OneRepublic, Better Days (Remix) | Track Review 🎵

The uplifting OneRepublic song, “Better Days,” adds some Latin flavor enlisting the services of Argentinian Latin trap musician KHEA.  

In a USA Today interview, of single “Better Days,” Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic stated that, “[“Better Days” is] a non-cheesy anthem about what it feels like now to be in this time and space we’re in.”  Providing more context, Tedder addresses the trickiness of releasing and promoting music during a pandemic morally, practically, and fiscally – “Unless you’re an artist who had a lot of momentum going into this pandemic… it’s really hard to get anyone to pay attention.”  

If you’ve already checked out 10 Songs That Capture and Embody the Pandemic, the original version of the song appears there.  On this remixed version, the band brings in Argentinian Urbano Latino / Latin trap artist KHEA. Worth noting, “Better Days (Remix)” appears on the playlist, Songs That Capture & Embody the Pandemic, Vol. 3.

With “Better Days” relatively ubiquitous, we begin with what stays the same.  That would be the lovely, uplifting chorus sung by Ryan Tedder.  The chorus was penned prior to the coronavirus pandemic yet feels fitting now since such a devastating event has occurred.

“Oh, I know that there’ll be better days
Oh, that sunshine ‘bout to come my way
May we never ever shed another tear for today
‘Cause oh, I know that there’ll be better days.”

The original verses, the newest part of the song, are replaced by KHEA’s contributions. Because there are no new sections added to “Better Days,” it retains its brevity, falling south of two-and-a-half-minutes.  KHEA brings energy to this track, the expectation of Latin music, particularly in the Latin trap vein.  Notably, on the first verse, he references the “40-day quarantine,” but also notes that “The sun rises even though the day is cloud,” in the English translation.  On the second verse, he’s incredibly positive, embodying the notion of better days ahead: “Sometimes the worst leads you to be better / … Sometimes, the worst makes you see further.”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the remixed version of “Better Days” has a similar effect as the original, with a little Latin flavor thrown in.  The chorus is the biggest selling point, providing that unification piece.  Of course, KHEA does superbly in establishing both a vibe and offering encouragement during such a hard, unpredictable time.  No, the game is not changed, but “Better Days (Remix)” is worthwhile.

OneRepublic • “Better Days” (Ft. KHEA) • Mosley Music / Interscope • Release: 5.22.20

Photo Credits: Mosley Music / Interscope