The Unexpected Sequel: 5 Things You Didn't Know About American Authors' 'Best Day Of My Life' And Its New Chapter

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For over a decade, the infectious, feel-good anthem "Best Day of My Life" has been a staple of pop culture, soundtracking everything from movie trailers to major advertising campaigns. As of late 2025, the song's streaming numbers continue to climb, solidifying its status as a timeless piece of indie-pop rock. While the song itself remains a source of pure, unbridled optimism, the journey of the band behind it, American Authors, has taken a fascinating and unexpected turn, culminating in a direct follow-up album that offers a fresh perspective on their biggest hit. Released by American Authors on March 19, 2013, the song is a triple-platinum success that peaked at number 11 on the US *Billboard* Hot 100 chart. It’s an uplifting track designed to inspire listeners to embrace the present, regardless of life's challenges, a message that continues to resonate with a global audience. The band's recent activities, however, prove that even a "best day" can lead to an even more interesting "best night."

American Authors: A Brief Biography and Discography

American Authors is an American pop rock band known for their anthemic, uplifting style. The group has its roots in Boston, Massachusetts, where the members met while attending Berklee College of Music. Initially formed in 2006 under the name The Blue Pages, the band relocated to Brooklyn, New York, and officially rebranded as American Authors in 2012.

Current Band Members

  • Zac Barnett: Lead Vocals, Guitar
  • Dave Rublin: Bass
  • Matt Sanchez: Drums

Former Band Member

  • James Adam Shelley: Guitar, Banjo (Left the group in 2021)

Key Albums & Milestones

The band has released five studio albums throughout their career, with their first major success launching them into the mainstream spotlight:

  • *Oh, What a Life* (2014): This debut album from American Authors featured the breakthrough singles "Best Day of My Life" and "Believer." The album established their signature sound of folk-infused pop rock.
  • *What We Live For* (2016): Their sophomore effort continued to explore themes of optimism and resilience.
  • *Best Night Of My Life* (2023): The band's fourth studio album, released on February 10, 2023, serves as a conceptual sequel to their 2013 smash hit.

The Enduring Impact of "Best Day of My Life"

The song's commercial success was unprecedented for the band. After its initial release on Mercury Records and Island Records, "Best Day of My Life" quickly became a ubiquitous hit. Its infectious, driving rhythm and universally positive lyrics made it a perfect fit for media licensing.

Frontman Zac Barnett explained the song's meaning, noting that the band wanted to tell a story of optimism, emphasizing that no matter your current situation—whether you are "stuck at work or stuck on the subway"—you can always choose to make it a great day. This simple yet powerful message propelled the track to over a billion streams across various platforms.

The song is often cited as a key track in the "stadium folk" or "indie pop" genre of the early 2010s, alongside artists like Imagine Dragons and The Lumineers. Its use in commercials for companies like Lowe’s and Hyundai, as well as movie trailers, cemented its place in the cultural zeitgeist.

From 'Best Day' to 'Best Night': The 2023 Sequel Album

In a move that delighted and surprised fans, American Authors released their fourth studio album, Best Night Of My Life, in early 2023. The title itself signals a direct, conceptual continuation of their most famous single, offering a more mature, introspective, yet still energetic sound.

The album was a project born out of reflection, nearly a decade after the original hit. The band, now a trio following James Adam Shelley's departure in 2021, used the new record to explore the idea of what happens after the "Best Day" is over. It’s about continuing the journey, celebrating the small victories, and finding joy in the present moment, even as life evolves.

A Shift in Tone and Production

While maintaining the upbeat energy American Authors is known for, the *Best Night Of My Life* album introduced a slightly more polished, pop-leaning production style. Key tracks from the album include:

  • "Best Night Of My Life" (Title Track)
  • "We Happy Don't Worry"
  • "One Step Back"
  • "Same Bed"
  • "Blind For Love"

The new music, written by Zac Barnett, Dave Rublin, and Matt Sanchez, demonstrates the band's growth and their ability to stay relevant in an ever-changing music landscape. They successfully built topical authority by creating a narrative link between their past success and their current artistic direction.

Beyond American Authors: Other "Best Day of My Life" Songs

While American Authors' version is the most famous, the phrase "Best Day of My Life" has inspired other artists to create songs with the same title, adding layers to the overall topical authority of the keyword.

Tom Odell's "Best Day Of My Life"

British singer-songwriter Tom Odell also released a song titled "Best Day Of My Life." Odell's version is a much more subdued, piano-driven ballad. It offers a gentler, more emotional take on the theme of a perfect day, contrasting sharply with the bombastic, banjo-infused energy of the American Authors track. Fans often search for Odell's version when looking for a slower, more sentimental track.

Jesse McCartney's "Best Day of My Life"

Pop artist Jesse McCartney also has a song with this title. McCartney's version leans into his signature pop style, focusing on a more romantic and personal interpretation of the phrase. This variety highlights the universal appeal of the core sentiment, allowing the keyword to encompass multiple musical genres and moods.

Ultimately, the song with the lyrics "Best Day of My Life" is synonymous with American Authors. Their 2013 hit not only secured their place in music history but also laid the groundwork for their continued evolution. The release of *Best Night Of My Life* ensures that the band remains a current and relevant entity, proving that their story—and their anthems—are far from over.

The Unexpected Sequel: 5 Things You Didn't Know About American Authors' 'Best Day of My Life' and Its New Chapter
song with lyrics best day of my life
song with lyrics best day of my life

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