Harder Than It Looks: Difference between revisions

Harder Than It Looks
Harder Than It Looks
Studio album by Simple Plan
Released	May 6, 2022
Studio	Van Howes Studios
Genre	Pop-punk
Length	34:35
Label	Self-released
Producer	Pierre Bouvier; Zakk Cervini; Brian Howes; Jason "JVP" Poederooyen;
Simple Plan chronology
Singles from Harder Than It Looks
	"The Antidote"; Released: November 5, 2021; "Ruin My Life"; Released: February 18, 2022; "Congratulations"; Released: March 15, 2022; "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)"; Released: April 8, 2022;

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Harder Than It Looks is the sixth studio album by Canadian rock band Simple Plan, released on May 6, 2022. It is their first record in six years since Taking One for the Team (2016), their first album not on Atlantic Records, and their last album to feature any contributions by bassist David Desrosiers.^[2]

The album garnered positive reviews from critics. Harder Than It Looks spawned four singles: "The Antidote", "Ruin My Life" with Sum 41's Deryck Whibley, "Congratulations" and "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)". To promote the record, the band toured across the United States and Southeast Asia.

Background and production

The band stated that the album will be a return to their pop-punk roots.^[1]^[3] This is the band's first album to be released since the departure of longtime bassist David Desrosiers after his sexual misconduct allegations, although the band hinted in 2018 at his involvement in the recording process via Instagram.^[4] From that moment on, vocalist Pierre Bouvier became the band's bassist again.

Singles and promotion

On November 5, 2021, Simple Plan released "The Antidote", their first single in two years.^[5] On January 5, 2022, a music video for the single was released.^[6] On February 18, the band released the album's second single "Ruin My Life", a collaboration with Sum 41's Deryck Whibley, along with an accompanying music video.^[7] On March 15, the band announced the album's May 6 release date, along with its third single "Congratulations".^[8] On April 8, the band released the album's fourth single, "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)".^[9]

On May 6, 2022, the band announced a 31-city United States tour to promote the album, starting on May 10 at The Fillmore Detroit and finishing on August 28 at the Worcester Palladium, with Set It Off and Magnolia Park as supporting acts.^[10] On December 23, the band announced on Instagram that their doing a Southeast Asia leg of their tour for 2023, beginning on March 4 with a performance at Jakarta's Everblast Festival and ending on March 12 at Davao's SMX Convention Center.^[11] On March 20 of that year, the band was announced alongside Sum 41 as special guests on The Offspring's summer tour supporting their tenth album Let the Bad Times Roll.^[12]

In October 2023, over a year after the album's initial release, the band released a reversion of "Iconic", featuring Jax, along with a music video.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
Source	Rating
Distorted Sound	7/10^[13]
Kerrang!	4/5^[14]
Riff Magazine	7/10^[15]
Sputnikmusic	2.5/5^[16]
Upset	^[17]
Wall of Sound	9/10^[18]

Tamara May of Wall of Sound gave the album high praise for its mature delivery of the band's pop punk style of "extremely catchy melodies to lyrical themes of despair and hopelessness" while also expanding the experimental pop sound from their 2008 self-titled record, saying "Harder Than It Looks really tries its hardest to incorporate the band's strengths, while also making an attempt to be their most diverse-sounding album, and they've succeeded." She concluded that: "Our favourite Canadian pop punkers have nailed this record once again by producing their most authentic selves in their 20-year tenure, and it's sure to win over fans as much as their high school selves did."^[18] Mike DeWald of Riff Magazine wrote: "Harder Than It Looks is a continuation for a band that's stayed true to its sound from the start. Simple Plan is aging gracefully, no longer writing songs about teenage angst and rebellion; instead focusing on the better days to come." Tasha Brown of Distorted Sound wrote: "Shaking off the shackles of record labels, Simple Plan returns to their roots for ten tracks of arguably their best material since their 2008 self-titled effort."^[13]

Conversely, Jesper L. of Sputnikmusic felt the band were still "absolutely horrendous at incorporating elements of post-2005 pop", criticizing "Anxiety" and "Iconic" for "dreadfully repetitive choruses, painfully misplaced horns, and not a single hint of energy or authenticity." He backhandedly commended the album's "monotony of vaguely competent pop rock" for showcasing the band's "autopilot" musicianship of "overly simplistic yet catchy riffs, big-capital-b choruses, and some of the whiniest vocals" on "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)", "Million Pictures of You" and "The Antidote". He concluded that: "There's nothing to the album outside of this; there's no element to draw in new listeners or keep the old ones coming back. It just kind of exists. Simple Plan just kind of exist, but then again, so do I."^[16]

