Happiness (Robert Palmer song)


"Happiness" is a song by the English vocalist Robert Palmer, released in 1991 as the fifth and final single from his tenth studio album Don't Explain. The song was written by Palmer, and produced by Teo Macero and Palmer.
Released as the final single from the 1990 Don't Explain album, the song saw limited commercial success, reaching No. 62 in Germany. The song's lyrics speak the message of taking chances in life and taking a chance on happiness.

Release

The single was released on 7" vinyl, 12" vinyl and CD in various European counties, including the UK. The single's B-side was a non-album track "All Shook Up", a cover of the 1957 Elvis Presley song. On the 12" vinyl and CD editions, a "12" Remix" of "Happiness" was featured, remixed by Carl McKintosh.

Critical reception

Upon release, Music & Media wrote: "When it comes to careless swing, Palmer is the absolute lord and master. This follow-up to "Mercy, Mercy" offers a respite from the rat race of EHR." In a retrospective review of Don't Explain, Terry Staunton of Record Collector said: "...the covers on Don't Explain are less successful, the collaboration with UB40 on Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" and a by-the-book reading of Marvin Gaye's "Mercy Mercy Me" both pedestrian compared to the thrust and swagger of originals "Mess Around" and "Happiness"." Paul Sinclair of Super Deluxe Edition said: "You do have to forgive Palmer some charmless excursions into heavy-ish rock. Much better are tracks like the poppy "Happiness", the joyous "Housework" and the atmospheric "Aeroplane"."

Track listing

;7" Single
  1. "Happiness" - 2:51
  2. "All Shook Up" - 2:46
;12" Single
  1. "Happiness " - 5:22
  2. "All Shook Up" - 2:46
  3. "Happiness " - 2:51
;CD Single
  1. "Happiness " - 2:52
  2. "Happiness " - 5:20
  3. "All Shook Up" - 2:47

    Chart performance

Personnel