Metascore
85 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Negative: 0 out of 19
  1. This is Mogwai distilled to their essence, and the result is an album of huge power, emotional depth and feeling, with vocals submerged under a claustrophobic blanket of effects and guitars battling with viola, cello, violin and piano. It's just as Eno as it is S***t, and all the greater for that.
  2. 100
    Represents an ultramodern rock masterpiece, low-key yet ominous, offering new yet comforting ways of singing familiar tunes. [Jul 2003, p.98]
  3. A sonically cinematic experience that will leave the listener feeling at once elated and emotionally drained. [Aug 2003, p.94]
  4. In the end, Happy Songs might sound like Mogwai's earlier work or be unapproachable to the listener who spends his time chilling in Sam Goody, but that doesn't mean it's not one of the most amazing albums of the year.
  5. Happy Songs is epic and subtle, technically savvy and emotionally charged and visceral all at once -- in short, it's a summary of everything that is great about Mogwai's music.
  6. The highlights would be far better suited to lesser status on a great album, and turning away from the impressive vocal performances of Rock Action to fully retreat into vocoders and hushed mumbling is a step backwards. [Note: Score listed is an average of two separate reviews, scoring 91 and 72.]
  7. May well come to be regarded as Mogwai's graduation from unproven Young Team to mature, veteran rock outfit.
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. DanH
    8
    I actually like Mr. Beast a lot better, despite it being not as well received as this album. Hunted by a Freak is an awesome song, but some of the others can be a tad boring at times. Still an amazing album. Full Review »
  2. PScott
    10
    Quite easily the best album i have ever heard... Every track is brilliant, and Ratts Of The Capital is amazing. If you don't own this yet, go buy it now. Full Review »
  3. [Anonymous]
    8
    i like it a lot. my favourite mogwai record so far.