When the Drive-by Truckers and Jason Isbell parted ways last year, the direction of each of the divorcees seemed unclear. Isbell and the Trucker’s first effort were surprisingly strong albeit not extremely different or shocking. Perhaps the most shocking thing was Isbell’s more acoustic bent and Shonna Tucker’s amazing song-writing.
For his second record, Isbell has finally reaped the seeds of his upbringing. Being form Muscle Shoals, Alabama the southern soul was markedly absent from all previous releases from both the Truckers and Isbell. As a white singer, it’s certainly difficult to be taken seriously as a soul artist (without being a vocalist or Brill Building, farmed out songwriting team).
Although generally the new record rocks harder than “Sirens of the Ditch,†“No Choice in the Matter†is tucked away as the 8th track. This track employs the classic 12/8 bluesy R&B shuffle. The horns and rhythmic piano accentuate the roughest, smokiest parts of Isbell’s voice. Despite his rough around the edges exterior (lead guitarist), “Love leaves you no choice in the matter / There ain’t anything sadder / Than a man in the throes of something real.†While a bit unexpected, it’s undoubtedly the standout track of the album.
Otherwise, the tracks lean more toward the harder rocking Isbell tracks from the Truckers (without the overt political message). The songs have an easy rocking semi-swung feel. In a similar way to “Sirens,†Isbell slows it down with more contemplative ballads at the conclusion of the album. Both “Streetlights†and “The Last Song I Will Write†are both catchy and spare. They evoke the more electric side of the singer/songwriter coming more to the fore in Isbell’s work.
While a strong driving record, Isbell seemingly has taken stylistic baby steps. His guitar lines are reliably strong. As a vocalist, Isbell demonstrates both comfort and true soul expression (beyond the artificial sounding blue-eyed type). It seems that Isbell is slowly breaking free of the pressure to define the south and the songs seem more natural. Unlike any other singer/songwriter, Isbell has been able to join the badass with the sensitive. This record stands as proof.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.