Happy hardcore, also called 4-beat, is a type of hardcore dance music. It began in the early 1990s from the UK breakbeat hardcore rave scene and from the hardcore techno scenes in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Although similar in some ways, happy hardcore is different from gabber because it often uses breakbeats that are played together with the 4/4 kick drum.

History

By late 1992, the breakbeat hardcore rave scene began to split into several new genres. These included darkcore, which used dark-themed samples and short, sharp sounds; hardcore jungle, which featured reggae-style basslines and influences; and 4-beat, also called "happy hardcore," which focused on piano melodies and uplifting vocals. Throughout 1994, DJs such as Slipmatt, DJ Sy, DJ Seduction, Clarkee, Wishdokta, DJ Dougal, DJ Vibes, and Billy Daniel Bunter continued to play and release music in this style. Notable examples included Slipmatt’s "SMD" releases, Wishdokta’s work under the name "Naughty Naughty," and Seduction’s music on his Impact Records label. Other labels involved were Hectic, Homegrown, Kniteforce, and Just Another Label. The music was also played at raves such as Dreamscape, Helter Skelter, and Fusion.

In the 1990s, the sound of happy hardcore changed. Tracks began to use less breakbeat rhythms and more repetitive, distorted kick drum patterns from a 909 drum machine. Original vocal lines and short, sharp sound effects became more common. New DJs and producers who helped shape the genre included Hixxy, Breeze, Force & Styles, DJ Sharkey, DJ DNA, and Kevin Energy. Popular songs from this time were "Heart of Gold," "Pretty Green Eyes," "Cloudy Daze," "Sunshine After the Rain," "Above the Clouds," "Six Days," "Love of My Life," "Perfect Dreams," and "Field of Dreams." In London, the pirate radio station Dream FM and later Eruption FM supported the genre. A popular compilation series called Bonkers, which started because the record label React became interested in the group Toy Town, helped spread happy hardcore music.

In the mid-1990s, happy hardcore also developed in the Netherlands. This version of the genre had unique features, such as a distinctive "plopkick" rhythm, original basslines (unlike those in gabber), piano melodies, and female vocalists. Important figures in the Dutch scene included DJ Paul Elstak, Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo, Party Animals, 4 Tune Fairytales, and Flamman & Abraxas. Well-known Dutch happy hardcore songs were "Luv U More," "Wonderfull Days," "Aquarius," "My Little Fantasy," and "Good to Go."

In the UK, the scene was highlighted by a special on BBC Radio 1 called "John Peel Is Not Enough," named after a song by CLSM. This program honored the late John Peel. The scene continued to grow, with compilations like "Clubland X-Treme Hardcore" and a younger audience. In 2009, DJ Kutski hosted a radio show on BBC Radio 1 that featured hard dance and hardcore music.

Happy hardcore compilations

Some well-known happy hardcore compilation albums are:

• Bonkers
• Clubland X-Treme Hardcore
• Dancemania Speed
• Happy 2b Hardcore
• Hardcore Euphoria
• Hardcore Heaven