Forever Us (album)

For the song, see Forever Us (song).

## ***Forever Us***Studio album by Sean Kennedy

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## Singles

1. "Memory"
February 10, 2023
2. "I Wish You Were Here"
March 10, 2023
3. "Another Life"
April 14, 2023
4. "Golden"
July 14, 2023
5. "Forever Us"
August 4, 2023

***Forever Us*** is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Sean Kennedy, independently released June 9, 2023. The album is a conceptual record that follows the rise and fall of Kennedy's first relationship as he graduated high school and left for college. Sean sought to expand his circle of collaborators, enlisting Francesco Massidda to help co-produce almost half the album, as well as friends Brooke Williams and Giuliana Calandrucci to help co-write two songs.

In an Instagram post Sean shared on the day of the album’s release, he wrote, "It’s hard to explain how much this record has meant to me since I started writing it 16 months ago. I have learned so much about myself, life and love since I last put out an album. For me, 'Forever Us' is a celebration of love and a reminder that it continues on long after the fire has been put out."

> This album is about love and loss, but at the end of the day, it’s really an album about feeling fortunate enough to experience love. I wouldn’t have been able to write a record like this 2 or 3 years ago.
>
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## Background

Upon the release of his second album, Sean planned to take a break from music. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led him to begin his third album, *What’s Left Unsaid*, released on June 11, 2021. Sean announced he would officially be taking a hiatus before releasing another record upon the release of the album's accompany mini-doc, *Where I Am*. He subsequently graduated high school and began attending college at the College of the Holy Cross in fall 2022.

Sean began writing songs for a new record some point in early 2022, inspired by a new relationship and the fears he had leaving for college. Kennedy's major goal for the album was to turn to a new sound and expand his team. Upon meeting producer Francesco Massidda, the record began to take shape.

> I began sending songs to different producers in hopes I would find someone that could help me create the record I had in my head. Francesco Massidda had sent me a demo, and I immediately knew he was the one I wanted to work with. I had wanted to make a rock inspired record since my first album, and his production really felt like a natural step in that direction from my previous discography. At first, we only worked on the song "I Wish You Were Here", but then, I kept coming back to him with more songs I wanted his help on. I've never met someone who is able to truly understand how to bring a vision to life, and make it better at the same time.
>
>

Sessions for *Forever Us* began sometime in February 2022 and continued up until 2023. The album was recorded in three main locations: Kennedy's home studio in New York, the recording studio on campus at Holy Cross and Francesco Massidda's home studio in Italy.

## Release

On December 29, 2022, the Instagram account @SeanKennedyOfficial shared three images reading, "Love never dies if it lives in memory". The next day, the message was posted to all of Kennedy's social medias, as well as his website. On January 4, 2023, the account began revealing the cover art for the album's lead single, "Memory", posting three sections of the cover a day until it was completed on January 6. "Memory" was officially announced on January 6, 2023 and released on February 10. The album's title was first discovered through a variety of reviews for the track. The title was then confirmed during the premiere of the song's music video, where it is hidden within a rotary phone. The track received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Sean's songwriting and performance. *TJPL News* wrote the song, "...feels classic from the moment you hear it. It's got a rose-tinted quality to it that makes it seem as if it has always been there, a sound that will survive the test of time."

A month later, on March 3, 2023, Sean announced the album's first promo single, "I Wish You Were Here". He stated the song represented an important theme within his upcoming record. The track was officially released on March 10, 2023.

The final single before the record, "Another Life", was announced on April 3, 2023, for a release on April 14. Moataz Gwaily of *Rock Era Magazine* applauded the song's writing and production and added, "...if Sean Kennedy’s upcoming album is of the same caliber and color, then consider me on its waiting list." *Couch Magazine* added the song was, "...an outstanding addition to Sean Kennedy’s discography." Sean confirmed that more news about the album would follow shortly after.

