Happiness - The Beloved

As the 80s rolled into the 90s musicworld, as I like to call it, didn't know what to do with itself. Everyone seemed to be jumping in different directions; indie bands onto the dance bandwagon (there's always been a dance element to our music), U2 reinventing themselves (temporarily at least), established rock aristocracy trying to appeal to younger audience and John Barnes rapping on a New Order single. Sheer lunacy. In the middle of this music smorgasbord / maelstrom* (*delete as appropriate or add your own Scandinavian reference) pop gems occasionally sneaked out. 'Happiness' is one such album.

And it's a real dance-pop diamond. It spawned three top 40 singles including the list-tastic 'Hello', more of that in a moment, 'Your Love Takes Me Higher' and the laid back 'The Sun Rising'. As well as these great singles there is a stunning pop classic in 'Time After Time' and the New Order influenced 'Found'. Amongst others.

In 'Hello', however, they surely crafted one of the defining singles of the era. Quite a claim but not without justification; it name checks the famous and infamous from the period, and beyond; Billy Corkhil, Zippy and Bungle, Charlie Parker, Mork and Mindy, Jeffery Archer. If a song with "Tommy Canon Bobby and Ball" in its lyrics is not worthy of a listen then surely this following couplet is;

"Charlie Parker, Charlie Brown
Leslie Crowther.....come on down"

Go on! Admit it! That is pure genius!

The album made such an impression that, along with other 1990 classics such as 'Boomania' and 'World Clique' made it feel as if summer was well and truly here to stay; forming the backdrop to a month of parties, kicking back and general happiness. Apt really.