Talking Is Hard

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.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/news/walk-the-moon-release-tightrope-ep-talk-1008101162.story|title=Walk the Moon Release 'Tightrope' EP, Talk Plans for 2nd Album|last=Payne|first=Chris|date=January 18, 2013|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 29, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120074806/http://www.billboard.com/news/walk-the-moon-release-tightrope-ep-talk-1008101162.story|archive-date=January 20, 2013}} The band took a long-anticipated break from touring soon after.

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/NewsArticle/535|title=WALK THE MOON Talk Up TALKING IS HARD|work=Alternative Addiction|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=January 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104134321/http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/NewsArticles/WALK%20THE%20MOON%20Talk%20Up%20TALKING%20IS%20HARD|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/scrapbook-walk-the-moon-photos-2015/|title=Walk the Moon Explain Themselves Through Photos|last=Kaplan|first=Ilana|date=January 5, 2015|website=Vice|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200808222743/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/n7jgbm/6-music-publicists-explain-how-covid-19-is-making-it-harder-to-help-artists|archive-date=August 8, 2020|url-status=live}} 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. The band then flew to North Hollywood, Los Angeles to record their songs at Rancho Pagzilla.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/the-secret-of-walk-the-moons-glittery-feel-good-rock-74120/|title=The Secret of Walk the Moon's Glittery Feel-Good Rock|last=Spanos|first=Brittany |date=April 29, 2015|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727133256/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/the-secret-of-walk-the-moons-glittery-feel-good-rock-74120/|archive-date=July 27, 2020|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.moderndrummer.com/2015/01/drummer-blog-walk-the-moons-sean-waugaman-on-recording-the-new-album/|title=Drummer Blog: WALK THE MOON's Sean Waugaman on Recording the New Album|date=January 7, 2015|website=Modern Drummer Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-25|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425041709/https://www.moderndrummer.com/2015/01/drummer-blog-walk-the-moons-sean-waugaman-on-recording-the-new-album/|url-status=live}} 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.

The album cover for Talking Is Hard features a photograph of the band members taken by Shervin Lainez.{{Cite web|url=https://www.shervinfoto.com/|title=Shervin Lainez Music Photography|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016123855/https://www.shervinfoto.com/|url-status=live}} 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". 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".{{Cite web|url=https://bittersweetsymphonies.co.uk/2015/03/17/interview-with-walk-the-moon/|title=In Conversation With…WALK THE MOON|last=Holroyd|first=Charlotte|date=March 17, 2015|website=Bitter Sweet Symphonies|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=June 1, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601092950/https://bittersweetsymphonies.co.uk/2015/03/17/interview-with-walk-the-moon/|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.fuse.tv/videos/2014/11/t10-walk-the-moon-interview|title=Walk The Moon Show Off Their Dorkiest Dance Moves on 'Trending 10'|date=November 6, 2014|publisher=Fuse|access-date=August 28, 2020}} 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".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6502360/walk-the-moon-on-shut-up-and-dance-single|title=Indie Rockers Walk the Moon: 'People of Our Generation Are Scared to Express Themselves'|last=Brown|first=Harley|date=March 17, 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 28, 2020}}

Talking Is Hard has been described as an indie pop, new wave and pop record, incorporating sounds present in 1980s music. 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". 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".

The album opens with "Different Colors", a song that celebrates and embraces each other's differences and "speaks out against discrimination of all kinds".{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3933669/walk-the-moon-shut-up-and-dance-song-of-the-summer/|title=Watch Walk the Moon Weigh In on This Year's Songs of the Summer|last1=Feeney|first1=Nolan|last2=Koroma|first2=Salima|magazine=Time|date=June 25, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612040940/http://time.com/3933669/walk-the-moon-shut-up-and-dance-song-of-the-summer/|archive-date=June 12, 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2015/12/3/walk-the-moon-to-release-different-colors-ep.html|title=WALK THE MOON to Release 'Different Colors' EP|publisher=ABC News Radio|date=December 3, 2015|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703041837/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2015/12/3/walk-the-moon-to-release-different-colors-ep.html|archive-date=July 3, 2020|url-status=live}} "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".{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/6TqacRIo8Fb9A0vA506wMj|title=TALK IS HARD – Track by Track Commentary|publisher=Spotify|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190114003930/https://open.spotify.com/album/6TqacRIo8Fb9A0vA506wMj|archive-date=January 14, 2019}} 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".{{cite web|url=http://radio.com/2014/10/22/related-questions-walk-the-moon-shut-up-and-dance/|title=Related Questions: WALK THE MOON, 'Shut Up and Dance' « Radio.com|work=radio.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704003815/http://radio.com/2014/10/22/related-questions-walk-the-moon-shut-up-and-dance/|archive-date=2015-07-04}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.villagevoice.com/2015/04/15/walk-the-moon-scrub-off-the-neon-face-paint-to-perform-talking-is-hard/|title=Walk the Moon Scrub off the Neon Face Paint to Perform Talking Is Hard|last=Menze|first=Jill|work=The Village Voice|date=April 15, 2015|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519090932/https://www.villagevoice.com/2015/04/15/walk-the-moon-scrub-off-the-neon-face-paint-to-perform-talking-is-hard/|archive-date=May 19, 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.idolator.com/7573706/walk-the-moon-talking-is-hard-interview|title=WALK THE MOON On Rising Hit 'Shut Up + Dance,' Sophomore LP 'TALKING IS HARD' & Magic Cards: Idolator Interview|last=Wass|first=Mike|date=December 11, 2014|website=Idolator|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150118155512/http://www.idolator.com/7573706/walk-the-moon-talking-is-hard-interview|url-status=live}} 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{{'"}}. "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". 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".

