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Hello Happiness
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Hello Happiness Image
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
6.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

  • Summary: The first new studio release of new songs from the Chicago R&B/funk artist since 2007 was co-produced by Sarah Ruba and David "Switch" Taylor.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  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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  4. 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.
  5. Exclaim
    Feb 19, 2019
    60
    Without something steady to anchor it all, Hello Happiness sound less like an album and more like a compilation of stand-alones.
  6. Mojo
    Feb 15, 2019
    60
    Hello Happiness is indeed groove heavy, but gives too little for a singer of Chaka's ability to, well, sing - which is a shame, because on the occasions she does find space to stretch out her soaring voice seems to have retained its strength, tone and power. [Mar 2019, p.96]
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  7. Pitchfork
    Feb 20, 2019
    59
    Hello Happiness is a messy, overproduced, anonymous set of hotel-lobby beats that makes woeful use of one of the greatest voices of all time. ... There’s a moment when Hello Happiness works. On the sensual and affirming closing track, “Ladylike,” Chaka Khan finally breaks free of vocal effects.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 2 out of 4
  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.… Expand
  2. Alex_Nevermind
    Feb 15, 2019
    6
    The project is mildly disappointing because of Khan's "special guest" appearance throughout it. Nice balance of 70's disco and funk. This isThe project is mildly disappointing because of Khan's "special guest" appearance throughout it. Nice balance of 70's disco and funk. This is her first released effort since 2007 double Grammy-winning "Funk This" written and produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.… Expand
  4. 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.… Expand
  5. 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.… Expand

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