Normal Happiness
by Robert Pollard
  • Record Label: Merge
  • Release Date: Oct 10, 2006
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The A.V. Club
    83
    Normal Happens is a collection of short, breezy power-pop songs with a lo-fi edge. It's easy to listen to, easy to like.
  2. Alternative Press
    80
    Much of Normal Happiness combines the effortless charm of classic power-pop with elements of prog as put through the filter of early Genesis or Ween; kind of like that last New Pornographers disc, but better. [Nov 2006, p.188]
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  3. Magnet
    80
    Pollard's most efficient and exploratory album in years. [#73, p.99]
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  5. AllMusic
    80
    Normal Happiness is more in the tradition of his best work with GBV -- sixteen short songs (only one over three minutes, seven under two), with plenty of hooks, lots of guitar and no more fuss than necessary.
  6. Mojo
    80
    [It] delivers a pop-art contrast to the prog-opaque sprawl of its underrated predecessor. [Nov 2006, p.106]
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  7. The Boston Phoenix
    75
    Normal Happiness... could be one of his most satisfying sets.
  8. Urb
    70
    One of his better releases this year. [Oct 2006, p.122]
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  9. Billboard
    70
    While there are certainly some forgettable moments here... the refreshing news is that "Normal Happiness" can stand proudly amid the Pollard oeuvre.
  10. Under The Radar
    70
    Normal Happiness is a quick study in what he does best, and nearly every song containsing at least one good idea. [#15]
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  11. Pitchfork
    64
    Normal Happiness is a slightly-above-mediocre release from an artist who never dared to be mediocre; just inconsistent.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. ttheve
    Jul 2, 2007
    9
    another excellent release- a new pollard release usually means4 or 5 new instant classics. here he comes through again. boxing about ia the another excellent release- a new pollard release usually means4 or 5 new instant classics. here he comes through again. boxing about ia the most beautiful song he 's ever writte. Faceful and Full Sun and Towers/Landslides are the others that got stuck in my head for months and I could'nt stop enjoying them. Love it.… Full Review »
  2. AaronL
    Jan 14, 2007
    4
    A few excellent moments surrounded by heaps of filler. The higher accessibility of Normal Happiness' songs - quick riffs, power chords, A few excellent moments surrounded by heaps of filler. The higher accessibility of Normal Happiness' songs - quick riffs, power chords, even a power ballad - translates to losing the Wire-meets-The Fall feel that made From A Compound Eye one of the best GbV-related releases ever. Ignore this one and get From a Compound Eye instead.… Full Review »
  3. EWayne
    Jan 13, 2007
    9
    Bob's produced another low-fi, power pop gem. Addictive listening.
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