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Friday 5 July 2019

Album Review: Happiness Begins by Jonas Brothers

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As you can probably tell from the above image, I'm a massive fan of the Jonas Brothers and have been for over ten years. I was 15 when they were in their heyday and since then, they've always been one of my most favourite bands - even after they split up.

So, as anyone who knows me can attest, I was over the moon earlier this year when the brothers announced that they were getting back together. I eagerly bought tickets in the pre-sale to see them when they tour the UK next year, I signed up to Amazon Prime just to watch their Chasing Happiness documentary, and I fell in love with their music all over again when Happiness Begins dropped through my letterbox on release day.

Oh my Jonas (OMJ), I was hooked. Now, just under a month down the line, I'm ready to share my thoughts on the album with you.
"Come back to me, baby, I'll come back to you."
I thought I was prepared for Happiness Begins. Spoiler alert, I was not.

I put the album in my car to listen to on the way home from work and have done so every day since then. I just can't seem to get enough of these songs.

Happiness Begins kicks off with 'Sucker' and 'Cool', the two singles released prior to the album. I was prepared for these and knew what to expect, so it wasn't until track three that the nostalgia and all the feels hit me. In fact, the first time I listened to the album all the way through, I had a tear in my eye as 'Comeback' drew to a close.

Effortlessly spanning a range of different musical genres, the boys' songwriting skills are put to the test as the band branches out into a new style of music than they enjoyed with their pure pop hits back in their heyday. On this album, everything somehow seems exactly the same yet entirely different.

Happiness Begins brings a more mature, refined sound, combining all the best bits of the old favourites with exciting new styles and each of the brothers' unique approaches to music. My personal favourites are 'I Believe', 'Don't Throw it Away', 'Strangers' and 'Rollercoaster'. However, even though I prefer some to others, there's not a single song on the album that I dislike.

Personally, I think Happiness Begins is a real grower. Comeback albums are always a bit risky and can be hit and miss (just look at Busted's comeback album, Night Driver, I loved it but many of the old-school fans missed the classic pop sound) but overall, the Jonas Brothers have nailed a perfect combination of nostalgic hits and an exciting new sound. I'm beyond excited to hear these new songs (as well as all the old favourites) live on the European tour next year and I can't wait to see what's next for the brothers' new direction.

You'd better believe the Jonas Brothers are back!
"It was fun when we were young and now we're older
Those days that are the worst, they seem to glow now
We were up-and-down and barely made it over
But I'd go back and ride that roller coaster with you."
Rating: 5 stars (let's be honest, was it ever going to be anything less?)

Happiness Begins is available to buy now.

What do you think of the album? Let me know in the comments below!

1 comment:

  1. the best album ever. I love it so much. every single song is a hit.

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