Hello Happiness
by Chaka Khan
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Feb 15, 2019
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. The Observer (UK)
    Feb 19, 2019
    80
    There’s no song here that would make an encore, but Hello Happiness is a vital calling card to remind everyone to come hear this unearthly voice, still sizzling with spice.
  2. Q Magazine
    Feb 15, 2019
    80
    Khan's own incomparable pipes as blast-proof as ever, her first studio album since 2007 stands comparison with its stellar single. [Apr 2019, p.113]
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  3. Uncut
    Feb 22, 2019
    70
    An unexpectedly impressive comeback. [Apr 2019, p.32]
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  5. Slant Magazine
    Feb 19, 2019
    70
    It’s worth applauding Khan, who turns 66 next month, for continuing to make an album as vital and contemporary-sounding as Hello Happiness.
  6. Resident Advisor
    Mar 5, 2019
    68
    It's clear that Hello Happiness is not the full album experience. Still, a few easy summer hits from Khan are a treat.
  7. Chicago Tribune
    Feb 15, 2019
    63
    “Sugar” carved out a path to the dancefloor, but it also made Khan sound like a heavily filtered singer-for-hire as she belted out the hook. The song anchors “Hello Happiness,” and the remaining six tracks are essentially more of the same, with Khan’s voice rarely in the forefront. Her vocals become just another texture in stretches of the title track. ... “Too Hot” provides the sole exception. ... It’s terrific.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 3 out of 15
  1. benzafierce
    Jun 30, 2020
    10
    Not sure what everyone else was listening to, this is a flawlessly executed disco/funk album with modern elements that should have receivedNot sure what everyone else was listening to, this is a flawlessly executed disco/funk album with modern elements that should have received more acclaim and chart success. Like A Lady, Like Sugar, Isn't That Enough and the title track are standouts but the enitre LP is solid and flows well. I can only hope it won't be such a huge gap between this and her next release.… Full Review »
  2. StevenX
    Jun 7, 2019
    2
    A face-slap to producer "Swatch" or whatever they call themselves for burying the great Khan's iconic pipes in more reverb and overproductionA face-slap to producer "Swatch" or whatever they call themselves for burying the great Khan's iconic pipes in more reverb and overproduction than a German metal album, then only letting her actually sing once in awhile. Unless this is the limited-edition dub mix, someone has some 'splainin' to do. Talent this amazing hasn't been squandered this badly since that Ethel Merman disco album, and that at least had comedy value going for it.… Full Review »
  3. jujyfruit
    Feb 26, 2019
    1
    Ever since buying the debut Rufus LP in 1973, Chaka Khan has always been my all-time favorite vocalist. This album is a supremeEver since buying the debut Rufus LP in 1973, Chaka Khan has always been my all-time favorite vocalist. This album is a supreme disappointment! The only record hers I've ever truly disliked. This project is not worthy of her gifts. Save your money.… Full Review »
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