The group wasted no time in the aftermath of "Let It Go". In 2001, the Clarks independently released an album of song outtakes recorded between 1997–2000 titled "Strikes and Gutters" on King Mouse Records. They then reunited with Niebank at Hound's Ear Studio to begin work on a sixth album. During rehearsals for recording, the September 11 attacks occurred. In response to the national tragedy, Scott Blasey penned "Hey You." "Another Happy Ending" was released on June 11, 2002, spawning the radio singles "Hey You," "On Saturday" and "Maybe." The album found its way to number two on the Heatseekers chart and 143 on the Billboard 200.