Noah Kahan has recently gained a lot of traction from his most recent album, “Stick Season,” but most people do not explore his music beyond that album. The album, “Cape Elizabeth,” by Kahan is a stunning and raw record that provides a unique glimpse into the singer’s life by fusing compelling lyrics with themes that a wide range of listeners can connect with.
The EP’s opening track, “A Troubled Mind,” offers a candid, contemplative glimpse into Kahan’s mind. He discusses the difficulties of managing anxiety and the burden of expectations. The song has a very intimate feeling thanks to the acoustic arrangement and its tender lyrics.
“Close Behind,” the albums second track, explores themes of longing, change and the bittersweet nature of memories. The lyrics discuss the feelings that come with holding onto someone even when they are far away and the emotions that come with distance. The song gains a raw, emotional depth from Kahan’s voice that gives it a distinct feel. A fascinating picture of memories and time passing is painted by the soft, yet haunting melody.
The third song on the album, “Glue Myself Shut,” addresses vulnerability and the difficulty in conveying one’s emotions. Using the metaphor of “glueing myself shut,” Kahan explains the boundaries that we create to keep ourselves from getting hurt. The song’s lyrics explore the agony of being overly exposed as well as the fear of letting others in. The music adds a calming, eerie vibe that perfectly complements the lyrics’ introspective nature. It’s an honest look at the intricate workings of human emotions.
The fourth track of the album, “Anyway,” is about unconditional love and support for someone who is battling addiction or difficult life situations. The song suggests that even when the world is harsh, Kahan will be there to offer comfort and kindness, and will wait for them to break in order to be a light in the darkness and offer support when they are scared. This song represents unconditional love, no matter what the person is battling.
The final track on the EP, “Maine,” is an exploration of change and the way it affects a person. Kahan spends the majority of the song seeking answers from his lover, asking if their soul was rediscovered, while reflecting on the moments that once meant so much to both of them. Kahan suggests that he wants to go to Maine, for it is simpler there, and perhaps they could remember and cherish who they once were and the memories they shared.
Overall, this album is arguably one of Kahan’s best works. It delves deep into mental health, making it extremely relatable for listeners. Noah Kahan’s music can be found on all streaming apps such as Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.
by Anna Corcoran
