Happiness Is the Road

Happiness Is the Road
Double-album cover
Studio album by
Released20 October 2008 (physical release)
Recorded2007/2008
StudioThe Racket Club (Buckinghamshire)
GenreNeo-prog, pop rock, alternative rock
Length108:06
LabelIntact Records
EMI (CD only)
ProducerMichael Hunter & Marillion
Marillion chronology
Somewhere Else
(2007)
Happiness Is the Road
(2008)
Early Stages
(2008)
Alternative cover
Volume 1: Essence cover
Alternative cover
Volume 2: The Hard Shoulder cover
Singles from Happiness Is the Road
  1. "Whatever Is Wrong With You"
    Released: 1 October 2008 (download only)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
Classic Rock

Happiness Is the Road is Marillion's 15th studio album, released in 2008 as two separate album-length volumes respectively titled Essence and The Hard Shoulder. The overall playing time is 110 minutes (116 including a hidden track), taking it to double album length.

The album sees Marillion experimenting with a host of new instruments, including dulcimers, glockenspiels, a harmonium, French horns and even sleigh bells, a harp and zither. The title track "Happiness Is the Road" was inspired by Eckhart Tolle's book The Power of Now. The album's artwork was created by the Spanish artist Antonio Seijas in co-operation with Marillion's long-time designer Carl Glover.