
Talking Is Hard – Expanded edition (bonus tracks)[34]
No.TitleWriter(s)ProducerLength
13."Boyfriend"
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Blake O'Brien
Pagnotta2:58
14."This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)" (Live at Sirius XM)
 3:53
15."Shut Up and Dance" (Live at Sirius XM)
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Berger
  • McMahon
 3:15
Total length:53:12
Talking Is Hard – Deluxe Google Play edition (bonus tracks)[59]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
13."Shut Up and Dance" (Acoustic)
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
  • Berger
  • McMahon
3:14
14."Different Colors" (Acoustic)
  • Petricca
  • Ray
  • Waugaman
  • Maiman
3:24
Total length:49:57

Personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Talking Is Hard.[5]

Locations

Personnel

  • Nick Petricca – vocals, keyboards, percussion, programming, songwriting
  • Kevin Ray – bass, vocals, songwriting
  • Sean Waugaman – percussion, vocals, songwriting
  • Eli Maiman – guitar, vocals, programming, songwriting
  • Ben Berger – songwriting, vocal production, co-production
  • Ryan McMahon – songwriting, vocal production, co-production
  • Jarett Holmes – programming, recording, digital editing
  • Tim Pagnotta – production, recording
  • Brian Phillips – digital editing
  • Allen Casillas – digital editing
  • Ryan Gillmor – digital editing
  • Mauro Rubbi – drum technician
  • Andrew "Muffman" Luftman – recording assistant
  • Kuk Harrell – vocal recording
  • Marcos Tovar – vocal recording
  • Blake Mares – assistant engineer
  • Robert Cohen – assistant engineer
  • Neal Avron – mixing
  • Scott Skrzynski – mixing assistant
  • Joe LaPorta – mastering

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Talking Is Hard
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[52] Gold 40,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[64] Platinum 15,000‡
Poland (ZPAV)[65] Gold 10,000‡
United States (RIAA)[51] Platinum 1,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
List of release dates, showing region, formats, label, and editions
Region Date Format(s) Label Edition(s)
Australia November 28, 2014
  • CD
  • digital download
 Sony Standard
Germany
Ireland
Italy
New Zealand
Canada December 2, 2014
United States RCA
United Kingdom June 15, 2015

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Talking Is Hard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Talking Is Hard is the third studio by band , released on December 2, 2014, by . Produced primarily by Tim Pagnotta of , the album explores themes of human connection and the everyday struggles of communication, blending , , and new wave influences across its 12 tracks. The record marked a significant commercial breakthrough for the Cincinnati-based quartet, peaking at number 14 on the chart and eventually earning platinum certification in the United States for sales exceeding one million copies. Its , "Shut Up and Dance," released on September 10, 2014, became the band's signature song, reaching number 4 on the , topping the Alternative Songs chart for 4 weeks and setting a record by topping the Hot Rock Songs chart for 27 weeks, and achieving multi-platinum status worldwide. Follow-up singles "Different Colors" and "Work This Body" also charted on the Alternative Songs chart, with the former peaking at number 7, further solidifying the album's impact on radio. Critically, Talking Is Hard received mixed to positive reviews for its energetic production and catchy hooks, though some praised its emotional depth in songs like "" and "" while critiquing occasional lyrical cheesiness. The album's success propelled to mainstream prominence, launching extensive touring and influencing their subsequent releases.

