Jason Isbell : "Foxes in the Snow"

This might be his 10th album, but it's his first solo acoustic album. This brings a more stripped-down take on what he does without the 400 Unit or an accompaniment that shows his rock influence. Instead what we are getting is his voice and guitar. There is minimal production, it just sounds like this cut in one take with a mic in a room. This is a novel concept in a world of auto-tune and dozens of producers/songwriters on just one song. "Ride to Robert's " has twang via Isbell's voice but rambles on more like a folk song. Lyrically there is the kind of depth you expect from him. The kind of solemn reflection that haunts "Southeaster" can be felt here. 

"Eileen" is the kind of ballad you expect from him as he drops down into his lower register. Possessed by raw honesty, what has elevated him to where he is in his career is capturing something real in vulnerable in a world that no longer knows how to find those places. He recently went through a divorce so that is reflected here in the tone of the album.  Listen to this album then go listen to "Cowboy Carter" whatever Shamboozle is doing and tell me who is really making country music. 

"Gravelweed" finds him looking back at who he was before getting sober. There is a tangible sadness to what he is doing here that touches on a much deeper level than much of the "dark" or "emotional" music covered here. This is more of a gut punch vs dressing up like depression should look on YouTube. "Don't Get Tough" does not feel quite as inspired as the first four songs but it might just need to grow on me. "Open and Close" finds him back on track, as his storytelling unfolds with a more flowing narrative. The title track carries a little more swagger. "Crimson and Clay" finds the strum of his guitar picking up to keep things moving. 

The only problem with his more stripped-down approach is he works better with a band when it comes to dynamics. There is no question he is a great songwriter, in some ways you can hear what it is and what song might have been waiting for an album to call home.  Some of these have more room than others for the arrangements to branch out of the verse/chorus formula, as in the past he has been able to deviate a bit. "True Believer" is another reflection, which is the main theme of this album. What does play to his favor when he works his regrets out by belting them out. When he leans into the grit of his raw feelings it makes for the album's best song. 'Wind Behind the Rain" is a solid love song, and highlights what makes this album work, it's his lyrical charm. I'll round this one down to a 9.5, as it showcases  his lyrics and songwriting, but I feel he does more with his voice when he fits into a bigger sonic picture, but he certainly made the out he set out to make and deserves his applause for that. 

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