Eels Announce New Album ‘Cookie Happened,’ Share Lead Single ‘Cap In Hand’

Eels, the alternative rock band led by Mark Oliver Everett, have announced their 16th studio album, Cookie Happened, set for release on October 16, 2023, via E Works/Play It Again Sam. The project features the emotionally charged lead single Cap In Hand, described by the band as a “bittersweet and beautifully bruised first take” that explores themes of accountability and redemption, according to a press release. Fans can pre-order the album here.

What’s the Tracklist for ‘Cookie Happened’?

The album’s 12-track lineup includes Clobbered, All Forgotten, Lost And Barking, and One Razzle, One Dazzle, among others. The tracklist was confirmed by the band’s official website, with no discrepancies noted in independent listings. The title track, Cookie Happened, serves as a philosophical reflection on impermanence, with Everett quoting the iconic line from Sesame Street’s Cookie Monster: “Me no cry because cookie is finished. Me smile because cookie happened.”

Why Is the Documentary on Eels Significant?

A documentary titled The Way I Was Made: The Story Of A Man Called E is in production, directed by Gus Black and produced by Judd Apatow. The film, announced in March 2023, will explore Everett’s life, including his early struggles with grief after his father’s death and the loss of his sister and mother. Apatow, who previously collaborated with Everett on the 2016 TV series Love, called the musician’s story “a fantastic documentary” in a statement cited by Stereogum. The project aims to highlight Everett’s artistic resilience amid personal tragedy.

What Did Eels’ Frontman Say About the Album?

Everett described Cookie Happened as an album focused on “life’s small victories, inevitable disappointments, and the strange miracle of having been here at all.” He also humorously referenced industry expectations, joking that record labels “don’t care what you give us, just make sure you sound defeated on the first two tracks.” His introspective lyrics, such as in Cap In Hand, reflect a “worn-out” tone, as he attempts to “make amends with their tail between their legs,” according to the band’s press materials.

How Does This Fit Into Eels’ Discography?

Since their 1995 debut Beautiful Freak, Eels has maintained a cult following for their blend of melancholic rock and introspective storytelling. The band’s 2007 autobiography, Things The Grandchildren Should Know, received critical acclaim, with The Who’s Pete Townshend calling it “one of the best books ever written by a contemporary artist.” Cookie Happened continues this tradition, offering a poignant reflection on legacy and impermanence.