Taking Back Sunday – Happiness Is

The spirit of resilience and innovation permeates Taking Back Sunday’s sixth full-length album, Happiness Is. As the title suggests, the album delves into profound concepts, showcasing the band’s growth & musical evolution. Co-produced by Mike Sapone and Marc Jacob Hudson, & mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer, the album sees the band expanding their sonic palette in unprecedented ways, leveraging each producer’s unique strengths.

Lazzara describes his approach to Happiness Is as, “I tried to be a little more loose; I was more focused on being myself than trying to sound perfect or anything. We also played around a lot with arranging the harmonies and playing with layers, and I think that makes these songs a lot more rich.” This richness is apparent in tracks like “Stood A Chance,” which seamlessly transitions between melodic moments and moody breakdowns, and “Better Homes And Gardens,” a cathartic experience driven by a powerful drumbeat. The band also embraced the organic evolution of their songs, as seen in the ambient ballad “It Takes More,” which transformed from an upbeat rocker into an atmospheric masterpiece.

Longtime fans will appreciate Lazzara’s personal lyrical honesty. “Through the years I’ve tried to stay pretty cryptic because often times it’s easier not to have to explain yourself, but on this record, I was very direct in the sense I tried to use the simplest way to get an idea across,” he explains. “In the past, I don’t think I ever would have let a song like ‘Like You Do’ go on an album because it’s so heartfelt in a simple way, and I also think it’s actually one of the first love songs we’ve ever written.” The band cites their performances in the Middle East, particularly in Kuwait, as inspiration for “We Were Younger Then,” with lines like, “I remember when comfort was not an option,” reflecting their journey from Long Island basements to global stages.

Format – Limited Edition Gold/Black Swirl Vinyl LP