In the beginning of 2019, a pop boyband that most thought went their separate ways for good got back together. The twitter of the beloved band, The Jonas Brothers, went completely blank and had fans playing detective to find out what they were up to. Shortly thereafter, the band announced on March 1 that they would be releasing music for the first time since 2013 with the single called “Sucker.”
After that, they released a second single (“Cool”), and news of an album quickly spread. Their fifth studio album, Happiness Begins, released June 7, and this album is a gift for those who grew up with their music. And if you never liked The Jonas Brothers’ music, you might want to give Happiness Begins a try; you might not even recognize these new Jonas boys.
Joe, Nick, and Kevin solidly start off the 14-track Happiness Begins with the first single “Sucker.” “Sucker” is easily memorable for its dynamic guitar riffs and catchy lyrics: “I’m a sucker for you.” Accompanying this song is an iconic music video featuring all three of the boys’ wives, and it instantly became a hit.
Feel the true summer vibes with the next song, “Cool,” and question why you aren’t laying out by the pool with an umbrella drink in your hand. “Only Human” is one of the many groovy songs on this album. This song reminds me of a scene out of a movie where the main character cruises beside a beach in a convertible, letting the wind breeze through their hair … (you’ll catch me pretending I’m doing the same down Lake Nona’s streets this summer). And when I listened to “Used to Be,” I half-expected Post Malone to appear; it sounds very similar to his chill rap songs.
My personal favorite off the album is the song “Every Single Time.” It has a little reggae feel that I like to hear in songs of the summer, and Nick’s vocal range works well for the song.
All of the brothers’ vocals shine on “Don’t Throw It Away.” The song showcases how far they’ve grown from their younger voices and sounds of the past.
Halfway through the album now, “Love Her” is a sweet ballad professing the promises and compromises made for a great lover. Definitely a waving-lights-in-the-crowd song.
“Happy When I’m Sad” is the embodiment of its title. It’s a cheery song about putting a really good mask on when you’re actually upset. “Happy When I’m Sad” is so happy-go-lucky that when you stop and listen to the lyrics, you go, “Wait … what is he saying?”
In the Apple Music description of the album, Joe comments that the 11th track, “Strangers,” is the song you’ll most recognize as the original Jonas Brothers sound. It sounds like a mash of their older, more alternative songs and seems as if it was especially tailored for those die-hard JB fans.
“Hesitate” is the second and very emotional ballad of the album. I like how with every song dealing with love on this record, it deals with the intensity and heaviness of the feeling while keeping a positive outlook on it. Sometimes you feel like giving up on love, but with this album, we remember that giving up shouldn’t always be the case.
Just as strongly as it began, the album ends with “Rollercoaster” and “Comeback.” “Rollercoaster” is a triumphant reflection of a crazy journey called life, something we can all relate to with our own personal rollercoasters. And The Jonas Brothers solidify their “Comeback” with the last track. A church organ plays in the background, and they sing, “Come back to me, baby, I’ll come back to you.”
And boy, are we glad to have them come back to us!
