Southeastern
Spunk
American singer/songwriter Jason Isbell, who started his music career in the band Drive-by Truckers before embarking on a successful solo career, is back with his fourth solo album and best one to date, Southeastern. This refreshing country album showcases Isbell’s powerful vocals, emotive melodies and candid lyrics about love, hope and his past struggles with an alcohol addiction.
Southeastern features many songs which would be worthy of a place on a Best Of album in years to come. Opening track, Cover Me Up, is a powerful love song with brilliant vocals and acoustic guitar which sets the tone for the rest of the album. The standout is the third track, Travelling Alone, which also features Isbell’s wife Amanda Shires on violin and vocals. The combination of violin, guitar and vocals on this song works a treat. Other highlights include Flying Over Water, Songs That She Sang in the Shower and Stockholm; memorable, catchy tunes which can easily get stuck in your head. The most emotional and heartbreaking track is Elephant, about a woman dying of cancer.
Southeastern is a vast improvement on Isbell’s previous releases Sirens of The Ditch, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit and Here We Rest. His artistic growth is clearly evident, ensuring that Southeastern is a moving and memorable album that will leave a lasting impression on those who listen.
ALI BIRNIE
