Noah Kahan, Porch Light | Song Review

“Porch Light” is another triumph from Noah Kahan, thanks to a well-rounded vocal, top-notch songwriting, and rhythmic, vibrant musical accompaniment.

Grammy-nominated Vermont singer-songwriter Noah Kahan said what he said on “Porch Light”! Colorful as always, he adds, “It is not irrelevant that you stopped taking your medicine,  / But I’m giving you the benefit ‘cause it’s raining out.” Oh, snap! “Porch Light” is the second single, and the 11^th track from Kahan’s fourth studio album, The Great Divide. Kahan and Aaron Dessner composed the track.  Kahan, Dessner, and Gabe Simon produced it. Once again, Kahan delivers another triumphant music moment.

“But it’s cold, and it’s cold, and it’s cold, and it’s cold, and it’s cold

And I don’t know, I’m alone, I’m alone, I’m alone, I’m alone.”

Word. “Porch Light” commences with rhythmic guitars and hums from Noah Kahan. As the record progresses, it grows fuller, with the likes of piano, bass, and drums, and even fuller. Kahan’s voice sounds beautiful, pure, and incredibly strong. His falsetto is ripe; to die for. The vocal layering ups the ante.  “Porch Light’s” melody is fast-paced, rhythmic, and tuneful. The songwriting is as captivating as always.  Kahan is beastly with the pen.  The lyrics are honest, poetic, and vivid. “And I try to drown out all the talk, the eyeballs in the parking lots,” he sings in the third verse, and concludes, “And tell people it ain’t me you want, but I guess you’re my fault.” The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“Poison spreading to my lungs

I ain’t holdin’ breath, ain’t holdin’ any faith at all

And I’ll pray for you, be in pain for you

I’ll leave the porch light on

Heartbroken, each morning when it’s me that turns it off.”

All told, “Porch Light” is another surefire winner from Noah Kahan. Why? It’s the well-rounded vocal performance, top-notch songwriting, and rhythmic, vibrant musical accompaniment. Perhaps it doesn’t best the dynamic title track, but it marks another high-flying moment from one of the most gifted songwriters of the 2020s. 

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Noah Kahan » The Great Divide » Mercury Records » 4.24.26 [📷: Mercury Records]

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