Alternative Rock World
Jess Redmon
September 24, 1999

OLP Album Review

The Canadian rock stars of Our Lady Peace return for their third LP in the melodic pop splendor of "Happiness... Is Not A Fish That You Can Catch." The wordy title comes from the catchy and playful lyrics of the mid-tempo rocker "Happiness and the Fish." It's a track that represents the flow and vibe of Our Lady Peace this time around. The songs on "Happiness..." contain a very melodic backing, Beatles influences and songs more in the way of "Clumsy" or "4am." The first single "One Man Army" spotlights Raine Maida as he hits the high notes and accompanies the tight and flowing guitar work of Mike Turner. "Potato Girl" is a beautiful and enchanting ballad that shows the side of Our Lady Peace that most fall in love with. The open, honest and unthreatening style that permeates the track with its careful touch and relaxed backdrop. "Happiness..." has its own identify, as do the previous OLP records. It runs with a breezy pop style that progresses on the pop sensibilities of "Clumsy" and comes off more natural and free-flowing. "Happiness..." doesn't bring as many great moments as "Naveed" or "Clumsy" have, but it stands on its own with a lot of great songs to give.