For many long term fans of Jason Isbell they seem to rate this as the highwater mark of his career to date. I have only recently acquired his latest new album, the Nashville Sound, which I rate highly and have really enjoyed, so I am now investigating his back catalogue. This is a modern Country/Americana , dealing with the seamier and sometimes sadder side of life. Some of the songs rock out , like "Flying Over Water", and "Super 8" with loud electric raucous guitar right from the start and a more upbeat arrangement with a singalong chorus .
However, for me it is the quieter more poignant songs that leave a longer lasting and memorable impression. These songs are filled with remorse and regret on troubled relationships, and what might have been with hindsight, such as on "Different Days". The challenges of life on the road on "Traveling Alone" and elsewhere frequent references to excesses of drink and drugs like cocaine abound. It seems like he has lived life to the full in the past, and sometimes suffered the consequences on his lifestyle and relationships. Many of the songs tell sad stories, but his singing is clear and assured at the centre of things, and the supporting band are high quality musicians who provide an assured platform for this strong set of songs.
I have listened to this album half a dozen times now, and its nuances have grown on me with every listen. The good news is that he now seems to have cleaned up his life 5 years on from here and has got a new family with young children, and has turned over a new leaf. Sometimes a broken heart and sad or challenging incidents in life make for the most memorable heartbreaker songs, and this album seems to have been put together after he was recovering from a low point. "Elephant" is perhaps the most poignant song of all, dealing with the loss of a loved one from cancer, a real tear jerker. I am not sure how many of the songs reflect his direct personal experiences, and how many are imagined scenarios, but it is a cracking set of songs well written and excellently performed, that justifies the rave reviews of others. I can now appreciate what all the fuss is about .
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Top reviews from other countries
alneman
Critically acclaimed high water mark with a set of sad poignant songs at a low point in his life brilliantly performed hearfelt
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 November 2017Verified Purchase
therealus
Isbell just keeps getting better
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 December 2013Verified Purchase
bruceybonus
Wow
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 September 2015Verified Purchase
Andy Sweeney
Beautifully written and performed
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 December 2013Verified Purchase
Mr. James
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Beautiful record [VINYL REVIEW]
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Stunning Album (Vinyl Review).Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 August 2020
The record itself is 180 gram heavyweight vinyl. The music is stunning, the lyrics are heartfelt and it’s an album that can be enjoyed in any mood in my opinion. A brilliant album from start to finish, with a blend of acoustic, and soft rock throughout.
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