The Kennedys—Safe Until Tomorrow
2018, The Kennedys L.L.C.

The Kennedys have been the buoyant folk-rock heroes of the singer-songwriter scene since the optimistic mid-1990s, through the shattering early 2000s and on into our current WTF era. I am blessed to be within Pete and Maura’s frequent touring radius, hearing some of their songs within days of being written. Emerging into their set lists alongside songs from their twenty-plus years together, the new songs are among the best of their career. Even though I am very familiar with their sound, Safe Until Tomorrow still covered me with goosebumps from the thrill of their jangle guitars and Maura’s sparkling, pure voice. Several of the songs address issues of the day. The title track refers to California’s wildfires and mudslides, before broadening to a more universal appeal in the chorus, “If we can only keep you safe until tomorrow.” “Don’t Talk To Strangers” compares the dilemma of a five year-old lost in the city, who must ignore her mother’s advice to accept help from a kind stranger, with the story of refugees coming to New York in need of the welcome promised by Lady Liberty. “Be Silent No More,” “Sing The Chorus” and “Is Anybody Listening?” are less specific but no less a relevant to our times. “Dancing On The Moon” cleverly parodies “Dancing in the Street,” to satire our lack of regard for our planet. A cover of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” the elegantly poetic “Pistol Island” and the culinary ode, “Cayenne In My Coffee,” are all outstanding. Our culture may have lost the capacity to have it’s consciousness raised by popular music, but those who are alive to that sort of thing will want to make this album a part of their personal hopeful soundtrack.—Michael Devlin