Clearly.
Lyrics are somewhat relatable.
Musically I really dig that track. Not his best lyrical outing and the melody isn’t particularly memorable. I think when he tackles political topics in a more direct manor like this it often falls flat. He’s got such a knack for poetic storytelling and songs like this and What Have I Done to Help or Be Afraid just don’t hit that much for me even if I agree with the general sentiment.
2 Likes
You summed my feelings up very well. That’s what I tried to say earlier about some of his newer songs. The more politically charged songs seem “forced” lyrically.
I mean, I’m glad he’s writing these songs but they don’t paint the visual picture in my head I get from the majority of his music.
Yikes. Just finally listened to the new one
Summary
Yikes
It would make a better instrumental
1 Like
Listened to the new album while mulching this morning. Loved it. Ready made for live performances, I was surprised how many rockers and guitar solos there were on here. Nice to see him have some balls in the studio and bring the live band energy there. I’ll have to sit with it more but my immediate reaction is that I took to this much quicker than the last 2 records.
3 Likes
I’ve never “loved” an Isbell album on first listen (except Southeastern- you’re a monster if you didn’t recognize that as an all-timer immediately).
Anyway, stoked to spend $35 on the new album at my local today, spin it, then put a diff Isbell album on immediately.
2 Likes
Kinda surprised to see this. I was underwhelmed on my first listen. The whole album kinda just sounds the same to me. I finished it maybe 30 minutes ago and not sure anything really stuck out to me.
I’ll have to give it a go in another setting.
1 Like
To me it’s easily his most musically interesting album he’s put out in a while. King of Oklahoma, This Ain’t It, When We Were Close, Miles are all tunes I’d look forward to hearing live. It feels like a band album vs a songwriter album for him which I find to be a nice change of pace. Was a great yard work listen.
1 Like
I’m good with what I have heard, can’t wait until the vinyl shows up
I received mine. Really love the deep red swirl. Manhattans and Isbell are on the docket this evening.
1 Like
I really like the 2nd half of this album. “Miles” is a pretty awesome song, like Neil Young and the Beatles in a blender.
Death Wish, Save the World, and Cast Iron Skillet are throwaway songs, IMO. It’s weird they were the early releases because I don’t think they represent the rest of the album very well.
I agree on Death Wish and Save the World but this thread is literally the only place I’ve seen negative opinions on Cast Iron Skillet lol. That’s such classic Isbell to me and seems like it’s gotten a great reception every where else as well 
I am not super familiar with his work, but my buddy played the album for me last week and I really enjoyed it.
I cant compare it to other stuff, but its a really good album.
1 Like
I’m still going back and forth on this record. It feels very midtempo and I think that’s stopping it from really grabbing me. I like the second half more than the first half
1 Like
I really like a lot of the songs, but don’t love the album as a whole, if that makes any sense. I’m very excited to hear these songs live spaced with some heavier songs between.
3 Likes
Yeah, that’s a good way to put it. I think Reunions feels like a better cohesive album
1 Like
lol my brother is terrible at objective rankings. Hung out last night and he was like the new isbell album is a 10/10.
He’s always 10/10 or it’s terrible
What are the two albums i should prioritize first?
If the new one is mid-level then I guess I really need to make an effort to listen to more of his material.