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". 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".{{cite web|url=https://joy.org.au/joymusichighlights/2016/01/walk-the-moon-2/|title=Walk the Moon|author=Leo|date=January 25, 2016|publisher=Joy 94.9|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-date=April 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412153059/http://joy.org.au/joymusichighlights/2016/01/walk-the-moon-2/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTKwNJSX1iQ|title=Entrevista a Walk The Moon: 'Tenemos influencias latinas'|author=Billboard AR|author-link=Billboard Argentina|date=April 12, 2016|access-date=August 30, 2020|via=YouTube|archive-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830002359/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTKwNJSX1iQ|url-status=live}} Lyrically, the song is about "being unafraid [of] chas[ing] your dreams and go[ing] after what you really want".{{cite news|last=Murphy|first=Lauren|date=February 15, 2016|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/walk-the-moon-how-they-shut-up-and-danced-their-way-to-a-global-hit-1.2531331|title=Walk the Moon: how they shut up and danced their way to a global hit|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=August 29, 2020|archive-date=February 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216092347/http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/walk-the-moon-how-they-shut-up-and-danced-their-way-to-a-global-hit-1.2531331|url-status=live}} "Spend Your $$$" is a buoyant pop march that has Petricca switching between his normal voice and a soaring falsetto.{{cite web|url=https://www.enterprisenews.com/article/20140804/ENTERTAINMENT/308049995|title=Panic! At the Disco flips through Boston|date=August 4, 2014|work=The Enterprise|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=August 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830184204/https://www.enterprisenews.com/article/20140804/ENTERTAINMENT/308049995|url-status=live}} 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. "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. The album's final moments were described as "reveal[ing] a more understated side of Walk the Moon".{{cite web|url=https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/03/31/walk-moon-preview/70729926/|title=Cincinnati band Walk the Moon is walking a fine line|date=March 31, 2015|work=Detroit Free Press|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123004859/https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/music/2015/03/31/walk-moon-preview/70729926/|url-status=live}} "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.{{cite web|url=https://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/festivals/articles/walk-the-moon-summerfest.html|title=Walk The Moon blasts off with yet another sunny Summerfest set|last=Mueller|first=Matt|date=July 8, 2017|publisher=OnMilwaukee|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709052937/https://onmilwaukee.com/seasonal/festivals/articles/walk-the-moon-summerfest.html|url-status=live}} The album's final track, "Aquaman", is soundwise "a modern homage to the '80s".

