Customer Reviews

Never Trust a Happy Song

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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!

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.

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.

Wow, so few reviews (as of February 2012) for such an awesome album! This is an album for alternative fans, or even pop fans, to not miss. So many have talked about hits such as "Tongue Tied" (thank you Apple for introducing this song to us in a big was on your commercials!), "Itchin' On A Photograph" and "Colors"; but as with any great album, 'Never Trust A Happy Song' takes a little time to explore and appreciate its depths. I just can't imagine life without "Slow", "Love Will Save Your Soul" and "Close Your Eyes And Count To Ten"--they have such catch melodies that will haunt you until you return to visit them over and over again! Much like a paradox for alternative music, Grouplove seems like they have so much fun singing all of these songs, despite having an album title that sounds like it could be a bit depressing! This all combines to be a stellar debut, and one of 2011's best albums, that shouldn't be missed!

I bought this CD for my 15 yr old daughter after we heard the song "Colours" on a Sirius station. The album is much better than I expected it would be- the songs all sound very different which is quite a change from some of the newer bands where all the songs seem to sound the same. This band utilizes all of their members talents which makes it interesting to listen to.

This band's energy is infectious. I have loved them for the better part of 2011 and am basically shoving them down the throats of all my friends. I saw them in Philly in September and the energy that they exude from the stage just overwhelms you and you can't help but clap your hands and smile.
Fantastic melodies make perfect listening while driving around on sunny days up and down the east coast and I've been told that walking around Florence, Italy while listening to them is pretty close to a religious experience. I am a huge lover of music, but never have a particular favorite band. This band has been my favorite since I laid ears on them. Every song will be your favorite song..... can't say enough good things....

Instantly became my favorite band after listening to this CD. I have listened to this countless times and it never gets old. Do yourself a favor and buy it.

I've really beeen enjoying this album. Its light and happy. The song "tongue tied" was my reason for buying this cd. Usually when I like a song that much I know I'll like the band. And it worked out that way this time. Love listening to this album. It reminds me a little of MGMT. Plus if you get the album you get the artwork which is quite lovely!

The Strokes. The Shins. Ben Kweller. The Vines. Adam Green. The White Stripes. Kings of Leon. The Hives. Just a few of the great bands/artists from the indie rock revolution of the early 2000's. Anybody who's a fan of this era understands its importance in paving the way and setting the standard for their genre. Who knows if bands like MGMT or Vampire Weekend would have ever made it huge if their forefathers didn't make it cool to be so off-kilter.

The indie bands aren't the public's main attention anymore, but there are still a few greats out there. Some are very popular. Some are a bit under the radar. That's where Grouplove sits...and it couldn't be more unfair. This is one of the best albums of its genre in years. It might not be Is This It or Elephant, but it's just as promising a debut as the majority of the "greats." I was absolutely floored by this album. It showed me that there's still so many gorgeous melodies and guitar riffs waiting to be born. You can feel the inspiration and originality bursting from this band's seams. Let's hope they continue making some quality records in the future. It's just the beginning for this group, but they hit it out of the park already. I'll be watching these kids with a keen eye.

Pick it up. You won't regret it.

Aside from being a really rocking album that will keep you dancing in your chair, listening to this album makes me feel like I'm listening to the next generation. There's an attitude pervading this album that writes off everything wrong with the world so it can focus on what it really cares about: having fun, making love, and doing what it wants. It's not a 'screw you' to the world; it's a complete ignorance of any sort of neurosis about its decisions.

I realize that sounds a bit 'deep' for an album review, but that's how I feel when I listen to it -- and it's a unique feeling I haven't had with any other album.

All that aside, this is just really good music; every track is very strong, eminently listenable, layered, and they all stand up to many, many listens.