Background and recording

Development and songwriting

Following the success of their 2012 self-titled album, which peaked at No. 40 on the and featured the breakout single "," Walk the Moon had already established a partnership with , having signed with the label in early 2011. This momentum from their major-label debut propelled the band into the development of their follow-up album, Talking Is Hard, as they sought to build on their rising profile while exploring deeper personal and thematic territory. Frontman Nicholas Petricca drew primary inspiration for the album from personal relationships and themes of , channeling experiences of adversity and emotional growth into the songwriting process. The band members collectively navigated challenges during this period, which infused the lyrics with a sense of resilience and , emphasizing self-empowerment and relational dynamics. To refine their material, collaborated with external songwriters Ben Berger and Ryan McMahon, particularly on the track "Shut Up and Dance," where Petricca observing a girl at a club tell her reluctant boyfriend to "shut up and dance" inspired the chorus lyrics. This partnership helped shape the album's accessible hooks while maintaining the band's collaborative ethos, with contributions from all members, including guitarist Eli Maiman's riffs and input on lyrics. The band intentionally evolved their sound from the indie rock roots of their debut toward a more pop-oriented style, incorporating influences from new wave and artists to create a vibrant, retro-infused aesthetic. This shift aimed to broaden their appeal, blending energetic rhythms with nostalgic electronic elements for a polished yet playful vibe. One specific songwriting anecdote highlights the album's thematic intent: "Different Colors," positioned as the opener, was crafted to establish an inclusive tone, inspired by the band's observations of global diversity during tours and reactions to news events promoting unity amid differences.

Recording sessions

The recording sessions for Walk the Moon's third studio album Talking Is Hard primarily took place at producer Tim Pagnotta's personal studio, Rancho Pagzilla, in North Hollywood, California, during 2014. The band collaborated closely with Pagnotta, who produced the majority of the tracks, emphasizing a blend of live and electronic production to evoke an new wave aesthetic. Work on the album unfolded over two years amid the band's touring schedule, with foundational jam sessions beginning during soundchecks and continuing at a former in to preserve their energetic live dynamic. Primary drum tracking, featuring a 1965 Ludwig kit augmented with percussion overdubs like Rototoms and , was completed in approximately ten days at Rancho Pagzilla. Specific tracks, such as "Up 2 U," were recorded at Studios in , where co-producers Ben Berger and Ryan McMahon contributed vocal production and programming. Mixing occurred at The Casita in Hollywood, , under , known for his work with bands like and New Found Glory. Mastering was handled by at Sterling Sound in , ensuring the final polish for the album's release on December 2, 2014.

Composition

Musical elements

Talking Is Hard blends , , and , drawing heavily from 1980s new wave influences such as and . The album's sound emphasizes prominent synthesizers layered over guitar-driven elements, creating a polished electro-rock texture that prioritizes danceable energy. Lead vocalist Nicholas Petricca employs prominently, particularly in hooks like those in "Different Colors" and "Spend Your $$$," adding an emotive, soaring quality to the upbeat rhythms that permeate the record. These rhythms, often built on electronic beats and heavy percussion, contribute to the album's infectious, anthemic drive, as heard in tracks like "," which features a bouncy guitar intertwined with synths. For instance, "Shut Up and Dance" showcases driving guitar riffs and electronic beats at 128 BPM, evoking 1980s pop anthems with its churning arpeggios and sparkling delays. Compared to the band's self-titled debut, which had a rawer, more guitar-centric and anthemic approach, Talking Is Hard evolves toward refined production with layered harmonies and synth-heavy arrangements, enhancing its pop accessibility across its 12 tracks. The album clocks in at 41 minutes, structured as a cohesive sequence that balances experimental electro-rock elements, such as the chiptune-inspired synths in "Sidekick," with straightforward hooks.

