Musician Noah Kahans’ new album “The Great Divide” has been long-awaited by fans. During concerts for Kahan’s previous album, Stick Season, he frequently played the title track “The Great Divide,” and fans quickly began asking the singer (who frequently posts clips of unreleased songs) to drop the track. After over a year of waiting, “The Great Divide” is here and it is as great as the name proclaims. Each song is a very specific kind of heartbreak, which is what Kahan does best, and every track is incredible.

Through releasing two singles, “The Great Divide” and “Porch Light,” Kahan warned listeners that even though the album was released close to summer, it would be just as gut wrenching as Stick Season was.

“2 weeks till ur sad i do not care about the weather you will be sad this summer,” Kahan posted on X in the weeks leading up to the album release.

This sentiment has held true as reviews of the album roll in, each describing the rollercoaster of emotions packed in 77 minutes of playtime across 17 songs. Some reviews called this too long, but after listening all the way through, it does not feel long enough.

The Great Divide

The title track of this album has been a fan favorite for longer than the idea of the album as a whole has existed. Since being played across tour stages, fans of Kahan have been anxious to hear the entire song recorded, and it delivers.

With lyrics detailing the hope that an ex lives a happy though relatively unfulfilled life, “The Great Divide” paints a picture of a life lived without any fear of what may lie beyond the mortal coil. The song has a perfect windows down driving at night feel that reminds us to not just exist but live.

Doors

Starting with a soft guitar entrance, “Doors” begins with a glimpse into Kahan’s childhood. Following this, Kahan sings about that sickening, isolated feeling, wishing so desperately for someone to open the doors they’ve hidden beyond. “Doors” perfectly capture the hopeless need to be understood, but the feeling that no matter how hard someone tries, the proverbial door cannot be opened.

Despite the relatively heavy piece of the human experience the song details, it is set to an incredibly catchy backing that almost has you forgetting nobody knows the real you. This song is perfect for an early evening walk through a neighborhood that is not quite home.

Dashboard

“Dashboard” is another beautifully heartbreaking song about the feeling of escaping the place you grew up in. Written from the perspective of someone left behind, the lyrics paint a picture of the envy of a family member, possibly a sibling, who is still there. Despite the quicker beat and incredibly catchy lyrics, the sadness creeps up on you as you realize what exactly it means to leave.

This song is perfect for a drive across state lines late at night for a new opportunity, even if it means going farther from home.

All Them Horses

This song was written as an account of the 2023 Vermont floods. The song compares a sense of safety to the sight of land that had raised him, being destroyed by the floods. The horses in the title are a reference to the fear for the animals who do not have anywhere to go in these situations. In a deeper way, the song details Kahan’s fear of being disconnected from his fans because of his fame. Through a personal recount of his career, the song still resonates with anyone feeling like an imposter for their success.

Staying Still

The pain of a long-term relationship ending is a feeling so many people can connect with. Though released in a deluxe edition a few hours after the primary album dropped, this song is too incredible not to include. Detailing a relationship coming to a close, Kahan sings about the feeling of watching who you thought was the love of your life slowly leave you behind and what it means to move on. This was another fan favorite even before release, with Kahan often playing out and posting clips online, getting people excited to hopefully see it released one day. Overall, this song was a fantastic addition to an already incredible album!