Happiness Is
Taking Back Sunday · 2014
40 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant blend of emo-infused rock and introspective lyrics that balances nostalgia with a sense of hopeful urgency.
Top tracks — play these first
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Flicker, Fade Start here — This track captures the essence of the album's theme with its driving rhythm and contemplative lyrics about fleeting moments in life, embodying both urgency and reflection.
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Stood a Chance — With its emotive delivery and catchy chorus, this song stands out as a testament to resilience in relationships, showcasing the band's ability to intertwine personal narratives with melodic hooks.
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They Don’t Have Any Friends — This track dives into themes of isolation and self-acceptance, highlighted by dynamic instrumentation that shifts from quiet introspection to anthemic crescendos, making it emblematic of the album's emotional depth.
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Better Homes and Gardens — The juxtaposition of idealized domesticity against existential musings makes this track particularly striking, illustrating the band's knack for blending vivid imagery with relatable angst.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and production but remains within familiar genre boundaries.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature driving guitar riffs and energetic vocals, establishing a high tempo that persists until the fifth track, which slows down significantly.
- Several songs employ layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, creating a rich texture that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics.
- The album includes moments of dynamic contrast, with quieter verses leading into explosive choruses, particularly evident in tracks like 'Flicker, Fade' and 'Stood a Chance'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic reflections on youth
- steady pacing for focused listening
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- earnest lyrics with emotional resonance
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, high-energy tracks
- seek standalone single hits
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and maturity after a five-year hiatus.
- Career context
- Released on March 18, 2014, 'Happiness Is' is Taking Back Sunday's sixth studio album and marks a return to form after a five-year hiatus. The band had undergone lineup changes following their previous album, 'New Again' (2009), and this release showcases a renewed energy with original guitarist John Nolan back in the fold, re-establishing the band's classic sound while exploring new lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brand New· The Used· Dashboard Confessional
Tracklist
- 1 Preface 1:26
- 2 Flicker, Fade Start here 4:33
- 3 Stood a Chance 3:39
- 4 All the Way 3:48
- 5 Beat Up Car 3:11
- 6 It Takes More 5:11
- 7 They Don’t Have Any Friends 3:48
- 8 Better Homes and Gardens 3:54
- 9 Like You Do 2:47
- 10 We Were Younger Then 4:42
- 11 Nothing at All 3:59
What to play next
Tidal Wave
2016
Continues the blend of emo rock with fresh themes and energy, expanding on 'Happiness Is'.
Taking Back Sunday
2001
Sets the stage with a mature sound that leads into the introspective vibes of 'Happiness Is'.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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