Track listing

*Harder Than It Looks* track listing
No.	Title	Length
1.	"Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)"	3:36
2.	"Ruin My Life" (featuring Deryck Whibley of Sum 41)	3:19
3.	"The Antidote"	3:16
4.	"Million Pictures of You"	3:26
5.	"Anxiety"	3:30
6.	"Congratulations"	3:17
7.	"Iconic"	3:06
8.	"Best Day of My Life"	3:27
9.	"Slow Motion"	4:00
10.	"Two"	3:38
Total length:		34:35

Personnel

Credits adapted from the album's booklet.^[19]

Simple Plan

Pierre Bouvier – lead vocals, piano on "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)", additional programming, keyboards
Chuck Comeau – drums
Sébastien Lefebvre – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
Jeff Stinco – lead guitar

Additional musicians

Deryck Whibley – guest vocals (track 2)
David Desrosiers – bass guitar (2019)

Production

Pierre Bouvier – producer
Brian Howes – producer
Zakk Cervini – producer, mixing
Chris Lord-Alge – mixing (track 10)
Jason "JVP" Van Poederooyen – producer, mixing (track 6), engineering
Ted Jensen – mastering

Design

Chapman Baehler – album photography
Simple Plan – art direction and concept
Fred Jérôme – art direction and concept, layout design

Charts

Chart performance for *Harder Than It Looks*
Chart (2022)	Peak position
Australian Albums (ARIA)^[20]	67
Austrian Albums (Ö3 Austria)^[21]	59
Canadian Albums (Billboard)^[22]	84
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100)^[23]	82
Japanese Hot Albums (Billboard Japan)^[24]	60
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade)^[25]	36
UK Album Downloads (OCC)^[26]	32
UK Independent Albums (OCC)^[27]	44
UK Rock & Metal Albums (OCC)^[28]	25
US Top Album Sales (Billboard)^[29]	90

References

^ ^a ^b Carter, Emily (March 16, 2022). "Simple Plan announce new album, Harder Than It Looks". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
^ Kelly, Brendan (May 5, 2022). "Simple Plan recaptures spirit of its youth on Harder Than It Looks". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
^ "Simple Plan announces 'Harder Than it Looks'". The Music Universe. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
^ "Today is #worldmentalhealthday and we simply wanted to let everyone know how much we love and support our friend and bandmate @daviddesrosiers..." Simple Plan. October 10, 2018 – via Instagram.^{[self-published source]}
^ Carter, Emily (November 5, 2021). "Simple Plan drop first new single in two years, The Antidote". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ Linzinmeir, Taylor (January 5, 2022). "Simple Plan's "The Antidote" video captures the growth of young love". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ Bobkin, Matt (February 18, 2022). "Simple Plan and Sum 41 Bury the Hatchet with New Collaborative Single "Ruin My Life"". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ "Simple Plan have announced their new album Harder Than it Looks". Upset. March 16, 2022. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
^ May, Tamara (April 8, 2022). "Simple Plan Unveil LP Opening Track, 'Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)'". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ Lane, Kwase (May 6, 2022). "Simple Plan share highly anticipated sixth album 'Harder Than It Looks'—listen". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ Singh, Surej (December 23, 2022). "Simple Plan announce Southeast Asia tour dates in Singapore, the Philippines and more". NME. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ "The Offspring "Let The Bad Times Roll" Tour With Special Guests Sum 41 And Simple Plan To Visit Pine Knob Music Theatre August 23". 313 Presents. March 20, 2023. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Brown, Tasha. "Album Review: Harder Than It Looks – Simple Plan". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023.
^ Richardson, Jake (May 3, 2022). "Album review: Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
^ DeWald, Mike (May 2, 2022). "Album Review: Simple Plan keeps it uncomplicated on 'Harder Than It Looks'". Riff Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Jesper L. (May 8, 2022). "Review: Simple Plan - Harder Than It Looks". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ "Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks". Upset. May 30, 2022. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ ^a ^b May, Tamara (May 3, 2022). "Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
^ Harder Than It Looks (booklet). Simple Plan. 2022. SP220204.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 16 May 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1680. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 16, 2022. p. 6.
^ "Austriancharts.at – Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
^ "Simple Plan Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2022/05/11 公開". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved May 11, 2022.
^ "Swisscharts.com – Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 15, 2022.
^ "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
^ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
^ "Simple Plan Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2022.

