Oh Wonder, Happy | Track Review

London-based, alt-pop duo Oh Wonder drops a certified pop bop with “Happy,” the fourth single from third album, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown.

London-based, alt-pop duo Oh Wonder, comprised of Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht, are back.  February 7, 2020 marks the release of the duo’s third album, No One Else Can Wear Your Crown.  In advance of No One Else Can Wear Your Crown, several singles were released, including the ‘happy’ song at hand, “Happy,” which arrived as the duo’s first single of the new decade – 2020!

From the beginning, “Happy” has the makings of a bop.  Josephine Vander Gucht sings the intro, which sets the tone of the record: “Never thought I’d be happy.”  From a production standpoint, the ‘fire’ is also already established, with the keyboard work and bright, bubbly synths.  Adding to the musical excellence is the use of crisp percussion (programming) and gorgeous, articulated strings.  The strings give this a dash of Baroque/Chamber pop, even if “Happy” is clearly characteristic of modern pop ala 2010s and into the 20s.

Beyond the awesome start and fantastic backdrop (produced by Oh Wonder themselves), the singing is superb as well.  Josephine takes the reins on the fourth single from No One Else Can Wear Your Crown – she’s mixed in the front of the production.  That said, Anthony West provides an excellent contrast with his lower vocals.  The chemistry between both is spot on.  Thematically, “Happy” keeps things pretty simple; the duo is surprisingly happy for their exes finding love.  The best evidence of this happiness? Why none other than the centerpiece, the chorus:

“I never thought I’d be happy to see you with somebody new
Never thought I’d be happy to see you do the things we do
With somebody else, it’s like you’re more yourself
Oh, I never thought I’d be happy to see you with somebody new.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Oh Wonder drops a certified pop bop with “Happy.” All boxes are checked off.  This is a superbly produced record, well-performed, and thematically simple yet relatable.  Perhaps we’re not always happy when our exes rebound, but this instance of happiness is pretty sweet if I do say so myself.  No One Else Can Wear Your Crown should be a treat.

Oh Wonder • No One Else Can Wear Your Crown • Island • Release: 2.7.20

Photo Credit: Island