The Big Happy – “So Far So Good” Album Review
Happy New Music Friday! This review is long overdo but well worth the wait! Long Island’s own The Big Happy released their latest album, “So Far So Good“, back in August of 2023 and it is just the music you need to get your Friday going! This album is filled with nine, high energy packed songs that will get your body moving! Whether you are a returning fan, or new to The Big Happy, “So Far So Good” will have you hooked from the second you press play.
We had the chance to speak with The Big Happy about their latest album. “So Far So Good started out as the perfect way to answer our least favorite question during the COVID-19 lockdowns: ‘How are you?’ Despite the chaos of all that was happening around us, we were fortunate enough to have our home base, Grandma’s basement, where we started writing the album to go with the name.” I LOVE this explanation. With so much pessimism going around during the pandemic, it is great to see The Big Happy took it all in stride. Instead of dwelling on the negative, they simply stated they were collectively, “so far so good”.
The Big Happy starts off the album with “Layers“. What a great intro song choice that sets the tone for the rest of the abum! I love the way the instrumentals start off with the simple strum of the bass, followed along by the guitar and drums. You can’t help but tap your foot and nod your head along as the boys get into their groove. “I got that crazy love, but I’m fun loving. That kind of crazy love comes in layers like an onion, so peel it back.”
“So Far So Good” continues on with “Happy“. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album because it allows the band to show of their individual talents that The Big Happy fans know and love so well. Don’t let the slow introduction fool you, the band comes in heavy to get the listeners dancing and singing along! One thing that caught my attention right away was Joseph Baquet’s vocals. He sings “I just want to be happy, I just want to be a little bit less like me.” I’m sure this line hits home for most like it did for me! The Big Happy keeps the momentum going with Austin’s vocals booming into the track immediately after. “I’m a busy body, but I only get busy with the ones who can match my spin like a slot machine, mind, body and soul, all lined in a row.” I can already hear the crowd echoing the lyrics right back to the band!
The Big Happy continues the album with “In Charge“. The song begins with a jazzy feel from the bass that leads into a full band jam. The vocals start off with “I have a tendency to take things slowly, I always say that it’s alright. They always told me that time moves quickly, still it comes as a surprise.” This is something I think a lot of us have trouble with. Despite being “in charge” of our own lives, it always seems that things like time creep up on us. The Big Happy does an amazing job of reminding us that we are in control of our own lives!
The album powers along with “I Don’t Wanna” and “The Medicine“. “I Don’t Wanna” is the classic chill track that is perfectly placed on the album. It slows down the pace and tempo, giving the listener the opportunity to settle in and prepare for the following track, “The Medicine“. “The Medicine“, as it is so appropriately titled, is an ode to the world’s most natural medicine, WEED. The boys in The Big Happy are no strangers to some good old marijuana and this song exemplifies that perfectly. “Ganja is the medicine (no down side, only benefits), Ganja is the medicine (to sleep better than you ever did), Ganja is the medicine (to kill depression when you’re on stage), Ganja is the medicine.”
The Big Happy continues along with “Down to the DR“, a song that is filled with positive, island vibes. This song has the vibes of Jimmy Buffett while still holding true to the band’s own sound. As I’m sure you have come to expect from The Big Happy, the song picks up about a minute in to and doesn’t let up. Austin’s rapping matches the increasing intensity of the instrumentals, creating an irresistible sound.
“FEAR” comes up next and catches the listener’s attention right away. Joe’s vocals come in packing a punch with a clear message; “Fear can’t hold me down.” As the song rolls into the first verse, Austin begins rapping about examples of how fear has impacted his life. “When I was 18 I was afraid to speak so I got my point across through poetry.” I think this line holds so much value. It shows that even when fear comes in, there are ways to tackle it that may not seem traditional. As the verse continues on, Austin’s vocals pick up intensity as it leads into the uplifting chorus, showing the overcoming of fear! Just wait til you hear the second half of this song. The Big Happy kicks fear in the ass and rocks out as hard as ever!
“So Far So Good“ends with “Drivin’” and “The Good Life“. These two songs are a great way to cap off a stellar album. I love the positive vibes that you get from both of these songs. They are sure to have you dancing, smiling, and begging for more from The Big Happy! “So Far So Good” was mixed and mastered at The Sound Cellar by David Scott and Joseph Baquet. Make sure you stream “So Far So Good” and catch The Big Happy this Spring up and down the East Coast!