At long last, Noah Kahan has released his fourth studio album The Great Divide. This album has been blasted on repeat in my headphones since it came out. Thankfully, I’m not the only one who recognizes the masterpiece Kahan has blessed us with. The single “The Great Divide” has been an effective teaser for the quality and success of the remaining tracks, breaking the record for the quickest rise to No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart in over a decade.
The album opened with over 43 million streams on Spotify, and all 17 songs made it onto charts across the globe. Billboard’s fan-voted album poll has also displayed great affection for the album, as it received 60% of the vote for this week’s favorite new music pick. The momentum surrounding The Great Divide has it tracking as a frontrunner for No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart.
In today’s age of curated images, industry plants, and overused melodies, Noah Kahan gives us something raw. Every track on the album draws you into a memory that may or may not be your own. He pushes us to sit with the reality of his words. Now, I invite you to join me as I do just that with the three songs that I feel encapsulate the overall vibe of the album. Like all good art, there is room for interpretation, and the following lyric analysis is my own.
Naturally, I have to start with “The Great Divide” since the single shares its name with the album. The track reflects on turning a blind eye to an old friend. The lyrics, “You know I think about you all the time, and my deep misunderstanding of your life,” illuminate the regret held over words left unsaid. This sentiment resonates as the chorus shifts gears. When Kahan sings, “I hope you settle down, I hope you marry rich,” the simplicity of the well-wishes further admits the pain that went overlooked during their friendship. Moreover, we can feel the love held for someone he used to know.
“Porch Light” is the second single released and is written from the perspective of Kahan’s mother, Lauri Berkenkamp. The track presents the mixed emotions of a parent watching their child be pulled away by fame. The first verse projects the resentment toward the intrusion Kahan’s success has had on her private life and how it’s tainted their relationship. The repetition of “And it’s cold,” followed by the shift to “I don’t know,” describes the powerlessness associated with the situation. The repetition of “I’m alone” transitions to the second verse as she expresses her worry and hopes that he will leave the limelight. The lyrics “but you don’t” and “you’re a ghost” highlight her anxieties and sadness. The chorus builds on this intensity as she expresses the feeling of “poison spreading to my lungs,” and how she “ain’t holdin’ any faith.” Yet despite her pain, she can’t stop caring; she declares, “I’ll pray for you, be in pain for you, I’ll leave the porch light on, heartbroken, each morning when it’s me that turns it off.” This cycle continues as the song ends with the phrase “so it goes” repeated three times over.
“All Them Horses” is a track that’s been promoted by Kahan on social media and has become increasingly popular. Personally, I think it will become the next single from the album, but we’ll have to wait and see. Unlike the other tracks, which focus on specific relationships, “All Them Horses” explores Kahan’s own struggle with imposter syndrome and moving away from all that raised him. Written after the 2023 Vermont floods, the song contrasts the suffering of those affected with Kahan’s own personal suffering. He sings about the “dried flood lines on neighbors’ porches,” the memory of “cryin’ for all them horses,” and how they “did not look scared at all.” This memory acknowledges the pain of death and loss, but paints the tragedy as noble. The imagery of these brave, innocent horses at the end of their lives contrasts with Kahan’s description of himself. He is “the sidewalk preacher with a record deal,” who “made too much goddamn noise.” The chorus is more direct. He opens up, saying, “Know I want to beat it, wanna beat it bad / Oh, everyone looks happy in a photograph.” He admits that he’s struggling and wants to feel the happiness he portrays. Kahan goes deeper with “Crossed the county line, I cannot go back, I’m always on my own.” He made the choice to leave the life he knew in pursuit of his music, and now he’s reeling from the distance. He recognizes what he’s going through, but devalues it in comparison to the struggle of those who couldn’t control their circumstances.
The singles encapsulate the themes of regret, accountability, and love seen throughout the rest of the album. These songs remind us to take a moment and think about those who love us through it all. They urge us to take the extra step for our loved ones. He shows us the support we can offer and receive from afar, and the importance of community. He gives a voice to actions we’ve tried to bury and advocates for accepting what we’ve done and growing from it. “All Them Horses” gives us a space to share in the displacement that comes with moving away. Overall, The Great Divide is perfect for my fellow empath girlies. If you want to cry, scream, or bask in the nostalgia it invokes, you should definitely give it a listen.