Bahamas

My Second Best Last Album

Brushfire Records

Afie Jurvanen, known professionally as Bahamas, was born in 1981 in Toronto and raised in Barrie, Ontario. His mother was the winner of the 1973 Miss Finland contest, and Jurvanen holds dual citizenship between Finland and Canada. A self-taught guitarist, Jurvanen has worked with a wide range of artists including The Lumineers, Jack Johnson, The Weather Station, and Zeus, among others.

Jurvanen recorded his debut album Pink Strat in a cabin in rural Ontario under the name Bahamas, releasing it in 2009. The album earned him his first Juno Award nomination the following year for Roots & Traditional Album of the Year – Solo. Since then, every Bahamas release has appeared on Brushfire Records, each one deepening his reputation as one of Canada’s most soulful and literate songwriters.

His second album, Barchords (2012), received two more Juno nominations — Adult Alternative Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. With his third release, Bahamas Is Afie (2014), he took home both awards.

Follow-up releases include 2018’s Earthtones and 2020’s Sad Hunk, which earned him yet another Juno win. His 2023 project Bootcut, recorded in Nashville, was named Alternative Country Album of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association. Along the way, Bahamas appeared on The Bachelor, Jimmy Kimmel Live, CBS Saturday Morning, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Now comes his seventh studio album, My Second Best Last Album, released October 24th.

For this record, Jurvanen chose to stay close to home in Nova Scotia, recording casually and comfortably with co-producer and multi-instrumentalist Joshua Van Tassel at Van Tassel’s backyard shed studio. The result is a collection filled with warmth, humor, and the understated charm that defines Bahamas’ style — a masterclass in subtle songwriting and soulful introspection.

The album opens with “Sauna,” where Jurvanen sings with his trademark blend of dry wit and sincerity: “Found you there hiding in the sauna, and you laughed at me when I called it marijuana… can’t believe you might wanna stick around.” It’s a playful and poetic meditation on solitude and connection, the perfect curtain-raiser for an album recorded at home and steeped in intimacy.

“Country for the Town” follows, exploring longing and restlessness. “You never knew me, you only looked right through me, I was standing right in front of your eyes,” he sings, before offering the gentle advice, “Before the window closes, leave the country for the town.” It’s wistful, melodic, and unmistakably Bahamas — breezy but layered with emotional weight.

On “The Bridge,” Jurvanen’s writing turns fatherly and philosophical: “Take me to the bridge and let me walk upon the water… there’s so much to be gained from making your own mistakes… run free, there’s so much to discover.” It’s a song of love and letting go — and one of the most tender moments on the album.

“Ready for a New Thing” captures the feeling of personal renewal, as Jurvanen moans, “I’ve had a real good time, but now I gotta say goodnight… I think you know what I mean, I’m ready for a new thing.” The arrangement is light yet soulful, reflecting his evolution as both artist and human.

On “Only Inspiration,” Jurvanen reflects on fatherhood with moving humility: “I am only inspiration, I am everything and nothing all at once… God has sent me daughters, they change in ways I’ll never know.” It’s intimate, poetic, and deeply human.

“Dearborn” shifts gears with sharp social commentary and a driving rhythm. “Dearborn, Michigan, that’s my plan, Dingbat, Democrat minivan, Henry Ford couldn’t hold his tongue, changed the world for everyone… eggs in the frying pan, that’s my brain,” he sings — equal parts clever and cutting, proving his lyrical wit is as sharp as ever.

“Shadows” turns inward again, capturing the ache of marital distance. “Only ever stood in the shadows of love, only ever stood in the dark,” he laments. “Let me down easy if you’re letting me go… let me think that we can be friends.” The song’s quiet melancholy glows with understated beauty.

On “Play the Game,” Jurvanen sings with resignation and hard-earned wisdom: “Never would I lose if I didn’t choose to play the game… hard to keep the flame from going out, hard to know what it’s all about.” His knack for making profound truths sound conversational remains unmatched.

“Feels So Good” is a standout — playful, self-aware, and slyly philosophical. “If my music sounds confessional, you’ve read into every song,” he howls, “Where is my discipline, where is my will to win? It feels so good to do it.” It’s classic Bahamas — tongue-in-cheek, but emotionally transparent.

The closer, “In Country,” finds Jurvanen reflecting on identity and belonging. “I wasn’t born in this country, still somehow here I stand,” he croons. “I’m not afraid of this country, it let me live out my plan… we all belong in this country.” The song, like much of the record, feels timeless — a quiet anthem of gratitude and unity.

Bahamas’ My Second Best Last Album is filled with warmth, humor, and humanity. Jurvanen’s poetic verses, gentle phrasing, and organic production make this one of his most personal and rewarding records yet. Each song feels like a letter — honest, imperfect, and alive.

At this point in his career, Afie Jurvanen doesn’t need to prove anything. But with My Second Best Last Album, he’s made his best one yet — proof that simplicity, sincerity, and great songwriting never go out of style.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor / Making A Scene

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