[Kerrang-1] Carter, Emily (March 16, 2022). "Simple Plan announce new album, Harder Than It Looks". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.

[MTL-2] Kelly, Brendan (May 5, 2022). "Simple Plan recaptures spirit of its youth on Harder Than It Looks". Montreal Gazette. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.

[3] "Simple Plan announces 'Harder Than it Looks'". The Music Universe. March 16, 2022. Retrieved March 18, 2022.

[4] "Today is #worldmentalhealthday and we simply wanted to let everyone know how much we love and support our friend and bandmate @daviddesrosiers..." Simple Plan. October 10, 2018 – via Instagram.^{[self-published source]}

[5] Carter, Emily (November 5, 2021). "Simple Plan drop first new single in two years, The Antidote". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[6] Linzinmeir, Taylor (January 5, 2022). "Simple Plan's "The Antidote" video captures the growth of young love". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[7] Bobkin, Matt (February 18, 2022). "Simple Plan and Sum 41 Bury the Hatchet with New Collaborative Single "Ruin My Life"". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on January 30, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[8] "Simple Plan have announced their new album Harder Than it Looks". Upset. March 16, 2022. Archived from the original on March 16, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2022.

[9] May, Tamara (April 8, 2022). "Simple Plan Unveil LP Opening Track, 'Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)'". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[10] Lane, Kwase (May 6, 2022). "Simple Plan share highly anticipated sixth album 'Harder Than It Looks'—listen". Alternative Press. Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[11] Singh, Surej (December 23, 2022). "Simple Plan announce Southeast Asia tour dates in Singapore, the Philippines and more". NME. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[12] "The Offspring "Let The Bad Times Roll" Tour With Special Guests Sum 41 And Simple Plan To Visit Pine Knob Music Theatre August 23". 313 Presents. March 20, 2023. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[DSM-13] Brown, Tasha. "Album Review: Harder Than It Looks – Simple Plan". Distorted Sound. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023.

[KRRG-14] Richardson, Jake (May 3, 2022). "Album review: Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on June 5, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2022.

[Riff-15] DeWald, Mike (May 2, 2022). "Album Review: Simple Plan keeps it uncomplicated on 'Harder Than It Looks'". Riff Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[Sputnik-16] Jesper L. (May 8, 2022). "Review: Simple Plan - Harder Than It Looks". Sputnikmusic. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[Upset-17] "Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks". Upset. May 30, 2022. Archived from the original on June 11, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[WallOfSound-18] May, Tamara (May 3, 2022). "Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks (Album Review)". Wall of Sound. Archived from the original on April 7, 2023. Retrieved June 11, 2023.

[booklet-19] Harder Than It Looks (booklet). Simple Plan. 2022. SP220204.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)

[20] "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 16 May 2022". The ARIA Report. No. 1680. Australian Recording Industry Association. May 16, 2022. p. 6.

[ac_Austria_Simple_Plan-21] "Austriancharts.at – Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved May 20, 2022.

[ac_BillboardCanada_Simple_Plan-22] "Simple Plan Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2022.

[ac_Germany4_Simple_Plan-23] "Offiziellecharts.de – Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved May 13, 2022.

[24] "Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2022/05/11 公開". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved May 11, 2022.

[ac_Switzerland_Simple_Plan-25] "Swisscharts.com – Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks". Hung Medien. Retrieved May 15, 2022.

[ac_UKDigital_-26] "Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 14, 2022.

[ac_UKIndependent_-27] "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 4, 2022.

[ac_UKRock_-28] "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 14, 2022.

[ac_BillboardAlbumSales_Simple_Plan-29] "Simple Plan Chart History (Top Album Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved May 17, 2022.

