Song Review – “Keep Dreaming” by Todd Siff
- Bryon Harris
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
By Matt Watts
Todd Siff’s new single, “Keep Dreaming,” is a timely beam of optimism framed in six-and-a-half minutes of artful indie-pop craftsmanship. Produced by Matt Johns, the track demonstrates how tasteful arrangement and honest songwriting can turn a simple mantra into a life-affirming experience.
The song opens with a hush of airy synth pads that feel like a gust of coastal air rolling over Monterey Bay. A cascading piano motif soon takes the lead, joined by brushed percussion that settles into a gentle, sun-drenched groove. Johns’ production is brilliantly layered: organic textures—a crisp acoustic guitar and hand-clap–ready snare work—sit comfortably beside soft synthetic horns that punch up each chorus without ever overwhelming the mix. Midway through, a saxophone steps forward with a soulful, melodic solo that carries the track to its final fade. The instrument’s warm, reedy timbre underscores the song’s central message: hope is a living, breathing force that can rise from even the darkest moment of your life.
Siff’s voice is purpose-built for this kind of material. His tone is open and inviting, steeped in the earnestness of classic singer-songwriters yet polished enough for modern playlists. He avoids vocal theatrics, opting instead for subtle dynamic shifts—every lift of a phrase feels earned, every dynamic a natural extension of emotion. The harmonies from Erika Barrington widen the chorus like sunlight broaching cloud cover, offering a communal feel that invites listeners to sing along.
What elevates “Keep Dreaming” is its lyrical duality: verses that acknowledge darkness and choruses that insist on light. Siff writes with disarming candor:
“Feels like I’m on a cliff, jumping scared with nothing to lose / Feels like I’m living a life that I did not choose.”
At the chorus, he pivots to a collective call-to-arms—
“You gotta keep dreaming, you gotta believe in you.”
The hook is contagious, hopeful, and unashamedly encouraging, making the track feel like precisely the anthem our times demand. A brief bridge—“And the world, it will hurt you… and then it won’t”—adds a note of realism before returning to the mantra, reinforcing the idea that resilience is a choice.
At 6:32, the song earns its extended runtime by letting each instrumental voice speak. The electric-guitar break, rhythmic rather than virtuosic, complements the gentle sway established by the percussion. The drums are a study in tasteful restraint: subtle fills transition sections smoothly, maintaining momentum without ever crowding the pocket.
Fans of Coldplay’s atmospheric uplift, Damien Rice’s confessional storytelling, or Kacey Musgraves’ melodic warmth will find familiar comfort here, yet Siff never feels derivative. “Keep Dreaming” serves as a fitting title track for his forthcoming album, promising a collection rooted in hope and human connection.
“Keep Dreaming” is more than a pleasant listen; it’s an invitation to perseverance. By blending ethereal pop sonics with singer-songwriter intimacy, Todd Siff crafts a song that encourages us to lean into possibility even when the headlines say otherwise. As the saxophone fades and that final chorus echoes, you’re left not only humming the melody but quietly repeating the refrain to yourself—keep dreaming, keep believing. In 2025, that feels like a message worth putting on repeat and Todd Siff has earned his place as an artist to watch. Stay connected and listen to Todd Siff: Spotify: Todd Siff on Spotify YouTube: @toddsiff Website: toddsiffmusic.com
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