From April 26-May 4, the Instagram account @SeanKennedyOfficial revealed the album's cover art. The record was officially announced on May 5, 2023. An album trailer was released to promote the record, consisting of music video clips, footage of Kennedy during recording sessions and clips from the album photoshoot. The video included audio to "Another Life", as well as 2 unreleased songs at the time, "October" and "Mine". The album was made available for preorder the same day. A digital download with an alternate cover was exclusively released on Kennedy's website. The record was officially released on June 9, 2023.

Beginning on June 22, each of the album's tracks were premiered on the *Formula Indie* Radio Station. A bonus podcast episode was released on July 3, with Kennedy hosting an album listening with commentary before each track.

## Title and Artwork

Kennedy expressed that he chose *Forever Us* as the title for his fourth album in part because it was such a special track to him. He continued that the record's name, "...signifies that even after a relationship is over, the memories, the lessons learned, and the growth you’ve acquired last." The cover of *Forever Us* depicts Sean behind the wheel of his grandfather's 1957 Ford Thunderbird, looking at the camera. Kennedy stated that driving is a large motif threaded throughout the record. Sean's wearing a knit beige sweater, which is somewhat of a callback to his debut album. The photoshoot was shot on real film with vintage cameras, tying into the album's overall vintage aesthetic. The forefront of the photo is blue, and the background is gold; two colors that are mentioned throughout the record, and Kennedy's discography in general. The cover is the first album in Kennedy's discography to not include text.

## Music and Lyrics

*Forever Us* includes 13 tracks. The album is primarily focused around acoustic and electric guitars, piano, strings and live drums.

The opening song and title track, "Forever Us", is a down-tempo ballad about finding true love. "Memory", the album's lead single, is an up-tempo pop rock song. "I Wish You Were Here" recounts Sean's fears about a long distance relationship following his departure for college. "Golden" opens with a simple electric guitar melody before exploding with a wall of sound in the chorus.

"Serene" was co-written with Sean's close friend Brooke Williams. "It's Alright" is a simple piano-centric ballad decorated with automated percussion. "October" is a singer-songwriter love song with elements of blues and country about Kennedy returning home from school. "4:24" is a pop-rock breakup track that features practical sound effects.

"Mine" is a piano centered ballad that crescendos before the bridge. "Love Lives On" is a ballad about believing love continues to thrive after a relationship has ended. "Another Life” is an indie pop-rock song with gleaming synths and intricate percussion. "Long Beach Blvd" is about Kennedy’s childhood beach house. The album's closing track, "Wait for You", is a singer-songwriter ballad in which Sean states he will continue to love his ex.

## Graphics

### Photoshoot

The photoshoot for *Forever Us* was shot by Adam Brett Schnee, who also shot the photoshoot for *The One*, on December 14, 2022.

* Look 1
* Look 2

### Digital Booklet

1/12
## Singles

The cover art for the album's lead single, "Memory" was unveiled from January 4-6, 2021. On February 6, a teaser was released, officially announcing the single, and the track was made available for pre-order the same day. The song was officially released on February 10, 2023. Its music video was released on February 14.

The album's second single, "I Wish You Were Here", was announced on March 3, 2023 and released the following week, on March 10. It marked the second collaboration between Kennedy and producer Francesco Massidda. An official remix by Dan Schmalz was released on March 27.

The album's third release, and second official single, "Another Life" was announced on April 3, 2023, and was released on April 14 alongside its music video.

The album's fourth release, and third official single, "Golden" was announced on July 10, 2023. Its music video was released on July 14.

The album's fifth release, and fourth official single, "Forever Us" was announced after gaining attention on YouTube. Its music video was released on August 4. An official remix called the "First Dance Remix" was released on August 7.

