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”.
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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?
As part of the album’s rollout, Steven Keene sat down for an interview at the legendary Chelsea Hotel in New York City—a location steeped in musical history and once home to his mentor, Bob Dylan. In the short clips, Keene reflects on the inspirations behind “Notice Me”, the influence of iconic songwriters, and the cultural commentary woven into his lyrics. You can watch several of those moments below.
“It’s about paying tribute to the people who were my total heroes—who inspired why I play and why I write…” said Keene on the inspiration behind the album.
“The idea of coming up with these covers – these are the guys I love. And if I can put my stamp on it – in just a little way – with my instrumentation including harmonica, strings or pedal steel, – for me, it’s just pure fun and joy,” said Keene on the idea behind the album’s cover tracks.
“The connection between Instagram and TikTok and the vanity that is associated with the posts is unbelievable. People wanted to be noticed in a big way—and most of the time it is about absolutely nothing, like what they had for lunch…” said Keene on the inspiration behind the title track.
Steven Keene opens the album with “This World Is Your World”, a fitting introduction to his Americana folk style, and a reimagining of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”. Beginning with a slow, contemplative guitar melody and heartfelt vocals, the track gradually builds in richness and emotion. Lyrically, Keene reflects on the beauty of the world, touching on themes of unity and the shared human experience, emphasising that the world is meant for everyone to enjoy. The harmonica instrumental near the end adds a rhythmic yet serene touch, leaving a lasting impression as the track draws to a close.
“Yes and No” follows as the second track, carrying a soulful, ballad-esque vibe that sees Keene at his most honest and emotionally transparent. Built around themes of self-reflection, regret, and uncertainty in relationships, the lyrics pose introspective questions about past actions and their consequences, which are responded to through the track’s recurring title refrain. The Americana sound remains prominent, infused with a subtle chill rock influence. A standout guitar solo emerges in the second half, while soft, chilling keys, though brief, add a delicate layer of emotion that subtly shapes the track’s overall mood.
The third track is “Notice Me”, which we previously wrote up about back in May. With Americana vocals paired with a country-folk backing track, Keene describes the obsession with digital validation through witty lyrics and a dry, humorous delivery. The track itself demands attention, making it overall ironic considering it calls out the need for social media attention.
This is followed by “Thesaurus”, which grooves with a rhythmic Americana pulse as Keene assembles a lyrical mosaic made entirely from lines lifted directly from Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen’s songwriting catalogues. According to Rolling Stone, Keene originally penned 97 verses for the track, packing it with references that range from instantly recognisable to deeply embedded gems for dedicated fans to catch. The result is a playful yet masterful exercise in lyrical patchwork, stitched together into a coherent narrative. His self-penned chorus acts as a witty, self-aware hook: “They said how’d you write that song, we really love the chorus / I said I stole Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen’s thesaurus.”
Track five is a cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Moving On”, reimagined with an Americana twist that brings new warmth and texture to the original. Keene delivers the lyrics with sincerity and emotional connection, capturing the song’s themes of lost love, regret, and the slow process of healing. What truly makes this version shine, however, is the backing arrangement—rich with guitar solos and intimate instrumental layers that align seamlessly with the song’s introspective tone.
“Hello Sunshine” follows next, a cover of the Bruce Springsteen track that fits seamlessly within Steven Keene’s style. He switches it up by injecting a blues-rock edge layered with Americana energy. Various instruments weave in and out, from harmonica to keys to rhythmic guitar chords, giving the arrangement a lively texture.
This is followed by a rendition of Tom Waits’ “I Hope That I Don’t Fall in Love with You”, retitled here as “I Hope I Don’t Fall in Love”. Keene’s take is emotionally resonant, with his spotlighted vocals making each word feel deliberate and sincere. The Americana sound takes a gentler approach, with subdued keys and rhythmic guitar chords giving the track a ballad-like atmosphere.
Ironically placed next is the original track “Still in Love with You”, which echoes the emotional tone of the previous song through its prominent use of keys and guitar chords, accompanied by a subtle drumbeat throughout. A heartfelt ballad, it highlights Steven Keene’s songwriting prowess and how naturally his work stands alongside the songwriting greats he looks up to. Lyrically, the track explores enduring love in the face of challenges, underscoring themes of commitment and perseverance. Midway through, the guitar and keys intertwine in an unforgettable instrumental segment, effortlessly showcasing the musicianship behind the song.
The ninth track is “Hold On”, a cover of Tom Waits’ 1999 song, delivered as a soulful, catchy ballad with Steven Keene’s signature Americana twist. He’s accompanied by guitar, violin strings, keys, drums, and a harmonica that makes a striking impact toward the end. The hope-filled lyrics are delivered with strength and passion through Keene’s heartfelt vocal performance, uplifting the listener and reminding us that we can keep going too.
Track 10 sees Steven Keene take on Leonard Cohen’s 1974 song “Who By Fire”, a deeply significant track rooted in Cohen’s Jewish heritage. Inspired by his improvised performances for Israeli soldiers during the Yom Kippur War, the song draws from the Unetanneh Tokef prayer, contemplating life, death, and fate. Keene approaches this cover with reverence and restraint, allowing the weight of each lyric to resonate. His measured vocal delivery is complemented by a steady, rhythmic backing that serves to spotlight the song’s solemn power.
“Until It Was My Child” follows, continuing the emotional weight left by “Who By Fire”. Opening with a gentle country-folk ballad style, the track gradually builds into a fuller Americana sound, subtly modernised with a moody edge that hints at the influence of Jace Everett’s “Bad Things”. There’s a strong sense of personal growth running through the song, both lyrically and sonically. Lisa Testa joins Steven Keene on vocals, her presence adding a compelling dynamic. The two take turns in the spotlight before coming together for moving harmonies that elevate the song’s emotional resonance.
Another original track is next, titled “Isn’t That Enough”, which is a folk-leaning Americana ballad brimming with soul and sincerity. Prominent keys carry the instrumental, gently guiding the mood to match Steven Keene’s heartfelt vocals. A standout instrumental section highlights the pedal steel guitar, beautifully played by Joseph Napolitano, giving the track its distinctive edge. Lyrically, Keene explores themes of love and sacrifice, asking whether one’s efforts are ever truly enough in a relationship. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply—accessible, honest, and instantly relatable.
The last track on the album is “A Mother’s Love”, closing the LP with an original song that carries Steven Keene’s signature emotional sincerity. Set against a gentle Americana ballad backdrop, the lyrics celebrate the unique and selfless nature of maternal love, describing a mother’s ability to comfort, protect, and understand her children unconditionally. It’s a poignant reminder of the quiet strength and enduring presence mothers offer, and a track that feels especially made for those who hold that role. This is one we’ll be adding to our Mother’s Day playlist for years to come. A tender and emotionally resonant finale that brings the album full circle with love at its core.
Taken as a whole, “Notice Me” is a compelling showcase of Steven Keene’s growth as an artist. It’s thoughtful without being overly intellectual, nostalgic without losing its urgency, and unafraid to speak truths in a time when superficiality often prevails. This album offers a masterclass in songwriting that’s rooted in tradition yet unafraid to evolve.
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.
“Notice Me”, by Steven Keene, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Noble Steed Music.