The Best of Noah Kahan – The Bona Venture

BY: HANNA WEST, CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Graphic by Joseph DeBell

As fall approaches, it's time to watch the leaves change and listen to famed New Englander Noah Kahan. In July 2022, Kahan released the title track from his album “Stick Season.” He hasn't looked back since. In 2024, the Vermont native filled stadiums like Fenway Park and collaborated with artists like Hozier and Brandi Carlile.

Despite all this fame, Noah has remained his personable, optimistic self. He is grateful for his fans; he thanks them after almost every song he plays on tour. He has brought attention to what has been described as “folk-like” music. Kahan goes from joking to singing some of the most heartbreaking lyrics ever written. He has released three beautifully written albums throughout his career. His latest album is his most popular; however, his previous two albums cannot be overlooked.

Here are five of his songs that everyone should hear at least once in their life:

5.) “You will go far”

However, only released on the deluxe version of “Stick Season”. This song was written not only for those moving away from home, but also for those leaving it behind. It evokes the feeling that there is much to look forward to. It is sung from the perspective of someone – perhaps a parent – who is giving their child to the world and watching them go. It perfectly compares both the sadness and the hope of saying goodbye.

4.) “Call your mom”

Kahan is an advocate for mental health. He runs a mental health nonprofit called The Busy Head Project, named after his first album, which deals with inner conflict. “Call Your Mom” ​​is about caring for a person more than the relationship you have with them. He repeats in the song, “I'm calling your mom.” This means he will resort to doing things his partner – or boyfriend – doesn't want him to do in order to save them. At his concerts, he begins this song by urging everyone to check on those they love. It's better for them to be safe than gone.

3.) “Tape me up”

This hidden gem is from his Cape Elizabeth EP. Kahan doesn't play this song at his shows and it often goes overlooked. It doesn't have flashy vocals or a fast tempo like some of his more popular tunes. Instead, this song tells a stunning lyrical story. This song is about taking someone for granted and realizing how well they know you when they leave.

He sings: “And if I taped myself up, you would find your way in.”

2.) “All my love”

“All My Love” is just one of those fun songs to sing with the crowd at a concert with the atmosphere of the cold New England weather. The lively nature of this song masks the sad lyrics in the best way possible. This song is about reminiscing and sending love to someone who has left while in this case the narrator remains behind. Some of the best lyrics of this song are:

“Now I know your name / But not who you are”

“But I still remember the way the leather feels in your car / And in the end I just hope your scars heal”

1.) “God’s Light”

This is perhaps Kahan's most underrated work. This song perfectly describes the inner struggle in a way that is hard to put into words. It's about finding inner reconciliation when the people you love are disappointed. It's nostalgic, but also devastating.

Kahan's discography is difficult to summarize in just five songs. However, these are songs that everyone should listen to, whether they are a fan of Kahan or not. While fans patiently wait for his next album, they should listen to his older songs. Kahan wasn't as famous when these were released, so they take a back seat while songs like “Northern Attitude” and “Stick Season” overshadow them.

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