The indie folk pop genre has been gaining popularity since the release of Taylor Swift’s back-to-back albums “Folklore” and “Evermore’’ in 2020, and has been influenced by bands such as Mumford and Sons and The Illumineers. Incorporating many styles in his songs, such as pop and folk, Noah Kahan has emerged from the scene with his breakout album “Stick Season,” released in 2022, with songs featuring intricate storytelling and raw, uncut singing. Many of his songs — which were an outlet for his struggles with depression, anxiety, depersonalization, and seeking help — have inspired thousands and led him to start The Busyhead Project, named after his 2019 debut album “Busyhead,” a charity with the goal of raising $1 million to donate to mental health organizations.

Since the release of “Stick Season” in 2022, Kahan has released two other variations of his album: “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” with six new songs, and an extension of his previous song “A View Between Villages;” and “Stick Season (Forever),” released this past February, featuring his hit “Forever” and six new collaborations with other well-known artists. These collaborations not only introduce many of his fans to artists they hadn’t previously listened to, but also benefit his career, because they allow him to grow his platform, as some of these singers have been trailblazers for their respective genres of music.

Kahan’s new album also features re-recordings of his songs from the original “Stick Season” album. Although there is nothing inherently different about the re-records, newer listeners should listen to the re-records before progressing to “Forever” and the collaborations. These new additions display a continuation of Kahan’s journey, representing him trying to move on from the places and people that shape him, as he reflects on the past and allows his listeners to experience a diverse range of emotions.

"Forever":

Forever is the only new song on the album. It is about a person’s perspective on time and how this perspective can change from something feared and dreaded to something anticipated. The song started out slow and quiet, which initially suprised me, as the snippets that were previously released had given me the impression that it would be more intense. However, in the last minute and a half, the tempo completely shifted into a heartfelt, boot-stomping vibe. The listener can really feel Kahan’s emotions emanating through the song; it reminded me of “Vagabond” by Caamp and “White Ferrari” by Frank Ocean. I really enjoyed this song because the tempo change was something that Kahan had never tried in his music. I will absolutely be adding this song to at least ten of my playlists, and will be belting it in my car for quite a while. Therefore, I give this song a 10/10.

"She Calls Me Back” with Kacey Musgraves:

Kacey Musgraves is a country artist, best known for her songs “Merry Go ‘Round” and “Slow Burn”. Her career was an instant hit starting in 2013, when her debut album “Same Trailer Different Park” won a Grammy for Best Country Album of the year. I was really looking forward to this collaboration as I have enjoyed Musgraves’ songs in the past, but I was rather disappointed with the song. As the song progressed, it felt as though Musgraves was struggling to keep up with the pace during the faster bursts, and her voice sounded like she couldn’t fully sing and enunciate the lyrics. I also didn’t like how autotuned her voice sounded towards the end. While I think the song was good at the start, by the end I was disappointed and would give this song a 5/10.

“Northern Attitude” with Hozier:

Hozier is an Irish singer known for his alternate indie songs such as “Unknown/Nth,” “Would That I,” and his breakout song “Take Me To Church.” As a huge fan of Hozier, this was my most anticipated collaboration, and, needless to say, this song did not disappoint. Hozier’s baritone vocals in the background harmonizing with Kahan’s voice was nothing short of magnificent, and I thought Hozier’s voice was perfect for the slower parts that he sang in “Northern Attitude.” My one issue with the song was that I wish Hozier’s vocals were slightly louder; I felt they were a little too distant and I had to strain to hear them. Regardless, I would love to see these two artists work together again. Overall, I would give this song a 9/10.

“Everywhere, Everything” with Gracie Abrams:

Gracie Abrams is a pop artist bestknown for her two albums “Minor” and “This Is What It Feels Like.” Although I had never heard of Abrams before, I was pleasantly surprised with how well her voice paired with Kahan’s. While she wasn’t someone I would have picked to sing this particular song because of how soft her voice is, I believe Abrams did a great job and her voice brought on a new meaning to the song. I would give it a 7/10.

Based on his growing popularity and continuous hit songs, it’s clear Noah Kahan is going to go far. He beautifully connects people with his music and simply moves the audience to recollect experiences and moments we can all relate to. His strengths lie in his ability to remind us of themes of family, self-discovery, change, and love. “Stick Season (Forever)” seems to mark the end of an era — just last month Kahan told Rolling Stone that he is unsure of what comes next for his music, but declared “[he is] glad [he] get[s] forever to find it.” I would absolutely encourage readers to give Kahan a listen. If you need any recommendations, my top five must-listen songs are “All My Love,” “Your Needs My Needs,” “Forever,” “Orange Juice,” and “Paul Revere.”