Description
Southern Avenue – Keep On – Vinyl Record
Keep On is the second studio album by Southern Avenue, released on May 10, 2019, by Concord Records. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Southern Avenue is known for blending blues, soul, rock, and R&B to create a sound that is deeply rooted in the traditions of the South yet refreshingly modern. Keep On highlights the band’s evolution from their debut album, showcasing tighter songwriting, bold arrangements, and a message of resilience and positivity.
Southern Avenue is named after a historic street that runs through Memphis, symbolic of the band’s connection to the city’s rich musical heritage. Fronted by powerful vocalist Tierinii Jackson and supported by Ori Naftaly on guitar, Jeremy Powell on keyboards, and Tikyra Jackson on drums, the band channels the soul and energy of Memphis blues and soul while infusing it with contemporary energy. With Keep On, Southern Avenue expands their sound, incorporating funk, gospel, and rock influences that add layers to their already dynamic style.
Recorded in Memphis, the album reflects the city’s musical traditions, with each track displaying influences from Stax Records, classic soul, and Southern rock. The band worked with producer Johnny Black (known for working with Daughtry and Jessie J) to capture an authentic yet polished sound that respects the genre’s history while pushing it forward.
Key Tracks
‘Keep On’ – The title track is a spirited anthem of resilience and self-belief. With an upbeat groove and infectious chorus, ‘Keep On’ encourages listeners to persevere in the face of challenges. Tierinii Jackson’s soulful vocals drive the message home, while Naftaly’s guitar work adds a gritty edge.
‘Whiskey Love’ – This bluesy, sultry track explores the complexities of love and heartbreak. The song’s laid-back tempo and Jackson’s emotive delivery capture the bittersweet experience of romance, while the instrumental arrangement emphasizes the band’s blues roots.
‘Savior’ – A slower, more introspective song, ‘Savior’ delves into themes of self-discovery and inner strength. The track’s powerful lyrics are matched by a lush, soulful arrangement that features rich organ tones and heartfelt vocals.
‘The Tea I Sip’ – This funky, groove-heavy track has a playful vibe, with lyrics that touch on confidence and individuality. It showcases the band’s versatility, with a rhythm that blends R&B with a modern, funky twist.
‘We’re Gonna Make It’ – A hopeful and optimistic track, ‘We’re Gonna Make It’ combines gospel influences with Southern rock. Its uplifting message is backed by harmonized vocals and a powerful rhythm section, making it a standout on the album.
‘Switchup’ – With a catchy, danceable beat, ‘Switchup’ reflects the band’s ability to incorporate pop and funk elements into their sound. It’s an energetic track with clever lyrics, showcasing the band’s playful side.
‘We’ve Got the Music’ – This song serves as a tribute to the unifying power of music, with a feel-good vibe and upbeat tempo. Its chorus is a celebration of community, creativity, and the joy that music brings to life.
Keep On is infused with themes of resilience, positivity, and unity. The lyrics reflect personal empowerment and perseverance, and many songs carry a message of hope and optimism that resonates deeply. Tierinii Jackson’s lyrics, combined with the band’s skillful instrumentation, deliver messages that are both empowering and reflective. The production strikes a balance between polished and organic, capturing the energy of Southern Avenue’s live performances while enhancing it with studio clarity.
Johnny Black’s production allows each instrument to shine, and the arrangements are lush without being overly complicated. The album’s mix of upbeat tracks and slower ballads provides a diverse listening experience, keeping the energy dynamic throughout.
Keep On received positive reviews from both critics and fans, with praise for its authenticity, strong songwriting, and the band’s ability to blend genres seamlessly. The album reached #6 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart, establishing Southern Avenue as one of the prominent rising acts in modern blues and soul music. The album’s accessible yet soulful sound attracted fans from across genres, and songs like ‘Keep On’ and ‘We’re Gonna Make It’ became anthems of resilience for listeners.
Critics noted that the album reflects the band’s growth and maturity, especially in the depth of its lyrics and the complexity of its arrangements. Southern Avenue’s ability to incorporate elements of funk, gospel, and rock while staying true to their blues and soul roots has garnered comparisons to iconic acts like Al Green, The Meters, and Tedeschi Trucks Band. Keep On has solidified their place in the modern soul-blues revival, positioning them as a band that honors tradition while pushing the genre forward.
With Keep On, Southern Avenue delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant album that blends the legacy of Memphis soul with modern influences. It’s a record that speaks to the universal struggles of life while celebrating the power of resilience and unity. For fans of blues, soul, and rock, Keep On is a vibrant and heartfelt addition to Southern Avenue’s discography, offering both nostalgic homage to classic sounds and fresh, contemporary energy that has won over a diverse audience.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Keep on
Whiskey Love
Savior
Switchup
The Tea I Sip
Lucky
Jive
Too Good for You
We Are Not So Different
We’ve Got the Music
She Gets Me High
We’re Gonna Make It
