• Record Label: Hopeless
  • Release Date: Mar 18, 2014
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Negative: 0 out of 9
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Happiness Is showcases how much each member of Taking Back Sunday has grown as an individual and a musician.
  2. Apr 1, 2014
    80
    Happiness Is shows that they've honed their skills, creating a beautifully crafted, well-constructed album that feels like more than merely a collection of songs, but rather an album full of soaring builds and heartbreaking collapses that lends credence to the notion that the best things come to those who wait.
  3. Mar 14, 2014
    80
    The second release from TBS’ reunited original lineup sees them getting their groove back.
  4. Mar 14, 2014
    70
    It’s a good record, to be sure, but that’s to be expected by TBS at this point: These guys are professional musicians who have sold a few million records and toured the world countless times over. Unfortunately, a “good” record just isn’t good enough anymore.
  5. Mar 14, 2014
    64
    Happiness Is is warming shot of feel good guitar pop and bright choruses that is easily on par with the best of the latter half of Taking Back Sunday's career.
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Dec 5, 2014
    8
    Man, talk about overlooked album of the year. I'm not trying to make this LP sound like the next masterpiece, but it is surprisingly reallyMan, talk about overlooked album of the year. I'm not trying to make this LP sound like the next masterpiece, but it is surprisingly really good. Funny enough, this is far and away my favorite album from a band I typically don't care for. I love the warmth, the wit, the polished sound and the honesty. Both the lyrics and the delivery are great, I just love how his voice is. The instrumentation isn't shabby either, presenting the music very well. I like some of the diversity on this album, even opening with violins. It's all very well made, and for me at least, enjoyable as all get out. I'm very glad I heard this album and will be listening to it in the future. Full Review »
  2. Mar 16, 2015
    9
    Another overlooked album by Taking Back Sunday. Probably the most "TBS-sounding" album since WYWTB. It just recaptures the magic thatAnother overlooked album by Taking Back Sunday. Probably the most "TBS-sounding" album since WYWTB. It just recaptures the magic that they've been lacking since before Louder Now. I think that people who dislike this album are people who don't understand that people change. TBS has turned from angst ridden teenagers to 30 year old men with families, and the sound of this album really shows the bands maturity over the years. My highlights were Like You Do, All The Way, and Beat Up Car. The only song I thoght was kinda meh was It Takes More, but not enough that I want to skip the song. An absolute must for any real TBS fan(same for the rest of the albums) Full Review »
  3. Mar 24, 2014
    6
    This is a far better album than the self-titled CD but I still like Louder Now and WYWTB best. The new CD, "Happines Is", is more balancedThis is a far better album than the self-titled CD but I still like Louder Now and WYWTB best. The new CD, "Happines Is", is more balanced than the previous album (self-titled) and has a more polished feel. The standout tracks to me are "Nothing at all", "Beat up Car", and "Stood a Chance". The lowlights for me are "Flicker Fade" and "It Takes More". Full Review »