Happiness Is

It's a solid Taking Back Sunday album.I don't feel prepared to write this review because I can't pinpoint exactly what isn't great about the album. It's a good ablum, but there's just something there that keeps it from being TBS's strongest release.There's definitely a more mature tone to the album. Harmonies and vocal overlaps are there throughout the album, but in the end it leaves me wanting more of the older style TBS.Another little things that I think bothers me about Happiness Is is the way the album swings back and forth between heavier/rock/punk tracks and lighter/pop tracks. Not that it's bad to blend the two, they alternate slower verses with uptempo choruses in some of my favorite tracks here (Flicker Fade, Better Homes and Gardens), but the flow of the album overall seems to get your fist pumping with one track then slow down the next leaving Happiness Is feeling a bit disjointed.Flicker, Fade bringing a reminder of everything I've grown to love of TBS over the years while adding in some elements from Straylight Run to bring something new to the overall sound.We Were Younger Then is another track I love, but halfway through they fade into a bridge that basically transitions into a completely different song with the same lyrics that ends out the track (similar to what Coldplay did with some tracks from Viva La Vida). It's even followed up by the very Coldplay-esque album closer, Nothing At All.Better Homes and Gardens and Beat Up Car are two solid rock tracks that find TBS reaching in slight new directions while still sounding familiar. Stood A Chance is a strong punk anthem that'll get you dancing. They Don't Have Any Friends brings more rock to the album although I don't feel it has the bite that it was intended to.All The Way takes nearly 40 seconds to slowly fade in and get started and while It Takes More only takes fifteen seconds to start, it takes over a minute to fade out. The two tracks tone things down on the record and help add to the mature tone, but for me, they slow down the flow of the album and I tend to want to skip over them. If I resist the urge to skip, I end up enjoying the tracks, but they don't jump out for me.As I listen through, I tend to hear points where I feel like I've heard that beat or riff somewhere before. We Were Younger Then is one of my favorite tracks from Happiness is, but the progression as it starts off keeps reminding me of the band Showbread. I wouldn't say this is a negative though, but as the track starts up I get distracted thinking... this sounds so familiar, where have I heard that?Overall, I really enjoy the album and recommend it.

Taking Back Sunday is one of the best EMO bands out there. I wish I had gotten to know them sooner. I have purchased all of their CDs and hope to see them again in person (took me until 2019 to go see them!)

I can't say I agree that this is TBS's old sound reborn, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. The band has evolved and so has their sound. There are some really catchy songs on here that ARE distinctly Taking Back Sunday. There are also a couple of somewhat forgettable tunes by TBS standards. Overall, if you are a fan you will very likely enjoy this album.

Have all of their albums, I have to say that this is their most polished, refined effort to date. No, we will never get another Tell All Your Friends since the band is older and the music scene has changed. However, it beats their last 2 albums and stands as their deepest yet; songs incorporate strings and an electric mandolin. Fave song is Flicker, Fade with the intro.

Despite a forgettable intro track (who needs these nowadays?) the album shines as an example of this band's ability to stay relevant to a maturing fan base while maintaining that charm we loved as teenagers. Each song feels so much like listening to "Where You Want to Be" and "Tell All Your Friends" but with a cleaner and stronger voice behind it. Truly feels like the band has grown with me in a way, but that could be the nostalgia colored lenses.

I've been a fan of Taking Back Sunday for the past 8 years and they never seem to disappoint. I like the fact that each of the albums are different. I don't really like bands that stay the same over the years because I change over the years too. I'll admit that I wasn't that impressed when I listened to it the first time, but over time it grew on me and I really love it now. Especially Beat Up Car.

I've been a fan for years and was a bit skeptical. I liked the two singles that were released, but the preview of the other songs worried me a little. Have listened to the CD at least 5 times since getting it on Tuesday from Amazon. I am no longer skeptical. They still have it! Was hard to choose a favorite song, but if I had to choose I would say 'Beat Up Car.'

just like the used rock band these guys also have matured and grown in there music and still making good music many people give up on artist because there music if they dont know grew up and changed some mostly lyric wise so u gonna have to grow up and shut up and watch and listen and enjoy what u been hearing plus love

Awesome - it took a few listens to appreciate the album as it's not in a similar vein to Where You Want To Be/Louder Now - obviously with line up changes it wouldn't! However, it's a great progression from the self titled album. There's lots of chunky bass riffs, and some typical TBS vocal swaps. Stand out tracks are Flicker, Fade, Stood A Chance and It Takes More. Although after a few listens they're all quality tracks if you're a die hard TBS fan.

Love this Band and this album does not disappoint. Would recommend this and if you havent listened to any Taking Back Sunday albums this is a good place to start

Got in quickly, wasn't damaged, it was what I asked for, by which I mean it was Taking Back Sundays latest album. Champion service.

Totally Awesome again, love this album. Can't wait for more from this band.

Quick delivery and brilliant album. Some of their best work yet.