"How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today" is the third studio album by the American crossover thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, released on September 13, 1988, via Epic Records. This album marked the band's debut with Epic Records and introduced guitarist Mike Clark. It was also the only album featuring bassist Bob Heathcote before Robert Trujillo joined the band in 1989.
"How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today" represents a significant shift in Suicidal Tendencies' musical direction. This album marks the band's transition from their punk roots to a more thrash-oriented sound. Compared to their previous album, "Join the Army," this release features more complex, metal-focused compositions with improved production quality.
The addition of rhythm guitarist Mike Clark, who had previously played with vocalist Mike Muir in the metal side project No Mercy, played a crucial role in this transformation. Clark contributed significantly to the songwriting, allowing lead guitarist Rocky George more opportunities for soloing, further cementing the album's metal influence.
The album's cover art is notable for its depiction of the band in front of the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Los Angeles, with the back cover showing them beside the church. This landmark has since been renovated and expanded, altering its appearance from what is shown on the album.