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@@ Line 5: / Line 5: @@
 | artist       = [[Simple Plan]]
 | cover        = HarderThanItLooks.jpg
+| border       = yes
 | alt          = A photo of the band dressed as a chef, gardner, construction worker, and office worker respectively, sitting on a stone bench. The band's name appears on a concrete wall and the album title is on a sidewalk's edge,  both are colored white.
 | released     = May 6, 2022
 | recorded     =
 | studio       = Van Howes Studios
+| genre        = [[Pop-punk]]<ref name="Kerrang">{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Emily|title=Simple Plan announce new album, Harder Than It Looks|url=https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-announce-new-album-harder-than-it-looks/|access-date=March 18, 2022|website=[[Kerrang!]]|date=March 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505193508/https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-announce-new-album-harder-than-it-looks/|archive-date=May 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
-| genre        = [[Pop punk]]<ref name="Kerrang"/>
 | length       = 34:35
 | label        = [[Self-released]]
-| producer     = [[Pierre Bouvier]], [[Zakk Cervini]], [[Brian Howes]], Jason "JVP" Poederooyen
+| producer     = {{Flatlist|
+* [[Pierre Bouvier]]
+* [[Zakk Cervini]]
+* [[Brian Howes]]
+* Jason "JVP" Poederooyen
+}}
 | prev_title   = [[Taking One for the Team]]
 | prev_year    = 2016
@@ Line 28: / Line 34: @@
  }}
 }}
+'''''Harder Than It Looks''''' is the sixth studio album by Canadian [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Simple Plan]], released on May 6, 2022. It is their first record in six years since ''[[Taking One for the Team]]'' (2016), their first album not on [[Atlantic Records]], and their last album to feature any contributions by bassist David Desrosiers.<ref name="MTL">{{cite news|last=Kelly|first=Brendan|title=Simple Plan recaptures spirit of its youth on Harder Than It Looks|url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/simple-plan-recaptures-spirit-of-its-youth-on-harder-than-it-looks|date=May 5, 2022|access-date=July 10, 2022|newspaper=[[Montreal Gazette]]|language=en-CA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710224934/https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/simple-plan-recaptures-spirit-of-its-youth-on-harder-than-it-looks|archive-date=July 10, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
-{{Album ratings
-| rev1 = ''[[Kerrang!]]''
+The album garnered positive reviews from critics. ''Harder Than It Looks'' spawned four [[Single (music)|single]]s: "The Antidote", "Ruin My Life" with [[Sum 41]]'s [[Deryck Whibley]], "Congratulations" and "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)". To promote the record, the band toured across the United States and Southeast Asia.
-| rev1score = 4/5<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks|title=Album review: Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks|website=[[Kerrang!]]|last=Richardson|first=Jake|date=May 3, 2022|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605023607/https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks|archive-date=June 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
-| noprose = yes
-}}
-'''''Harder Than It Looks''''' is the sixth studio album by Canadian [[Rock music|rock]] band [[Simple Plan]], released on May 6, 2022.<ref name="Kerrang">{{cite web|last=Carter|first=Emily|title=Simple Plan announce new album, Harder Than It Looks|url=https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-announce-new-album-harder-than-it-looks/|access-date=March 18, 2022|website=Kerrang!|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505193508/https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-announce-new-album-harder-than-it-looks/|archive-date=May 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> It is their first record in six years since ''[[Taking One for the Team]]'' (2016), and the first one without bassist David Desrosiers after his sexual misconduct allegations.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Simple Plan recaptures spirit of its youth on Harder Than It Looks |url=https://montrealgazette.com/entertainment/local-arts/simple-plan-recaptures-spirit-of-its-youth-on-harder-than-it-looks |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=Montreal Gazette |language=en-CA}}</ref>
 == Background and production ==
