快乐启程 (2019)

Happiness Begins is the fifth studio album by the American pop rock band Jonas Brothers. It was released on June 7, 2019, through Republic Records. The album marks their first studio album since Lines, Vines and Trying Times (2009). For the record, the band enlisted producers Ryan Tedder, Greg Kurstin, Justin Tranter, along with Joel Little, Mike Sabath and Shellback, to help create a "new and improved sound" with "feel-good tracks" for a pop album.

The album is the first body of work of original material released by the group since their reunion on February 28, 2019, and marked a departure from the more pop rock-oriented sound from their previous albums. It was preceded by their comeback single "Sucker", and was supported by the singles "Cool" and "Only Human", all of which appeared on several charts across the world, with the former debuting atop the Billboard Hot 100.

The record received positive reviews from critics, who highlighted its production values and upbeat, pop-oriented sound. Some reviewers called it a welcomed reunion for the band, with Happiness Begins being regarded as one of the best albums from the Jonas Brothers' catalog. Critics also noted that the album captured the band's mature essence, while preserving the charm present since their early years.

The album debuted at number atop the US Billboard 200 and charted on multiple countries. It has sold over one million units in the United States, being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It has also received gold or higher certifications in Canada, Brazil, Denmark, Netherlands, Poland and Singapore. To support the album, the Jonas Brothers embarked on the Happiness Begins Tour, which took place in Europe and North America, from August 7, 2019, to February 22, 2020, having performed 92 shows.

Background

On February 28, 2019, the Jonas Brothers announced their comeback via their social media accounts. On March 1, they released the lead single, "Sucker", their first under Republic Records label. The band announced the album on social media on April 22, 2019. It was set to break their decade-long album drought, after not releasing any new material since 2013's LiVe.

The album was preceded by a documentary titled Chasing Happiness, which premiered on June 4 on Amazon Prime Video. The film chronicles the band's journey since their break up in 2013, until their reunion in early 2019. It shows the process of reunion while the band talks about their journey and their careers.

Writing and recording

In writing and recording for the album, the brothers said that they wanted a "new and improved sound" with "feel-good tracks", so their A&R at Republic Records, Wendy Goldstein, got in contact with Ryan Tedder, Greg Kurstin and Justin Tranter to help compose and produce songs for them. Tedder stated that they would "write a song in about 90 minutes, [... and] cut it in the second hour. It would be demo'd by dinner". This resulted in the pop-oriented, commercial sound of the album.

Billboard described the resulting sound as containing "hints of everything from '80s new wave to reggae to country", and also said that "Nick describes [album track] 'Hesitate' as Joe's love letter to Sophie, while 'I Believe' is a synth-heavy slow jam that alludes to his own whirlwind romance with Chopra".

Release and promotion

The band announced the album in a Twitter post on April 22, 2019, sharing the cover art and release date. The brothers then separately shared the news, with Kevin stating that he was "most proud" of the album.

World tour

On April 30, the band posted teasers to social media with "Happiness Begins tomorrow". The next day, the band officially announced the Happiness Begins Tour, which began on August 7, 2019. The tour played 92 shows in North America and Europe.

Singles

On March 1, 2019, "Sucker" was released as the lead single from the album. The music video was directed by Anthony Mandler and was released on the same day. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the Jonas Brothers' first song to do so. It was nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards and in four categories at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of the Year, winning for Best Pop Video.

On April 5, 2019, "Cool" was released as the second single. The song debuted and peaked at number 27 on the Hot 100. The accompanying music video for "Cool" was also directed by Mandler, and premiered on the same day. "Only Human" was released as the third and final single of the album on July 2, 2019. The music video was directed by Mandler again and was released on August 13, 2019. The song peaked at number 18 on the Hot 100.