What makes Happiness Not Included by Soft Cell notable?

'Happiness Not Included' marked a significant comeback for Soft Cell, debuting at number six on the UK Albums Chart and receiving generally positive reviews from critics. Its exploration of dark themes amidst upbeat production has resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners, contributing to discussions about mental health in modern music. Released on May 6, 2022, 'Happiness Not Included' is Soft Cell's first studio album in over 20 years, following their 2002 collection 'Cruelty Without Beauty'. At this point in their career, Marc Almond and David Ball sought to revive their signature sound while reflecting on contemporary themes of nostalgia and disillusionment.

Who is Happiness Not Included for?

Happiness Not Included works well if you're into melancholic reflective moments, nostalgic soundscapes exploration and steady rhythmic pulses.

How many songs are on Happiness Not Included?

Happiness Not Included has 12 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Happiness Not Included

Soft Cell · 2022

55 min · 12 tracks · electronic music

A blend of art pop and dark wave, steeped in melancholy yet pulsating with danceable electronic rhythms.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Happy Happy Happy — Opening the album with an infectious energy, this track juxtaposes buoyant melodies with lyrics that explore fleeting happiness, setting the tone for the project's thematic complexity.
→
Heart Like Chernobyl — This track delivers a poignant commentary on emotional fallout through vivid imagery, combining catchy synth lines with darker lyrical themes that exemplify the band's unique contrast.
→
Nostalgia Machine — A reflective piece that delves into the complexities of memory and longing, it encapsulates the album's exploration of past influences while maintaining a vibrant sonic palette.

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 blends upbeat production with darker themes, offering a mix of engaging tracks but lacking strong cohesion.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks with driving beats and layered synths, while the second half shifts to more introspective melodies.
Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements alongside traditional singing, creating a varied vocal texture.
The album's title track is positioned as the seventh track, serving as a reflective pause before the final push of energy in the last few songs.

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

Influence 3/10

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

melancholic reflective moments
nostalgic soundscapes exploration
steady rhythmic pulses
gradual emotional builds
immersive listening experience

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on May 6, 2022, 'Happiness Not Included' is Soft Cell's first studio album in over 20 years, following their 2002 collection 'Cruelty Without Beauty'. At this point in their career, Marc Almond and David Ball sought to revive their signature sound while reflecting on contemporary themes of nostalgia and disillusionment.
Stylistic neighbors: Depeche Mode· Gary Numan· The Human League