An Upbeat and Uplifting Debut| Posted April 30, 2015
Funky, soulful, and smooth: these are the first words that come to mind when I hear Drake Kennedy.
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Kennedy is getting his music heard even from his independent platform. More than a handful of radio stations have already picked up his songs and are spinning them for their listening audiences, and it's not hard to see why. Kennedy has a commercial sound, radio-worthy production (even without the help of a major label) and uplifting lyrics that will catch the attention of many.
Kennedy's EP release is titled Hope, and the artist does not stray far from that theme on all five tracks. From the opening "Beautiful From the Inside Out" (lyrically reminiscent of early Tenth Avenue North) to the closing "Give Me Your Hand," these songs present lyrics of godly encouragement and love to those who need a reminder that God is our comforter who helps us through our struggles.
"Only You" epitomizes the infectious feel-good soul that oozes from this EP. Kennedy sings the familiar "just be you" message as he encourages listeners not to give in to what society and others tell them they need to be. The groove and tight harmonies remind me of early Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, which is definitely a compliment.
Closing Thoughts:
Drake Kennedy's Hope EP is upbeat and fresh. Good independent Christian pop is a fairly rare thing, but this EP definitely has its highlights. Kennedy's smooth voice and occasional awesome use of falsetto (see "Right By Me") are amplified by grooves that will get you moving your feet from the get-go.
Kennedy is just starting to make his way into the industry and definitely has some room to grow. The lyrical themes, for example, are predictable and perhaps overdone. However, he is off to a good start, and this CD is worth the listen.
Song to Download Now:
"Only You" (Get it on iTunes here.)
to add lyrics if not listed.
