He’s the Eurovision 2015 winner who recently wowed audiences in Tel Aviv with his “switch song” turn. And on Friday, Måns Zelmerlöw released the official music video for “Better Now” — one of two new singles.
Produced by Peter Hammerton and Pontus Persson and co-written by Måns himself, the track deals with the singer’s dark past. It details how he fought to become a better person.
The song is super relatable. Who hasn’t messed up in the past before that special someone arrives and says it’s gonna be okay? “My hand on my heart to behave, Baby, you make me not make those mistakes”. Mushy, ain’t it!
Despite the heavy themes, “Better Now” is actually a perfect summer song. It instantly makes you think of sunny beaches in any destination of your choice.
Originally released as a digital download on 17 May 2019, it’s the third single from Zelmerlöw’s upcoming eighth studio album. It peaked at number 79 on the Swedish Singles Chart.
Måns Zelmerlöw “Better Now” (Official Music Video)
But that’s not all from the “Heroes” hitmaker. Last month, Måns treated fans to two other studio tracks. One was “Grow Up To Be You”.
The song is like a window to his soul. Måns wrote the track about his son Albert, who just turned one. Lyrically, he comes out as someone who is trying to be a good and non-judgemental father — “Don’t grow up to be me, grow up to be you”. He is undoubtedly encouraging his baby boy to become one of the heroes of his own time.
The single is supposedly one of his most personal creations ever. Needless to say, we love every bit of it. He wrote this piece together with Anu Pillai and David Sneddon, one of the co-writers on Katherine Duska’s “Better Love”.
The track received its live premiere at the annual UNICEF Gala in Stockholm.
Måns Zelmerlöw “Grow Up To Be You” (Live Performance)
Måns has said he’d be happy to sneak into Eurovision every year in one way or the other. This year, of course, he took part in the iconic switch song with fellow legendary past contestants Conchita Wurst, Eleni Foureira and Verka Serduchka.
He put a completely new spin on Eleni’s hit “Fuego”. People were left gagged!
Cyprus’ 2018 entry is one of those iconic pieces which doesn’t need to be revamped or changed. Yet Måns managed to completely turn the table with his version. The male “Fuego” is completely mesmerising. All the pelicans are fly-fly-flyin’.
Måns Zelmerlöw “Fuego” (Cover of Eleni Foureira)
When it comes to new music, Måns is burning up and he ain’t coolin’ down. During Sweden’s Melodifestivalen 2019 in March, he debuted the first single off his upcoming LP — “Walk With Me”, a collaboration with Melfest 2018 alum Dotter.
In the official press release, Måns says:
“It is a great, powerful song, with a lot of soul in. With a text about feeling that you simply cannot live without a person. I saw it from the start as a duet and Dotter always felt perfect as a duet partner.”
The atmospheric ballad tells of two tired lovers. Alone they make mistakes, but together they can see the truth and support each other to carry on.
Måns Zelmerlöw & Dotter “Walk With Me” (Official Audio)
There’s plenty more to come. A new album is set to be released in October, while more live dates are imminent.
What do you think of Måns Zelmerlöw’s new music? Which song is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more new music reviews here
Follow our new music playlist on Spotify
After what he did to Fuego he should be banned for life from making any more music!!!
He got engaged two years ago, and has a child. Marry already.
I haven’t listened to any of his recent output, but he seems to be a bit less relevant on the Swedish music scene which is a shame, or any i wrong.
Maybe it’s because he’s moved to the UK?
Yes and no! He hasn’t much impact on streaming services, but on airplay and radio-play he is one of the most played artists. Walk With Me is his biggest hit since Heroes air-play wise! He’s not really Spotify material which might explain his absence there since Spotify is about instant hit. But I’m’ not sure he is aiming for hits either at this stage. He had them, I just think he wants to do the music he wants to do without feeling the pressure to deliver hits. And the fact that he still has a career after 14 years in… Read more »
True- and he’s a new dad- if he’s an active father he might be taking a break by having a less intense career for a while.
Sadly in Sweden he”s much more regarded as a celeberety (probably our top 10 ever) than the quality musician he is. They write about him almost everyday but always like “she said that or he did that” etc.. Not much about his musicality at all. Wich is a real shame. Well, anyway he had a few no1hits with “Fuego” (Slovenia/Argentina!) on Itunes. And he scored better than most (almost all) of the partisspaints.
Mans is among the best singers I’ve ever heard , And the “Switch Song” is such an adorable way to honnor the past.