Hey, music lovers! If you’re craving a track that wraps you in warm, vintage vibes while lifting your spirits, Hamish Anderson’s “Brighter Days” is about to become your go-to. Released on October 11, 2024, as part of his third album Electric, this Retro Soul, Funk, and Adult Contemporary gem channels the spirit of Al Green and STAX Records with a modern twist. Recorded in one take, this soulful ballad is a testament to Anderson’s raw talent and heartfelt songwriting. Let’s dive into why “Brighter Days” is a must-listen and get to know the Australian blues-soul hero behind it.
A Slow-Burning Soul Classic
“Brighter Days” is a smoldering, soulful track that feels like a hug from the past. Opening with a gentle, electric guitar riff and a 70s-style backbeat, the song sets a laid-back groove at around 80 BPM in a major key. Hamish’s vocals—smooth, emotive, and full of heart—draw you in, evoking the timeless warmth of Otis Redding or Curtis Mayfield. The melody is tuneful and optimistic, building gradually with a rich arrangement featuring Jessy Greene’s lush strings, which Anderson notes “took the arrangement to another level.” By the time the chorus hits, the track radiates hope, with lyrics that speak to longing for better times when life feels like it’s slipping away.
The production, co-helmed by Anderson and David Davis (The War on Drugs), captures the raw, live energy of the one-take recording at East West Studios in Hollywood. Its blend of Retro Soul’s organic textures, Funk’s groovy undertones, and Adult Contemporary’s polished warmth makes it a perfect fit for fans of John Mayer’s Continuum or Amy Winehouse’s soulful swagger. As American Songwriter describes, the track suggests “a hip remodeling of a classic Curtis Mayfield- or Al Green-styled ballad,” making it ideal for playlists like Soul Revival 2025 or Chill Blues Vibes. Whether you’re reflecting on tough days or celebrating brighter ones, “Brighter Days” uplifts with its sweet, hopeful energy.
Who Is Hamish Anderson? Australia’s Blues-Soul Prodigy
Hailing from Australia, Hamish Anderson is a singer-songwriter and guitarist with an old soul and a young heart, as Billboard Magazine calls him a “singer/songwriter and guitar hero.” His journey began with his 2016 debut Trouble, followed by the 2019 Out of My Head, which won an Independent Music Award for “Best Blues Album.” Working with Grammy-winning producer Jim Scott (Tom Petty), Anderson has blended blues, rock, and soul into a sound that’s both traditional and fresh, earning him spots on Total Guitar’s Top 10 Best New Guitarists (2018) and Guitar Player magazine.
Anderson’s relentless drive has taken him worldwide, opening for legends like B.B. King, Gary Clark Jr., and George Thorogood, and performing at festivals like BottleRock and Telluride Blues & Brews. His latest album Electric, recorded with his touring band and featuring guests like Jessy Greene (Foo Fighters), is his most mature work yet, described as a “love letter to the electric guitar” with influences from The Faces to ZZ Top. “Brighter Days” showcases his soulful side, inspired by Al Green and STAX, and reflects his vulnerability, as he shared: “I felt very vulnerable and honest when I was writing.” With a global fanbase and a knack for heartfelt compositions, Anderson is a rising star in the Retro Soul scene.
Why “Brighter Days” Fits the 2025 Music Scene
Retro Soul and Funk are thriving in 2025, with artists like Leon Bridges and Black Pumas keeping the genre’s warm, vintage sound alive, as noted in SoulTracks’ coverage of modern soul’s rise. “Brighter Days” taps into this revival, blending STAX-inspired soul with Adult Contemporary’s accessibility, much like John Mayer’s soulful explorations. Its hopeful message resonates with 2025’s cultural focus on resilience and mental health, offering a melodic reminder of brighter moments ahead, as Glide Magazine praises for its “sweet, optimistic energy.”
The track’s one-take authenticity aligns with the growing demand for raw, live-recorded music, seen in playlists like Spotify’s Retro Soul 2025 (over 90K saves) and Apple Music’s Soul Essentials. Anderson’s ability to bridge classic soul with modern blues, as highlighted by Blues Rock Review, positions “Brighter Days” as a versatile gem for radio, streaming, or intimate live shows. With soul music’s global appeal surging, per Billboard’s 2025 trends, this single is poised to shine.
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Let’s Talk “Brighter Days”!
“Brighter Days” by Hamish Anderson is a soulful, uplifting anthem that channels Retro Soul’s warmth with a modern edge. Recorded in one take, it’s a raw, hopeful gem that captures the essence of brighter moments. With Electric showcasing his growth, Anderson is proving he’s a force in 2025’s music scene.
What do you think of “Brighter Days”? Are you feeling the Al Green-inspired soul, or is the hopeful vibe stealing your heart? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this post with your music-loving friends! Stream it at hamishandersonmusic.com or on Spotify.