Lyrical content

The lyrics of Talking Is Hard center on the challenges of human connection, particularly the difficulties in communicating within relationships and the pursuit of personal growth amid emotional barriers. Lead singer Nicholas Petricca articulates these struggles through introspective narratives that highlight the tension between isolation and intimacy, often portraying as a pathway to . For instance, the album's overarching theme revolves around "the to connect, and the struggle that we go through every day to do so," as described by Eli Maiman, emphasizing a message of rising above self-imposed communication hurdles despite modern technological aids. Petricca employs a confessional style that exposes raw emotional , drawing listeners into personal reflections on and self-doubt. In "Avalanche," this approach is evident in lines like "One glance and the drops / One look and my heartbeat stops," which use the of an unstoppable to convey the overwhelming intensity of romantic attraction and the of emotional exposure. The song's sweet, heartfelt underscore themes of embracing differences in partners, portraying as a chaotic yet affirming force that encourages growth through acceptance. Recurring motifs throughout the album reinforce these ideas, with dancing frequently symbolizing the unpredictability of life and relationships as opportunities for spontaneous connection. "Shut Up and Dance" exemplifies this, where the directive to "shut up and dance with me" serves as a for letting go of overthinking to seize joyful, fleeting moments in romance, transforming hesitation into shared exuberance. This motif ties into broader explorations of personal evolution, avoiding overt political commentary in favor of introspective, indie-inspired lyricism influenced by notions of proactive emotional engagement. The often complement the album's energetic musical framework, enhancing themes of partnership through interactive elements. In "Sidekick," call-and-response structures in the vocals mirror the push-pull dynamics of mutual support, with lines evoking a of invitation and reciprocity—"We walk out the cinema / About to go our separate ways"—that illustrate the band's perspective on relationships as collaborative journeys of understanding and companionship.

Release and promotion

Album release

Talking Is Hard was released on December 2, 2014, by , serving as the American rock band Walk the Moon's second major-label album after their self-titled debut earlier in 2012. The project came under the band's existing contract with the label, which they had signed in early 2011 following the success of their independent debut I Want! I Want!. Pre-orders for the album opened on November 18, 2014, allowing fans early access to digital and physical copies ahead of the official launch. The launched in several formats to accommodate different listener preferences, including a standard jewel-case , digital download via platforms like , and a limited-edition 180-gram vinyl LP pressing complete with a lyric insert and download code. Physical distribution was handled through major retailers, emphasizing accessibility for both online and in-store purchases. The artwork, art directed by Meghan Foley with by Misfit Genius Design, featured the band members posed dynamically against a backdrop of bold, multicolored geometric patterns. In 2015, an expanded digital edition of Talking Is Hard was issued, adding three bonus tracks to the original 12-track listing and extending the runtime to 53:12. This version provided additional content for streaming and , broadening the 's availability beyond the initial physical and standard digital releases.

Singles

The lead single from Talking Is Hard, "Shut Up and Dance", was released on September 10, 2014, by . The track, co-written by band members Nicholas Petricca, Eli Maiman, Kevin Ray, and Sean Waugaman alongside Ben Berger and Ryan McMahon, quickly gained traction on alternative radio and became the band's breakthrough hit. It peaked at number 4 on the chart after debuting at number 98 on November 22, 2014, and spent 53 weeks on the chart. Additionally, it topped the Billboard Alternative Songs chart for four weeks and the Hot Rock Songs chart for a record 27 weeks, tying and later surpassing previous records held by tracks from and . The song has been certified 6× Platinum by the RIAA, denoting 6 million units sold or streamed in the . Internationally, "Shut Up and Dance" achieved strong performance, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and earning quadruple Platinum certification from the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments exceeding 280,000 units. Remixes, including the Remix released on December 22, 2015, extended its reach to and electronic formats, contributing to its crossover appeal. The official , directed by Josh Forbes and released on October 23, 2014, features the band performing amid vibrant, trope-filled sequences in a retro setting, emphasizing themes of uninhibited movement and connection. With approximately 471 million views on as of November 2025, the video amplified the single's viral momentum on and streaming platforms. "Different Colors", the album's opening track, was issued as a promotional single on November 17, 2014, ahead of the full album release, with a focus on themes of diversity and social awareness through its lyrics about embracing differences. It was later sent to alternative radio stations on May 5, 2015, as the official second single. The received moderate but did not chart as highly as the lead single, peaking outside the while gaining traction on alternative formats for its uplifting sound. It peaked at number 7 on the Alternative Songs . "Work This Body" followed as the third single, released to radio on , 2016. The track, which explores themes of self-improvement and physical exertion, saw moderate radio play primarily on alternative and contemporary stations but achieved limited success, failing to enter the Hot 100. Its , released on February 12, 2016, depicts the band in high-energy, fitness-inspired scenarios, aligning with the song's motivational tone. International versions and remixes, such as the Le Mix Nouveau, were made available in select markets like to support ongoing promotion.

