Noah Kahan. Folk musician. The definition of fall.
I first discovered Noah Kahan in my junior year of high school and his music changed my life for the better. No artist’s music has ever been able to speak to me the way that it does.
Since then, Noah Kahan’s popularity has only grown. His music has been the postman for that “fall feeling” everyone knows and loves. Specifically the song “Stick Season” is a staple. It is by far one of his most popular songs; it also signifies the beginning of fall and that cozy feeling.
Beyond capturing that fall feeling, he creates a lyrical masterpiece. He puts into words which listeners can’t express themselves. Each one of his songs speaks to me and my friends in different ways. His songs all hold unique meanings and varying levels of importance depending on the listener.
The one thing that remains constant is his voice. His voice is unlike any other. He has a way of maintaining a simple delicacy while also allowing himself to grow in songs.
Not only do his lyrics resonate deeply, but his musical arrangements elevate them even more. The instrumentals he has behind all of his songs are often simple but hold so much weight in how impactful the songs are. The song “Maine” immediately comes to mind. The beginning of this song is a simple musical introduction with no lyrics. However, the second the song comes on, it brings a sense of peace I never thought imaginable.
Each of his songs plays on repeat in my head 24/7. He has songs for every one of my moods and emotions and it makes me feel seen.
One song that captures this emotional connection perfectly is “Call Your Mom.” Throughout the song, his voice is so delicate and soft, which invites you to really feel the music and listen to what he is saying. Specifically, the bridge of the song is a masterpiece.
If you don’t know he repeats this verse: “Medicate, meditate, swear your soul to Jesus / Throw a punch fall, in love, give yourself a reason / Don’t wanna drive another mile without knowin you’re breathin’/ So, won’t you stay, won’t you stay, won’t you stay with me?”
This specific part of the song will always speak to me. The delicate tone that lifts as he repeats himself is something out of this world.
Anyone who is an avid listener of Noah Kahan can attest to the fact that his lyrics aren’t just sung; they are listened to. His music will forever be engraved into my mind. He is the one artist I don’t think I could ever get sick of listening to. He is universal in every sense of the word.
He has songs that can make you cry even when you’re already down, songs such as: “Growing Sideways,” “Carlo’s Song,” “Come Over” and more. He has songs that make you smile such as; “Forever,” “All My love” and “Mess.” He also has songs for situations you can’t even put into words.
By far the three songs that I have yet to mention that speak to me the most are: “Everywhere, Everything”, “The View Between Villages” and “Your Needs, My Needs.”
Whether it’s heartbreak, nostalgia or hope, he has a song for every feeling. For example, the song “You’re Gonna Go Far” is one of Noah Kahan’s better known songs. Many teenagers and growing adults relate to this song as they start moving away from home and truly starting their lives. It emphasizes the hope of succeeding in life even if it is away from home.
Not to sound dramatic, but Noah Kahan is the closest I have ever gotten to feeling fully understood.
