Porter Robinson gets candid about fame in third studio album ‘SMILE! :D’

The release has been praised for its conceptually adventurous and sonically indulgent nature, as noted by Rolling Stone and The Independent, who have called it “unmissable.”

Porter Robinson has released his highly anticipated third studio album, “SMILE!,” on July 26th via MOM+POP. The album has been eagerly awaited by fans and critics alike, marking a significant milestone in Robinson’s career.

“SMILE!” has been described as Robinson’s most ambitious and vulnerable work. The album explores themes of social commentary on modern artistry, internet culture, and the paradox of celebrity. Robinson has delved into his complicated relationship with fame in the digital age, addressing the delicate balance between authenticity and performance. The album’s tracks, such as “Kitsune Maison Freestyle” and “Cheerleader,” have tackled issues ranging from trendsetting to fandom.

SMILE! 😀 is a 10-track display of the maximalist hyperpop, alternative, pop punk, and indie styles that define Robinson’s new era, as premiered by Robinson at a sold-out intimate listening party at Echoplex in Los Angeles, where he played the album in full to fans for the first time.

SMILE! 😀 is available in a number of physical formats including a Deluxe Box Set packaged in a custom reusable carrying case which includes: a double LP in opaque pink vinyl, exclusive 7″ opaque pink vinyl of “Cheerleader”, exclusive lyric & photo booklet, and exclusive album art print—the first 500 of which will be signed by Porter, and first 2,000 of which will be hand-numbered. A milky pink Urban Outfitters Exclusive and an opaque baby pink Amazon Exclusive will also be available.

Throughout the album, Robinson has showcased a unique blend of honest and sarcastic lyricism, using cheeky phrases like “Bitch I’m Taylor Swift” on “Knock Yourself Out XD” alongside more earnest moments on tracks like “Russian Roulette” and “Perfect Pinterest Garden.” The album has been a 10-track display of maximalist hyperpop, alternative, pop punk, and indie styles, revealing Robinson’s versatility and creative evolution.

Robinson premiered the album during a sold-out intimate listening party at Echoplex in Los Angeles, where fans heard the album in full for the first time. “SMILE!” has been available in various physical formats, including a Deluxe Box Set with exclusive items like a double LP in opaque pink vinyl and a lyric & photo booklet, the first 500 of which have been signed by Robinson.

The artist has also announced the “SMILE! World Tour,” set to begin on August 29 in Boston and covering over 70 dates worldwide. The tour will feature a completely new production, including a live band, with stops at notable venues like the Hollywood Bowl and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Robinson has also added new dates in Texas and Washington, with the tour extending to Asia, Europe, and more regions in 2025.

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Lyndsay Carreno

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