I Was / I Am

Released in 2021, I Was / I Am serves as a pivotal bridge in Noah Kahan's discography, sitting between the pop-leaning debut Busyhead and the massive folk-revival success of Stick Season. Recorded largely during the COVID-19 pandemic and produced in collaboration with Joel Little and Mark Rankin, the album reflects a period of forced isolation and intense self-scrutiny. It is a thematic exploration of personal evolution, explicitly contrasting Kahan's younger self with his present reality. The record is notable for its candid treatment of mental health, a hallmark of Kahan's writing that solidified his connection with a Gen Z and Millennial audience. Sonically, it maintains a 'studio-polished' indie folk sound, utilizing crisp acoustic arrangements and layered vocals. While it lacks the lo-fi grit of his later work, it introduces the New England-centric imagery and banjo-forward arrangements that would eventually define his career peak. The inclusion of Joy Oladokun on 'Someone Like You' highlights the album's collaborative spirit and its roots in the modern Americana scene.