
Bluesy rocker Colin Burgeson recently released his debut album "From Sunshine Into Shadow" and to celebrate we asked him to tell us about the single "Darkest Days." Here is the story:
"Darkest Days" is a song that took several years and multiple rearrangements to get it to the place that it is today. It all started with the lead guitar lick that I ended up using for the bridge, but at first it was the main line of the entire song. I was listening to a lot of progressive rock during this time, so my first iteration of the song was a very fast, driving rock tune with constantly changing time signatures.
I recorded a demo of the original version of the song during my first attempt at making a solo record in 2019, but other projects and time commitments caused me to abandon my original recording sessions. I revisited the song when I started preparing to record "From Sunshine Into Shadow," but I knew it needed to change in order to fit the style and theme of the rest of the record I was making.
After listening to John Mayer's "Good Love Is on the Way," it inspired what would become the last arrangement of the song. I took the song from minor to major key, dropped the main guitar line an octave to write the verse, and then dropped it an octave even further to create the main riff of the song.
Lyrically, the song is about finding your way through your toughest times and most difficult moments. No matter how hard life gets or how hopeless things may seem, there is always a light to guide your way out. It's a song that I feel has a message that can really resonate with listeners. While there was no one specific event that inspired this song, I think it's something we've all gone through in our lives.
I ended up choosing "Darkest Days" as the lead single off "From Sunshine Into Shadow" because I thought it had a catchy, sing a long chorus melody and a very commercial, radio friendly sound that would catch the ears of new listeners. It's a song that I'm very proud of and it's one of my personal favorite songs that I've written!
Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen and watch for yourself below and learn more here
Live: Lollapalooza 2026 - Day Three Report
Live: Lollapalooza 2026 - Day Two Report
On The Record: Gary Stewart - One Track Mind
Live: Lollapalooza 2026 - Day One Report
Quick Flicks: Di'Anno: Iron Maiden's Lost Singer
Imperial Teen Announce New Album With 'Overdrive' Video
Metallica Rock 'Fade To Black' In London
Glenn Hughes To Have Heart Surgery And Retires From Live Performances
Eagles Add January Dates To Sphere Las Vegas Residency
Linkin Park: Unshatter Coming To Movie Theaters
Watch Northlane's 'CUT_it' Video
Taking Back Sunday Expand 'Louder Now' For 20th Anniversary
Third Eye Blind Reimagine 'Semi-Charmed Life'
Watch Prong's 'The Banner' Video
Elvis Costello's 'My Aim Is True' (49th Anniversary Edition) Box Set Coming
Becky Baldwin Talks Tony Iommi's New Solo Album And More
Watch Steve Hackett & Steve Rothery's 'Red Dragon' Video