#19 Jason Isbell


After departing the Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell held onto the bottle and recorded a few solid, but inconsistent, records, along with his band The 400 Unit. Then, sometime around 2011 or 2012, Isbell got sober, and similar to Steve Earle with I Feel Alright in the 90s, released his best record, 2013's Southeastern. Not just his best record, but via my ears, the best record so far in the 2010's. Though different in subject, Southeastern is as personal as Dylan's Blood on the Tracks or Springsteen's Tunnel of Love. An artist at his best, laying it bare for all to see. 

A heart on the run
Keeps a hand on the gun 
You can't trust anyone
I was so sure what I needed was more
Tried to shoot out the sun
Days when we raged, we flew off the page
Such damage was done
But I made it through, 'cause somebody knew
I was meant for someone

At what seemed like a bit of a cooling off period in the singer-songwriter world, Isbell released an all-timer and, after an arduous road, went from playing small clubs, to selling out multiple nights at theaters throughout the country. And as he creeps up on 40, he may be the best songwriter alive right now. And here's why:



Favorite record: Southeastern (2013)

Where are they now? He's released two strong, but inconsistenent, records following his masterpiece. His live show ranks among the best there is right now.


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