Happiness Ltd.
by Hot Hot Heat
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. AllMusic
    60
    The result is a muddled album that gets even farther away from Hot Hot Heat's former glory even as it tries to recapture it.
  2. Pitchfork
    50
    Much of Happiness Ltd. suffers from one of the cardinal sins of radio-ready rock: stuffing unmemorable verses between overblown choruses.
  3. Uncut
    60
    Hot Hot Heat have recently toned down a lot of their jerkier tendencies and are a lot less annoying for it. [Nov 2007, p.107]
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  5. Q Magazine
    40
    They've delivered their weakest set of songs to date. [Oct 2007, p.98]
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  6. The A.V. Club
    58
    It's telling, though, that the best song on Happiness is a re-recorded '5 Times Out Of 100,' which originally appeared on the band's debut Sub Pop EP.
  7. Spin
    60
    On Happiness Ltd., they admirably mess with success, loading up their spastic, skinny-tie ditties with epic heft. [Oct 2007, p.104]
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  8. Paste Magazine
    60
    Happiness ultimately falls victim to a faintly generic feel. There’s nothing we haven’t heard before, so reserve the album for background music rather than close listening, and it shouldn’t disappoint.
  9. Alternative Press
    60
    It's still a blast to listen to Hot Hot Heat when they sound like they're having fun, even if they have to fake it. [Sep/Oct 2007, p.169]
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  10. NOW Magazine
    40
    Replacement guitarist Luke Paquin is serviceable but stays in the shadows, while vocalist Steve Bays sheds more of HHH's former skin on a sonically big record that offers only rare doses of the pulsating new wave punk energy they once emitted.
  11. Blender
    40
    Now, on only their third major-label release, they sound almost middle-aged. [Oct 2007, p.110]
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  12. Dot Music
    40
    Their third, Happiness Ltd, is a sulky teenager, and about as attractive and engaging as that suggests.
  13. Village Voice
    40
    So while '5 Times Out of 100' and 'My Best Friend' revive old times, you miss Steve Bay's unhinged vocals and jagged keyboards elsewhere when HHH instead try to compensate with a funky chant- rocker ('Give Up') or a big-drama Raspberries tribute (the title track).
  14. Lost At Sea
    54
    Happiness Ltd. is a big mess.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. AllanC.
    Sep 26, 2007
    9
    This album is good. It may not be Hot Hot Heat good but I think fans will enjoy this album. Vocals are roughly the same and I don't This album is good. It may not be Hot Hot Heat good but I think fans will enjoy this album. Vocals are roughly the same and I don't think it's justified that because they have changed sounds they should receive a bad grade despite this album being decent. Still very catchy stuff.… Full Review »
  2. iieee
    Sep 19, 2007
    10
    I enjoyed it, awesome album! just buy it, it's like 9.99 everywhere!? well worth the 10 bones! great band, you will be happy with this I enjoyed it, awesome album! just buy it, it's like 9.99 everywhere!? well worth the 10 bones! great band, you will be happy with this album if you've liked the other two albums.… Full Review »
  3. justinh
    Sep 15, 2007
    10
    Immaculate! Happiness Ltd. is far more mature and unique than anything out right now.
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