Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Caleb Russel Kennedy
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE


Caleb Russel Kennedy
You're Not Alone - EP

Street Date: June 23, 2023
Style: Alternative Rock
Official Instagram: @calebrusselkennedy
Buy It: Amazon



Caleb Russel Kennedy is a singer/songwriter from Honolulu, Hawaii who makes alternative rock music mixed with a dash of classic rock. His latest release is a three-song EP called You're Not Alone, a collection of songs which features co-writing from industry vet Gabriel Wilson (Rock N Roll Worship Circus / The Listening). "Human Condition" opens with a driving guitar riff before diving into a late '90s/early '00s alt rock sound that almost reminds me of The Elms (even vocally). The guitar work is really solid; Kennedy proves to be quite handy with the instrument, making it the main highlight of the song. Though the honest lyricism is also really refreshing ("Do You care about how we feel? / Even the feelings we feel are wrong? / Like when we're disappointed in You / Even though we know You're God? / Do You listen when we sing our depressing songs? / And are You disappointed in us when we don't trust in Your love?"). "Futile Fight" leans even further into the '90s alternative, with an upbeat rhythm and both acoustic and electric guitars leading the charge. A similar message as the first track carries over, as Kennedy deals with trusting God when things are looking bleak. The song does have an unfortunate use of the F word. Although the context makes sense and it's brutally honest songwriting, I'm not sure it feels totally necessary ("Attempts to solve the mystery / Added to my misery / Trapped inside a cycle of despair / Bitterness ate me alive / I screamed "f--- you" in the van that time / Truth is I was terrorized by shame / But You see through my disguises / You see the child that I'm hiding / And I can hear You calling out my name"). As quickly as it starts, the EP comes to a close with "You're Not Alone," as an acoustic guitar and harmonica complement Kennedy's encouraging words to those listeners feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. His voice seems a bit shaky in this song, but it sounds natural as he sings, "When peace is hard to come by / And all's out of control / There's serenity buried deep within yourself / When comfort's at a distance / And you feel like all is lost / You can rest assured in knowing you're not alone." You're Not Alone is a short, 13-minute excursion, but it's a good taste of what you're going to get from Kennedy. If you're looking for some new alternative to dig into, this is the perfect sample size in which to try him out.

- Review date: 6/5/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

 

 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, October 3, 2025
ALBUMS
Pat Barrett I've Got A Fire [Capitol CMG]
Kristene DiMarco MEMORADUM - EP [Bethel]
Matt Redman Life & Breath [Integrity]
John Van Deusen As Long As I Am In The Tent of This Body I Will Make a Joyful Noise Pt. 1 [Anotherland Records]

SINGLES
ChristianXXII & Futuristic Already Won - Single [DREAM]
Damian Back To You - Single [DREAM]
Emerson Day This House Won't Fall - Single [Fair Trade]
for KING + COUNTRY World on Fire (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb Records]
Nathan Oswalt MAKE UP YOUR MIND - Single (independent)
Drew Parker Blame Jesus - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Shamash The Gulf Between Us - Single [Rottweiler Records]

Next Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]

SINGLES
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images