In 2022, the indie-folk artist Noah Kahan released a groundbreaking album, Stick Season, which won him many awards and gained him a large fanbase. Throughout the past 4 years, he released deluxe additions of the album which include only a few new tracks.

After almost 4 years, Kahan announced in January that he would be releasing a full new album called The Great Divide on April 24. Along with the album announcement, Kahan revealed that he would be on tour around North America and that a concert movie would debut on Netflix. The tour sold out within a few days of the tickets opening, even though fans had not heard the album yet.

The first singles that were released were tracks 6 and 11 on the album, “The Great Divide” and “Porch Light.” These songs were definitely picked for a reason. They are both powerful and impactful songs that tell stories about loneliness, guilt, and emotional strain. The verse of the song “Porch Light” provides an emotional insight into the ways that fame can make a person lonely. Parts of the song are specifically in his mom’s point of view, utilizing lyrics like, “I’ll leave the porch light on, Heartbroken each mornin’ when it’s me that turns it off.”

Kahan utilizes instruments such as the guitar, mandolin, and drums to continue the flow of the story in his own unique way that makes the music even more meaningful. His music on the new album continues the theme of folk-like instrumentals. Though he has used these instruments and this kind of feel on his past album, this time creates a different experience.

The Great Divide offers a slower feeling that is more mellow. While his music in the past shows a theme of sadness, this album takes it to the next level. His narrative is continued in a way that makes listeners think about and understand the emotions that are being projected. The album uses meaningful metaphors and instrumentals to express the feelings that Kahan wants to share with the world.

Overall, Kahan’s first album in years shows growth and development, as an artist and as a person. His music continues to create a story that is impactful to listeners. It is bound to be a hit for the artist, connecting to fans across the world who may relate to these songs or have emotional connection to them. While the music may be slower, it creates just as much of an impact as the Stick Season album.

       GRADE: A