If you're anything like me, you've been anticipating the release of Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever) since Noah Kahan mentioned making a deluxe version of the album just months ago. Stick Season was one of my favorite albums of 2022 so I had very high expectations for the deluxe version. And, somehow, Noah Kahan managed to exceed those very high expectations.
I was blown away by Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever) and, honestly, the album was quite an emotional rollercoaster for me. When I first listened to the album, I took notes as I listened to each song. I won't post all of said notes here but I'll post some just to give you a glimpse into where my mind was at while I was listening.
Individual Track Reviews (ft. my unhinged thoughts from my first listen):
Your Needs, My Needs
When I went to listen to the album at 11 p.m. on Thursday, this track wasn't available for some reason. So, I listened to it last instead of first. I love the storytelling in this song and the way this song builds. It's one of those songs that makes you want to take off running while sobbing your eyes out. I was also surprised to discover that this was the song that featured one of my favorite TikTok snippets that Noah had posted prior to the album's release.
Unhinged Thought: "OH MY GOD SPIRAL OUT"
Song Rating: 8/10
Dial Drunk
Most of us had already heard at least a snippet of Dial Drunk prior to the release of the deluxe album. Though, those snippets didn't prepare me for just how good this song would be. I love the paradox between how catchy and upbeat this song is and how heavy the storyline is. It's hard to pick a favorite off this album but Dial Drunk is definitely in contention for that top spot.
Unhinged Thought: "The harmonies at the end ???? You’re jOKING"
Song Rating: 9/10
Paul Revere
So, I had no clue what to expect with this one based on the title and I was definitely not expecting a song called Paul Revere to hit as hard as this one did. As usual with Noah, the storytelling and imagery in this song is outstanding. I especially love the transition and the repetition of the lyrics at the end.
Unhinged Thought: "If I could leave I would've already left — OJH MY GOD MEE"
Song Rating: 8/10
No Complaints
I feel like so many people can relate to the sentiment in this song - I know I definitely do. Personally, I think that the whole vibe of this song fits so well with the story that is being told in the lyrics. I definitely have no complaints about this one even if it made me tear up.
Unhinged Thought: "People don't understand that medication doesn’t just 'fix' you"
Song Rating: 8.5/10
Call Your Mom
Call Your Mom was one of the songs I was looking forward to hearing most off of this album. Prior to the album's release, I heard a snippet of this one on TikTok and I just couldn't wait to hear the rest. Of course, Noah didn't let me down with this song either. Where No Complaints made me tear up, Call Your Mom had me sobbing. This song builds so beautifully and the lyrics are so heavy yet sung so gently. If I had to pick a favorite from this album, I think it would be this one.
Unhinged Thought: "The bridge kinda reminds me of worship music from my catholic school days but in a good way not in a trauma way — which is really surprising"
Song Rating: 10/10
You're Gonna Go Far
As someone who has yet to leave her hometown (unfortunately), this song didn't hit too hard for me. But when the day comes that I finally leave, I know this song is gonna hit me like a ton of bricks. I also love how in this song, the lyrics include the phrase "we'll all be here forever" which is part of the title of this album. (I just love when that kind of thing happens in any form of art: songs, movies, books, etc.).
Unhinged Thought: "Yes call out the frat boys"
Song Rating: 8.5/10
The View Between Villages (Extended)
The View Between Villages is my favorite song off Stick Season and I've been looking forward to this one ever since the first time Noah mentioned he was thinking about making an extended version of The View Between Villages. I love how Noah incorporated spoken lines from residents of Strafford, Vermont, in this song. It is evident in both this song and others that this town has heavily influenced his songwriting. I think Noah did a wonderful job expanding on this song and I think it is a perfect end to this album.
Unhinged Thought: "nOAHHHHHHHH IM FREAKING OUT"
Song Rating: 10/10
Overall, I think Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever) is such a beautiful and powerful album. I am so glad that Noah decided to expand upon the initial album and I am so proud of him for all that he has achieved in the past year. I expect his successes to continue & I just hope that I'm lucky enough to see him live one day.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever)! Feel free to share your thoughts or your favorite songs off the album in the comment section below.
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