Single Review: Anastacia's "Best Days" Is Meh, At Best.
The iconic voice chooses an unexciting direction for her eighth LP.
Back in 2018, Anastacia teamed up with German DJ/composer Alex Christiansen and the Berlin Orchestra’s series of classic 90’s dance records reimagined with an orchestral backdrop. Their take on Real McCoy’s “Another Night” didn’t make any waves commercially or critically, but it’s a sublime rendition of a classic dance record that gives it a timeless sound. It’s innovative, refreshing, and easy to keep on repeat.
When word broke in late 2022 that Anastacia was working on a new album, I was ecstatic. I’ve been a fan for over 20 years, and might be her biggest one on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. In 2021 she revealed that she was disenchanted with the idea of recording another new album, so this turnaround was surprising and welcomed. She teased the album by saying that she was doing something “that’s never been done… and I like to do firsties.”
It’s since been revealed that the new album, titled Our Songs, will be a covers record of all German songs. The lead single is a cover of German band Die Toten Hosen’s “Tage wie diese.”
The title literally translates to “days like this,” and the record is about living life to the fullest, while pondering the time that’s given to us. The original version builds to a big, anthemic hook full of gang vocals with an impassioned performance by the band.
In Anastacia’s hands, the song is retitled “Best Days.” The English translation’s demo was even recorded by Die Toten Hosen’s frontman Campino, who wholly approves of Anastacia’s interpretation. Unfortunately, he might be alone in that sentiment.
This is not, by any means, a bad record. It’s upbeat, inspiring, and full of life. But it doesn’t feel fresh, revelatory, or worthy of multiple listens. On the aforementioned cover of “Another Night,” and even her 2012 covers record It’s A Man’s World, where she led with the Foo Fighters’ “Best Of You,” Anastacia soared. Those were somewhat uncharted territory for the big-voiced diva, and both landed perfectly. “Best Days” doesn’t just feel reductive, but unimaginative and unexciting. I’ve been along the ride with Anastacia since the lead-up to the release of her second album, Freak Of Nature. I’ve never been less excited for a project than I am for this, which is her eighth album.
Anastacia occupies a unique space in music where she has, and can, effortlessly vacillate between genres. She can demolish both rock and dance records with equal gusto and has the skills to carry them to new heights. Instead of covering old songs, she should be pushing ahead. She hasn’t embraced dance music in years. Why not fuse the two extremes that she excels in and forge a dance-rock record, in the way that she created her soul/pop/rock (sprock as she called it) on her third LP Anastacia 19 years ago? Where is THAT Anastacia, who, facing a devastating cancer diagnosis, trudged ahead and created her magnum opus?
I’m sure that when the album comes around, I’ll find some songs that I love, because I’ve never hated a project by this underrated vocal powerhouse. Hell, I’ve already pre-ordered a signed vinyl of the album, and plan to pre-order a mysterious box version of the album. So I’ll be supporting. But I’ve never been less excited to do so. Here’s to hoping for better days.
Stream “Better Days” by Anastacia: