What makes These Days by Foo Fighters notable?

'These Days' received significant airplay on rock radio stations and was praised for its lyrical depth, reflecting themes of nostalgia and acceptance. The song's success contributed to the band's enduring presence in alternative rock, reinforcing their status as one of the leading acts of the genre. Released as part of the Foo Fighters' discography in 2011, 'These Days' arrived during a period when the band was enjoying established success following their 2007 album 'Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace'. This track marks a continued evolution in their sound, showcasing a more introspective lyrical approach while maintaining their hard rock roots.

How many songs are on These Days?

These Days has 1 track, running approximately 4 minutes.

These Days

Foo Fighters · 2011

4 min · 1 track · alternative rock

A reflective blend of melodic hard rock and poignant lyrics, capturing the bittersweet essence of life's fleeting moments.

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These Days — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of reflection and nostalgia, blending powerful instrumentation with deeply personal lyrics that resonate with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The song combines solid writing and production but lacks the depth to stand out significantly over time.

What we noticed

The song features a steady mid-tempo beat with layered guitar riffs that build in intensity throughout.
Lyrically, it employs a reflective narrative structure, with verses that lead into a more anthemic chorus.
The arrangement includes dynamic shifts, where quieter sections contrast with louder, more powerful moments.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A solid entry in the catalog, but not a standout for wider recognition or accessibility.
Themes: post-9/11 uncertainty· reflective resilience· hard rock introspection
Career context: Released as part of the Foo Fighters' discography in 2011, 'These Days' arrived during a period when the band was enjoying established success following their 2007 album 'Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace'. This track marks a continued evolution in their sound, showcasing a more introspective lyrical approach while maintaining their hard rock roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Nirvana· Queens of the Stone Age· Soundgarden