Review
Noah Kahan's "I Was / I Am" is a musical journey through the corridors of personal growth, painting a vivid picture of an artist coming into his own. Released in September 2021, this sophomore effort shines with a newfound confidence, blending pop and folk in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. Kahan's lyrical honesty is the beating heart of this album, tackling themes of mental health and personal loss with a raw vulnerability that's both brave and comforting.
The album's title perfectly encapsulates its essence - a reflection on the past and a celebration of the present. Tracks like "Part of Me" and "Caves" are snapshots of relationships past and present, while "Animal" showcases Kahan's evolving sound with warm guitar solos that add depth to his singer-songwriter roots. The collaboration with Joy Oladokun on "Someone Like You" is a standout, their voices weaving together in a tapestry of shared emotion.
From the introspective musings of "Howling" to the upbeat energy of other tracks, "I Was / I Am" is a testament to Kahan's growth since his debut "Busyhead." It's an album that doesn't shy away from life's complexities, instead embracing them with open arms and inviting listeners to do the same. In doing so, Kahan has created a work that's not just deeply personal, but universally relatable, offering a hand to those navigating their own paths of self-discovery. - Margo
