Everybody Loves A Happy Ending
by Tears for Fears
  • Record Label: New Door
  • Release Date: Sep 14, 2004
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Mojo
    60
    Has lingering '80s elements, with some pompous lyrics, laborious arrangements and long, drawn-out vowel sounds, yet it is also fresher and less strenuous than before. [Apr 2004, p.114]
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  2. The Guardian
    60
    All that's missing is the tunes - title track aside, the hummability factor is nil.
  3. Drowned In Sound
    50
    To put into context, it’s a damn sight less disappointing than the new Duran Duran folly, and over time even many of the lesser tracks begin to sink in to the psyche.
  5. Filter
    46
    In the end, this record is frustrating. [#9, p.111]
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  6. Q Magazine
    40
    It's a salient reminder of the wafer-thin line between art and pretentious bollocks. [May 2004, p.108]
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  7. Austin Chronicle
    40
    This is what they came back for?

Awards & Rankings

40
#40 Most Discussed Album of 2004
34
#34 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.7

Universal acclaim- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 58 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 63
  3. Negative: 5 out of 63
  1. mabernethy
    Apr 28, 2018
    10
    I've never understood why critics love to hate Tears for Fears. Fourteen years (?!) later, "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending" remains one ofI've never understood why critics love to hate Tears for Fears. Fourteen years (?!) later, "Everybody Loves A Happy Ending" remains one of the best pop-rock albums of the millennium. The melodies are crisp and direct, the are songs playful and often feel effortlessly crafted, and the arrangements and production are top-notch.
    This isn't the TFF of the 1980s -- they left the angst behind with young adulthood -- but there's plenty to dig into and enjoy.    … Full Review »
  2. TheRimRider
    Oct 12, 2015
    9
    Takes a few spins, something the critics obviously didn't bother investing in, but once it hits home, it's there for the long haul. EasilyTakes a few spins, something the critics obviously didn't bother investing in, but once it hits home, it's there for the long haul. Easily their best album since The Big Chair. Yes it's that good. Sophisticated, as they've always been.… Full Review »
  3. barrykester
    Mar 2, 2015
    10
    The complaint is that it is a bit beatlisc, but to be honest, but of course they were influenced by Sgt. Pepper. Perhaps critics always wantedThe complaint is that it is a bit beatlisc, but to be honest, but of course they were influenced by Sgt. Pepper. Perhaps critics always wanted TFF to revert back to their melancholic hay days. I'm glad they didn't and went out (perhaps?) with something more sanguine.… Full Review »
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