From bassist Kevin Ray leaving the band due to “actions out of alignment with the band’s values” to a pandemic recording pause, the last two years have been difficult for Walk the Moon. Remaining members Nicholas Petricca, Sean Waugaman and Eli Maiman have now found the light at the end of the tunnel with their fourth album, HEIGHTS. As with its previous albums, the pop-rock trio brings a lively singalong energy, showing it can make the best of a difficult situation. The album’s 12 tracks tie together themes of moving on, self-care and love while weaving in some customary party anthems.

Walk the Moon attacks the age-old themes of love and heartbreak on HEIGHTS but writes about them from more mature angles. Diverging from typical angry or depressing post-breakup tropes, the bass-driven “I’m Good” delves into numerous emotions. The chorus reveals Petricca wishing the best for his lost love, hoping she finds love and peace. On the piano-led outro the singer acknowledges the mutual pain but remains thankful.

Album closer “Population of 2” is a rock ballad for eloping. It’s a full-bodied and upbeat song that talks about running away with the one you love and finding a place of your own. Petricca sings the impulsive words over a fast-paced keyboard and drum melody complete with a guitar solo. Walk the Moon’s approach to these common themes is lyrically different from their pop-rock peers. Listen to “Don’t Make Me” for more heartbreak vibes and the title track if you’re looking for another love song.

Walk the Moon tackles self-love and mental health on “The Keys.” Synths and a stomp-clap beat run beneath lyrics about the parallels between the human mind and a cage. While it’s an oversimplification, the song’s not wrong, either. “Rise Up” is about the reality of falling flat on your face and the importance of getting up stronger.

The track opens with a gospel choir chanting “rise up” before Petricca delivers a sermon about coming back from failure and believing in yourself above all else. Sonically the song recalls “This Is Me,” from the soundtrack to “The Greatest Showman,” and the messages run parallel as well. They’re both about strength of mind. Generally speaking, Walk the Moon has been known for positive messages in its music. Given the struggles of recent times, it’s good to see that hasn’t changed.

What kind of Walk the Moon album would HEIGHTS be if it didn’t include a danceable party track? “Can You Handle My Love?” is that song. It opens with a keyboard intro, a funky pop beat and a backing bass part that builds into the band’s signature blend of 1980s power pop. It’s got an easily chantable chorus that grows with claps and piano, making it pretty easy to visualize Petricca bouncing around the stage. The important thing about this song, though, is that it doesn’t sound like an attempt to recreate “Shut Up and Dance.” It’s not boisterous and flashy like its predecessor, while incorporating some different sounds and experimentation.

Walk the Moon, which got its start about a decade ago, so it’s nice to see that it’s reached a more mature message and sound. HEIGHTS isn’t wildly different from what it has done in the past, however, it spells good things for the future. It’s still a catchy album, and that’s a great place for a band to be.

Follow writer Piper Westrom at Twitter.com/plwestrom.