-The band stated that the album will be a return to their [[pop-punk]] roots.<ref name="Kerrang"/><ref>{{cite web|date=March 16, 2022|title=Simple Plan announces 'Harder Than it Looks'|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/simple-plan-announces-harder-than-looks/|access-date=March 18, 2022|website=The Music Universe}}</ref> This is the band's first album to be released since the departure of longtime bassist David Desrosiers after his sexual misconduct allegations, although the band hinted in 2018 at his involvement within the recording process via Instagram.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.instagram.com/simpleplan/p/Boxa4rHhEln/?hl=en |title=Today is #worldmentalhealthday and we simply wanted to let everyone know how much we love and support our friend and bandmate @daviddesrosiers... |publisher=Simple Plan |via=Instagram |date=October 10, 2018}}{{Self-published source|date=August 2022}}</ref>
+The band stated that the album will be a return to their [[pop-punk]] roots.<ref name="Kerrang"/><ref>{{cite web|date=March 16, 2022|title=Simple Plan announces 'Harder Than it Looks'|url=https://themusicuniverse.com/simple-plan-announces-harder-than-looks/|access-date=March 18, 2022|website=The Music Universe}}</ref> This is the band's first album to be released since the departure of longtime bassist David Desrosiers after his sexual misconduct allegations, although the band hinted in 2018 at his involvement in the recording process via [[Instagram]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/simpleplan/p/Boxa4rHhEln/?hl=en|title=Today is #worldmentalhealthday and we simply wanted to let everyone know how much we love and support our friend and bandmate @daviddesrosiers...|publisher=Simple Plan|via=Instagram|date=October 10, 2018}}{{Self-published source|date=August 2022}}</ref> From that moment on, vocalist [[Pierre Bouvier]] became the band's bassist again.
+== Singles and promotion ==
+On November 5, 2021, Simple Plan released "The Antidote", their first single in two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-drop-first-new-single-in-two-years-the-antidote|title=Simple Plan drop first new single in two years, The Antidote|last=Carter|first=Emily|website=Kerrang!|date=November 5, 2021|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115121613/https://www.kerrang.com/simple-plan-drop-first-new-single-in-two-years-the-antidote|archive-date=November 15, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 5, 2022, a music video for the single was released.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.altpress.com/simple-plan-the-antidote-video/|title=Simple Plan's "The Antidote" video captures the growth of young love|last=Linzinmeir|first=Taylor|magazine=[[Alternative Press (magazine)|Alternative Press]]|date=January 5, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130051138/https://www.altpress.com/simple-plan-the-antidote-video/|archive-date=January 30, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 18, the band released the album's second single "Ruin My Life", a collaboration with [[Sum 41]]'s [[Deryck Whibley]], along with an accompanying music video.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/simple_plan_deryck_whibley_sum_41_single_ruin_my_life_interview|title=Simple Plan and Sum 41 Bury the Hatchet with New Collaborative Single "Ruin My Life"|last=Bobkin|first=Matt|magazine=[[Exclaim!]]|date=February 18, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130051137/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/simple_plan_deryck_whibley_sum_41_single_ruin_my_life_interview|archive-date=January 30, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 15, the band announced the album's May 6 release date, along with its third single "Congratulations".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.upsetmagazine.com/news/simple-plan-new-album-harder-than-it-looks|title=Simple Plan have announced their new album Harder Than it Looks|magazine=Upset|date=March 16, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316192456/https://www.upsetmagazine.com/news/simple-plan-new-album-harder-than-it-looks|archive-date=March 16, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 8, the band released the album's fourth single, "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2022/04/08/simple-plan-unveil-lp-opening-track-wake-me-up-when-this-nightmares-over/|title=Simple Plan Unveil LP Opening Track, 'Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)'|last=May|first=Tamara|website=Wall of Sound|date=April 8, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407100200/https://wallofsoundau.com/2022/04/08/simple-plan-unveil-lp-opening-track-wake-me-up-when-this-nightmares-over/|archive-date=April 7, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
