The best Noah Reid songs reveal a folk-leaning songwriter whose warmth carries far beyond his Schitt’s Creek fame. This guide ranks ten essential tracks across his albums and covers, and fans of more song roundups will find plenty of similar picks.
Noah Reid is a Canadian-American actor and musician who released his debut album Songs from a Broken Chair in 2016, followed by Gemini in 2020, Adjustments in 2022, and the T is for Tillerson EP in 2024. Matthew Barber, a Juno Award nominee, produced the first three records, and that continuity gives the catalog a consistent, intimate sound. Every track below is a real release, chosen for songwriting, vocal character, and replay value.
Simply the Best: The Cover That Introduced Millions
Tina Turner’s 1989 anthem became something entirely different in Noah Reid’s hands. His stripped-back acoustic version, performed as Patrick in Schitt’s Creek, trades stadium swagger for a quiet, sincere love declaration. The arrangement leans on a gentle guitar pattern and a close, unpolished vocal, which makes every line feel personal rather than performed. The recording climbed to the top of the iTunes charts, proving that restraint can be more powerful than volume.
Honesty: The Heart of Gemini
Honesty arrived on Gemini, released on May 29, 2020 through Baseline Music. The song shows how directly Reid writes, with a plain-spoken melody that never hides behind clever production. Meanwhile, the mix keeps the vocal front and center, so the emotional weight lands immediately. It sounds especially good on headphones, where the small room tones and breaths become part of the story.
Runaway: A Debut Statement
Runaway comes from Songs from a Broken Chair, the 2016 debut that took only two days to record but nearly two years to release. That fast, live-in-the-room energy is audible in the performance, which feels spontaneous and unforced. The song works as a good first stop for new listeners because it captures the core appeal of early Reid: honest lyrics, a lived-in voice, and uncomplicated folk instrumentation.
Statue’s in the Stone: The Adjustments Highlight
Statue’s in the Stone is among the most galvanizing moments on Adjustments, the third album released in June 2022. The track builds gradually, adding layers until the arrangement opens into something larger than a typical singer-songwriter ballad. In contrast to the sparse feel of the debut, the sonic world here is fuller and more confident. A good pair of headphones brings out the arrangement’s depth.
Everything’s Fine: An Eight-Minute Closer
Everything’s Fine closes Adjustments with an eight-minute catharsis that rewards patient listening. The title carries obvious irony, and the slow build lets the emotion accumulate instead of arriving all at once. Few modern folk albums end with such ambition, and the track proves that Reid is comfortable stretching a song well beyond radio length. It is the kind of late-night track that works best with no distractions.
Every Rose Has Its Thorn: Poison Reimagined
Every Rose Has Its Thorn is a cover of the Poison power ballad, reworked for T is for Tillerson, the 2024 EP tied to his character Billy Tillerson on the series Outer Range. The glossy hair-metal original becomes a haunting country-western ballad with a weary, almost spoken delivery. Listeners often describe it as a slow-burn surprise, because the familiar melody sounds brand new. Among the newest music in his catalog, it shows his gift for reinterpretation.
Jacob’s Dream: Storytelling in Song
Jacob’s Dream highlights Reid’s storytelling side, using a narrative approach rather than a simple confessional hook. The song has also been reworked in live performance, including country-style versions, which shows how flexible the writing is. Live performance energy matters for an artist who started on stage, and this track translates especially well to a small room. The melody stays memorable even when the arrangement changes.
Minneapolis: Quiet Reflection on Adjustments
Minneapolis sits among the gentler moments on Adjustments, and its understated mood makes it a standout on a rainy afternoon. The guitar and vocal share space naturally, with the mix leaving room for the lyric to breathe. On the other hand, the song avoids dramatic crescendos, relying on atmosphere and small details instead. It is a strong example of how Reid documents ordinary life with care.
Calling All Angels: A Train Cover Made Intimate
Calling All Angels, originally recorded by Train, appears on T is for Tillerson and gets a tender, stripped-down treatment. The original’s pop polish gives way to a raw vocal that emphasizes the plea at the center of the lyric. Meanwhile, the sparse arrangement turns a radio staple into something closer to a campfire hymn. Earbuds are ideal for catching the subtle vocal detail, and a good pair from the earbud comparison guide makes the intimacy even clearer.
Apollo: A Hidden Gem from the Debut
Apollo is another cut from Songs from a Broken Chair, and it rounds out this list as a reminder of how strong the debut remains. The melody is gentle and memorable, while the performance carries a vulnerability that later albums refine rather than replace. Longtime fans often point to album tracks like this one as proof that the earliest material still holds up. It makes a fitting end to a ranking that moves from famous covers to quiet originals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Noah Reid’s most famous song?
Simply the Best, his acoustic cover of the Tina Turner classic from Schitt’s Creek, is his most famous recording. It reached the top of the iTunes charts after the episode aired.
How many albums has Noah Reid released?
Noah Reid has released three full-length albums: Songs from a Broken Chair in 2016, Gemini in 2020, and Adjustments in 2022. He also released the T is for Tillerson EP in 2024.
What is the T is for Tillerson EP?
T is for Tillerson is a 2024 EP connected to his Outer Range character Billy Tillerson. It features reimagined covers such as Every Rose Has Its Thorn and Calling All Angels.
Which Noah Reid album is the best place to start?
Adjustments is a strong starting point because it shows his most developed songwriting and production. Listeners who prefer a raw, acoustic feel may enjoy Songs from a Broken Chair first.
Who produced Noah Reid’s albums?
Matthew Barber, a Juno Award nominee, produced Songs from a Broken Chair, Gemini, and Adjustments. His work helps keep the sound intimate and consistent.