Happiness Not Included
BMG, 2022
8/10
Listen to Happiness Not Included
The English synthpop legends return with their first album in 20 years, where The Soft Cell founders Marc Almond and David Ball are accompanied by some well known artists for a dozen new tracks that reside somewhere between New Wave, electro-pop, synth-rock and dance-pop.
“Happy Happy Happy” opens the listen with buzzing synth and spoken word, before Almond’s inimitable pipes enter the cautious pop fueled climate, and “Polaroid” continues with a playful beat as a darker, nearly post-punk quality populates the throbbing delivery.
The Pet Shop Boys lend their talents to the hazy “Purple Zone”, where a dance floor ready energy is fueled by airy melodies and a warm New Wave spirit that sounds right at home in the mid ‘80s, while the title track moves with a sci-fi feel that embraces some rock sensibilities amid soulful moments of exploration.
“Tranquiliser” and “New Eden” exit the listen, where the former glides with a dreamy introspection, and the latter lands in piano balladry that’s quite pretty, stirring even, in its sublime presence.
An album with no lack of moody melancholy, though they’ll always be known for their 1981 hit “Tainted Love”, Happiness Not Included proves that, 40+ years after they became globally famous, Soft Cell’s synth prowess is still quite exciting and distinct.
Travels well with: Dexys- One Day I’m Going To Soar; Japan- Quiet Life