Album Review: Stick Season Extended by Noah Kahan
Noah Kahan is a singer and songwriter who fits best under Folk music. He released his first album “Busy Head” in 2019. After the release of “Stick Season” on Nov. 7, 2022, Kahan blew up on the music scene.
On Apr. 25, 2023, Kahan released “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)”. This included the 14 songs from the original album and the addition of seven new songs.
His album is full of emotional songs that deal with relationships, breakups, loneliness, depression, alcoholism, moving away from home and so many other deep themes.
Kahan’s music is a nice break from some of the fun pop music that is trending due to the intense emotions he infuses into his music.
Kahan is known for his lyrical prose, especially within the bridges and choruses of his songs.
“Stick Season” was the first song to become popular on the radio and social media platforms, like TikTok.
“Dial Drunk” was a hit off of the extended version of the album and has also seen vast popularity in the same way that “Stick Season” did.
This song has a strong folk sound to it due to the instrumental and Kahan’s raspy voice. This song explores the themes of past relationships, alcoholism and personal change.
The chorus:
“I gave your name as my emergency phone call/ Honey, it rang and rang, even the cops thought you were wrong for hanging up/ I dial drunk, I’ll die a drunk, I’ll die for you”.
The bridge is a conversation between a police officer and the character within the song:
“I beg you sir, just let me call. I’ll give you my blood alcohol, I’ll rot with all the burnouts in the cell. I’ll change my faith, I’ll praise the flag. Let’s wait, I swear she’ll call me back. ‘Son, are you a danger to yourself?’ F***k that sir, just let me call, I’ll give you my blood alcohol. I’ll rot with all the burnouts in the cell. I’ll change my faith, I’ll kiss the badge. Let’s await, I swear she’ll call me back. ‘Son, why do you do this to yourself?”
“Call Your Mom”
This song starts off extremely slow and deals with motifs of depression and suicidal thoughts. Kahan is speaking to someone throughout the entire song and reassuring them that these feelings will pass and to look for the positive things within life that are worth living for. The title is “Call Your Mom” because Kahan is stating that not only will he drive all night to make sure this person is okay, but will also call their mom to keep them from doing anything harmful to themself.
The song starts with:
“Oh, you’re spiraling again. The moment right before it ends, you’re most afraid of. But don’t cancel any plans ‘cause I won’t let you get the chance to never make them”.
This is an extremely emotional verse to start the song with, which leads to the entire meaning of the song.
The chorus of this song is what makes it one of my favorite songs on this album because it reinforces that darkness will pass and others have felt the same way.
Chorus:
“Don’t let this darkness fool you. All lights turned off can be turned on. I’ll drive, I’ll drive all night, I’ll call your mom. Oh, dear, don’t be discouraged. I’ve been exactly where you are. I’ll drive, I’ll drive all night, I’ll call your mom”
This song stays slow-paced up until the bridge. The bridge has a crescendo, which also intensifies the emotions of the song.
Bridge:
“Medicate, medicate swear your soul to Jesus. Throw a punch, fall in love, give yourself a reason. Don’t wanna drive another mile wondering if you’re breathing. So, won’t you stay? Won’t you stay? Won’t you stay with me? Medicate, meditate, save your soul for Jesus. Throw a punch, fall in love, give yourself a reason. Don’t wanna drive another mile without knowing you’re breathing. So won’t you stay? Won’t you stay? Won’t you stay with me?”
The intensity of the bridge is continued throughout the remainder of the song until the last verse, which ends very softly. The rise and fall of intensity within this song is beautiful because it mimics the feelings people experience while dealing with loved ones in deep bought of depression or mental illness.
“You’re Gonna Go Far” is my favorite song on this album. Within this song, Kahan describes the emotions and feelings that come with moving away. In this song, Kahan is reassuring that no matter how far the person moves away, that the family will still be proud of them. He also reassures that life will go on as always without this person being there.
As a college student, this song hits extremely hard and it can resonate with so many other young people who move away from home to start their lives.
Chorus:
“So, pack up your car, put a hand on your heart. Say whatever you feel, be wherever you are. We ain’t angry at you, love. You’re the greatest thing we’ve lost. The birds will still sing. Your folks will still fight. The boards will still creak. The leaves will still die. We ain’t angry at you, love. We’ll be waiting for you, love”
