Fans of Elles Bailey got a first experience of her new album at an intimate gig at Rough Trade in Bristol in November. As a follow-up, Bailey has released a new single, ‘Better Days’, which is a heartfelt tribute to her late friend Matt Long. Long wrote the track just before he passed away, and Bailey has given it her own interpretation, here, in a very personal performance. As ever, Bailey’s powerful, distinctive voice soars above gorgeous, hymnal backing vocals as the song builds. Full of energy and upbeat rhythm, ‘Better Days’ is a lively and fitting way to remember her friend, himself a fine blues musician.
Bailey explains: “‘Better Days’ carries such a beautiful truth that hope is never far away. Singing it feels like a privilege, and a way to celebrate the life and music of my late friend. We emerged onto the UK blues scene around the same time, crossing paths at festivals and on tour. It kinda felt like we were climbing this wild musical ladder together, and then he got diagnosed with cancer. When he passed, his parents showed me ‘Better Days,’ and I recorded a version with my dear friends, The Cinelli Brothers, as part of the Tribute Album to Matt, ‘With A Little Help From My Friends.’ I loved the song so much I wanted it to be a part of this album story too – so I recorded another version when we were tracking for this record.”
This is the latest single to be released from forthcoming album “Can’t Take My Story Away”, which comes out on 16th January 2026. Created over a three-year period, the record features eleven connected songs, the origins of which can be traced back up to ten years. Throughout her career, Bailey’s achievements have been recognised consistently and frequently with awards and accolades, including picking up Live Act of the Year at the UK Americana Awards 2024, as well as Album of the Year, Vocalist of the Year, and Broadcaster Of The Year at the 2025 UK Blues Awards. A prolific writer, Bailey maintains the momentum with “Can’t Take My Story Away”. Although the album was recorded with a new set of gifted musicians, Bailey’s regular touring band will return for a series of dates in the new year.