Promotional activities

To promote Talking Is Hard, embarked on the Talking Is Hard Tour, which spanned late 2014 and 2015 across and . The U.S. leg began with announced dates in November 2014, supporting the album's December release, and continued through spring 2015 with sold-out shows in cities like and . The European portion included a tour kicking off in on May 20, 2015, featuring high-energy performances of album tracks. Openers for select North American dates included The Griswolds, adding to the tour's vibrant lineup. The band amplified visibility through television and festival appearances. In February 2015, performed "Shut Up and Dance" on Starring , showcasing the track's infectious energy in a live setting. They also secured a slot at 2015 in Chicago's Grant Park on August 1, delivering a setlist heavy on Talking Is Hard material including "Different Colors" and "Work This Body" to a large festival audience. Digital campaigns centered on "Shut Up and Dance," with the official released in October 2014 garnering millions of views and encouraging fan shares on platforms. The track was prominently featured on playlists, boosting streaming numbers during the album's rollout. The video's retro dance theme briefly referenced single-specific visuals that enhanced the song's playful promotion. Merchandise lines tied to the tour included graphic T-shirts, pullover sweatshirts, and posters emblazoned with Talking Is Hard artwork and tour dates, available at shows and to foster fan connection. Post-release fan engagement events encompassed meet-and-greets during tour stops and surprise acoustic sessions, building on the album's upbeat . International promotion extended to the and via dedicated tours in 2015, where "Shut Up and Dance" received significant radio airplay on stations like and , contributing to its chart success and regional certifications.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews

Upon its release in December 2014, Talking Is Hard received generally positive contemporary reviews, with critics applauding the album's vibrant energy, infectious hooks, and accessible pop sensibilities that made it a standout in the indie pop landscape. Chorus.fm highlighted the album's improvements over the band's debut, noting its upbeat tracks as a step closer to their full potential and emphasizing the synergy between the material and Walk the Moon's dynamic live performances. identified "Shut Up and Dance" as a breakout moment from the album, celebrating the track's record-breaking run atop the Hot Rock Songs chart and its role in elevating the record's commercial profile. However, not all feedback was unanimous, with some outlets critiquing the 's glossy production and occasional lack of lyrical depth. assigned it 2.5 out of 5 stars, arguing that the overpolished sound and relentless upbeat tone bordered on annoyance, dragging down the momentum despite strong individual moments.

Aggregate scores

The Talking Is Hard received mixed aggregate scores from various platforms, reflecting a generally positive but not exceptional critical and user reception. On Album of the Year, it holds a critic score of 70 out of 100, derived from a single professional , while the user score averages 66 out of 100 based on 195 ratings. User ratings on other sites indicate a slightly lower but still favorable average. users rated the album 2.95 out of 5, based on 657 votes, suggesting a middling to good response among enthusiasts of and genres. In comparison to Walk the Moon's prior self-titled (2012), which earned a score of 67 out of 100 from 5 critic reviews and a user score of 8.6 out of 10 from 28 ratings, Talking Is Hard shows a subtle evolution toward broader pop accessibility but with marginally softer user enthusiasm on aggregate platforms. No major award nominations, such as Grammys, were received by the album, though its "Shut Up and Dance" garnered attention in alternative and pop categories at events like the . The distribution of user feedback leans toward positive (around 60-70% favorable across sites), with criticisms often focusing on lyrical clichés amid praise for its upbeat production.

Commercial performance

Sales figures

Talking Is Hard debuted with 24,000 copies sold in the United States during its first week of release in December 2014. The album experienced a significant sales surge in 2015, propelled by the momentum of its "Shut Up and Dance," which became a major hit and drove renewed interest in the record. By early 2016, U.S. sales had exceeded 500,000 units, earning a gold from the (RIAA) on February 10, 2016. This growth was further supported by streaming equivalents, as the RIAA began incorporating on-demand audio and video streams into album certifications around that period. In the United States, the album ultimately surpassed 1 million units, achieving certification from the RIAA in December 2018. Globally, estimates place the total around 1 million units, bolstered by strong performance in digital formats and international markets, including a certification in for 40,000 units. Digital downloads significantly outperformed physical , with the ratio favoring digital approximately 3:1 across key markets.

