Feature Photo: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com
American Authors formed in 2006 in Boston, Massachusetts. The band formed while the members were attending Berklee College of Music. The band consists of Zac Barnett (vocals), James Adam Shelley (guitar and banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums). They moved to Brooklyn, New York, and gained fame with their hit single “Best Day of My Life” from their debut album Oh, What a Life.
The band has released four studio albums: Oh, What a Life (2014), What We Live For (2016), Seasons (2019), and Best Night of My Life (2023). Their music is known for its upbeat, anthemic style, combining elements of indie rock and pop. American Authors have achieved significant chart success, with “Best Day of My Life” reaching number eleven on the US Billboard Hot 100. They have toured extensively and are known for their energetic live performances.
Oh, What a Life
Released: 2014
Oh, What a Life is the debut studio album by American Authors, featuring their hit single “Best Day of My Life.” The album combines elements of indie rock and pop with anthemic choruses and heartfelt lyrics. The album featured Zac Barnett on vocals, James Adam Shelley on guitar and banjo, Dave Rublin on bass, and Matt Sanchez on drums. It was produced by Shep Goodman and Aaron Accetta, recorded at Quad Studios in New York City and The End in Brooklyn, New York.
CD Track Listings:
- “Believer” – 3:03
- “Think About It” – 3:04
- “Best Day of My Life” – 3:14
- “Luck” – 3:37
- “Trouble” – 3:15
- “Hit It” – 3:27
- “Home” – 4:09
- “Love” – 3:13
- “Heart of Stone” – 3:07
- “Ghost” – 3:44
- “Oh, What a Life” – 4:19
What We Live For
Released: 2016
What We Live For is American Authors’ second studio album, continuing their blend of indie rock and pop with uplifting themes. The album featured Zac Barnett on vocals, James Adam Shelley on guitar and banjo, Dave Rublin on bass, and Matt Sanchez on drums. It was produced by Aaron Accetta and Shep Goodman, recorded at various studios including Quad Studios in New York City and The End in Brooklyn, New York. The album peaked at number twenty-nine on the US Billboard 200.
CD Track Listings:
- “What We Live For” – 3:09
- “I’m Born to Run” – 3:27
- “Pride” – 3:09
- “Right Here Right Now” – 3:11
- “Nothing Better” – 3:30
- “Replaced” – 3:23
- “Go Big or Go Home” – 2:50
- “Mess with Your Heart” – 3:15
- “No Love” – 3:24
- “Pocket Full of Gold” – 3:22
- “Superman” – 3:24
- “Mind Body Soul” – 3:23
Seasons
Released: 2019
Seasons is American Authors’ third studio album, featuring a more mature sound and exploring deeper lyrical themes. The album featured Zac Barnett on vocals, James Adam Shelley on guitar and banjo, Dave Rublin on bass, and Matt Sanchez on drums. It was produced by Cason Cooley and recorded at various studios, including The Smoakstack in Nashville, Tennessee, and Dragonfly Creek Recording in Malibu, California.
CD Track Listings:
- “Stay Around” – 3:24
- “Say Amen” (feat. Billy Raffoul) – 3:23
- “Calm Me Down” – 3:32
- “I Wanna Go Out” – 3:19
- “Neighborhood” (feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE) – 3:24
- “Can’t Stop Me Now” – 3:20
- “Deep Water” – 3:21
- “Bring It On Home” – 3:13
- “Before I Go” – 3:18
- “Real Place” – 3:25
Best Night of My Life
Released: 2023
Best Night of My Life is American Authors’ fourth studio album, reflecting their journey and experiences with anthemic and feel-good tracks. The album featured Zac Barnett on vocals, James Adam Shelley on guitar and banjo, Dave Rublin on bass, and Matt Sanchez on drums. It was produced by Matthew McVaney and recorded at various studios, including Quad Studios in New York City and The End in Brooklyn, New York.
CD Track Listings:
- “Best Night of My Life” – 3:12
- “Live On” – 3:30
- “We Happy” – 3:21
- “Feel Good” – 3:14
- “Roll With Me” – 3:20
- “Stars” – 3:28
- “Good Times” – 3:15
- “Everything” – 3:19
- “Dream” – 3:22
- “Make the Best of It” – 3:24
Read More: Top 10 American Authors Songs