A Wonderful Single From Iyla Elise
“Better Days” is one of those songs that reminds me why authenticity still matters in modern music. Iyla Elise doesn’t dress her emotions in metaphors or chase trends; she delivers something simple, direct, and deeply human. The song’s title tells you what it’s reaching for, but it’s the way Elise embodies that hope through her voice, her phrasing, and her unhurried confidence that makes it resonate.
Her vocals are rich and unforced, and paired with lyrics that sound like they were written in the middle of real life, not in search of poetic cleverness. There’s a natural chemistry between her tone and the song’s message, an ease that feels earned. The instrumentation adds to that warmth: the guitars ring with an earthy glow, the bass moves patiently, and even the drums breathe like they’re being played in a lived-in room rather than layered in a DAW.
What stands out is how “Better Days” bridges Americana and rock without losing its intimacy. In its quieter moments, it could pass as a folk ballad; when it opens up, it’s unapologetically anthemic. That duality gives it staying power. I didn’t have to work to connect with it. The song did the work for me. It’s honest, grounded, and exactly the kind of track that earns its optimism.