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.{{cite web|url=http://radio.com/2014/10/30/walk-the-moon-announce-new-album-talking-is-hard/|title=WALK THE MOON Announce New Album 'Talking Is Hard'|last=Muller|first=Marissa G.|date=October 31, 2014|publisher=Radio.com|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=October 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030204544/http://radio.com/2014/10/30/walk-the-moon-announce-new-album-talking-is-hard/|url-status=dead}} Pre-orders for the album were made available through the band's online store.{{cite web|url=http://www.myplaydirect.com/walk-the-moon|title=Walk The Moon 'Pre-order'|publisher=Walk the Moon Store US|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=October 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021025952/http://www.myplaydirect.com/walk-the-moon|url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/walkthemoon/photos/talkingishard-is1-different-colors2-sidekick3-shut-up-and-dance4-up-2-u5-avalanc/10152833821502558/|title=#TALKINGISHARD is: 1. DIFFERENT COLORS 2. SIDEKICK 3. SHUT UP AND DANCE 4. UP 2 U 5. AVALANCHE 6. PORTUGAL 7. DOWN IN THE DUMPS 8. WORK THIS BODY 9. SPEND YOUR $$$ 10. WE ARE THE KIDS 11. COME UNDER THE COVERS 12. AQUAMAN|author=@walkthemoon|date=November 10, 2014|type=Post|access-date=July 1, 2020|via=Facebook|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828045216/https://www.facebook.com/walkthemoon/photos/talkingishard-is1-different-colors2-sidekick3-shut-up-and-dance4-up-2-u5-avalanc/10152833821502558/|url-status=live}} The album was made available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon on November 17, 2014.{{cite web|url=https://www.rcarecords.com/news/walk-moon-announces-2015-talking-hard-tour/|title=Walk The Moon Announces 2015 'Talking Is Hard Tour'|publisher=RCA Records|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701105337/https://www.rcarecords.com/news/walk-moon-announces-2015-talking-hard-tour/|url-status=live}} A week before the album's release, handwritten lyrics for each track were revealed over a three-day period on MetroLyrics.{{cite web|url=https://www.metrolyrics.com/news-story-walk-the-moon-talking-is-hard-lyric-reveal.html|title=WALK THE MOON Preview New Album With Awesome Hand-Drawn Lyric Art (Exclusive)|date=November 24, 2014|publisher=MetroLyrics|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918202257/http://www.metrolyrics.com/news-story-walk-the-moon-talking-is-hard-lyric-reveal.html|url-status=dead}} On December 2, 2014, Talking Is Hard was released in the United States through RCA Records. Walk the Moon embarked on a Talking Is Hard Tour in 2015 to promote the album.{{cite web|url=http://www.axs.com/news/walk-the-moon-to-head-out-on-2015-talking-is-hard-tour-28800|title=Walk The Moon to head out on 2015 'Talking Is Hard' tour|author=Natalie Kuchik|work=AXS|access-date=March 8, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402172301/http://www.axs.com/news/walk-the-moon-to-head-out-on-2015-talking-is-hard-tour-28800|url-status=live}} They performed the album's lead single, "Shut Up and Dance", on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,{{cite web|url=http://headlineplanet.com/home/2015/02/19/first-look-walk-moon-performs-nbcs-tonight-show/|title=Walk the Moon Performs on "The Tonight Show" (Watch Now)|work=Headline Planet|date=February 20, 2015 |access-date=March 8, 2015|archive-date=February 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150222210240/http://headlineplanet.com/home/2015/02/19/first-look-walk-moon-performs-nbcs-tonight-show/|url-status=live}} The Ellen DeGeneres Show,{{cite web|url=http://www.ellentv.com/episodes/amy-poehler-and-bill-hader-walk-the-moon/|title=Amy Poehler & Bill Hader, Walk the Moon|work=EllenTV|access-date=March 8, 2015|archive-date=March 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320065753/http://www.ellentv.com/episodes/amy-poehler-and-bill-hader-walk-the-moon/|url-status=live}} and Jimmy Kimmel Live.{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/7572777/walk-the-moon-shut-up-dance-jimmy-kimmel|title=WALK THE MOON Bring The Party To 'Jimmy Kimmel': Watch Their Raucous Rendition Of "Shut Up + Dance" – Idolator|work=Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com|date=December 3, 2014 |access-date=March 8, 2015|archive-date=March 9, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150309225524/http://www.idolator.com/7572777/walk-the-moon-shut-up-dance-jimmy-kimmel|url-status=live}} An expanded edition of the album was released in the United Kingdom on June 15, 2015, and in Japan on August 12, 2015.{{cite web|url=https://skream.jp/news/2015/08/walk_the_moon_interview.php|title=サマソニで初来日するカラフル・シンセ・ポップの新星、WALK THE MOONのインタビュー公開。80'sフレイヴァー煌くダンサブルなポップ・アンセム満載の日本デビュー作を明日リリース|website=Skream!|language=Japanese|date=August 11, 2015|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828045205/https://skream.jp/news/2015/08/walk_the_moon_interview.php|url-status=live}}

