Sebastian Croft, Better than ever | Beaming with Pride

In the 55^th edition of Beaming with Pride (2026), we highlight “Better than ever” performed by queer English actor and singer-songwriter Sebastian Croft. 

Are you ready to beam with P-R-I-D-E? Beaming with Pride highlights songs by LGBTQ musicians and allies, offering background, analysis, and discussion of the decadent bops served up. All genres are welcome, and both classics and new songs are recognized. So, without further ado, in the 55^th  edition of Beaming with Pride (2026), we highlight “Better than ever” performed by Sebastian Croft.

You know, Sebastian Croft, that seems to be the way with certain people, ugh. They do wrong, and yet, they always seem to land on their feet, and their wrongs go unchecked.  That is how our queer English actor and singer-songwriter feels on “Better than ever”,  where his ex is doing just that, yet he’s not-so-good. “Better than ever” was written by Croft, Liam Jessup, and producer Madelene Eliasson.

“Better than ever” shines from the jump. The song begins abruptly with Sebastian Croft singing.  This is a beautiful thing! Croft’s vocals are expressive, gorgeous, nuanced, and at times, tender. His tone is to die for.  Adding to the excellence are the authenticity and sincerity of his performance; you buy what he’s selling.  “Better” benefits from being melodious to the nth degree, beginning with the intro and eventual chorus:

“You’re better than ever

Leaving me looks good on you

I’ll just drown in my sweater

Watching all of your dreams come true.”

As tuneful a refrain as it is, the lyrics are unfortunate for Sebastian… he’s not okay. In the verses, he elaborates on his state of mind after their breakup.  Upset with their lack of concern for his feelings, he sings in the first verse, “You smile only if it’s worth your while / Guess I’m not part of that crowd anymore.”  The second verse features more of the same: “You take the car, and I’ll walk the high road / You work the room, and I’ll work on myself / It’s like I’m stuck in this hell waiting until…” Beyond the verses, the bridge/breakdown section keeps the same energy.  Beyond the memorable lyrics and superb vocals, the vibrant production work stands out. Set in a pop/rock style, besides guitar, bass, and drums, delightful keys and synths that accentuate the sound.  For most of “Better than ever”, Sebastian Croft is on the struggle bus.  But there’s hope on the outro that his happy, better-than-ever times are imminent, including “I barely remember you.” Croft does his thing on this fabulous, honest song.

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Sebastian Croft » “Better than ever” » Manifest Music » 2026

Sebastian Croft, Better than ever: Beaming with Pride No. 55 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Manifest Music; Cristyan Bohn, Ketut Subiyanto, Luis Morales Torres, SHVETS production, Uriel Mont from Pexels; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, Wolfgang Eckert from Pixabay]

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