The Happy Fits’ ‘Lovesick’ turns up the volume

By Cal Sutton

Releasing their first studio album since 2022, The Happy Fits’ 15-track record “Lovesick” hit streaming platforms on Sept. 19.

The Happy Fits restructured in early 2024 after an original member departed from the band. Swiftly, two new voices were announced to have joined the group alongside the last two standing members.

While their music style has changed for some of their songs following the addition of new members, I think “Lovesick” may be the start of a new era for the band.

The album’s opening track, “Do You See Me?” holds a very different vibe within the first moments than what has been seen on other albums. The typical upbeat vibe is nonexistent until about halfway through the track. The loud instrumental ending was a nice addition, though. This song debuted on streaming platforms in August, well before the album was released.

Along with “Do You See Me?,” tracks such as “Everything You Do” were released early as singles — and received lots of play time from me. By that, I mean I listened to “Everything You Do” over 400 times in the first week.

“Cruel Power” was also on this list of singles released early, and it did not disappoint either. “Wild in Love” and “Black Hole” were the two others that were on streaming platforms prior to the album’s formal release.

The album’s fourth track, “Lovesick #1 (Misery)” is not necessarily my cup of tea. It is the eerie feeling of the first moments of the song that made me almost skip it from the get-go — but I knew I had to keep it playing. I think I warmed up to the song more as it played through, though.

Now, the song that follows was the best of all the songs on this album. Track five, “The Nerve,” has the rock feel that I desire in a song. It could not be more perfect. As I went through listening to each song, I wrote down a play-by-play of my thoughts. At the end of “The Nerve,” I wrote, “bump the volume,” because that is exactly how this song needs to be played — loud and with lots of dancing!

One thing I really loved about this album is that it has elements that can cater to any music taste. Some songs were mellow and slower, and some had more of a rock feel — anyone could find a song on this album that piques their interest.

The album’s closing track, “I Remember,” was a good song with a nice contrast between the vocals and instrumentals. Getting bright and loud around halfway through the song was really refreshing. I love a good, loud song!

“Lovesick” is a 50-minute masterpiece and I genuinely enjoyed each moment. Even if there was a song or two that did not 100% satisfy me.

As a devout listener of The Happy Fits and a die-hard fan, I have over 27,000 minutes of listening history just this year. My on-repeat songs may soon be taken over by one from this album. I am looking at you, “The Nerve.”

This record has a vibe unlike most of the band’s other releases. The addition of two new members with a different style than what listeners have heard in the past made “Lovesick” feel like the opening of a new chapter for the band — whether that is positive or not is up to each listener.

Cal Sutton is a sophomore journalism major