+On May 6, 2022, the band announced a 31-city United States tour to promote the album, starting on May 10 at [[The Fillmore Detroit]] and finishing on August 28 at the [[Worcester Palladium]], with [[Set It Off (band)|Set It Off]] and [[Magnolia Park (band)|Magnolia Park]] as supporting acts.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.altpress.com/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks-2022-tour-dates/|title=Simple Plan share highly anticipated sixth album 'Harder Than It Looks'—listen|last=Lane|first=Kwase|magazine=Alternative Press|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221218102047/https://www.altpress.com/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks-2022-tour-dates/|archive-date=December 18, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 23, the band announced on Instagram that their doing a [[Southeast Asia]] leg of their tour for 2023, beginning on March 4 with a performance at [[Jakarta]]'s Everblast Festival and ending on March 12 at [[Davao City|Davao]]'s [[SMX Convention Center (company)|SMX Convention Center]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/simple-plan-singapore-southeast-asia-tour-dates-tickets-3370498|title=Simple Plan announce Southeast Asia tour dates in Singapore, the Philippines and more|last=Singh|first=Surej|magazine=[[NME]]|date=December 23, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611181408/https://www.nme.com/en_asia/news/music/simple-plan-singapore-southeast-asia-tour-dates-tickets-3370498|archive-date=June 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 20 of that year, the band was announced alongside Sum 41 as special guests on [[The Offspring]]'s summer tour supporting their tenth album ''[[Let the Bad Times Roll]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.313presents.com/news/detail/the-offspring-let-the-bad-times-roll-tour-with-special-guests-sum-41-and-simple-plan-to-visit-pine-knob-music-theatre-august-23|title=The Offspring "Let The Bad Times Roll" Tour With Special Guests Sum 41 And Simple Plan To Visit Pine Knob Music Theatre August 23|website=[[313 Presents]]|date=March 20, 2023|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611211421/https://www.313presents.com/news/detail/the-offspring-let-the-bad-times-roll-tour-with-special-guests-sum-41-and-simple-plan-to-visit-pine-knob-music-theatre-august-23|archive-date=June 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
+In October 2023, over a year after the album's initial release, the band released a reversion of "Iconic", featuring [[Jax (singer)|Jax]], along with a music video.
+== Critical reception ==
+{{Music ratings
+| rev1 = ''Distorted Sound''
+| rev1score = 7/10<ref name="DSM">{{cite magazine|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/album-review-harder-than-it-looks-simple-plan/|title=Album Review: Harder Than It Looks – Simple Plan|last=Brown|first=Tasha|magazine=Distorted Sound|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611185944/https://distortedsoundmag.com/album-review-harder-than-it-looks-simple-plan/|archive-date=June 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| rev2 = ''[[Kerrang!]]''
+| rev2score = 4/5<ref name="KRRG">{{cite web|url=https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks|title=Album review: Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks|website=Kerrang!|last=Richardson|first=Jake|date=May 3, 2022|access-date=May 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605023607/https://www.kerrang.com/album-review-simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks|archive-date=June 5, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| rev3 = ''Riff Magazine''
+| rev3score = 7/10<ref name="Riff">{{cite magazine|url=https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks/|title=Album Review: Simple Plan keeps it uncomplicated on 'Harder Than It Looks'|last=DeWald|first=Mike|magazine=Riff Magazine|date=May 2, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009013507/https://riffmagazine.com/album-reviews/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks/|archive-date=October 9, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| rev4 = ''[[Sputnikmusic]]''
+| rev4score = 2.5/5<ref name="Sputnik">{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/84812/Simple-Plan-Harder-Than-It-Looks/|title=Review: Simple Plan - Harder Than It Looks|author=Jesper L.|website=[[Sputnikmusic]]|date=May 8, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611183555/https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/84812/Simple-Plan-Harder-Than-It-Looks/|archive-date=June 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| rev5 = ''Upset''
+| rev5score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="Upset">{{cite magazine|url=https://upsetmagazine.com/reviews/albums/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks/|title=Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks|magazine=Upset|date=May 30, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230611184928/https://upsetmagazine.com/reviews/albums/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks/|archive-date=June 11, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
+| rev6 = ''Wall of Sound''