"Shut Up and Dance" was released to digital retailers on September 10, 2014, as the album's lead single.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shut-up-and-dance-single/id915448845|title=Shut Up and Dance – Single by WALK THE MOON|publisher=iTunes Store (US)|access-date=July 1, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013013912/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/shut-up-and-dance-single/id915448845|archive-date=October 13, 2014}} 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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/walk-the-moon/chart-history/hsi/|title=Walk the Moon Chart History (Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703102434/https://www.billboard.com/music/walk-the-moon/chart-history/HSI|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/walk-the-moon/chart-history/mrt/|title=Walk the Moon Chart History (Alternative Airplay)|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701075507/https://www.billboard.com/music/walk-the-moon/chart-history/MRT|archive-date=July 1, 2020|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/2015-10-10/rock-songs|title=Hot Rock & Alternative Songs – The week of October 10, 2015|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828045204/https://www.billboard.com/charts/rock-songs/2015-10-10|url-status=live}} The opening track "Different Colors" was sent to US alternative radio stations to serve as the second single on May 5, 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases|title=Alternative|publisher=All Access Music Group|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423232056/https://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases|archive-date=April 23, 2015}} The song was Walk the Moon's second consecutive top ten hit on the Alternative Songs chart, reaching number seven. The third and final single, "Work This Body", impacted US alternative radio stations on February 23, 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases|title=Alternative|publisher=All Access Music Group|access-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130062728/http://www.allaccess.com/alternative/future-releases/|archive-date=January 30, 2016}} Unlike the two singles that preceded it, the song experienced relatively minor success on the Alternative Songs chart, peaking at number 34.

{{Music ratings

| rev1 = AbsolutePunk

| rev1Score = 8.0/10{{cite web |url=http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3713668/ref |title=Walk the Moon – Talking Is Hard – Album Review |work=AbsolutePunk |access-date=August 27, 2020 |last=Sorendino |first=Anthony |archive-date=March 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150308054025/http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3713668/ref |url-status=dead }}

| rev2 = AllMusic

| rev2Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/talking-is-hard-mw0002773094 |title=Talking Is Hard – Walk the Moon |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=July 13, 2015 |last=Monger |first=James Christopher |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705080636/https://www.allmusic.com/album/talking-is-hard-mw0002773094 |url-status=live }}

| rev3 = Alternative Addiction

| rev3Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}{{cite web |url=https://www.alternativeaddiction.com/Review/86 |title=Album Review of TALKING IS HARD by WALK THE MOON |work=Alternative Addiction |access-date=August 27, 2020 |archive-date=January 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150101212001/http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/Review/86 |url-status=dead }}

}}

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". 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". 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". Talking Is Hard was later included on Alternative Addiction{{'s}} "Top 20 Albums of 2014" list at number 12.{{cite web|url=http://alternativeaddiction.com/Features/11|title=The Best of 2014: Results|work=Alternative Addiction|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=March 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323142704/http://alternativeaddiction.com/Features/11|url-status=dead}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/z7em3y/best-albums-of-2014|title=The Best Albums Of 2014 (According To The VH1 Crew)|last=Runtagh|first=Jordan|date=December 22, 2014|publisher=VH1|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=October 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151013092907/http://www.vh1.com/news/54353/best-albums-of-2014/|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite web|url=http://renownedforsound.com/album-review-walk-the-moon-talking-is-hard/|title=Album Review: Walk the Moon – Talking Is Hard|last=Bozzetto|first=Mitchell|work=Renowned for Sound|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=September 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200901043709/http://renownedforsound.com/album-review-walk-the-moon-talking-is-hard/|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2014-12-20|title=Billboard 200 – Week of December 20, 2014|magazine=Billboard|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=April 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190429012205/https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2014-12-20|url-status=live}} 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. 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. 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.

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. Talking Is Hard also charted in Australia and France at numbers 85 and 126, respectively. 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.

{{ Track listing

| headline = Talking Is Hard – {{nobold|Standard edition}}{{Cite web|url = https://music.apple.com/us/album/talking-is-hard/1473891820|title = Talking Is Hard on Apple Music|date = |access-date = July 29, 2020|website = Apple Music|publisher = |last = |first = |archive-date = August 3, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803215601/https://music.apple.com/us/album/talking-is-hard/1473891820|url-status = live}}

| total_length = {{Duration|m=43|s=11}}

| extra_column = Producer

| title1 = Different Colors

| writer1 = {{flatlist|

• Nicholas Petricca
• Kevin Ray
• Sean Waugaman
• Eli Maiman

}}

| extra1 = Tim Pagnotta

| length1 = 3:42

| title2 = Sidekick

| writer2 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman

}}

| extra2 = Pagnotta

| length2 = 2:55

| title3 = Shut Up and Dance

| writer3 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Ben Berger
• Ryan McMahon

