20. May 2026
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Noah Derksen – Mercy On The Skyline

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Noah Derksen - Mercy On The Skyline

Noah Derksen - Mercy On The Skyline
4.4

Rating

 4.4/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Very personal album with good storytelling
  • Intense voice
  • Nice range of songs

The Canadian Noah Derksen is named to be one of the most characteristic voices of his country. On 21st May 2026, he is releasing his fifth studio album overall, Mercy on the Skyline. This is already the second album review of the artist, after I shared my view of his most recent one, Stolen Serenades (2025).

 

Noah Derksen – About The Artist

Noah Derksen is a Winnipeg-born folk singer-songwriter. He started releasing albums in 2016. His music also has influences of country and indie sounds.

 

Noah Derksen – Mercy On The Skyline – Track by Track

The ten track album lasts 38 minutes.

1. Are You Living Your Life

The first 4:34 minutes of the album are taken by Are You Living Your Life. The opener starts slow, Noah’s voice is striking from the very first moment, before the atmosphere becomes stronger and more intense. The song more and more fascinated by its intense dramatic style. The first steps into Mercy On the Skyline indeed feel promising.

2. Chuck Palahniuk

Half of the songs of Mercy On The Skyline have already been published. The first of them in the order of the album is Chuck Palahniuk, the name of a famous US-American novelist. He also wrote Fight Club. The song feels a bit more melodic and also comes with more speed than the opener. The focus, however, is on Derksen’s voice. It just comes with a magical presence.

3. Walking Home (feat. Fontine)

Another previous single release is Walking Home, which Derksen recorded with Fontine. She is another Winnipeg artist and has indigenous background. The song indeed has a bit of a country music vibe as well. Majorly, though, the harmony of the two voices leads to a very gentle flow. A really harmonic and fascinating listen.

4. Who Do You Wanna Be

In the fourth song, Derksen asks Who Do You Wanna Be. The song starts a bit of introvert, but then adds a lot of presence with its dreaming chorus. The song strikes with its fine flow and intense narrative style. Another really nice recording by Noah Derksen.

5. Nothing Goes Your Way

The album continues with the thoughtful and melancholic Nothing Goes Your Way. Despite the deep reflections in the song, there is a really nice harmony in the song. A well done one.

6. Mercy on the Skyline (feat. Lori McKenna)

In case you need any proof for the reputation of Noah Derksen, this 4:42 minute song is your choice. Mercy on the Skyline is not only an absolute beauty with a country music touch. Noah Derksen recorded the song together with three time Grammy Award winning artist Lori McKenna. The slow Canadian-US American collaborations is definitely one of the highlights of Mercy On The Skyline.

7. Lover I’m Gonna Miss You (feat. May Erlewine)

Another collaboration on the album is Lover I’m Gonna Miss You. It is recorded togehter with Michigan-origin folk-blues artist May Erlewine. The song is also a rather slow one. However, it is having a stronger folk music touch. Erlewine adds a really nice touch to the vocal side of the track. Nice one.

8. What Lights Up Your Dark

The following two songs are previously unreleased. First, there is What Lights Up Your Dark. The song comes with a stronger rhythm and thus even has a bit of pop feeling. Definitely a song which has stronger airplay potential, also outside genre-specific radios. Noah Derksen has some very angry and energetic passages, sometimes right before the song is desperately breaking down into sad elements. Great storytelling is paired with a lovely plot in this one.

9. Still Haven’t Figured It Out

Still Haven’t Figured It Out continues with a similar style. Some guitar sections create a slightly rocking touch. The chorus is one of the most present listens on Mercy On The Skyline. Definitely a track which is adding a lot of value to the record.

10. My Mother’s Voice

Noah Derksen closes his fifth studio album with My Mother’s Voice. Released on 7th May 2026, the song was the last single shared before the album. The song reduces the volume again and finishes the ten song set with a very quiet and intimate experience. It is definitely a beautiful final tune.

 

Noah Derksen – Mercy On The Skyline – Spotify

I will add a Spotify widget once the album has been published. 

 

Noah Derksen – Mercy On The Skyline – My View

I already liked Stolen Serenades, which came with quite some cover songs. At Mercy On The Skyline, Noah Derksen feels more personal, more intimate, and underlines his storytelling excellence. Thereby, the lovely album majorly profits from the characteristic and catching voice of the Canadian.

Favorite Song: What Lights Up Your Dark

 

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