Slowing down with soul and grace.
My Second Last Album arrived October 24, 2025 on Brushfire Records via Republic Records, featuring ten tracks that explore fatherhood, heritage and the quiet joy of everyday life. The full tracklist includes “Sauna,” “Country for the Town,” “The Bridge,” “Ready for a New Thing,” “Only Inspiration,” “Dearborn,” “Shadows,” “Play the Game,” “Feels So Good” and “In Country.” The record has been described by Waiting Room Records as blending “soul, folk, country-funk and pop” with a relaxed, familial tone.
Canadian singer-songwriter Afie Jurvanen, better known as Bahamas, has long balanced warmth and wit in his blend of folk, pop and soul. With My Second Last Album, the multi-JUNO winner turns inward once more, swapping glossy Nashville studios for a hand-built shed in rural Nova Scotia and finding new resonance in simplicity.
According to JamBase, the album was recorded in that backyard studio alongside longtime collaborator Joshua Van Tassel, marking a return to an organic, unhurried approach. The title carries a wink, yet also signals reflection — an artist less concerned with fame and more focused on family, place and peace.
My Second Last Album is built on reflection and restraint. Jurvanen writes from the perspective of a husband, father and son of Finnish immigrants, crafting songs that celebrate stillness as much as sound. JamBase reports that he “explores life as a father (‘Only Inspiration’), husband (‘Shadows’), immigrant’s son (‘In Country’) and free-spirited soul (‘Feels So Good’).”
Rather than chase chart trends, Bahamas leans into groove and feel, evoking the easy intimacy of Van Morrison or J.J. Cale. The record’s title may tease retirement, but the songs suggest renewal.
Co-written with M.C. Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger, “The Bridge” sets the album’s tone. JamBase calls it “flute-inflected, gospel-tinged funk,” with deep pocket groove and open arrangement that lets every instrument breathe. The song unfolds conversationally, layering bass, guitar and percussion until its final chorus lands like an exhale. Early listener reactions on Reddit praised its warmth and clarity, one user noting it sounds “so warm… great songwriting, lyrics, hooks.”
“Feels So Good” is a breezy, mid-tempo standout, “Feels So Good” channels soul and soft-rock sensibilities. Waiting Room Records describes it as one of the album’s most personal tracks. Built around a slinky bassline and glowing vocal harmonies, the song celebrates presence, a nod to the record’s overarching message of grounded joy.
“In Country” closes the album, “In Country” moves from playful irony to heartfelt tribute. Apple Music highlights the track as a celebration of Jurvanen’s Finnish heritage, quoting his line, “We all belong in this country.” The song’s structure mirrors a slow build, soft verses blooming into a spacious final refrain.
“Dearborn” is a touch of satire that runs through. Described by Apple Music as carrying a “Son of a Preacher Man groove,” it is laced with fuzz-tone guitars and falsetto hooks. The arrangement leans retro, blending pop sheen with soulful grit. Its commentary on American culture adds a rare edge to an otherwise mellow record.
The album’s soundscape favors analog warmth: roomy drums, velvety basslines and intimate vocal takes. Recorded in a shed rather than a studio, the acoustics impart a natural reverb that enhances the cozy feel. Jurvanen’s restraint as both guitarist and producer gives the songs space to breathe, allowing listeners to focus on phrasing and lyrical nuance rather than gloss.
This aesthetic choice reflects his larger philosophy. As he told JamBase, the record “comes from a place of contentment, not complacency.” That balance between ease and craft defines its charm.
My Second Last Album isn’t a farewell; it’s a gentle recommitment to what matters most. Bahamas has crafted a record that feels both lived-in and alive, defined by groove, gratitude and quiet mastery. Tracks like “The Bridge,” “Feels So Good,” “Dearborn” and “In Country” showcase a songwriter who knows exactly who he is, and who no longer needs to prove it.
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