Album reflects on overcoming personal hardship and global challenges with love and hope.

Natalie Merchant’s Keep Your Courage emerges as a powerful and heartfelt response to the trials of both personal health struggles and the global crisis brought on by the pandemic. After undergoing significant spinal surgery just days before the lockdown in March 2020, which resulted in nerve damage and a temporary loss of her voice, Merchant’s recovery process became the foundation for this deeply moving album.

Rather than dwell on pain or bitterness, the album is a celebration of love, resilience, and personal growth. It explores mythological themes and profound cultural references, drawing inspiration from iconic figures such as Joan of Arc and Walt Whitman. These themes of courage and love are woven throughout the tracks, offering a message of strength even in the darkest times.

The album’s sound spans genres, including folk, soul, and pop, with melodies that evoke both melancholy and empowerment. Highlights such as “Come on, Aphrodite” and “Tower of Babel” showcase Merchant’s ability to blend complex emotional themes with beautiful music. The album’s final track, “The Feast of Saint Valentine,” reflects the central message that even in our most challenging moments, love has the power to carry us through.

Alongside the musical journey, Merchant’s own personal recovery story is also a key inspiration. From being confined to a neck brace to regaining her strength, the album reflects her resilience, and through it, she encourages others to find their own courage. This album is not just a collection of songs, but a statement of perseverance and emotional connection.

As Merchant prepares for her spring and summer tour, bringing her heartfelt songs to cities across the United States, Keep Your Courage is poised to inspire fans worldwide, offering a sense of hope and healing to all who listen.