Irish duo 49th & Main released their debut album, “Happy Tears,” on June 13, 2025. The album has a total of 21 songs and was released via Counter Records (Ninja Tune). The duo included collaborations with Brandon Nembhard, A Little Sound, Mustbejohn, and SHEE on the album, adding additional voices to the songs.
Each song on the album is unique while still staying true to
the band's already established sound and style. Some songs incorporate rap but
go back to their singing. The layout of the album resembles a journey, either
by plane or train. This is a creative approach to writing an album, especially
as a debut album.
The album starts out with “Good Times.” It is an upbeat and
catchy song that could easily be the anthem of this summer. The song talks
about wanting good times throughout their life and not wanting to leave the
good times. This sentiment is relatable, especially with all the negativity
going on in the world. It is a great opening song because it sets up a positive
experience for the album.
The second song of the album is “Welcome Aboard.” This is
what boarding a plane or a train sounds like. While it would make sense to have
it be the opening song and not the second song, “Good Times” feels like the
longing and desire for fun, and “Welcome Aboard” simulates starting the journey
towards that.
Like with any journey, this album is filled with songs about
the highs and lows that occur as well as songs about moving forward and looking
back. It is about finding joy in the small moments, even when things seem to be
falling apart around you. In today’s world, these are beautiful reminders of
what really matters in life.
Overall, this album is a perfect coming-of-age album, which
is a perfect debut album. The songs of the album perfectly capture the small
moments in life that tend to be so fleeting. The songs represent the journey of
life and all the happy and sad moments that happen on the journey. The album is
reflective of where we are going and where we have been. Although the album is
lengthy at 21 songs, each of the songs is unique and holds the listener’s
attention throughout the whole album.
Track list:
1. Good Times
2. Welcome Aboard
3. Rewind (feat. Mustbejohn)
4. Possibly Hunger
5. Most Days (feat. Brandon Nembhard)
6. Happy Days
7. Can’t Walk Away (feat. A Little Sound)
8. Some Advice
9. Nothing Comes Close
10. Hold On (feat. SHEE)
11. Feels Right
12. Roll Over
13. Glenmalure Blue
14. Distractions
15. Percontation
16. Mr Rain
17. Self Sabotage
18. Half Chance
19. Come Home
20. Ardbeg
21. Invictus
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