Elles Bailey ‘Better Days’: New Single & Video

November 28, 2025 rocknews

UK blues and Americana powerhouse Elles Bailey channels raw hope and resilience with “Better Days”, her poignant new single and official video out now via Cooking Vinyl and Outlaw Music. Released November 28, 2025, this soulful, blues-driven gem is the latest preview from her fifth studio album Can’t Take My Story Away, set for January 16, 2026—her highest-profile release yet, following 2024’s chart-topping Beneath The Neon Glow. If you’re searching for Elles Bailey Better Days streams, lyrics insights, or live plans, this is your front-row pass: We’ve fact-checked every note with fresh pulls from Americana Highways, Blues Rock Review, and Rock & Blues Muse, unpacking the track’s tribute to late Catfish frontman Matt Long, the album’s kaleidoscopic storytelling, and her full 2026 UK/EU tour slate (including London’s Islington Assembly Hall on March 19). Crowned Live Act of the Year at the 2024 UK Americana Awards and sweeping the 2025 UK Blues Awards (Album, Vocalist, Broadcaster of the Year), Bailey’s “gravel’n’smoke voice” (MOJO) is unstoppable—cheeky, heartbreaking, and dirt-kicking. Pre-order the LP for signed vinyl/cassette bundles and tour presale access. The story’s just heating up!

Bailey’s journey? A decade of fierce independence: From 2019’s Road I Call Home to Neon Glow‘s No. 12 UK chart smash, she’s blended blues grit with roots soul, earning BBC Radio 2 airplay and festival slots galore. Can’t Take My Story Away—crafted over three years with songs dating back a decade—is her most vulnerable yet: “There’s definitely an empowerment to this record… a quiet strength… joy threaded through every note.” Produced by Luke Potashnick (engineered/mixed with Delilah Johns and Josh Best Shaw), it’s recorded with a fresh studio lineup but her touring band returns live. Let’s dive into the heart of it!

‘Better Days’ Lyrics, Video & The Tribute That Honors Matt Long

“Better Days” is more than a track—it’s a moving elegy to Matt Long (Catfish singer/guitarist, who passed in 2024 after a cancer battle), written by him and first recorded by Bailey for the tribute album With A Little Help From My Friends (with The Cinelli Brothers). Re-recorded for Can’t Take My Story Away, it pulses with bluesy warmth: Shimmering guitars, swaying grooves, and Bailey’s raw, soulful vocals delivering a truth bomb—”hope is never far away.” “Singing it feels like a privilege… a way to celebrate the life and music of my late friend,” she shares. “We emerged onto the UK blues scene around the same time… climbing this wild musical ladder together.”

Key Lyrics Snippet: In the shadows, we chase the light / Through the storms, we hold on tight / Better days, they’re comin’ ’round / In your voice, that hopeful sound. (Full song radiates quiet triumph—stream for the goosebumps.)

The official video is a intimate visual poem: Black-and-white footage of Bailey in a dimly lit studio, intercut with archival clips of Long’s performances and festival memories—evoking shared stages and unbreakable bonds. It’s heartfelt, unadorned, and already resonating (premiere via Americana Highways).

Listen to “Better Days” Now: Stream on Spotify/Apple Music. Watch the Official Video: YouTube Premiere.

Previous singles? “Growing Roots” (Sept 2025 opener, groove-filled raw vocals) and “Take A Step Back” (Oct 2025, soulful empowerment)—all teasing the LP’s “dazzling, kaleidoscopic story.”

Can’t Take My Story Away Album: Tracklist, Production & Why It’s Bailey’s Masterpiece

Bailey’s fifth LP is a life-affirming mosaic: 11 tracks tracing resilience from hardship, blending blues, Americana, and roots rock. “An honest and vulnerable glimpse into Elles’ story,” it’s her “destined” evolution—empowered, joyful, unfiltered. Pre-order CD, colored vinyl, or cassette (signed exclusives via her store) for instant digital access and tour perks.

Full Tracklist:

Can’t Take My Story Away
Growing Roots
Better Days
Blessed
Constant Need To Keep Going
Take a Step Back
How Do You Do It
Angel
Dandelion Tightrope
Starling

Plus a bonus acoustic instore EP teased for January drops. No full production credits beyond Potashnick’s team, but expect guest spots from her circle (e.g., Cinelli Bros echoes).

