Noah Kahan has quickly become a favorite among CHS students, and it’s no surprise. The Vermont folk-pop singer-songwriter has been rapidly pushed into the mainstream, topping the charts in several countries, making a Saturday Night Live debut, and even being nominated for a Grammy award.
Kahan’s rapid ascent is a testament to his undeniable talent and ability to resonate with a wide audience. It’s not shocking that he’s become a fan favorite given the authenticity of his lyrics and the beautiful compositions he creates, as Kahan has seemingly crafted the perfect soundtrack to the different stages of life students find themselves navigating. However, it’s not just his outstanding lyricism that attracts listeners, it’s also the way he presents his words. While his lyrics are often melancholy, the sound carries a sense of anticipation and energy. It’s not uncommon for Kahan to belt—or even scream—his words, which, in my opinion, is what makes his music so addicting.
His success can be attributed to his most recent album, Stick Season, as well as the re-release, Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever), which boasts 6 new songs. Both albums begin with “Northern Attitude,” a powerful piece in which Kahan presents his flaws to the listener. The vulnerability Kahan showcases makes the song more relatable and one of the strongest opening tracks of 2023. Having recently been re-recorded as a duet with Irish musician Hozier, who is best known for his 2013 hit “Take Me to Church,” the song has quickly become one of Kahan’s most popular tracks.
Kahan’s most streamed song—“Stick Season”—is also one of his most depressing, going into detail about his struggle to cope with the events of recent years, most notably COVID-19 and the leaving of his partner. The title of the track references a term native to Vermont, which describes the period of time between Halloween and the first snow, which Kahan described as “gray” and “dreary” in an interview with Today, reflecting the mood of the piece.
While his other albums aren’t nearly as popular as Stick Season, there is no doubt that Noah Kahan is one of the top artists to come out of the past year. His refreshing folk sound is likely one of the major contributors to his rise to fame, and it’s no wonder why students seem to love him so much.