Album Review: Scouting For Girls - 'These Are The Good Days'
Nearly twenty years on, Scouting For Girls prove their feel-good formula still works.
Scouting For Girls return with their first album in three years, following their 2023 record The Place We Used To Meet. Roy Stride, Greg Churchouse and Peter Ellard have been steadily releasing music since their iconic 2007 debut, and the band’s ability to capture nostalgia in a bottle has not faded. Across nearly two decades they have built a reputation for warm, relatable songwriting and instantly recognisable hooks. These Are The Good Days continues that tradition.
The album title itself carries a quiet melancholy. It is a simple sentiment, yet one that feels deeply relatable. At some point we all look around and realise that the moments we are living through now may one day be the ones we miss the most. Over the course of ten tracks the band lean into that feeling, delivering classic Scouting For Girls singalongs, reflective ballads and the type of songs that made people fall in love with the band in the first place.
The title track These Are The Good Days opens the album on a contemplative note. A melancholic introduction sets the tone before Roy Stride’s familiar vocal cuts through the mix. The lyrics feel reflective, almost like a personal trip down memory lane, highlighted by the line “spend my life tryna make it big, just to prove I was worth something.” The bridge features some strong guitar work, and the layered vocals on the outro bring the song to an emphatic close. It feels like the kind of track that could soundtrack a jamboree, a reunion or any moment where nostalgia hangs in the air.
Get What You Give launches the album forward with a burst of energy. The chorus takes centre stage and demands attention, built around the refrain that “you only get what you are given.” It is an uplifting song about living life to the fullest, even if the message carries a hint of realism. The track has a feel-good spirit that fits comfortably within the band’s catalogue.
Waiting For Your Love introduces a completely different flavour. The song carries a Western-style groove, almost like it could soundtrack a chaotic saloon fight scene. Scouting For Girls have always been at their best when they lean into a particular style or concept, and this track is a great example of that strength. The energetic guitar solo emphasises the wild nature of the song and adds another layer of character.
The album takes a more emotional turn with Stars Never Fade. This ballad is dreamy, comforting and deeply affirming. Gentle instrumentation allows the lyrics to shine, and the refrain “people come and go, some people stay the same” lands with a subtle emotional weight. The songwriting here feels particularly strong, while the guitar riff that closes the chorus adds a beautiful finishing touch.
The upbeat nostalgia returns on Don’t Go Solo. There is a lighter, more humorous tone running through the track, with self-aware lyrics that lean into the band’s charm. The back and forth towards the end of the song gives it a playful energy, although the final verse introduces a surprising vulnerability that almost feels out of place on such an upbeat track. That contrast ultimately makes the moment stand out even more.
As Bad As You Are continues the singalong feel with a reassuring message at its core. Amid the chaos of the world, Roy promises to stick around no matter what. It taps into a feeling most people recognise, that quiet desire for security and loyalty. The closing line “it will never get better than this” gives the song a slightly sombre ending that grounds its optimism in reality.
Love Gone Bad begins beautifully, with Roy’s distinctive voice floating over soft and simple guitar work. The track gradually builds before bursting into life with a wave of colour and energy, reminiscent of the glossy optimism of a 2000s Sony TV advert. It is arguably the best produced song on the album, polished and bright while still retaining the band’s signature warmth. The chorus, which pleads “when you gonna love me back,” captures the universal ache of unrequited love.
Counting Down The Days delivers one of the most nostalgic moments on the album. A steady drum groove, a memorable chorus and lyrics centred around love combine into a track that feels unmistakably Scouting For Girls. It has everything that has made the band so beloved over the years. The playful countdown into the chorus adds an extra spark of energy that makes the moment particularly satisfying.
The album slows down for the penultimate track Still Feel The Love. It is an emphatic moment that allows the instrumentation to breathe and take centre stage. Once again the guitar work stands out, weaving around Roy’s passionate vocals and creating a strong emotional pull as the album moves toward its conclusion.
Closing track Alright In The End brings back that vintage Scouting For Girls feeling one final time. The song carries a reassuring message, with the title ringing throughout the chorus like a mantra. “If it is not alright, then it is not the end.” It is a sentiment that feels fitting for a band whose music has stayed with fans for so many years, and it provides a warm and satisfying way to close the album.
After a brief hiatus, Scouting For Girls return sounding as comfortable and heartfelt as ever. These Are The Good Days is packed with nostalgic charm, strong melodies and moments that remind listeners why the band has endured for so long. Their music still exists in its own warm, familiar bubble, and stepping back into that space feels so good.
Words by Alex Peters
