Lukas Graham builds bridges between past and present with fifth album "Good Times"

Lukas Graham, the GRAMMY-nominated Danish singer and songwriter, returns with his fifth studio album, "Good Times", which will be released on 14 August 2026 via Universal Music / Virgin Music Group. The album features thirteen new songs and explores themes of friendship, heritage, loss, and community, inspired by Graham's earliest musical memories and his Irish roots.

With "Good Times", Lukas Graham has deliberately chosen to let past and present meet. The album was recorded in New York, Nashville, and Copenhagen, where he gathered a unique collective of musicians—several of whom had close ties to his late father. For Lukas, it was a personal and musical homecoming, where he invited these musicians not only for their craftsmanship but also to create an emotional depth to the album's sound. Their connection to his family made the process as meaningful as it was creatively rewarding.

The musical spectrum of "Good Times" is multifaceted and cohesive. The album moves smoothly between personal storytelling and influences from folk music, bluegrass, country, and the soulful pop that has become Lukas Graham's signature worldwide. Among the outstanding musicians on the album are Michael McGoldrick, known for his skill with the Irish bagpipes and flute; the American violinist Stuart Duncan, who has worked with artists such as Bob Dylan and Dolly Parton; and the GRAMMY-winning bluegrass legend Tim O’Brien on mandolin and vocals. Their participation gives the album an authentic and organic expression, with intricate layers of acoustic sounds.

The main thread of the album is the sense of belonging—how life’s brightest moments often become most apparent in contrast to sorrow or adversity. A clear example is the moving song "Before You Go", written in memory of Lukas Graham’s childhood friend Thomas, who passed away after a long illness. The song took shape after Lukas and Thomas shared one last adventurous trip before a major brain surgery, with the intent to enjoy life together. "Before You Go" ultimately became both a personal farewell and a universal tribute to all valuable relationships, and was even performed at Thomas's funeral.

This sincere honesty is something of a hallmark of Lukas Graham’s songwriting. Since his international breakthrough with the single "7 Years" in 2015—a song that topped charts globally, earned several GRAMMY nominations, and placed him among the world’s most streamed artists—he has stayed true to his way of telling stories about family, love, loss, and resilience. His storytelling has permeated four previous albums as well as collaborations with names like G-Eazy, Khalid, Mickey Guyton, and Ryan Tedder. Tracks such as "Love Someone" have been certified platinum in 18 countries, further highlighting his talent for both heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies.

With "Good Times", Lukas Graham marks what he himself describes as a "full circle" experience. By gathering musicians from his upbringing and honoring his roots, he shapes an album that embraces both where he is now and where he is heading. Each track invites the listener to reflect on the bonds that make us strong and celebrates the moments and people that shape our life journeys.

The album not only continues the story of one of Denmark’s most beloved voices, but also ushers in a new creative chapter for Lukas Graham. With skilled craftsmanship, poetic lyrics, and fearless emotion, "Good Times" stands as a powerful testament to music’s ability to unite past and present—and to heal, uplift, and remind us of the value in what binds us together.