Make Up Your Mind

Make Up Your Mind is the debut album from The Simon Kennedy Band—a soulful, guitar-driven collection rooted in the blues and shaped by gospel, funk, and faith. Released in 2014, the album blends vintage tone with contemporary songwriting, reflecting a deep respect for musical tradition alongside a heartfelt spiritual message.

The project was inspired by a desire to bring together the storytelling power of the blues with the hope and conviction of gospel. Each track wrestles with real-life struggles—doubt, perseverance, temptation, and grace—while ultimately pointing toward redemption and truth.

“The King Shows You Who’s Boss” opens the album with swagger and grit, echoing the confidence of a soul who knows where his help comes from. “Lord I Pray” is a heartfelt plea wrapped in a slow-burning groove, a direct cry to God in the middle of the storm. “Give Me A Break” taps into the frustration of unmet expectations, driven by tight horn lines and a biting vocal.

“Don’t Let Them Turn You Around” and “Keep Me Keeping On” speak to spiritual resilience, encouraging the listener to stay the course. Meanwhile, “I Ain’t Opening The Door” takes a darker, more defiant turn, challenging the lure of past mistakes and false promises.

“Show Them It’s True” carries a quiet urgency—an invitation to live authentically, backed by tasteful guitar licks and a steady groove. “Hands On The Wheel” reflects surrender and trust, a laid-back but powerful track with gospel undertones.

“End of the Sunrise” ventures into more introspective territory, contemplating the tension between longing and hope, while the title track “Make Up Your Mind” closes the album with a challenge—to choose the narrow road, no matter the cost.

The album was recorded with a tight band of seasoned players, bringing together a mix of gospel-inflected backing vocals, Hammond organ swells, and vintage Strat tones. The production focused on feel and authenticity—capturing the sound of a live band locked in the moment.

As the band’s frontman, I wrote or co-wrote every song and produced the album to reflect a sound that felt honest to both my musical heritage and my Christian convictions. It’s not “preachy,” but it’s real—every track an invitation to wrestle, reflect, and respond.