+| rev6score = 9/10<ref name="WallOfSound">{{cite web|url=https://wallofsoundau.com/2022/05/03/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks-album-review/|title=Simple Plan – Harder Than It Looks (Album Review)|last=May|first=Tamara|website=Wall of Sound|date=May 3, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407023729/https://wallofsoundau.com/2022/05/03/simple-plan-harder-than-it-looks-album-review/|archive-date=April 7, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>
+}}
+Tamara May of ''Wall of Sound'' gave the album high praise for its mature delivery of the band's pop punk style of "extremely catchy melodies to lyrical themes of despair and hopelessness" while also expanding the experimental pop sound from their [[Simple Plan (album)|2008 self-titled record]], saying "''Harder Than It Looks'' really tries its hardest to incorporate the band's strengths, while also making an attempt to be their most diverse-sounding album, and they've succeeded." She concluded that: "Our favourite Canadian pop punkers have nailed this record once again by producing their most authentic selves in their 20-year tenure, and it's sure to win over fans as much as their high school selves did."<ref name="WallOfSound"/> Mike DeWald of ''Riff Magazine'' wrote: "''Harder Than It Looks'' is a continuation for a band that's stayed true to its sound from the start. Simple Plan is aging gracefully, no longer writing songs about teenage angst and rebellion; instead focusing on the better days to come." Tasha Brown of ''Distorted Sound'' wrote: "Shaking off the shackles of record labels, Simple Plan returns to their roots for ten tracks of arguably their best material since their 2008 self-titled effort."<ref name="DSM"/>
+Conversely, Jesper L. of ''[[Sputnikmusic]]'' felt the band were still "absolutely horrendous at incorporating elements of post-2005 pop", criticizing "Anxiety" and "Iconic" for "dreadfully repetitive choruses, painfully misplaced horns, and not a single hint of energy or authenticity." He backhandedly commended the album's "monotony of vaguely competent pop rock" for showcasing the band's "autopilot" musicianship of "overly simplistic yet catchy riffs, big-capital-b choruses, and some of the whiniest vocals" on "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)", "Million Pictures of You" and "The Antidote". He concluded that: "There's nothing to the album outside of this; there's no element to draw in new listeners or keep the old ones coming back. It just kind of exists. Simple Plan just kind of exist, but then again, so do I."<ref name="Sputnik"/>
 == Track listing ==
@@ Line 44: / Line 73: @@
 | length1 = 3:36
 | title2 = Ruin My Life
-| note2 = featuring [[Deryck Whibley]]
+| note2 = featuring [[Deryck Whibley]] of [[Sum 41]]
 | length2 = 3:19
 | title3 = The Antidote
@@ Line 66: / Line 95: @@
 == Personnel ==
-Credits adapted from the album's booklet.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=Harder Than It Looks|others=Simple Plan|year=2022|type=booklet|id=SP220204}}</ref>
+Credits adapted from the album's booklet.<ref name= "booklet">{{cite AV media notes|title=Harder Than It Looks|others=Simple Plan|year=2022|type=booklet|id=SP220204}}</ref>
 '''Simple Plan'''
-* [[Pierre Bouvier]] – lead vocals, additional programming, keyboards
+* [[Pierre Bouvier]] – lead vocals, piano on "Wake Me Up (When This Nightmare's Over)", additional programming, keyboards
 * [[Chuck Comeau]] – drums
-* [[Sebastien Lefebvre]] – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
+* [[Sébastien Lefebvre]] – rhythm guitars, backing vocals
 * Jeff Stinco – lead guitar
-* [[David Desrosiers]] – bass, backing vocals
 '''Additional musicians'''
-* [[Deryck Whibley]] - guest vocals (track 2)
+* [[Deryck Whibley]] – guest vocals (track 2)
+* [[David Desrosiers]] – bass guitar (2019)
 '''Production'''
-* [[Zakk Cervini]] – mixing
+* Pierre Bouvier – producer
+* [[Brian Howes]] – producer
+* [[Zakk Cervini]] – producer, mixing
 * [[Chris Lord-Alge]] – mixing (track 10)
-* Jason "JVP" Van Poederooyen – mixing (track 6)
+* Jason "JVP" Van Poederooyen – producer, mixing (track 6), engineering
 * [[Ted Jensen]] – mastering
@@ Line 125: / Line 156: @@
 [[Category:2022 albums]]
 [[Category:Simple Plan albums]]
-{{2020s-album-stub}}

v t e Simple Plan
Pierre Bouvier Chuck Comeau Jeff Stinco Sébastien Lefebvre David Desrosiers Chady Awad Nicholas Kennedy
Studio albums	No Pads, No Helmets...Just Balls Still Not Getting Any... Simple Plan Get Your Heart On! Taking One for the Team Harder Than It Looks
Singles	"I'm Just a Kid" "I'd Do Anything" "Addicted" "Perfect" "Don't Wanna Think About You" "Welcome to My Life" "Shut Up!" "Untitled (How Could This Happen to Me?)" "Crazy" "When I'm Gone" "Your Love Is a Lie" "Save You" "Can't Keep My Hands off You" "Jet Lag" "Astronaut" "Summer Paradise" "I Don't Wanna Go to Bed" "Singing in the Rain"
Other songs	"Wavin' Flag" (Haiti mix)
Live albums	MTV Hard Rock Live
Extended plays	Get Your Heart On – The Second Coming!
Related	Discography Reset "History"