Steven Keene Captures Humanity, Hope, and Heartache on New Americana Album “Notice Me”
From “GoodStarVibes,” August 3, 2025
Steven Keene makes a commanding return to the folk-rock landscape with his new album “Notice Me” via Noble Steed Music. Known for his poetic lyricism and deep-rooted connection to the American folk tradition, Keene once again proves that his voice remains as relevant and resonant as ever. Drawing inspiration from songwriting greats while carving space for his own perspective, this 13-track project feels both reverent and bold—like a conversation between generations of musical minds. This acts as the follow-up to the album’s third official single, titled “Thesaurus”.
Keene’s ability to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with songwriting icons, while still sounding unmistakably like himself, is perhaps the album’s most remarkable feat. “Notice Me” doesn’t demand your attention through gimmick or flash. Instead, it earns it, track by track, story by story, verse by verse.
A seasoned figure who first came to prominence on the Greenwich Village scene in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Steven Keene has never been one to chase trends. His past work has earned praise for its grit, emotional honesty, and literary edge—a legacy that continues with “Notice Me”. The album weaves together a tapestry of original tracks and thoughtfully reimagined covers from legends including Leonard Cohen, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, and Woody Guthrie.
“I set out to create an album that balances my own stories with songs by the artists who’ve guided and inspired me,” said Keene. “Their songwriting taught me how to craft emotion into melody, and by placing my originals alongside their work, I wanted to pay tribute while adding my voice to the dialogue they started. The album includes seven songs I wrote on my own and one that is an official co-write with Woody Guthrie, which was an incredible honor.”
“Notice Me” is far more than a curated tribute. At its core, it’s a deeply personal offering. The title itself is a pointed reflection on modern-day performance culture—the kind cultivated by likes, shares, and filters. Inspired by the pervasive need for online validation, the title track examines how people seek attention in all the wrong places. Yet Keene’s message never comes across as judgmental. Instead, he seems to be asking a more profound question: What do we really want to be noticed for?
{ continued…}
