These Are the Days cover

These Are the Days

Lit · 2017

46 min · 14 tracks · alternative rock

Breezy melodies and punchy riffs intertwine with reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of nostalgia and youthful exuberance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    These Are the Days — The title track encapsulates the album's spirit of optimism and reflection, emphasizing living in the moment through anthemic choruses.
  • →
    California Son — This track showcases a blend of laid-back vibes and vibrant imagery, representing the band's roots while resonating with themes of longing and belonging.
  • →
    Good Problem to Have — With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, this song captures the joy of navigating life's complexities and embracing uncertainty with positivity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends catchy melodies with reflective lyrics but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a consistent upbeat tempo, while the second half introduces slower tracks that create a reflective mood.
  • Several songs feature layered guitar riffs that are prominent in the mix, enhancing the punchy sound characteristic of alternative rock.
  • Lyrically, the album often employs personal storytelling, with verses that build on themes of nostalgia and youthful experiences.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
  • youthful nostalgia and reflection
  • feel-good party energy
  • short bursts of joy
  • for road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, contemplative music
  • seek complex, lengthy compositions

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on December 15, 2017, These Are the Days is Lit's first full-length album since their 2006 release, which places it amid a long hiatus. The band sought to reconnect with their classic sound while incorporating fresh elements, marking a return to form as they navigated a changing music landscape.
Stylistic neighbors
Sugar Ray· Blink-182· Jimmy Eat World

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Just Feels Right

    The bridge shifts perspective to articulate a moment of clarity about relationships, breaking down barriers of doubt and hesitation.

    This shift not only enhances emotional depth but also contrasts earlier sentiments in the song, creating a powerful realization.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Night in the Life 3:19
  • 2 Good Problem to Have 3:08
  • 3 All Eyes on Us 2:45
  • 4 I Could Be Wrong 3:23
  • 5 Back With You 3:20
  • 6 Someday Maybe 3:48
  • 7 These Are the Days 2:41
  • 8 Wish I Was on It 3:16
  • 9 Just Feels Right 3:21
  • 10 Headstone 3:21
  • 11 Easy 3:15
  • 12 California Son 3:41
  • 13 Fast 4:04
  • 14 Welcome to the Party 2:43

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata