Porter Robinson - SMILE! :D plus+ (2026)

After Porter Robinson released his 2014 debut full-length, he struggled with depression and writer's block, and he explored these themes on his second album, Nurture, which finally arrived in 2021. For his next record, he wanted to make something completely fun, lighthearted, and celebratory, recapturing the spirit of the early singles which made him a superstar in the EDM world. The album's title, SMILE! :D, and its glassy-eyed anime cover art reflect these intentions, but the songs themselves continue to probe personal subjects, often relating to fame and the pressures of celebrity culture. SMILE! :D kicks off with some of the catchiest pop tunes Robinson has written, fusing chiptune/bitpop synth melodies with emo-pop vocals, and even indulging in some goofy, often self-deprecating humor. On "Knock Yourself Out XD," he jokes that he wouldn't know how to brush his teeth without consulting his team, as the song's sunny, guitar-driven melody eventually gives way to a drum'n'bass-influenced coda. "Cheerleader" has Phoenix-like indie pop verses and a soaring, anthemic chorus spiked with punchy breakbeats, while Robinson reflects on the complex relationship between musicians and their obsessive fans. "Russian Roulette" counters pogoing rhythms and peppy synth hooks with lyrics about perpetual self-doubt, but after an extended breakdown, the song reaches its life-affirming climax as the beat slams back. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesn't leave as much of an impact as its first few tracks. Lyrically, other songs provide interesting insight on the trappings of fame, but they aren't backed up with memorable hooks. Slower, less electronic-sounding songs like "Easier to Love You" and "Everything to Me" are undoubtedly sincere, but they're so musically indistinctive that it's hard to connect with what the lyrics are trying to say. "Is There Really No Happiness?" infuses a bit more energy along with its wistfully nostalgic lyrics, but it's still not on the level of the album's highlights. SMILE! :D was clearly created with the intention of dealing with sharply conflicting emotions, but it still ends up being more uneven than expected, and it's just not as successful as Nurture