Never Trust a Happy Song

Grouplove | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 13, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Atlantic
• ASIN: B005EMNL4G
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #509 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Never Trust A Happy Song was produced by the band's own Ryan Rabin and comes on the heels of their acclaimed, self-titled EP released in early 2011. Heralded by NME as one of the "Best New Bands of 2010," Grouplove closed 2010 by touring the U.S. with The Joy Formidable and being handpicked to open a number of West Coast dates for Florence + The Machine. Since then, the band has been on the road nearly non-stop in support of their self-titled debut EP, released in January 2011 via Canvasback Music. SPIN declared Grouplove "a band to watch in 2011" and called their track "Colours" "one of the most infectious songs you're bound to hear" while NPR described their music as "wild, thrilling and above all joyful noise." --This text refers to the Vinyl edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best release of 2011 besides their EP, September 16, 2011

By 

lurocker - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Trust a Happy Song (Audio CD)

For anyone wondering whether Never Trust a Happy Song delivers, the answer is a strong yes. I had never heard of Grouplove before their self titled EP came out earlier this year. The 6 song EP was just a tease leaving my foot tapping, hands clapping and me wanting more. Colours and Naked Kids were featured on the EP but find a warm place on Never Trust a Happy Song. This will probably be categorized under 'indie' music but I really think it has a wider appeal than just indie music. Elements of folk,pop,some electronica,alternative,and rock are incorporated into this release as well as indie.

This is infectious music that is full of wonderful harmonies, good times and smiles. That might not be cool for you indie hipsters but that's great because the world could do without any more hipsters who swear by Bon Iver and the XX. With 2 singers and plenty of harmony in the songs, they will be stuck in your head and want you to give the disc repeated listens.

There have been some good releases in 2011, such as My Morning Jacket's Circuital, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Beady Eye, Foo Fighters, Primus and more but I think this could be the best release of 2011 so far. Of all the previously mentioned releases, Never Trust a Happy Song will probably get the most spins and repeated listens from me because its just fun and is uplifting, and at music's core, isn't that what it should be about?

I've never written a review before on Amazon but Grouplove deserves to be heard and enjoyed by the masses. Here's to great success and many more great albums by Grouplove!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top 10 Album of the Year!, November 10, 2011

By 

Todd E. Witkin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Never Trust a Happy Song (Audio CD)

Grouplove is one of the most musically talented bands to hit the LA Rock Scene, due to the fact that each member can fluidly perform so many different instruments. Chris Zucconi has worked incredibly hard over the past 15-20 years to hone his skills, and the outcome is truly amazing. Hannah Hooper just started singing a couple of years ago, and her voice really shines. It is a magical experience to watch them perform live, and the album captures a lot of their spirit. I'd definitely recommend this CD due to the fact that their music is so diverse, and there is a story intertwined through the whole album.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Harmonious California Sun and Great Tunes, September 13, 2011

By 

Tommy D "Tom" (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Never Trust a Happy Song (Audio CD)

I got this on pre release based on the strength of their first EP simply called `Grouplove'. It is just summer, fun and soaring vocals that bring a smile to your face. It opens with `Itchin on a photograph', which sets the scene with hand claps opening onto a full throttle harmonious bout of sing along danceable fun. Hannah Hooper does great backing (and lead) vocals, and all the artwork too. Mind you all six contribute and they really do enjoy their performance.

Track 2 `Tongue Tied' is equally up and poppy - and make no mistake experimental this aint. It is the sort of thing that makes you want to sing and dance along, which in my case tends to annoy anyone within ear shot. There is no lyric sheet and you don't need it as everything is very clear and unchallenging, which some will see as a criticism, but this is escapist fun and full of positivity and good times. `Lovely Cup' is one I remember them playing when I saw them at `Latitude Festival' and it sounds as good on record, and it is followed by `Colours' which was the opener on their previous EP. Now a mate of mine said that was a bit pants as it means buying the same song twice. However there are only two tracks from that EP, the other is the brrrilliant `Naked Kids' and as there are 12 songs here, we are actually getting ten new ones. So glass a load more than half full in my books.

Track 5 has Hannah do the lead vocals and takes the pace down a tad, but in a nice change of pace way that keeps up the momentum with some lovely atmospheric bells and soaring guitar. Fans of mandolin will love `Spun', this gets us back on track with the driving bass lines and if one were being honest, simplistic lyrics, that are delivered in an effortless way that few can match. I love `Cruel and Beautiful World' the penultimate track, this is a slower one still has their fingerprints all over it especially when they get to the chorus. It closes with `Close Your Eyes'; and this is one that will leave you wanting more. All in all a great follow up and a welcome and impressive debut album, just do yourself a favour and go get this - it will remind you of the summer you wanted to have had and if you get the chance go see them live too - they are superb.