What makes Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch by Our Lady Peace notable?

'Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch' received critical acclaim, debuting at number 2 on the Canadian Albums Chart and solidifying Our Lady Peace's place in the post-grunge scene. The album's exploration of personal and societal issues resonated widely, influencing a generation of alternative rock bands that followed. By the time 'Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch' was released in January 1999, Our Lady Peace had already established themselves with their breakthrough album, 'Clumsy', in 1997. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing more complex arrangements and deeper lyrical themes as they sought to expand their audience and artistic identity.

Who is Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch for?

Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, introspective late-night reflections and thoughtful lyrical explorations.

How many songs are on Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch?

Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch has 11 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch

Our Lady Peace · 1999

43 min · 11 tracks · alternative rock

A kaleidoscopic blend of alternative rock and post-grunge melodies that deftly explores themes of introspection and existential musings.

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Top tracks — play these first

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One Man Army — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its anthemic chorus and themes of individuality amidst adversity, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
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Is Anybody Home? — The song's introspective lyrics and haunting melody effectively convey feelings of isolation and longing, making it one of the album's standout moments.
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Thief — Blending intricate guitar work with emotive storytelling, this track delves into themes of lost love and regret, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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Stealing Babies — With its darker undertones and complex musical structure, this closing track offers a thought-provoking conclusion to the album, highlighting the band's growth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and dynamic arrangements but lacks cohesive flow across its length.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a driving tempo, but the pace fluctuates significantly throughout, with several slower, introspective songs in the middle.
Many tracks feature layered guitar textures and dynamic shifts, often transitioning from quiet verses to explosive choruses.
The lyrics frequently delve into personal and existential themes, with a focus on introspection and societal observations.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

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

steady, consistent energy levels
introspective late-night reflections
thoughtful lyrical explorations
medium-length focused sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Happiness... Is Not a Fish That You Can Catch' was released in January 1999, Our Lady Peace had already established themselves with their breakthrough album, 'Clumsy', in 1997. This album marked a significant evolution in their sound, showcasing more complex arrangements and deeper lyrical themes as they sought to expand their audience and artistic identity.
Stylistic neighbors: Live· Bush· Foo Fighters