Just across the Vermont state border, the last of the bugs made their way home with the much-anticipated release of “The Great Divide” by Noah Kahan. I know I am not alone when I say, as a New-Englander, that Kahan’s music has built a cabin in my soul.
The first track on the album is titled “End of August.” The sound of bugs can be heard as the song starts and it’s like you are standing with Kahan in the middle of Vermont. The track sets the sad tone of the album and instantly had me crying.
The two singles released prior to the album were the title track, “The Great Divide,” and “Porch Light.” Immediately following the release of the title track, fans could not wait for the full album. “Porch Light” was previously an unreleased song, but proved to be even sadder than the original sound clip.
Kahan’s music perfectly encapsulates New England’s charm–and the not-so-charming parts, too. A lot of this album explores how Kahan’s life has changed since gaining popularity, especially in his relationships with himself and loved ones, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The acoustic sound of his music is somehow both comforting and soul-crushing.
In the third track titled “American Cars,” there’s the lyric: “But you’re here and we’re so grateful you are.” Kahan has been a huge advocate for mental health with The Busyhead Project, providing resources for mental health. Even though the song is upbeat compared to many of the other songs on this album, the sentiment stays the same. I believe music connects people in an extraordinary way, and this album is like a hug telling you you aren’t alone.
As I played the album from start to finish, each song felt familiar–not in the way that I’ve heard it before, but in the way that I lived it. You know the impact an album has on you when you can see pieces of yourself in each song. I’m not a famous guy from Vermont who makes music, but I can certainly relate to growing up in New England and feeling lost.
Kahan surprised fans with a deluxe version of the album titled “The Great Divide: The Last of the Bugs” released the day after the original album. It included four new songs titled “Lighthouse,” “Staying Still,” “A Few of Our Own” and “Orbiter.” Traditionally, artists will add bonus tracks to the end of the album, however Kahan chose to sprinkle them throughout. To me, this feels intentional, creating a whole new experience when you listen to “The Last of the Bugs” after already listening to the full album.
Track nine, “Dashboard,” explores leaving your home to grow independently, having to leave siblings behind, or any other loved ones. The song was first teased on April 18, and the anticipation was personally worth the wait.
This album is certainly on repeat in my dorm, and I would be surprised if Kahan didn’t win several awards for this. I love the entire album overall, but at the moment, “Haircut” is my personal favorite. The song focuses on feelings of resentment towards a particular person, but the chorus focuses on the positive aspects of moving on and it cheered me up despite the sadness of the whole album. “But at least I got a soul still / Even if I’m in a bad place / Even if I’m eating fast food / Sleeping at my dad’s place.”
We do still have soul, even in darker times. Whether that’s your personal experiences, stress from school or overwhelming dread from the political climate.
The song also mentions New Hampshire, and it’s nice having that connection to a song. Because I, too, “got bored in the New Hampshire space.”
The final track of the album is titled “Dan” and references his late friend Carlo, who he wrote “Carlo’s Song” on his debut album “Busyhead.”
Being a long-time fan and hearing more aspects of Kahan’s grief has given me some comfort in my own grief. By sharing his experiences, he has made me feel less alone, and I hope others are able to gain as much as I have from this album.
While many like myself were unable to score tickets to Kahan’s Fenway Park shows this summer, I am having my own concert in my car almost every night.
If you haven’t already, I encourage you to embark on the emotional rollercoaster that is “The Great Divide.”
Madelyn Marabella can be contacted at