Elles Bailey 2026 Tour: Full UK/EU Headlines, January Instores & Ticket Guide

Bailey’s hitting the road with her “dirt-kicking live band” for Can’t Take My Story Away‘s rollout: A February EU kickoff, March UK run (capping at hometown Bristol Electric), plus stripped-back acoustic instores on release week. London’s Islington Assembly Hall (March 19) is the marquee—expect sold-out vibes post-Bristol Rough Trade intimacy (Nov 2025). Presale via store pre-order (Sept 24 start); general on Sept 26 via Ticketmaster/Songkick (~£25-£40). Instore tix free with album purchase—intimate vibes galore.

January 2026 Stripped-Back Instores

Date	Day	City/Venue	Notes/Tickets
Fri, Jan 16	Fri	London, Rough Trade West	Album Release Day Info
Sat, Jan 17	Sat	Oxford, Truck	Acoustic Set Info
Sat, Jan 17	Sat	Leamington Spa, Temperance	Acoustic Set Info
Sun, Jan 18	Sun	Leeds, Vinyl Whistle	Acoustic Set Info
Sun, Jan 18	Sun	Liverpool, Jacaranda	Acoustic Set Info
Mon, Jan 19	Mon	Bury, Wax & Beans	Acoustic Set Info
Tue, Jan 20	Tue	Nottingham, Rough Trade	Acoustic Set Info
Wed, Jan 21	Wed	Southampton, Vinilo	Acoustic Set Info
Wed, Jan 21	Wed	Brighton, Resident	Acoustic Set Info
Thu, Jan 22	Thu	Marlborough, St Peters Church	Acoustic Set Info

February/March 2026 Headline Tour

Date	Day	City/Venue	Country	Tickets
Fri, Feb 20	Fri	Stuttgart, Im Wizemann	Germany	Buy Now
Sat, Feb 21	Sat	Munich, Ampere	Germany	Buy Now
Sun, Feb 22	Sun	Nuremberg, Hirsch	Germany	Buy Now
Mon, Feb 23	Mon	Aschaffenburg, Colas-Saal	Germany	Buy Now
Thu, Mar 19	Thu	London, Islington Assembly Hall	UK	Buy Now
Fri, Mar 20	Fri	Warwick, Arts Centre	UK	Buy Now
Sat, Mar 21	Sat	Bristol, Electric	UK	Buy Now
Tue, Mar 24	Tue	Manchester, Band on the Wall	UK	Buy Now
Wed, Mar 25	Wed	Glasgow, St Luke’s	UK	Buy Now
Thu, Mar 26	Thu	Gateshead, Glasshouse 2	UK	Buy Now
Fri, Mar 27	Fri	Holmfirth, Picturedrome	UK	Buy Now

Last updated Nov 28, 2025—presale via pre-order; general Sept 26. Plus April 24 at Sun, Sand and Soul Fest (Florida, w/ Jason Isbell/Drive-By Truckers). Pro tip: Pair London with a Rough Trade instore revisit.

Elles Bailey: The Blues/Americana Force That’s Just Warming Up

Bailey’s ascent? Relentless: Planet Rock presenter, festival headliner (e.g., Ramblin’ Man), and 2025 Blues Awards triple-threat. Neon Glow (2024) was her breakthrough; now Can’t Take My Story Away weaves “hardest chapters” into joy. Follow the fire: Website | Instagram | Spotify.

This Elles Bailey Better Days release? A beacon—now stream it and snag those tix. March in Manchester or an Oxford instore? Rally in the comments!

FAQs About Elles Bailey’s ‘Better Days’ Single & Can’t Take My Story Away

When did Elles Bailey release “Better Days”?

November 28, 2025—the third single from Can’t Take My Story Away, following “Growing Roots” and “Take A Step Back.”

What’s the story behind “Better Days”?

A tribute to late Catfish frontman Matt Long—written by him pre-2024 passing, re-recorded by Bailey as a “privilege” celebrating their shared blues journey.

When does Can’t Take My Story Away come out?

January 16, 2026, via Cooking Vinyl/Outlaw Music—11 tracks produced by Luke Potashnick, her most empowered LP yet.

What’s the tracklist for Can’t Take My Story Away?

Can’t Take My Story Away, 2. Growing Roots, 3. Better Days, 4. Blessed, 5. Constant Need To Keep Going, 6. Take a Step Back, 7. How Do You Do It, 8. Angel, 9. Dandelion Tightrope, 10. Starling.

What are Elles Bailey’s 2026 tour dates?

January instores (London Rough Trade Jan 16 onward), Feb EU headlines (Stuttgart Feb 20 kickoff), March UK run (London Islington Mar 19)—full tables above, tickets via ellesbailey.com.