Just a Little Bit Better

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Just a Little Bit Better is a song written by Kenny Young. It was first released as a single under his name in October 1964 on ATCO Records (45-6322).

In 1965, Herman’s Hermits recorded a cover that became a hit. Their version reached No. 7 on the US Billboard Hot 100, No. 10 on the UK NME chart, No. 15 on the UK Record Retailer chart, and No. 9 on Canada’s RPM Play Sheet. It also climbed to No. 1 in Malaysia, No. 7 in Sweden, No. 11 in New Zealand, and No. 40 in Australia.

The Herman’s Hermits version appeared on the 1965 album The Best of Herman’s Hermits and the 1966 EP A Must to Avoid. It was recorded at De Lane Lea Studios in London on July 16, 1965 and produced by Mickie Most. The UK release was August 27, 1965; the US release followed in September 1965. The UK B-side was “Take Love, Give Love,” while the US B-side was “Sea Cruise.” The song is 2:57 long and is classified as pop rock.

Billboard described the recording as a smooth rocker with clever lyrics and a Buddy Holly-like vocal sound, calling it a chartbuster. Cash Box called it a rhythmic, easy-going twangy ditty about a boy who proclaims devotion to the girl of his dreams.

In Herman’s Hermits’ singles chronology, it sits after “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” (1965) and before “A Must to Avoid” (1965).