Everybody Loves A Happy Ending
by Tears for Fears
  • Record Label: New Door
  • Release Date: Sep 14, 2004
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. AllMusic
    80
    Everybody Loves a Happy Ending will do little to convert those who winced at Orzabal and Smith's obtuse lyrics and over the top production the first time around, but loyal followers, fans of XTC's Apple Venus, Pt. 1, and lovers of intricately arranged and artfully executed pop music will find themselves delightfully consumed by this enigmatic group's final (?) chapter.
  2. Amazon.com
    80
    Tears for Fears skirts the has-been trap impressively, translating years of experience into play-it-again, sophisticated modern pop worth paying attention to.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    40
    This is what they came back for?
  5. Billboard
    80
    Rich in melody and mood, guitar and piano; it is more rock than pop.
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Everybody Loves a Happy Ending is a polychromatic, sweeping collection of gorgeous guitar-pop gems, a clever and harmonious amusement park filled with fun rides listeners will want to board over and over.
  7. Drowned In Sound
    50
    To put into context, it’s a damn sight less disappointing than the new Duran Duran folly, and over time even many of the lesser tracks begin to sink in to the psyche.
  8. Filter
    46
    In the end, this record is frustrating. [#9, p.111]
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  9. Mojo
    60
    Has lingering '80s elements, with some pompous lyrics, laborious arrangements and long, drawn-out vowel sounds, yet it is also fresher and less strenuous than before. [Apr 2004, p.114]
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  10. PopMatters
    70
    Happy Ending acquits itself nicely by offering a compelling blend of gigantic hooks, sugary-sweet melodies, and textured production.
  11. Q Magazine
    40
    It's a salient reminder of the wafer-thin line between art and pretentious bollocks. [May 2004, p.108]
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  12. The Guardian
    60
    All that's missing is the tunes - title track aside, the hummability factor is nil.
  13. Uncut
    80
    A guilty, gleeful indulgence. [May 2004, p.93]
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Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2004
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 63
  3. Negative: 5 out of 63
  1. mabernethy
    Apr 28, 2018
    10
    I've never understood why critics love to hate Tears for Fears. Fourteen years (?!) later, "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending" remains one ofI've never understood why critics love to hate Tears for Fears. Fourteen years (?!) later, "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending" remains one of the best pop-rock albums of the millennium. The melodies are crisp and direct, the are songs playful and often feel effortlessly crafted, and the arrangements and production are top-notch.
    This isn't the TFF of the 1980s -- they left the angst behind with young adulthood -- but there's plenty to dig into and enjoy.    … Full Review »
  2. TheRimRider
    Oct 12, 2015
    9
    Takes a few spins, something the critics obviously didn't bother investing in, but once it hits home, it's there for the long haul. EasilyTakes a few spins, something the critics obviously didn't bother investing in, but once it hits home, it's there for the long haul. Easily their best album since The Big Chair. Yes it's that good. Sophisticated, as they've always been.… Full Review »
  3. barrykester
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    The complaint is that it is a bit beatlisc, but to be honest, but of course they were influenced by Sgt. Pepper. Perhaps critics always wantedThe complaint is that it is a bit beatlisc, but to be honest, but of course they were influenced by Sgt. Pepper. Perhaps critics always wanted TFF to revert back to their melancholic hay days. I'm glad they didn't and went out (perhaps?) with something more sanguine.… Full Review »
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