Critique on 'Stick Season' - Noah Kahan's Latest Musical Release
In the summer of 2020, Taylor Swift released her album "Folklore", joining the ranks of other acclaimed folk-inspired releases. However, it was Noah Kahan's 2022 album, "Stick Season", that truly captured the hearts of music enthusiasts. Released nearly two years later, this album received strong critical acclaim and commercial success, earning 2x Platinum certification by the RIAA as of July 2025.
"Stick Season" explores themes of transition, nostalgia, mental health struggles, and the emotional complexity of changing seasons, using "stick season" (the time between peak fall foliage and first snow) as a metaphor. Kahan reflects on personal experiences including therapy and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The title track, “Stick Season,” is his most popular song, capturing the gray, reflective period where life slows down and loneliness sets in.
Critically, "Stick Season" established Kahan as a major modern folk artist, noted for transforming the genre. Collaborations with artists like Hozier, Post Malone, Gracie Abrams, and Kacey Musgraves (on a deluxe version) broadened the album’s appeal. The duet with Hozier on “Northern Attitude” was particularly praised for its emotive vocal interplay and gained viral popularity, especially on TikTok through the "Hozier yell" trend.
The album marked a significant turning point in Kahan’s career, debuting on the Billboard charts and solidifying his status in the folk-pop sphere after prior releases had modest impact. It is seen as a bittersweet tribute to his Vermont hometown, blending folk storytelling with contemporary sounds.
Noah Kahan's creative process is feel-based, often starting with a melody or hook and evolving songs organically, reflecting a deep emotional connection to his environment. The success of "Stick Season" sparked extensive touring in Europe and North America, with many shows nearly sold out by early 2024.
Meanwhile, in 1974, John Denver released his album "Back Home Again". Although it was not mentioned what specific songs were on the album, it did find success. Tragically, Denver's life was cut short almost 27 years ago following an unintentional plane crash. His death stunned the world.
In a different context, Patrick Grudberg '24, the Crusader of the Week, lists "All My Love" by Noah Kahan as his favorite song. When asked about his favorite singer or group, Patrick cited a tie, without naming a clear favorite.
"All My Love" is a upbeat track with easily obtainable lyrics, perfect for screaming in the car. Another standout from "Stick Season" is "Orange Juice", a song about the tough realities of having and overcoming an addiction. "Come Over" showcases Kahan's good vocal abilities and shares a sad story of growing up poor and having few friends.
"Stick Season" is a near-perfect album for the late fall weather, especially if you are from the northeast. The album concludes with "The View Between Villages", a track that picks up momentum and energy the second half lacked. Overall, "Stick Season" gained widespread acclaim for its lyrical depth, emotional honesty, evocative folk-pop sound, and Kahan’s rising artistry, making it one of the key folk albums of the early 2020s. It blends personal narrative with broad emotional themes, enhanced by notable collaborations and viral cultural moments.
- With "Stick Season", Noah Kahan has expanded the folk genre, showcasing his rising artistry and gaining widespread acclaim, making it one of the key folk albums of the early 2020s.
- On campus, Patrick Grudberg '24, the Crusader of the Week, lists "All My Love" by Noah Kahan as his favorite song, highlighting its upbeat melody and easily singable lyrics.
- Apart from music events, personal and emotional themes like transition, mental health struggles, and the impact of changing seasons are explored extensively in Noah Kahan's 'Stick Season' album, providing a narrative that resonates with listeners worldwide.
