Originally written for WXPN’s Philly Anthem series, Eric Bazilian’s Better Times is a protest song for everyone who feels disillusioned but also a source of hope, finding connections amidst all the division people face. Better Times opens with fluent keys and Bazilian’s tuneful vocal, full of feeling as well as compelling melody. Then, the song grows with additional layers: strings, guitar and a full choir that demonstrate Bazilian’s fine songwriting skills.
“Better Times came to me in the shower,” says the songwriter. “Five words, over and over. Better times better come soon. I chased the idea in my head as I dried off, got dressed, followed it out of the house and into the studio, where I tried a bunch of things that didn’t work until I sat down at the piano, started playing some chords, then a few more chords, until the idea decided to let me catch it. Several versions later, I’ve got a song in a style I’d never thought as mine, in a voice I’d never inhabited before. I was honoured to be asked to be a part of the Philly Anthems project. I considered it a challenge to write something from a modern and relevant perspective about the state of our union. I put heart and soul into ‘Better Times,’ and I’d like to think that it will connect with anyone who ever felt let down by those they’ve put their trust in.”
Filmed in Sweden by Max Telving of SVT television, the accompanying video begins with the focus entirely on Bazilian, drawing attention to his heartfelt words and emotive delivery. As the song builds, the camera pans out, changing the perspective to include a host of heavenly backing singers and reflecting the fact that Better Times represents the needs of everyone. Bazilian told AUK how the video was created: “I was in Sweden when the ‘Better Times’ recording was released. As fate would have it, me and Max Tellving, my video making friend who works for Swedish Television, were both in the village that he and I have in common through family ties. Since the song is piano-based, a reasonable facsimile was needed, and an antique pump organ fit the bill. His idea was to film at sunset, which barely gave us time to carry it to the arch by the river Ljusnan. Seeing the well-lubricated crowd it occurred to me that it would be nice to have them all join in on the chorus. So, as Max and I worked out the logistics of the shot, his Brita taught several dozen Swedes the lyrics and the basic phrasing. By the time everything was ready to roll, the sun was barely a flicker on the horizon, so we had time for just one take. Out of necessity, the mother of invention, the video for ‘Better Times’ was born.”
Great tune, important message. Check it out.
