Stick Season

Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, I can’t say that I’ve ever related to the small-town narrative. But for some reason, an album about a small town in Vermont has stuck with me. Stick Season was released by Noah Kahan on Oct. 14, 2022, and quickly became popular for its perfect representation of the transition between fall and winter, often referred to as “stick season.”

The term “stick season” is rarely a cause for celebration. This transition is usually surrounded by feelings of loneliness and isolation that Kahan touches on in his songs. In addition to this transition, the album covers topics of homesickness, growing up and nostalgia. In this album, Kahan directly refers to stick season but also uses it as a metaphor that represents periods of uncomfortable transition within our lives. 

The beautiful folk songs and their relatable lyrics speak volumes to all different kinds of people. Although few people can relate directly to the experiences of the small Vermont town, the lyrics can apply to just about anyone. Unique lyrics like “Now I know your name but not who you are,” and “Kept on driving straight and left our future to the right” make Stick Season a no-skip album. 

Kahan brings people on a familiar journey and then unpacks it like never before. He is able to transport you to Vermont as you crunch leaves walking down the street feeling the cold breeze. 

From his masterful guitar strums, to the catchy chorus, to the punch of the bridge and echoing melodies, Kahan’s album tells a story and is an emotional masterpiece. Stick Season was just what we needed this year and has become an album getting many people through the difficult fall and winter months.