Customer Reviews

Happiness

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Beloved hit it big in 1990 with their release Happiness. I still remember dancing around my dorm room while enjoying the video for "Hello." Even today, I still "spit" in the appropriate spot, and I still do my finger movements for the "LSO" lyrics toward the end. Happiness is a fun Synth-Alt-Euro-Pop album with danceable beats and addictive lyrics. You're sure to find yourself singing and bopping along to every song.

The album starts off on a fun, fast, and furious pace with "Hello" and "Your Love Takes Me Higher" which get your blood pumping and toes tapping. "Time After Time" is a bit more solemn ("she turns towards you and sticks the knife in"), however the musical and lyrical hooks make this a great song to vent through. The next three songs I tend to lump together since they were the songs that took me the longest to appreciate. The attitudes and emotions they exude are a bit different from the positive take-charge attitude of the rest of the album, however they provide a unique break aurally for the listener. "Don't You Worry" is trite and sappy, but it's still addictive; "Scarlet Beautiful" is fast and upbeat, but it's more manic stress upbeat than happy (good for venting road rage stress); and "The Sun Rising" is a trancey, ethereal trip. The last 4 songs, like the first three, engage the listener and get one dancing and singing out loud again. "I Love You More" is eternally happy in its orchestration and lyrics, and one can't help but smile while singing along. "Wake Up Soon" is a funky "attitude" song ("don't go telling me that everything must have a reason"). Fast paced and happy, "Up, Up and Away" does just that - send the listener up to the clouds to fly around in a hyper, happy, hazy high (yelling the lyrics "H-A-P-P-Y"). The last song, "Found," is a fantastic closer, calming the listener back down, however leaving one with a sense of happy serenity and hope.

I was debating what kind of rating to give this album. While the average music listener might only give the album three stars, I would give it at least 4 based on its musical content, especially after time has allowed me to appreciate those middle three songs. However, I decided to give the album 5 stars based on some personal deciding factors. I have many good memories and associations with this album, giving me a sense of "ownership" of this release. And I still find myself sometimes saying, "Hey, I'd really like to listen to some Beloved right now." And despite owning all their releases (except for the greatest hits comp.), this is the album that defines The Beloved for me.

For the casual listener, Happiness is a great, fun album, especially for fans of Synth-Alt-Euro-Pop. And for those who like to let the music take control and wash over you, Happiness is sure to find a special place in your heart that will bring you happiness whenever you listen to it.

As a side note for Beloved fans, here are some additional releases that you might want to keep an eye out for in relation to Happiness. Happiness resulted in the release of three singles: "Hello" in 1990 (which has 5 mixes and the unreleased "Paradise (My Darling, My Angel)"), "Time After Time" in 1990 (which has 4 mixes, a mix of "Your Love Takes Me Higher," and the non-album track "Pablo"), and "The Sun Rising" in 1997 (which has 5 mixes of the song, released in conjunction with the greatest hits comp.). Also, The Beloved released Blissed Out in 1990 or 1991, which is pretty much a remix album of Happiness (and at the time of this review, it appears Amazon.com has this once very rare release available - a review will be forthcoming). Happy hunting!

This album bears proof that there is a world of fabulous music outside of mainstream. I'm not sure where to start. First, this disc is alot of fun; "Happiness" is a perfect name for the cd. Whenever I listen to it I seem to get lost in the sweet melodies. I find myself pushing the back button and repeating song after song. From the 1990 club classic "Hello" to "Scarlet Beautiful" I just can't get enough. I don't think there is one track that I skip when listening.

So, take a chance on this instant classic, I promise "Happiness" (Also, check out X & Conscience)

After their 1987 indie-label debut, "Where It Is," the British group the Beloved, led by singer/songwriter Jon Marsh, changed musical direction and went into the world of synth-pop, making a considerable splash in 1990 with their second album, "Happiness," and it's name-dropping dance hit, "Hello." Simply put, this is a great album, with great catchy tunes, solid hooks, rhythms, and Marsh's smooth lead vocals. It's also the group's best album to date. Besides the memorable hit "Hello," there's also the beautiful "Time After Time" & "Don't You Worry," the incredibly sensual "The Sun Rising," the uplifting pop of "I Love You More," and the killer grooves of "Wake Up Soon." A true "feel-good" album if there ever was one, the Beloved's "Happiness" is a gem. Buy it right now!

Albeit it's almost a classic now, The Beloved had it going on with Happiness; it's dreamy, soothing, and melodic. The vocal style is sensual and deep, the lyrics, positive and real. Musically, it's mixed with a cool balance of guitar and synth, with upbeat as well as slower tracks. It has a certain moodiness that is unique.

Some of my favorites are: "Hello"-Jams!/"Your Love Takes Me Higher"/"Time After Time"/"Don't You Worry"/"Wake Up Soon."

This is just wonderful. Taking the (sadly gone) vibe of the second summer of love and adding some tunes. "Happy" is ecstatic; "Time after Time" raises goose bumps. It's a joy!

I'm writing this in a tiny cubical at work. I'm day-dreaming of lying on a grass covered mountain side, sharing a bottle of wine with my wife with "Happiness" as the soundtrack. It's just one of those types of records.

This is one of those albums I would mention when someone asks me the question "What's the one album you would keep with you if you were stranded on a desert island?" Happiness by The Beloved! If you aren't woo'ed by this guy's voice, I don't know if you ever can be. It's got a little bit of everything!

The Beloved are as well my favourite band no-one knows about. This album marked the beginning of something beautiful. Time After Time sweeps you into the clouds and I Love You More keeps you up there bouncing around. X, the latest from this team is a must have as well. I encourage anyone who loves this album to check out The Lightning Seeds as well.

Every song on the Album has that magical quality of a ray of sunlight. Not dance, not pop, just pure enjoyment. Even after 9 years, this is the album to put on if you want instant happiness. I have dedicated songs from this album to those who are near and dear.

This being the latest in my purchase of BELOVED cds, I have to ask myself how I let such a great group take so long to find me. This album is a pleasent joy to listen to. I find myself playing the cd over and over again. X, thier latest cd is one of my all time favourites!

Great band. Remember when bands were fun to follow and listen to? Buy this if you like fun 80s music.