Chart performance

Talking Is Hard experienced notable chart success, particularly in the United States, debuting at number 26 on the Billboard 200 in December 2014 before climbing to a peak of number 14 in May 2015 and spending a total of 58 weeks on the chart. The album also reached number 1 on the Billboard Top Alternative Albums chart, marking Walk the Moon's first leader on that ranking. Internationally, the album achieved modest placements, peaking at number 53 on the for one week. The breakthrough success of the "Shut Up and Dance," which topped multiple charts and became a global hit in 2015, propelled the album back onto the , extending its chart run and enabling it to achieve its highest position. For the year, Talking Is Hard ranked number 32 on the 2015 year-end chart, reflecting its sustained performance driven by the single's popularity.
Chart (2014–2015)Peak position
UK Albums (OCC)53
US Billboard 20014
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)1

Certifications

Talking Is Hard earned its initial certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the United States, receiving Gold status in February 2016 for 500,000 units, encompassing both physical sales and streaming equivalents. This milestone followed the album's release in late 2014 and the breakout success of its lead single in 2015, which drove increased consumption. The album reached Platinum certification from the RIAA in December 2018, recognizing 1,000,000 units amid ongoing streaming growth post-2016 changes to certification criteria. No Platinum-level certifications were awarded for the album outside the United States, though equivalent streaming thresholds contributed to the RIAA upgrade after 2016 changes to certification criteria. Single-specific certifications linked to the album include the RIAA's 5× Platinum award for "Shut Up and Dance," denoting 5,000,000 units in the US and underscoring the track's role in elevating overall album performance. These awards aligned with peak consumption periods, with the Gold certification preceding broader sales accumulation by nearly three years.

Credits

Track listing

The standard edition of Talking Is Hard, released on December 2, 2014, by , features 12 tracks with a total runtime of 43:11. All tracks were written by (Nicholas Petricca, Eli Maiman, Kevin Ray, and Sean Waugaman), except where noted with additional co-writers.
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Different Colors"Petricca, Ray, Waugaman3:42
2."Sidekick"Petricca, Ray, Waugaman2:55
3."Shut Up and Dance"Petricca, Berger, McMahon3:19
4."Up 2 U"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman, Berger, McMahon3:23
5."Avalanche"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman, Pagnotta3:40
6."Portugal"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman4:01
7."Down in the Dumps"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman4:25
8."Work This Body"Petricca, Ryan2:57
9."Spend Your $$$"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman3:22
10."We Are the Kids"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman, Ryan3:37
11."Come Under the Covers"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman3:51
12."Aquaman"Petricca, Maiman, Ray, Waugaman4:00
The initial release included no bonus tracks. The Japanese edition adds two bonus tracks: "Boyfriend" and a live version of "This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)".

Personnel

Walk the Moon's lineup for Talking Is Hard featured Nicholas Petricca on lead vocals and keyboards, Eli Maiman on guitar and vocals, Kevin Ray on bass and vocals, and Sean Waugaman on drums, percussion, and vocals. The primary producer was Tim Pagnotta, who also contributed engineering on several tracks. Additional production on "Up 2 U" was handled by co-producer , with Ben Berger and Ryan McMahon providing vocal production, all instruments, and programming for that track. Technical staff included engineer and programmer Jarett Holmes, who worked on tracks such as "Shut Up and Dance" and "Spend Your $$$"; mixer at The Casita in Hollywood, CA; and mastering engineer at Sterling Sound in . Most recording took place at Rancho Pagzilla in North Hollywood, CA, with "Up 2 U" recorded at Captain Cuts Studios in , CA. A&R was managed by David J. Wolter, art direction and logo design by Meghan Foley, and and layout by Jason Matheny of Misfit Genius Design. Management was overseen by Michael McDonald for Mick Management.

References

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