}}

| extra3 = Pagnotta

| length3 = 3:19

| title4 = Up 2 U

| writer4 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Berger
• McMahon

}}

| extra4 = Pagnotta

| length4 = 3:23

| title5 = Avalanche

| writer5 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Pagnotta

}}

| extra5 = Pagnotta

| length5 = 3:40

| title6 = Portugal

| writer6 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman

}}

| extra6 = Pagnotta

| length6 = 4:01

| title7 = Down in the Dumps

| writer7 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman

}}

| extra7 = Pagnotta

| length7 = 4:25

| title8 = Work This Body

| writer8 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• John Ryan

}}

| extra8 = Pagnotta

| length8 = 2:57

| title9 = Spend Your $$$

| writer9 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman

}}

| extra9 = Pagnotta

| length9 = 3:22

| title10 = We Are the Kids

| writer10 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Ryan

}}

| extra10 = Pagnotta

| length10 = 3:37

| title11 = Come Under the Covers

| writer11 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman

}}

| extra11 = Pagnotta

| length11 = 3:51

| title12 = Aquaman

| writer12 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Matt Radosevich

}}

| extra12 = Pagnotta

| length12 = 3:59

}}

{{ Track listing

| headline = Talking Is Hard – {{nobold|Expanded edition (bonus tracks)}}{{Cite web|url = https://music.apple.com/gb/album/talking-is-hard-expanded-edition/961298415|title = Talking Is Hard on iTunes|date = June 15, 2015|access-date = August 3, 2015|website = iTunes|publisher = |last = |first = |archive-date = July 10, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150710203807/https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/talking-is-hard/id961298415|url-status = live}}

| total_length = {{Duration|m=53|s=12}}

| extra_column = Producer

| title13 = Boyfriend

| writer13 = {{Flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Blake O'Brien

}}

| extra13 = Pagnotta

| length13 = 2:58

| title14 = This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)

| writer14 = {{Flatlist|

• David Byrne
• Chris Frantz
• Jerry Harrison
• Tina Weymouth

}}

| note14 = Live at Sirius XM

| length14 = 3:53

| title15 = Shut Up and Dance

| note15 = Live at Sirius XM

| writer15 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Berger
• McMahon

}}

| length15 = 3:15

}}

{{ Track listing

| headline = Talking Is Hard – {{nobold|Deluxe Google Play edition (bonus tracks)}}{{Cite web|url =https://play.google.com/store/music/album/WALK_THE_MOON_TALKING_IS_HARD_Google_Play_Deluxe_E?id=Bwsrf25x7tgcyubfhxqzoe6pxbu|title=TALKING IS HARD (Google Play Deluxe Edition)|access-date=November 20, 2015}}

| total_length = {{Duration|m=49|s=57}}

| extra_column = Producer

| note13 = Acoustic

| title13 = Shut Up and Dance

| writer13 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman
• Berger
• McMahon

}}

| length13 = 3:14

| note14 = Acoustic

| title14 = Different Colors

| writer14 = {{flatlist|

• Petricca
• Ray
• Waugaman
• Maiman

}}

| length14 = 3:24

}}

Credits adapted from the liner notes of Talking Is Hard.{{cite AV media notes|others=Walk the Moon|title=Talking Is Hard|year=2014|type= inlay cover|publisher= RCA Records|page=16}}

Locations

• Recorded at Rancho Pagzilla, North Hollywood, California
• Mixed at The Casita, Hollywood, California
• Mastered at Sterling Sound, New York City

Personnel

{{Div col|colwidth=30em}}

• 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

{{div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for Talking Is Hard}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|title=Talking Is Hard|artist=Walk the Moon|award=Gold|relyear=2014|certyear=2017|access-date=October 2, 2019|refname=MC}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|type=album|title=Talking Is Hard|artist=Walk the Moon|award=Platinum|relyear=2014|certyear=2022|access-date=December 15, 2024|source=radioscope}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Walk the Moon|title=Talking Is Hard|type=album|award=Gold|relyear=2014|certyear=2023|access-date=December 20, 2023}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|title=Talking Is Hard|artist=Walk the Moon|award=Platinum|relyear=2014|certyear=2018|access-date=December 6, 2018|refname=RIAA}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Walk the Moon}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2014 albums

Category:Indie pop albums by American artists

Category:New wave albums by American artists

Category:Pop albums by American artists

Category:RCA Records albums

Category:Walk the Moon albums