"**Memory**""**I Wish You Were Here**""**Another Life**""**Golden**""**Forever Us**"
## Critical Reception

The album's pre-released singles received praise from critics. Praise continued upon the release of the rest of the record. Gabriel Mazza of *Mesmerized* called the album, "...an impressive collection of pop songs" and followed that, "The listening experience is rather emotional, exploring the lyrical depth of love, heartbreak and everything around them." *indiemusicflix* applauded Kennedy's songwriting, stating that, "Sean Kennedy’s 4th full length album showcases that songwriting remains a coveted art form not many can conquer. For now, he sits on the throne of singer-songwriter kingdom-giving love to all like the universal emotion it is." Mohit Bagur of *Sinusoidal Music* noted, "Sean demonstrates remarkable cohesion in the way his songs sound, as well as the technical aspects of the album left me impressed." *Couch Magazine* celebrated the record, saying, "*Forever Us* stands out with its intentional minimalism in production, providing plenty of room for Sean Kennedy’s raw authenticity to come through." *Each Measure* concluded, "Through his poignant verses and captivating harmonies, Kennedy skillfully captures the essence of enduring affection, surpassing the dwindling flames of initial fervor."

## Personnel

### Musicians

* Sean Kennedy – acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drum programming, electric guitar, keyboards, organ, percussion, piano, strings programming, synthesizer
* Francesco Massidda – acoustic guitar, bass guitar, drums, electric guitar, keyboards, percussion, piano, synthesizer (Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11)
* Francesca Pratt - drums (Track 9)

### Production

* Roman Erafficci – engineer, mastering, mixing
* Sean Kennedy – engineer, mixing, production, programming
* Francesco Massidda – engineer, mixing (Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 11)
* Brian Saia - engineer (Track 13)

### Visuals and Design

* Sean Kennedy – creative director, graphic design
* Adam Brett Schnee – photography

### Singers

* Sean Kennedy – lead vocals, background vocals

## Original Album Titles

In an interview with *Each Measure*, Sean revealed he considered naming the record *Love Lives On*, but, "...it felt too on the nose."

## References

1. ↑ SEAN KENNEDY – ANOTHER LIFE - Send Me Your Ears.
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Discover The Infectious Positivity in ‘Another Life’ by Sean Kennedy.
3. ↑ A Chat with Sean Kennedy (26. 5. 23) (June 9, 2023).
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sean’s Instagram post on the album release day (June 9, 2023).
5. ↑ Forever Us: A Celebration of Love.
6. ↑ Somers Junior Releases Third Album (June 17, 2021).
7. ↑ Sean Kennedy "Memory" Showcases His Musical Versatility And Creativity - ViViPlay.
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Sean Kennedy.
9. ↑ SeanKennedyOfficial Instagram Teaser.
10. ↑ "Love Never Dies" Teaser Video.
11. ↑ Memory Cover Reveal.
12. ↑ Memory Announcement.
13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Memory by Sean Kennedy: Rock Era Magazine.
14. ↑ SEAN KENNEDY - MEMORY - Send Me Your Ears.
15. ↑ Sean Kennedy – Memory (2023): The Other Side Reviews.
16. ↑ TPJL News Sean Kennedy: Memory.
17. ↑ Sean's "SK4" Story Highlight.
18. ↑ Another Life by Sean Kennedy: Rock Era Magazine.
19. ↑ Sean's Tweet on Another Life's Release.
20. ↑ Forever Us - Digital Download Alt Cover.
21. ↑ *Formula Indie* Programming Times.
22. ↑ Formula Indie Extra: Sean Kennedy Presents *Sean Kennedy - Forever Us*.
23. ↑ Sean Kennedy Crowns His Artistry with Stunning Album ‘Forever Us’.
24. ↑ Sean's Official "Another Life" Genius Commentary.
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Forever Us by Sean Kennedy - indiemusicflix.
26. ↑ Sean Kennedy Crowns His Artistry with Stunning Album "Forever Us".
27. ↑ Go down an emotional trail with Sean Kennedy, on "Forever Us".
28. ↑ "Forever Us" by Sean Kennedy: A Raw and Honest Journey Through Love and Heartbreak.