Dermot Kennedy, Better Days | Track Review

Irish pop singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy provides much needed encouragement to assuage the pain on “Better Days.”  

“Y

our storys’s gonna change, just wait for better days.” Sigh, that is an inspiring, uplifting message, Dermot Kennedy.  According to the Irish singer/songwriter (via TikTok), “Better Days” is a “song about overcoming your fears and believing in better days.” Listening to “Better Days,” Kennedy encourages us all in a time where encouragement is needed.

Watch on TikTok

“Better Days” clocks in at a respectable length – under three-and-a-half minutes.  Initially, the record is accompanied by a minimal, rhythmic piano line.  Dermot Kennedy begins singing, compelling, and wooing with his charming, Irish accent.  His voice is beautiful, expressive, and incredibly nuanced.  As the record progresses, it expands dynamically and instrumentally. Kennedy navigates the ebb and flow superbly, showing poise and ‘rising to the occasion’ in the appropriate moments.  In addition to the eventual, gorgeous, full-fledged production and the awesome vocals of the musician, another selling point is the songwriting, particularly the gargantuan, moving chorus:

“I know you've been hurtin’
Waitin’ on a train that just won't come
The rain, it ain’t permanent
And soon we'll be dancin’ in the sun.”

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Final Thoughts

No, words can’t change unfortunate situations, but they can help to assuage pain and deliver positive vibes.  That’s exactly what Dermot Kennedy does on “Better Days.” No, he can’t heal or atone for pain himself, but his words – his thoughtful song – speaks volumes. 

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Dermot Kennedy • “Better Days” • Island • 7.30.21 

[: Brent Faulkner, Island, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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