Description
Best Coast – Always Tomorrow – Vinyl Record
Always Tomorrow is the fourth studio album by American indie rock band Best Coast, released on February 21, 2020, by Concord Records. Marking the band’s first full-length release since California Nights in 2015, Always Tomorrow represents a period of significant personal growth and transformation for lead singer and songwriter Bethany Cosentino. With themes of self-reflection, resilience, and hope, the album moves away from the lo-fi sound that characterized their earlier work, embracing a cleaner, more polished production that complements its message of renewal.
The five-year gap between California Nights and Always Tomorrow was a time of change for Best Coast. During this period, Cosentino focused on personal growth and recovery, particularly addressing struggles with addiction and self-doubt. The album’s title, Always Tomorrow, reflects this journey of finding optimism in the face of difficulty. Musically, Always Tomorrow sees Best Coast moving further into power-pop and alternative rock territory, with influences from classic rock, ‘90s alt-rock, and pop-punk.
Produced by Carlos de la Garza and Justin Meldal-Johnsen (known for their work with Paramore and M83), the album has a rich, vibrant sound that captures Cosentino’s powerful vocals and Bobb Bruno’s textured guitar work. The production feels bright and upbeat, underscoring the album’s themes of resilience and self-empowerment.
Key Tracks
“Different Light” – Opening the album, this track captures the newfound positivity in Cosentino’s outlook. With a catchy, upbeat melody, “Different Light” celebrates growth and looking at life from a fresh perspective.
“Everything Has Changed” – This song is both introspective and optimistic, reflecting on the personal changes Cosentino has experienced. With jangly guitars and a sing-along chorus, it captures the album’s spirit of hope and transformation.
“For the First Time” – This track is one of the album’s highlights, addressing the challenges of self-acceptance. It combines an infectious melody with lyrics about finding inner peace and clarity after years of turmoil. The track’s pop-rock energy gives it a feel-good, anthemic quality.
“Wreckage” – One of the more introspective songs, “Wreckage” delves into Cosentino’s struggles with self-doubt and past mistakes. The raw lyrics reflect her journey of learning to forgive herself, set against a backdrop of dynamic guitar riffs and a driving beat.
“Graceless Kids” – A high-energy track with punk-infused guitar riffs, “Graceless Kids” explores themes of youth, resilience, and learning to navigate adulthood. Its catchy chorus and fast pace make it one of the album’s standout tracks.
“Master of My Own Mind” – This empowering song showcases Cosentino’s strength in reclaiming control of her life and mind. It’s upbeat and assertive, with lyrics that embrace self-reliance and independence.
“Rollercoaster” – With lyrics reflecting the highs and lows of personal growth, “Rollercoaster” is a vibrant, relatable track. The catchy melody and straightforward lyrics create a sense of carefree optimism, embodying the idea of taking life as it comes.
“Used to Be” – Closing the album, this song reflects on past struggles and the distance Cosentino has traveled on her journey of self-improvement. It’s nostalgic yet hopeful, encapsulating the album’s themes of moving forward.
Always Tomorrow centers on themes of self-acceptance, resilience, and renewal. Cosentino’s lyrics are honest and direct, reflecting her journey through personal challenges toward self-discovery and empowerment. Unlike Best Coast’s earlier work, which often touched on heartbreak and angst, Always Tomorrow offers a more optimistic perspective, with an emphasis on growth and learning to embrace change.
The production quality, handled by Carlos de la Garza and Justin Meldal-Johnsen, adds depth and polish to Best Coast’s sound. The layered guitars, upbeat rhythms, and bright, energetic arrangements suit the album’s hopeful tone. The influence of ‘90s alternative rock and power-pop is evident, with catchy choruses and big, guitar-driven melodies giving Always Tomorrow a dynamic and radio-friendly feel.
Always Tomorrow was met with positive reviews, with critics appreciating its introspective lyrics and polished production. Many noted that the album showcased a more mature, evolved side of Best Coast, with Cosentino’s journey of self-empowerment resonating strongly. Critics praised tracks like “For the First Time” and “Graceless Kids” for their infectious energy and uplifting messages. Fans of the band also embraced this new chapter, viewing Always Tomorrow as a refreshing take on Best Coast’s sound that still retains the band’s signature West Coast vibes.
The album was seen as an important step in Best Coast’s evolution, marking a shift from youthful angst to a more reflective, optimistic outlook. It reflects the growth and resilience that fans have come to admire in Cosentino, establishing Always Tomorrow as a defining work in the band’s discography.
With Always Tomorrow, Best Coast delivers an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Its themes of change, resilience, and self-discovery are underscored by catchy, upbeat melodies that make it an uplifting and empowering listen. The album’s polished, pop-rock sound and introspective lyrics offer a refreshing perspective on personal growth, cementing Best Coast’s status as a band that continues to evolve while staying true to their California roots. For fans of alternative rock and indie pop, Always Tomorrow is a testament to the power of embracing change and finding hope in new beginnings.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Different Light
Everything Has Changed
For the First Time
Graceless Kids
Wreckage
Rollercoaster
Master of My Own Mind
True
Seeing Red
Make It Last
Used to Be
