Ever since The Great Divide: The Last Of The Bugs by Noah Kahan came out last spring, I have been listening to it on repeat. I never was a big Noah Kahan fan before; I would just listen to a few songs here and there.
This album, however, changed my views on his music. Now, I consider him one of my favorite artists, and I am jealous of anyone who went to his concert.
Due to my love, I decided to rank the album’s songs from my least favorite to absolute bangers (it also just gave me an excuse to re-listen to the album).
21. “Headed North”
I barely listen to this song. It is the only song that I find myself skipping when I listen to the album. There are just so many other songs that I would rather jam to.
20. “The Great Divide”
Now, this might be controversial. I understand that it is supposed to set the mood for the whole album, but I don’t believe it has that effect on me. I think some of his other songs were just more touching and impactful.
19. “Deny Deny Deny”
It was just never my favorite. It was never something that I clicked on first to start my listening session.
18. “Spoiled”
There are many of his other songs that trigger more emotion in me. I still appreciate his voice and instrumentals in this song, though.
17. “Paid Time Off”
This is a slow start. It is not my favorite and not a song I crave to listen to. I think the message of the song can be very relatable for a lot of people, though, as his last line says, “Make a livin’ workin’ for the paid time off.”
16. “All Them Horses”
This is another slow start. In my opinion, it does not start getting good until two minutes in, which is why it ends up getting skipped most times when I listen to the whole album.
15. “American Cars”
I think this song is perfect for around the middle. There is nothing that I don’t like about it, but there is also nothing that stands out.
14. “We Go Way Back”
This is a calm, quiet, and peaceful song. His voice is soft and comforting in this. The slowness matches the nostalgia that is linked to it.
13. “23”
This is a song that you can scream in your car. I love music because even if you don’t relate to certain lyrics and phrases, you can interpret it in a personal way. The message of art and music changes based on the viewer. This song, and many others, is an example of that.
12. “A Few Of Your Own”
The guitar in the background is so beautiful and what pulls me in. It is impactful and fulfilling. It is repetitive but in a good way. I think it is a very hopeful song and helps you to understand living life is a gift even if it feels hard or lonely.
11. “downfall”
He is very descriptive with all his songs, but here is a good example that creates a clear story that is packed with emotion. I like the way he moves from word to word. I just like that it makes me feel (even if it is sadness), which is what I look for in music.
10. “Dashboard”
A good one to listen to when you are full of frustration. It is so much easier to scream to when you share feelings in the moment. It is full of angry energy.
9. “Staying Still”
I mainly love the background instrumentals in this song. It feels so low for how much I like it, but that just proves how good the whole album is.
8. “Porch Light”
I used to love this song over the summer. After listening to others more often, though, I realized this one was lower than my favorites. It is still an amazing listen.
7. “Orbiter”
Like some of his others, this was a popular sound on socials. But there is a reason: it is beautiful and nice to listen to. I love the metaphors and relations to space.
6. “Dan”
The lyrics this song brings are extremely raw and real. The talk about “seasonal friendships,” but also the friendship that stays through the thick of it all, is relatable. It is uplifting during the chorus but still packed with vulnerable emotion throughout.
5. “Doors”
My words are not enough to explain why I love this song. Noah Kahan is an amazing storyteller. He truly makes you feel all his frustration, sadness, loss, and love with his words.
4. “Haircut”
Another good singing song. I love the lyric, “But at least I got a soul still. Even if I’m in a bad place.” For me, it means that even through the toughest days, you are still human. You are so lucky to be alive. You are still good. Wow, I just love this song.
3. “End Of August”
I love the piano instrumental in the background. I love the lyrics, the fast tune, and the passion. My favorite lyric is “Ooh, and the feeling of being alive. For the first time, in a long time.” This song is a great representation of getting older and living life. It is also a great recap for the whole album and all the emotions that come along with each song.
2. “Willing and Able”
This was the song that I kept turning on. Every time that I got in the car, every time I put my headphones on, every time I made someone start the album. This was the song. Â
1. “Lighthouse”
It. Is. Just. That. Good. I am obsessed and hope I never get bored of it. I have not much more to say; just please go listen.