Following the release of the sleek, synth-pop anthem ‘Running Red Lights’ in 2024, the eclectic artist Keelan X returns with ‘Good Times’, a shimmering, bittersweet indie pop tune. Blending upbeat synth-laced indie with some lyrical introspection, the track is both a celebration and a reflection — a letter of love to the past and the perspective that comes with letting go and re-visiting something.
Blending 80s-tinged production with unapologetic lyrical honesty, ‘Good Times’ captures Keelan’s knack for combining sonic nostalgia and emotional nuance.
Speaking about the lyrics, Keelan explains: “The song is a reflection on past relationships and places I’ve loved, but I put an emotional distance on. A lot of relationship endings are marked by bitterness but I wanted to celebrate the good times I had with a person. I was also able to give a nod to one of my favorite poets W.B.Yeats, borrowing a few of lines from ‘When You are Old and Grey’ and shoving them into the second verse. The poem speaks of enduring affection.”
‘Good Times’ also serves as a tribute to his evolving relationship with Madrid, a place he once loved, grew distant from, and has recently rediscovered on new terms. That tension between nostalgia and new beginnings led Keelan to shooting the music video in the city of Madrid. “My daughter lives there but only recently did it feel right to shoot a video there. I couldn’t have done that a few years ago. Emotionally I wasn’t on favourable terms with that city. But time heals and gives perspective. There’s a weirdly celebratory feel to a song that is about endings, beginnings, healing, finding perspective and reaffirming your identity”.
Musically, ‘Good Times’ is influenced by the likes of The 1975, Holly Humberstone, New Radicals, Deacon Blue, and Whipping Boy, mixing electric piano, synths, and layered guitars. Keelan’s low-register vocal in the verse contrasts with a catchy, driving chorus, all tied together with lyrics that reflect his signature lyrical ambiguity and emotional depth.
The track was written and co-produced by Keelan X along Alex O’Keefe and Julian Chown, with final mixing and mastering by Billy Foster.
‘Good Times’ is out on all major streaming platforms.