"Happy House" marked a change in musical direction for Siouxsie and the Banshees due to the arrival of two new musicians: drummer Budgie, previously of the Slits, and guitarist John McGeoch, though still a member of Magazine at this time.

Budgie, who was interested in African polyrhythms, used a reggae vibe on the song, while McGeoch played both atmospheric and edgy guitars.

Siouxsie explores the house, dressed in a Harlequin outfit while the band supports her, playing their instruments in the living room.

In 2000, electronic rock band Mindless Self Indulgence sampled the opening riff on their single "Bitches", from the album Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy.

[4] When he performed at the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2021, the Weeknd included "House of Balloons" in his setlist,[5] doing "eerie military marches to a Siouxsie and the Banshees sample".