Described herein are laminate structures with enhanced sound-damping properties and mechanical properties. The laminates are composed of an interlayer structure disposed between a first glass substrate and a second glass substrate, wherein the interlayer is composed of a polymer layer designed such that sound attenuation or damping by the laminate is optimized. The laminates described herein may be used in vehicles or architectural panels. In one or more embodiments, the laminate may be disposed in an opening of a vehicle body. Where the vehicle body is an automobile, the laminate could be used as a windshield, a side window, sunroof or rear windshield. The body of some embodiments may include railcar body, or an airplane body. In other embodiments, the laminate may be used in architectural panels, which may include a window, an interior wall panel, a modular furniture panel, a backsplash, a cabinet panel, or an appliance panel.